Jordanelle State Park offers pet-friendly camping near Brighton, Utah with sites at 6,000 feet elevation. The campground sits along the eastern Wasatch Front, featuring variable weather patterns with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months. Fall temperatures drop significantly at night, often reaching below freezing by late September even when daytime highs remain comfortable.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: At Timpooneke Campground, access the trailhead for Mount Timpanogos where dogs on leash can accompany hikers. "Timpooneke is beautiful. High elevation (7400ft) campground up the popular Alpine Loop. Near hiking trails and reservoirs (no motor sports)," notes Andrea P.
Fishing opportunities: The Salt Lake City KOA provides convenient access to urban fishing spots. "Solid KOA campground with all the amenities you would expect including a pool and spa. Location of the campground is near the downtown area," explains Daniel C., making it easier to reach multiple fishing locations.
Water recreation: Silver Lake Backcountry allows non-motorized watercraft for dogs and owners. "We spent our afternoons paddleboarding on Silver Lake Reservoir," shares Michelle B., noting the calm water conditions ideal for beginners and pets alike.
What campers like
Mountain views: At Little Mill Campground, campers appreciate the natural setting. "We LOVED Little Mill! It's the perfect campground. It has the smell of pine trees, a babbling brook, and it is just down the road from Timpanogos Cave National Monument," Stacy R. reports.
Wildlife encounters: Hailstone Campground at Jordanelle State Park offers wildlife viewing opportunities compatible with leashed pets. "Stayed here for a weekend getaway and loved it. Great place close to SLC and park city and for the most part it was surprisingly quiet," mentions Angie G.
Established fire rings: Many campsites at Granite Flat include established fire rings for evening comfort. "Clean site. Close proximity to the lake and hiking makes it a favorite spot," says Bill S., highlighting the well-maintained facilities.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Silver Lake Backcountry requires preparation. "You're definitely going to need 4WD and high clearance because the roads leading up to the campsite are filled with ruts and holes," warns Ethan H.
ATV traffic: Most areas near Brighton experience significant off-road vehicle activity during daylight hours. "This weekend was absolute hell of hearing those things ripping up and down the road. Starting at around 8-9am, going till 1-2pm (for lunch I'm assuming) then going right back to it," notes Austin T.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly. "Be aware that this campsite reservations for the weekend fill up quick. I checked in late May and every weekend until September was already booked," Ash S. advises about Granite Flat.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mountain Valley RV Resort provides designated play areas. "This is a great place for kids because there's plenty of space for them to ride bikes, play basketball, swim, and also a playground," explains Sheila B.
Stream exploration: Sites along creeks offer natural entertainment for children and dogs. "We ended up finding a spot off a small spur road which offered privacy and was along a small stream. The flowing water provided some great ambiance and white noise while we slept," Jenny R. describes at Mineral Basin.
Wildlife safety: Always supervise pets around wildlife. "Lots to do on-site. Very popular so the place is full but everyone had great etiquette," Jeremy L. reports, emphasizing the importance of respecting both wildlife and other campers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking at Park City RV Resort, choose carefully. "There are 4 tiers of spots (the grounds are literally tiered), the top of which are reserved for newer, specific class vehicles. These spots have concrete pads and grass next to them," explains Kristin S.
Water pressure: Check water connections before full hookup. "Great campsite. Clean and nice amenities for a State Park. Be careful hooking up your RV to water. Very high pressure," Trevor S. cautions at Jordanelle State Park.
Winter accessibility: Many campgrounds close seasonally. "You can't drive to the coordinates, you have to park at the uppermost parking lot for Silver Flat and hike up to a camping spot," Cortlan S. notes about early season access before roads open fully.
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