Camping spots near Ogden, Utah range across the foothills and mountain valleys of the Wasatch Range at elevations between 4,300 and 7,000 feet. Water access remains a significant draw with several campgrounds positioned near Pineview Reservoir, the Ogden River, or the Great Salt Lake. Temperatures typically drop 15-20 degrees at night compared to daytime highs, even during July and August when most campgrounds reach peak capacity.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: North Fork Park offers access to hiking trails leading to local waterfalls. "There's a hidden waterfall you can hike too, and a river runs through the park. It's a must!" according to reviewer Debbie P. The trail is accessible for various skill levels and provides an excellent day activity from your campsite.
Tubing on Ogden River: South Fork Campground sits directly along the banks of the South Fork Ogden River, making it popular for water activities. "Access to Ogden River for tubing! Causey and Pineview very close!" notes reviewer Barb D. Life jackets are required for river tubing, and campsite numbers in the teens offer closest river access.
Wildlife viewing: Antelope Island State Park provides opportunities to see free-roaming bison and pronghorn antelope. "The bison are free grazing all around and a few came right up to our campground in the early morning! There is a ranch on the far side of the island which is adorable and definitely worth a visit," shares Steven M. The park also features hiking trails of varying difficulty levels around the island.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: North Fork County Park offers spacious sites with good separation. "There are so many spots, and they are all very private. The Camp hosts are great!" says Debbie P. Site A1 receives particular praise: "Our site was the best in the campground, I think. It was secluded with tons of trees. Not all sites had a lot of tree cover."
Mountain views: Many campgrounds feature views of the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. "Lovely scenery... stunning" notes Georgia L. about Bridger Bay Campground. The combination of water access and mountain backdrop creates particularly dramatic sunrises and sunsets at several campgrounds around Pineview Reservoir.
Proximity to recreation: Camping spots near Ogden provide quick access to multiple outdoor activities. "A very clean and very convenient campground. Tons of trails nearby and being on the reservoir is great for hot days. Fishing was a blast!" reports Tyler G. about Anderson Cove. Most campgrounds are within 30-45 minutes of downtown Ogden for supplies.
What you should know
Insect activity: Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be problematic, particularly at water-adjacent sites. "We have a can of Off and it isn't enough to keep us from being eaten alive!!" warns Alison D. about South Marina. Another camper reports, "Lots of bug bites so pack spray" while staying at Willard Bay.
Highway noise: Cottonwood Campground at Willard Bay sits close to Interstate 15, creating consistent background noise. "I-15 noise was horrible, no sleep even with a fan going and earplugs," reports Laura K. Sites further from the highway within the park offer somewhat better sound conditions.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. "You need to reserve sites here well in advance as it fills up for the entire Summer as soon as the reservation window opens," advises Barb D. about Anderson Cove. South Fork campers recommend "going beforehand to scope out which site you would like best and reserve it online because this place gets all booked up!"
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad access: Hill AFB FamCamp offers unique amenities for families. "The campground is right next to the base splash pad and a big park," notes Chris L. The campground also features "a fenced in dog relief area" and costs "$25 a night full hook ups."
Beach activities: Waterfront camping provides built-in entertainment for children. "The beach is so large and it's easy to camp out. The sand is soft and fun for the kids to build sand castles. We also enjoyed the small waves while on the beach," says Whitney K. about Anderson Cove.
Multi-generational gathering spots: Several campgrounds accommodate larger family gatherings. "We've camped all over in North Fork sites! Our family has our annual family reunion in Mustang Flats every summer, CW8 & CW9 are great for 5 families because they're connected by a little road," shares Fale L. South Fork is described as "great for family reunions and weddings" with spacious group sites.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At several campgrounds, the placement of utility hookups requires planning. "The hook ups (especially sewer) are awkwardly to the far rear of the sites," notes Chris L. about Hill AFB FamCamp. RVers recommend bringing extra-length sewer hoses to ensure proper connections.
Site selection: Century RV Park offers concrete pads for a small additional fee. "Concrete pads were nice, but were a couple dollars more than gravel sites," notes Rachel H. Many RV campers recommend requesting specific sites based on size requirements, as space between sites varies considerably throughout the region.
Late arrivals: Several campgrounds enforce strict check-in policies. "Do not try to get in before 3:00 on your day of check in. They strictly enforce it," warns Laura K. about Willard Bay State Park. Some campgrounds provide after-hours check-in procedures with pre-arranged codes or envelopes.
