Looking to plan a camping trip in the great outdoors this summer? Want to experience the natural beauty of Utah? With stunning scenery ranging from mountain vistas to serene waterfronts, camping in Utah County offers all sorts of landscape varieties all within driving distance of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area.
For all those boating and fishing enthusiasts out there, this is a must-visit campground destination. Located less than an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City (and only 10 minutes from Hines Mansion), Utah Lake State Park gives you access to Utah Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the state. Some of the waterfront amenities include boat slips, a marina, and fish cleaning stations so that you can take your catch straight from your boat to the barbeque. The campgrounds are located on the east side of the lake and offer shower/restroom facilities, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Everything has been recently renovated for a comfortable camping experience. It’s also conveniently located next to the Provo River Trail, which is a scenic and accessible path for every level of hiker.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, this is an up-and-coming campground to add to your must-visit list in Utah County. Lincoln Beach is located along the southeast portion of Utah Lake’s shoreline and has been recently updated to offer water and restroom facilities for its visitors. These well-maintained campgrounds are ideal for water enthusiasts who need easy access to Utah Lake for kayaking, canoeing, and other water activities. However, the main draw is the recently-installed floating boat dock that offers you direct access to everything Utah Lake has to offer. Although the campground is on the small side, the shoreline offers majestic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Best known for being the first hydro-power plant in the United States, this lush campground is located along the Provo River Parkway and near Bridal Veil Falls. Visitors can take advantage of biking and jogging trails, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and fishing during their stay at Nunns Park. There are also pavilions available to rent for larger group dinners or functions if needed. The campgrounds also allow dogs and offer amenities including barbecue grills, fire pits, and drinking fountains near the campsites.
This campground offers something for everyone. Located near the Jordan River, Willow Park’s campsites offer easy access to hiking trails, a canoe dock on the Jordan River, and a playground for the kids. The campgrounds also feature plenty of grassy fields for group sports.
Granite Flat is another great option if you’re planning a camping trip with a large group of people. The spacious campgrounds feature full amenities, including restrooms, picnic tables, and even a baseball field for group sporting events. It’s also conveniently located in an area with several sightseeing spots within driving distance. Make sure to visit Timpanogos Cave and take an underground cave tour if you decide to stay here. This spot can easily provide a full day’s entertainment for adults and children alike.
This is one of the more unique campgrounds featured on this list. It offers all the usual camping amenities – picnic tables, grills, access to trails – as well as a historic amphitheater that gives the campground its name. With access to several trailheads as well as a waterfall nearby, you won’t run out of sightseeing options or activities at Theatre-in-the-Pines. This would be a great option to visit with friends or family for a more unique camping experience.
While all the other options on this list require reservations, this campground is great to keep in mind if you’re an experienced camper who wants to go on a spontaneous last-minute camping trip. With access to beautiful trails and ample space to view the surrounding majestic mountain scenery, Salamander Flat doesn’t reserve campsites and is first-come, first-serve. Before planning your trip, also keep in mind that this campground doesn’t offer any of the amenities that the other campgrounds on this list offer. While you’ll need to bring your own water and won’t have access to electrical power at your campsite, the unspoiled views and access to trails are unparalleled, making this a great destination for an experienced camper.
One thing to note regarding all of the campgrounds listed above—before setting out on your next camping trip, make sure to check online if reservations are needed or if there are any campsite rules or restrictions. For example, all of the sites maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture limits camping to a maximum of two nights unless your family brings an RV or trailer with its own restroom and showering facilities. Carefully review each park’s reservation policies and amenities before deciding on where best fits your wants and needs.
With its proximity to mountain ranges, rivers, and a freshwater lake, Utah County encompasses some of the best campsites that the state has to offer. Camping experts and novices alike will appreciate all seven of these destinations for their amenities and access to stunning mountains, lakes, and trails to take advantage of. There truly is something for every type of camper in Utah County.