Great Salt Lake Campground

For Utah locals, the Great Salt Lake is a monumental and often-maligned landmark. However, for those who truly appreciate its unique beauty and ecological significance, the Great Salt Lake Campground offers a one-of-a-kind camping experience. Located at the state park's marina just outside of Salt Lake City, this small, intimate campground provides an opportunity to see the lake from a new perspective. Unlike the high mountain destinations, this campground offers a vast, open landscape with incredible views that are unlike anywhere else in the state. It's a place that's perfect for both a quick trip and a memorable, bucket-list-worthy experience.

The true allure of the Great Salt Lake Campground lies in its simplicity and its spectacular, ever-changing environment. This is a campground that prioritizes the view. With the marina and the vast expanse of the lake right at your doorstep, you’ll be treated to stunning sunsets and sunrises that paint the sky in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple. The high salinity of the lake's water makes for a unique landscape, and the area is a vital stop for millions of migratory birds, making it a birder's paradise. It's a place to escape the noise and city lights, even while being conveniently close to the Salt Lake City metro area.

While the campground is on the smaller side with a limited number of sites, it is well-equipped with essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for both RV and tent campers. It’s a no-frills destination that focuses on what matters most: providing a clean, safe, and scenic base for your adventure. This article will provide a detailed and factual overview of what to expect, from the site's amenities to the incredible features that make it a compelling choice for your next local outdoor trip.

Location and Accessibility

The Great Salt Lake Campground is located on an Unnamed Road in Salt Lake City, UT 84116, USA. It is part of the Great Salt Lake State Park, making it one of the most easily accessible gateways to the lake for residents of the Wasatch Front. The park is situated just off Interstate 80, about 16 miles west of downtown Salt Lake City. The drive is straightforward, and the roads within the park are well-maintained, suitable for all types of vehicles.

A key aspect of this campground is its accessibility. The area offers on-site parking and has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, ensuring that people of all abilities can visit and enjoy the unique environment. As an RV-friendly site, it's easy to navigate, with paved parking spurs up to 40 feet long and pull-through options available, which is a major convenience for those with larger rigs. Its proximity to the city means that while you feel a world away, you are just a short drive from supplies, restaurants, and other urban amenities, providing a perfect blend of natural retreat and urban convenience.

Services Offered

• RV and Tent Camping: The campground is designed for both RV and tent campers. There are a handful of RV sites with water and electric hookups, including both 30 and 50 amp options. One site even offers full hookups, including a sewer connection. For a more primitive experience, there are also a couple of walk-to tent-only campsites on the beach with designated fire pits.

• Public Restrooms and Showers: The campground offers clean public restrooms and showers with running water, which is a major comfort for any camper. These facilities are located near the visitor's center and are well-maintained, as noted by visitors.

• RV Dump Station: For RV campers, a sanitary dump station is available on-site, providing a convenient way to empty waste tanks, which is a crucial service for those on a longer trip.

• Visitor Center with Concessions: The on-site visitor center is a great resource, offering some drinks, snacks, and informational materials about the lake and its ecosystem. It’s a great place to stop and learn about the unique history of the area.

• Camping Fee: There is a camping fee to use the facilities, which varies based on the type of site. This fee helps to maintain the park and its amenities, ensuring the campground remains a pleasant place for all visitors.

Features and Highlights

• Unparalleled Views: The main feature of the Great Salt Lake Campground is its location and the stunning views it offers. Campers are treated to breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the expansive lake, with the surrounding mountains and Antelope Island creating a spectacular backdrop. The unique colors of the lake and the sky make it a photographer's dream.

• Marina and Water Access: The campground is located at the Great Salt Lake Marina, which provides easy access for boating, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can launch your own watercraft or simply walk along the docks and enjoy the views.

• Bird Watching: The Great Salt Lake is a major migratory stop for millions of birds each year. The campground and surrounding area offer fantastic opportunities for bird watching, allowing you to see a wide variety of species, including American avocets and Wilson's phalaropes.

• Picnic Areas: The park has picnic tables and designated picnic areas that offer great views of the harbor and the lake, perfect for a day trip or an outdoor meal.

• Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes dogs, allowing you to bring your furry friends on your adventure. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and are not permitted in park buildings or on most beaches, but they can still enjoy the great outdoors with you.

• Cell Service: Unlike many remote campgrounds, this location has good cell service, which can be a comfort for those who need to stay connected or for emergency purposes.

Contact Information

For reservations and general information about the Great Salt Lake Campground, you can use the following details:

Address: Unnamed Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, USA

Phone: (800) 322-3770

For specific park questions, you can also contact the Great Salt Lake State Park office directly at (801) 828-0787. Reservations are highly recommended due to the small size of the campground and can be made through Reserve America.

What is Worth Choosing Great Salt Lake Campground

Choosing the Great Salt Lake Campground is a choice for a truly unique and memorable Utah camping experience. What makes this spot worth choosing is its incredible scenery and its rare position as a lakeside campground near a major metropolitan area. It’s a place where you can feel completely immersed in nature, surrounded by the unique geology and ecosystem of the lake, while still having the convenience of being close to the city. The amenities, including clean restrooms, showers, and RV hookups, ensure a comfortable stay that is not always guaranteed at more rustic locations.

Furthermore, for those who are interested in a specific, "bucket list" experience, this campground provides the perfect base. Whether it’s to float in the incredibly buoyant water, go sailing on the salty sea, or simply to witness a one-of-a-kind sunset, this campground provides the ideal opportunity. It’s a destination for both the nature enthusiast and the casual camper looking for a peaceful and scenic retreat. Its pet-friendly and kid-friendly atmosphere also makes it a great choice for a family outing. For a different kind of outdoor adventure that celebrates one of Utah’s most iconic natural wonders, the Great Salt Lake Campground is an excellent choice.

Great Salt Lake Campground

Unnamed Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, USA