Intake Campground

Nestled in the rugged, remote beauty of South Willow Canyon in the Stansbury Mountains, Intake Campground offers a secluded and authentic camping experience for Utah locals. This is a place where nature takes the lead, providing a tranquil escape from the noise and commotion of daily life. With only four campsites, it offers a sense of privacy and intimacy that is hard to find in larger, more crowded campgrounds. One reviewer noted how their site was spacious and private, making them feel completely isolated despite being in a designated camping area. The serenity is enhanced by the sound of the nearby creek, which provides a natural white noise perfect for a restful night's sleep. For those who seek a truly immersive outdoor experience, where the beauty of the landscape and the sounds of the wilderness are your main companions, Intake Campground is a destination worth exploring.

Intake Campground is known for its rustic and less-developed feel. It is the kind of place where you truly "rough it" in a beautiful setting. The campsites are spaced out and provide good tree coverage, offering shade and a sense of being in a true forest, a remarkable feature for a desert-adjacent location. Each site comes with a fire pit, noted by one review as a double ring, which helps to create a more efficient and smokeless fire, along with adjustable cooking grates. A wooden picnic table is also provided at each site, offering a convenient spot for meals. This simplicity is part of the campground's charm, encouraging campers to focus on the basics of outdoor living. It's an ideal spot for those who are prepared to be self-sufficient and appreciate a more primitive style of camping.

The campground's small size and first-come, first-served policy mean that getting a site can feel like a lucky find. Site #1 is noted as being particularly spacious and flat, perfect for a large tent, while sites #2 and #3 are a bit smaller. The most popular site is #4, which is often filled first. This small community of campers adds to the quiet and respectful atmosphere. While the amenities are basic, the natural features—from the creek to the surrounding trees—are what truly make Intake Campground special.

Intake Campground is located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, southwest of Grantsville, Utah, with a general address of FR 171, Terra, UT 84022, USA. It sits within South Willow Canyon, at an elevation of 6,320 feet. Its location in the Stansbury Range makes it a convenient and accessible option for residents of Tooele and the greater Salt Lake City area. The road leading into the campground is a scenic drive, and while it becomes gravel at the National Forest boundary, it is generally passable for most vehicles, though it may be steep and narrow. The campground is in a remote location, so campers should be prepared for a disconnected experience, as there is no cell phone signal in the area.

The seclusion of Intake Campground is a major part of its appeal. It’s a place where you can feel completely off-grid, despite being a manageable drive from civilization. This proximity allows for a quick weekend escape without a lengthy journey. The campground's location at the mouth of a large mountainous ravine and on the edge of a river adds to its unique character and provides a stunning natural backdrop. While the wild nature of the area means you should be smart about wildlife encounters—with reviewers mentioning hearing animals at night and seeing eyes on the mountainside—this also provides a true sense of adventure and a genuine connection to the wilderness.

The campground is dog-friendly, which is a great feature for pet owners who want to bring their furry companions along. It is also considered good for kids, who can enjoy exploring the terrain and being close to nature. This makes Intake Campground a versatile choice for a variety of outdoor enthusiasts, from families to solo adventurers.

Services Offered:

• Tent Sites: Four individual sites are available for tent camping.
• Public Restroom: A single, standard outhouse-style restroom is available for all sites.
• Running Water: The campground does not have a civilized water system; the only water source is the nearby creek. Campers must bring their own drinking water.
• Fire Pits and Picnic Tables: Each site is equipped with a fire pit with cooking grates and a wooden picnic table.

Features / Highlights:

• Secluded Atmosphere: With only four sites, the campground offers a sense of privacy and quiet.
• Creek-side Camping: Campsites are located just feet from a creek, providing soothing sounds for sleeping.
• Dog-Friendly: The campground allows dogs, making it a great option for pet owners.
• Good for Kids: The natural environment provides a safe and engaging place for children to explore.
• Rustic Experience: The lack of modern amenities and its remote location make it ideal for those who enjoy primitive camping.
• Bear Country: Visitors should be aware that the campground is in bear country and take appropriate precautions with food storage.

Contact Information:

Address: FR 171, Terra, UT 84022, USA

Phone: For information, you can contact the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest at (385) 273-1100.

What is worth choosing Intake Campground is its raw, untouched beauty and the opportunity it provides for a genuine wilderness experience. It is not for everyone; its rustic nature and lack of modern amenities are a challenge for some. However, for the experienced camper or the local who craves true seclusion, it is a perfect destination. The feeling of being completely surrounded by the mountains and the sounds of the creek is a major draw. The small number of sites ensures that the campground will never feel crowded, making it a peaceful haven where you can truly disconnect from the digital world and the stresses of everyday life. The chance to observe local wildlife, while requiring awareness and caution, adds to the authenticity of the experience. The unique fire pits with adjustable cooking grates are a small but thoughtful detail that makes cooking a meal over the fire a little easier.

For a Utahn looking to escape into a high-desert environment, Intake Campground is a fantastic choice. The surrounding trees offer a surprising amount of coverage, and the site itself is relatively flat and free of rocks, making it comfortable for tent campers. The fact that the campground is free to use (after paying any necessary recreation fees for the area) is also a great benefit, providing a low-cost option for a memorable trip. While the restroom may be basic, it's a small price to pay for the incredible scenery and peacefulness. Intake Campground is the ideal choice for those who are ready to embrace the simplicity of nature and are well-prepared to handle a more self-sufficient camping trip. It is a true testament to the rugged, beautiful landscapes that make Utah a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Intake Campground

FR 171, Terra, UT 84022, USA