Loop E

Nestled within the breathtaking South Willow Canyon of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Loop Campground offers a tranquil and immersive outdoor experience for those seeking to escape the everyday hustle. Located southwest of Grantsville, Utah, at an elevation of 7,400 feet, this charming campground provides a rustic yet comfortable setting amidst the impressive Stansbury Mountains. For Utah locals yearning for a genuine wilderness encounter, Loop Campground is a gem, offering direct access to spectacular trails, fishing opportunities, and a chance to reconnect with nature’s profound beauty.

Loop Campground is known for its serene atmosphere and its appeal to those who appreciate a more primitive camping experience. While it may not boast all the modern amenities of some larger campgrounds, it offers the invaluable luxury of peace, quiet, and direct access to some of Utah's most stunning natural landscapes. The remote desert canyon setting is beautifully forested with oak, maple, and juniper trees, providing a welcome canopy of partial shade, especially during the warmer months. Willow Creek meanders alongside the site, adding to the soothing ambiance and offering a clear invitation for a spot of fishing.

This campground is particularly suited for tent campers and those with smaller RVs (though larger trailers might find the access road challenging). It embraces a more traditional camping ethos, where the focus is on the natural surroundings rather than elaborate facilities. Whether you're planning a challenging hike into the Deseret Peak Wilderness, a relaxing afternoon of fishing, or simply a quiet weekend under the stars, Loop Campground provides the perfect backdrop. It’s a place where the sounds of nature prevail, and the vast Utah sky truly comes alive at night.

Loop Campground is situated in South Willow Canyon, with its address listed as Utah 84532, USA. More specifically, it’s located southwest of Grantsville, providing a convenient escape for residents of the Wasatch Front and beyond. The drive to the campground itself is part of the adventure. You’ll navigate the scenic South Willow Canyon Road, which is mostly paved but transitions to gravel at the National Forest boundary. This 7.1-mile road, with its last 4 miles unpaved, winds through interesting narrows and is noted for its fantastic wildlife. While any vehicle should generally be able to make it, caution is advised, especially for trailers, due to the road being pretty steep, narrow, and at times, pitted with chuckholes.

The elevation of 7,400 feet contributes to cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings, making it a pleasant retreat from the summer heat found at lower elevations. Despite its secluded feel, the campground’s relative proximity to Grantsville (a 40-minute drive, as one reviewer noted) means that basic supplies are accessible, though it's always recommended to come prepared with all your necessities, including water. The remote location ensures a genuine wilderness experience, yet it remains within a reasonable driving distance for a weekend getaway from many of Utah’s urban centers.

• Campsites: Loop Campground features 9 single sites and 1 double site. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, allowing for comfortable outdoor meals and campfires (fire restrictions permitting).

• Restrooms: Vault restroom facilities are provided for convenience. These are primitive toilets but are maintained for cleanliness.

• No Water System: It is crucial for visitors to note that there is no potable water system at Loop Campground. Campers must bring their own drinking water for the duration of their stay.

• Bear Country Awareness: As the campground is in bear country, visitors are required to store food and trash securely to avoid attracting wildlife. This is a critical safety measure for both campers and bears.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at Loop Campground, but owners must keep them on a leash (not exceeding 6 feet) at all times, clean up pet waste, and ensure pets do not disturb other campers or wildlife.

• First-Come, First-Served: Loop Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning sites cannot be reserved in advance. Arriving early, especially on weekends or during peak season, is recommended to secure a spot.

• Stansbury Range & Deseret Peak Wilderness Access: Loop Campground is ideally situated for exploring the rugged beauty of the Stansbury Range. The multi-use Stansbury Front Trail and Medina Flat Trail begin directly across the road from the campground entrance, offering access to the challenging yet rewarding Deseret Peak Wilderness. Hikers can embark on trails that lead to panoramic views of the Bonneville Salt Flats and beyond.

• Willow Creek Fishing: Willow Creek runs alongside the campground, providing opportunities for fishing. Anglers can try their luck catching rainbow and brown trout in the clear mountain waters.

• Scenic Surroundings: The campground is forested with oak, maple, and juniper trees, offering partial shade and a beautiful natural aesthetic. The remote desert canyon environment provides a tranquil setting for relaxation and contemplation.

• Wildlife Viewing: The canyon is noted for its fantastic wildlife, offering opportunities for observing local fauna in their natural habitat. Proper food storage is essential to maintain this balance.

• Rustic Charm: For those who prefer a less developed camping experience, Loop Campground delivers. It embraces a more traditional, "pack-it-in, pack-it-out" philosophy, appealing to campers who value simplicity and immersion in nature.

• Winter Snow Access: Snow can usually be found on the upper part of the trail from November to the middle of June, providing extended opportunities for winter recreation in the surrounding areas for the more adventurous.

As Loop Campground is part of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, general inquiries can often be directed to the relevant Ranger District. While no specific phone number for "Loop E" itself is provided, inquiries for campgrounds within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest can typically be made to the Spanish Fork Ranger District or the Utah Recreation Company.

Address: Utah 84532, USA (General area for South Willow Canyon campgrounds)

For general information about Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest campgrounds, you might try:

Spanish Fork Ranger District: (801) 798-3571

Utah Recreation Company: (385) 273-1100

These contacts can provide up-to-date information on conditions, fire restrictions, and any changes to campground policies. Always check for current conditions before visiting.

For Utah locals, Loop Campground in South Willow Canyon offers an authentic and accessible mountain escape that truly embodies the spirit of the state's outdoor lifestyle. Its location, a manageable drive from the Wasatch Front, makes it an ideal spot for spontaneous weekend trips or even a mid-week rejuvenation. Unlike many highly developed campgrounds that require reservations months in advance, Loop Campground’s first-come, first-served policy allows for flexibility, catering to the spontaneous adventurer within every Utahn. This "spur-of-the-moment" capability is a significant draw, enabling residents to quickly shed urban stress for mountain serenity.

The rugged beauty of the Stansbury Range, with its opportunities for challenging hikes into the Deseret Peak Wilderness, offers a fantastic training ground for local outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to summit a peak, explore new trails, or simply enjoy a rigorous walk, the trailhead access directly from the campground is a major benefit. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the cool, shaded campsites and the presence of Willow Creek provide a perfect setting for picnicking, quiet contemplation, or a leisurely afternoon of fishing for rainbow and brown trout.

Furthermore, the primitive nature of Loop Campground, with its vault toilets and requirement to bring your own water, encourages a stronger connection with the environment and a true "back to basics" camping experience. This appeals to Utahns who cherish self-reliance and appreciate the raw, untamed beauty of their home state. It's a place where the noise of city life fades, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the sounds of nature. While awareness of bear country protocols and the need to pack in your water are essential, these aspects only enhance the feeling of being truly immersed in the wilderness. Loop Campground isn't just a place to camp; it's an invitation for Utah locals to rediscover the wild heart of their state, offering a peaceful, active, and deeply rewarding outdoor adventure right in their backyard.

Loop E

Utah 84532, USA