Summertime is the perfect time to make family memories in the fresh air. Put down the cell phones and video games, throw your tent in the car, and head to this shady campground that’s just a few miles from the city.
Big Cottonwood Canyon is a wonderful respite from the hot temperatures in the Salt Lake Valley. Grab your tent or hitch up your trailer, and head to Spruces Campground, where you’ll find plenty of shady campsites.
Kyle Steams/Google Address: Big Cottonwood Canyon Road, Salt Lake City, UT, 84121
This rustic campground has a few modern amenities, including flush toilets, drinking water, a baseball field, horseshoe pits, and volleyball court.
Ernest Kyed/Google
During Peak Season (June 28th - September 8th), reservations are required. September 9th through October 31st, walk-up sites are available, first come, first served.
Surender Yadav/Google
The sites at Spruces are non-electric. You’ll find 81 single sites, 9 double sites, and 2 triple sites to accommodate any sized group. Bring your tent and hammocks for an old-school camping trip…
Dennis Moss/Google
…or bring your RV and enjoy more amenities. Just note that there aren’t any hookups or a dump station at this campground.
Troy Olsen/Google
All campsites include picnic tables, grills, and campfire rings, so make sure to pack the graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows for campfire s’mores.
Troy Olsen/Google
If you have a large group, you can reserve one of the two overnight group sites that accommodate up to 50 people. Six day use sites for groups accommodate between 50-150 people for picnics.
Ernest Kyed/Google
Spruces Campground is surrounded by natural beauty. You’ll enjoy tons of shade under the trees here, and you’ll likely see some of the canyon’s residents during your stay. Watch for birds, squirrels, rabbits, deer, and even an occasional moose.
Debbi Carman/Google
Big Cottonwood Creek runs through the canyon and campground, lending even more beauty to this special place.
Jon Larsen/Google If you stay at Spruces Campground, do your part as a steward of this canyon. Remove all the trash you bring in so that this place can be beautiful for generations to come.
Make your reservations for Spruces Campground on the Recreation.gov website. Have you stayed at this campground before? Tell our readers about your experience!
Kyle Steams/Google
Address: Big Cottonwood Canyon Road, Salt Lake City, UT, 84121
Ernest Kyed/Google
Surender Yadav/Google
Dennis Moss/Google
Troy Olsen/Google
Debbi Carman/Google
Jon Larsen/Google
If you stay at Spruces Campground, do your part as a steward of this canyon. Remove all the trash you bring in so that this place can be beautiful for generations to come.
If you’re looking for another great campground that’s close to Salt Lake City, check out this beautiful campground in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
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