Simpson Springs Campground

4.35

80 reviews

None

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens None site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens None site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Simpson Springs Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Individual campsite fees are $15 per night, payable in cash or check. The campground operates on a hybrid system with some sites available for...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(801) 977-4300

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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 80 reviews

75 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanwater

Some mention

reservation

"Users frequently praise the campground for its stunning views, tranquility, and access to historical and natural features. Concerns include issues with reservations and lack of staff presence."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

None

Simpson Springs Campground

None

Driving directionsFrom State Route 36 near Faust, turn west on the Pony Express Road and drive 25 miles to campground on maintained gravel road. From Interstate 80, take Dugway-Rowley Exit 77, drive south on State Route 196 to Dugway, continue south 10 miles on maintained dirt road to Pony Express Road, turn left or west onto Pony Express Road for 10 miles to campground.

Road access to Simpson Springs Campground involves a mix of gravel and dirt roads. User reviews indicate that while the gravel road leading there is maintained, it can be rough and poorly maintained in sections, with dips and gouges requiring careful driving. A sedan can make the trip, but it is recommended to drive cautiously. One user stated, 'Getting to the campsite takes you along a gravel road with a few dips and gouges in it. I did this drive in a sedan...not the ideal vehicle but it's doable.'

Nearby places

Dugway (Approx. 10 miles south), Eagle Mountain (Approx. 15 miles), Salt Lake City (Approx. 2 hours drive)

Nearby supplies

Grocery, fuel, and camping supplies can be sourced in Dugway (10 miles south) or Eagle Mountain (15 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Simpson Springs Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of high desert weather at Simpson Springs, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Spring and fall offer ideal camping conditions with comfortable daytime temperatures, though autumn nights can drop dramatically, creating perfect campfire weather. Summer brings intense desert heat that makes early morning and evening adventures most enjoyable. The reliable desert winds provide natural air conditioning but remind campers to secure their gear. From March through November, fresh potable water flows at the campground, while winter visitors should come prepared with their own water supply for a true frontier experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Summer is described as extremely hot; not ideal for many campers.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted by reviewers as cooler and preferred for comfortable camping and wildlife viewing.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring described as an ideal season with comfortable temps and good wildlife activity.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but potable water is off-season and winter conditions can be limiting.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March to November (potable water available). Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round
Current Alerts: None noted after the 2021 construction closure, but users are advised to check for updates before visiting.

About Simpson Springs Campground

Journey back in time at Simpson Springs Campground, where the legendary Pony Express riders once thundered across the desert. This historic high-desert retreat offers 20 thoughtfully positioned campsites, with sites 1-11 available for reservation and 12-19 welcoming adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire pit, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. Modern vault toilets and seasonal potable water (March through November) ensure comfort during your stay. The campground welcomes both RV enthusiasts and tent campers year-round, accommodating rigs up to 30 feet in length. Mature desert vegetation provides pockets of welcome shade throughout the grounds.

Simpson Springs Campground offers both reservable and first-come, first-served campsites. It accommodates tent and RV campers but does not provide group camping or luxury camping options.

Historical SignificanceStep into the pages of American history at Simpson Springs, where the thunder of hoofbeats once announced the arrival of Pony Express riders racing against time. This authentic station site along the legendary mail route offers visitors a tangible connection to the brave riders who linked East and West in the 1860s. Interpretive displays bring the past to life, sharing tales of determination and adventure that defined the American frontier. Explore the carefully preserved remnants of the original station and imagine the excitement as fresh horses were saddled for the next leg of the journey. The campground serves as your base camp for discovering additional historic sites along the trail, each with its own story of courage and perseverance.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of high desert weather at Simpson Springs, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Spring and fall offer ideal camping conditions with comfortable daytime temperatures, though autumn nights can drop dramatically, creating perfect campfire weather. Summer brings intense desert heat that makes early morning and evening adventures most enjoyable. The reliable desert winds provide natural air conditioning but remind campers to secure their gear. From March through November, fresh potable water flows at the campground, while winter visitors should come prepared with their own water supply for a true frontier experience.

ElevationPerched at 5,100 feet in Utah's high desert, Simpson Springs Campground offers a unique mountain-desert experience where thin air meets wide-open spaces. This elevation creates a fascinating microclimate where warm desert days give way to refreshingly cool nights, often dropping 30 degrees or more after sunset. The altitude enhances your view of the night sky, making stargazing spectacular, while the crisp air carries the subtle fragrances of sage and juniper across the landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape sculpted by ancient volcanic forces at Simpson Springs, where weathered tuff formations create a dramatic backdrop for your camping adventure. The high desert stretches endlessly in every direction, painted in subtle hues of sage green, dusty gold, and volcanic gray. Keep your camera ready for encounters with the area's most famous residents - the wild horses that roam freely across this untamed landscape, their manes flowing in the perpetual desert breeze. While rare, the elusive mountain lion also calls this wilderness home, adding an element of wild authenticity to the experience. Desert wildflowers burst into color after spring rains, while ancient junipers stand as gnarled sentinels, their twisted forms telling stories of centuries past.

Geological RegionSimpson Springs Campground sits within a remarkable geological wonderland where ancient volcanic activity meets classic high desert terrain. At 5,100 feet elevation along the historic Pony Express Trail, the landscape reveals layers of Earth's violent past through distinctive volcanic tuff formations - compressed ash from eruptions millions of years ago. These pale, sculpted rock formations contrast beautifully with the sprawling sagebrush steppe that dominates the region. The open desert vistas stretch to distant mountain ranges, creating a sense of infinite space that defines the Great Basin. Wild horses roam this timeless landscape, their presence a living reminder of the Old West, galloping across the same ground where Pony Express riders once made history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not specified

Check-out

Not specified

Stay Limit

14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

8persons per site

Groups

Group camping is not available at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutCampsites are divided into reservable (sites 1-11) and first-come, first-served (sites 12-19). The layout includes partial shade at most sites.

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov (for sites 1-11)

Walk-in AvailabilitySites 12-19 are first-come, first-served. User reviews suggest early arrival, as spots fill quickly during peak times. One user noted, 'We left Salt Lake City at 5:30 and got the last first-come, first-served spot.

Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-served sites require on-site payment, and no refunds or modifications are allowed. For reservable sites, cancellations may incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees if canceled within the late window.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Site SizeCampground sites can accommodate equipment up to 30 feet in size.

PrivacyThe privacy level varies. Some reviews highlight that first-come, first-served sites are more private, while others note close proximity between sites.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesBring sturdy tent stakes for hard gravel, plenty of water, and firewood. Ideal sites for privacy are in the unreserved section.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Simpson Springs Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. Its location on the historic Pony Express Trail adds cultural and historical significance. Visitors often mention the presence of wild horses and opportunities for geode hunting as highlights.

HikingHiking opportunities include nearby trails and exploring the historical Pony Express Trail. Benjamin Porter mentions the proximity to historic sites and trails.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a major highlight, with several reviewers mentioning encounters with wild horses. "We even heard a mountain lion," wrote Hannah Morgan, while others noted wildlife such as rattlesnakes.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe campground is located on the historic Pony Express Trail, providing a cultural and historical experience. Jeff Christensen describes it as an "awesome site from the Pony Express days of the old west."

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes and occasionally reported sightings of mountain lions in the area. High winds are common during certain times of the year.

Active Alertswill be closed for construction from Aug. | None noted after the 2021 construction closure, but users are advised to check for updates before visiting.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire pits. Campers must bring their own firewood, as none is provided.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services would likely be located in Dugway or Eagle Mountain, both around 10-15 miles from the campground.

Trash & RecyclingNo details about dedicated trash or recycling facilities are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Water FeaturesNo significant water bodies nearby, but potable water is available within the campground during March to November.

Camp HostNo on-site host is available. Several reviews mention the lack of patrolling or assistance at the campground.

Weather at Simpson Springs Campground

Reviews

4.4

80 reviews

Recommended

Simpson Springs Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users frequently praise the campground for its stunning views, tranquility, and access to historical and natural features. Concerns include issues with reservations and lack of staff presence.

Review Summaries

Based on 80 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, potable water availability, peaceful and scenic environment, wildlife sightings, starry night skies, and historical significance.

Based on 80 reviews

Common Concerns

Reservation issues, lack of enforcement leading to occupied reserved sites, no camp host, no cell service, gravel or rocky tent areas, and occasional overcrowding.

Based on 80 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cash or checks for the $15 fee, arrive early to secure first-come, first-served sites, carry proof of reservation, and bring sturdy tent stakes and a hammer for rocky ground. Firewood should be...

Based on 80 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are preferred for comfortable temperatures and wildlife sightings. Summer is noted to be extremely hot, as observed by Melissa Burrup, while fall visitors like Parker enjoy cooler...

Based on 80 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The bathrooms were very clean and fully stocked, and they had water you can get from spigots." - Hannah Morgan 2. "Night is very beautiful with lots of stars blanketing the sky." - Sal...

Based on 80 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 is highly recommended for its shade and spaciousness, as noted by Chad Schilleman. First-come, first-served sites are described as more private by Steve Chisham.

Based on 80 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.

Based on 80 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically discuss pets or pet policies.

Based on 80 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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