How much does camping cost at Simpson Springs Campground?

Camping fees at Simpson Springs Campground range from $15-$65/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Simpson Springs Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Simpson Springs Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Simpson Springs Campground before I book?

Yes! Simpson Springs Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Simpson Springs Campground?

Simpson Springs Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Simpson Springs Campground?

Simpson Springs Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Simpson Springs Campground have?

Simpson Springs Campground has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Simpson Springs Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Simpson Springs Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Simpson Springs Campground?

Simpson Springs Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Simpson Springs Campground

4.17

147 reviews

491 N. John Glenn Rd, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116

Top 24% in UTFall

Stargazing

Featured in:Tent Camping Utah Desert Camping Utah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,193 ft

Price

$15 - $65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Please note that sit...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) - Salt Lake Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,193 ft

Price

$15 - $65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Please note that sit...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) - Salt Lake Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Simpson Springs Campground

$15.00 - $65.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Site #23: $60.00; Simpson Springs : $15.00; Simpson Springs Group: $65.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$65.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

801-977-4300blm_ut_sl_mail@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

491 N. John Glenn Rd, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116

Simpson Springs Campground

491 N. John Glenn Rd, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116

Nearby places

Salt Lake City (approx. 65 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes), Dugway (approx. 12 miles, 15-20 minutes), Eagle Mountain (approx. 15 miles, 20 minutes).

Weather at Simpson Springs Campground

Current alerts(1)

Simpson Springs offers a more primitive camping experience, while providing potable water (except in winter months), restroom facilities, tent pads, and restrooms. The BLM does not currently have a Campground Host, and does not mark reserved sites each night.

Best Time to Camp at Simpson Springs Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically 60–80°F in September–October) and clear, stable weather ideal for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing and geode hunting. Daylight is long enough for extended outings while evenings cool into the 40s–50s, making campfires and stargazing comfortable and crowds thin compared with summer. Trails and the Pony Express historic features are at their most pleasant after the intense summer heat, and hunting activity can be present—so plan, Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in UT

Fall noted best: 60s-80s days, cool nights and stable weather for activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Please note that sites 1-10 are reservable online, while sites 11-19 remain available first come, first served for payment on-site.

About Simpson Springs Campground

Simpson Springs Campground sits in mid-elevation BLM land west of Salt Lake City along the historic Pony Express Trail. Managed by the Salt Lake Field Office, this small campground draws geode hunters, history buffs, and stargazers to remote desert terrain known for wild horse sightings and dark night skies. Tent, RV, primitive, and group camping options include vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Simpson Springs Campground provides multiple types of camping accommodations, catering to tent campers and RV users alike. The campground accommodates both reservable and first-come, first-served sites, with specific areas designated for each.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically 60–80°F in September–October) and clear, stable weather ideal for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing and geode hunting. Daylight is long enough for extended outings while evenings cool into the 40s–50s, making campfires and stargazing comfortable and crowds thin compared with summer. Trails and the Pony Express historic features are at their most pleasant after the intense summer heat, and hunting activity can be present—so plan, Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: July, August

Elevation4193 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe West Desert stretches out in all directions, stark and beautiful. Green volcanic tuff formations rise from the ground, and the nearby Dugway Geode Beds hold surprises for anyone willing to look. Wild horses roam the area. Sparse desert vegetation dots the landscape. Sage, hardy shrubs, and little else. Mountain lions and rattlesnakes are both present, a reminder that this is genuinely wild country. The night sky is spectacular when conditions are clear.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or similar accommodations are available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground is situated along the Pony Express National Historic Trail, providing a historical and educational experience related to this significant route.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group sites are available, with rates of $60 for a group shelter and $65 for a group standard site. Details about maximum group size or vehicle limits are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, either through their website or mobile app.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets, parking, and picnic shelters to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as generally spacious, though trailer sites may present leveling challenges, as noted in a user review: "We had a trailer site which was very unlevel, and was impossible to level the trailer.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with some users observing clustered upper spots and others noting the more private lower first-come, first-served sites: "The not reserved sights seem better located because they are more private.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesBring sturdy stakes for tent camping due to hard gravel ('The space for the tent had some pretty hard gravel, so best to bring sturdy stakes and a hammer.' - Foggy Trail). Use Sites 1-10 for reservations and bring proof of reservation to avoid disputes ('Make sure to bring proof of reservations.' - Kristin).

Best CampsitesSite 1 has the campground's only large trees and offers shade. Site 5 provides good sunset views. Lower-numbered first-come sites (11-19) tend to be more private than the upper reservable spots, which cluster closer together.

Need help booking Simpson Springs Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Simpson Springs offers a more primitive camping experience, while providing potable water (except in winter months), restroom facilities, tent pads, and restrooms. The BLM does not currently have a Campground Host, and does not mark reserved sites each night.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Simpson Springs Campground offers a range of recreational activities suitable for visitors seeking outdoor adventures. Activities include hiking, picnicking, OHV riding, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The campground is also a part of the Pony Express National Historic Trail, making it a destination for history enthusiasts. Scenic backcountry routes and the opportunity to observe wild horses further enhance its appeal. User reviews corroborate these recreational opportunities, with one visitor recommending the site for its wildlife and starry night skies.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets at the campground. Accessible vault toilets are provided instead.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

147 reviews

Satisfactory

Simpson Springs Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews praise the campground for its cleanliness, scenic views, and historical significance. Many visitors highlight the starry skies, wildlife sightings, and the peaceful, remote location. However, issues with the reservation system and the lack of a camp host are recurring complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 147 reviews

What Campers Love

Common positive aspects include the campground's cleanliness, accessible vault toilets, potable water spigots, and scenic views. Wildlife sightings, such as wild horses, contribute to its charm. The...

Based on 147 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints center around the poorly managed reservation system, with users reporting reserved spots being occupied upon arrival. The lack of a camp host and the rough gravel road leading to...

Based on 147 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 is highly recommended for its shade, described as having the only large trees in the area. Sites 11–19 are noted as more private and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Based on 147 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing sturdy stakes for tents due to gravelly tent pads and preparing for windy conditions. Carrying cash for site fees is advised, as well as being ready for limited or no cell...

Based on 147 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The summer months are noted for high temperatures and busyness, while the fall and winter months provide a quieter, more solitary experience. Star gazing is particularly popular during the winter due...

Based on 147 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The bathrooms were very clean and fully stocked, and they had water you can get from spigots." 2. "There are wild horses all around, and we even heard a mountain lion." 3. "The starry skies at...

Based on 147 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is equipped with accessible vault toilets, parking, and picnic shelters. Reviews from users highlight these features as well-maintained.

Based on 147 reviews