Simpson Springs Campground

Star4.21
147 reviews
491 N. John Glenn Rd, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116

Quick Facts

4,193 ft

Price

$15 - $65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens BLM (Bureau of Land Management) - Salt Lake Field Office site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Simpson Springs Campground
$15.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Year-round camping fees are $15 per standard site. Group shelter nonelectric sites cost $60, while group standard nonelectric sites are $65 per...
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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$65.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
801-977-4300blm_ut_sl_mail@blm.gov
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What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 147 reviews

75 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanwater

Some mention

reservation

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom I-80, take exit 199 (Tooele) and travel south on Highway 36 for approximately 40 miles. Turn right onto the Pony Express Road and travel for approximately 25 miles. The campground is approximately 12 miles south of Dugway, Utah, on the Pony Express Road.
The campground is accessible via gravel roads. Some user reviews indicate the road is rough and poorly maintained ('The gravel road leading there is awful. Rough and poorly maintained.' - Paul SW Idaho). It is manageable for sedans ('I did this drive in a sedan. Not the ideal vehicle but it’s doable.' - Sal Gonzalez) but could present challenges for trailers ('The 25 mile washboard road had me second-guessing the decision to go there with my new trailer.' - David F).
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).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies such as groceries and fuel are available in Dugway and Eagle Mountain, both roughly 15 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Simpson Springs Campground

The desert here tells its story through dramatic seasonal shifts. Summer arrives with an intensity that veteran camper Melissa Burrup describes as 'ridiculously hot in July,' transforming the landscape into a shimmering testament to nature's extremes. As autumn paints the desert in subtle hues, temperatures plunge dramatically—seasoned visitor Parker warns that nights 'can be very cold in the Fall.' Winter brings its own fierce beauty, with frigid temperatures that remind visitors why the Pony Express riders were considered among the bravest souls of their time.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

'Ridiculously hot in July' and busier peak-season crowds reduce comfort.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall noted as quieter and more solitary; pleasant season for visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring is open and suitable for activities, but limited season-specific details provided.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 6% in UT

Open year-round; winter offers solitude and excellent stargazing per reviews.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31 (year-round peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground opens annually on January 1 and closes on December 31. First-come-first-serve camping is available from June 21 to June 22, with reservable options starting June 22.

About Simpson Springs Campground

Step back in time at Simpson Springs Campground, where the echoes of thundering hooves still whisper across the desert wind. This authentic primitive camping destination sits alongside the legendary Pony Express National Historic Trail, offering 20 sites that blend solitude with history. Secure your spot at sites 1-10 through online reservations, or embrace spontaneity at sites 11-19, available on a first-come, first-served basis for those seeking last-minute adventure.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.
HikingThe campground provides access to hiking trails, though specific details about trail lengths and difficulty levels are not provided. Visitors have commented on the nearby historic Pony Express National Historic Trail as a significant hiking draw.
BikingMountain biking is listed as one of the recreational activities. However, detailed information about biking trails, such as terrain or distances, is not provided.
Wildlife viewingThe campground offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, including sightings of wild horses. A user mentioned, "There are wild horses all around," and another user added, "Sheep came close to our camp in the evening, and the herding dog came to visit up close."
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe campground is situated along the Pony Express National Historic Trail, providing a historical and educational experience related to this significant route.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as rattlesnakes and mountain lions have been observed ('Watch out for rattlesnakes!' - Heather Steck). Harsh weather and rugged terrain also pose risks ('The wind was horrible.' - C M).
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Simpson Springs Campground

Reviews

4.2
147 reviews
Satisfactory
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted, but specific reviews about pet-related experiences are limited.
Based on 147 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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