Spruces - Big Cottonwood

Star4.42
526 reviews
Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT, 84121

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$10 - $371/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

92 campsites

Season

Season opens June 6,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV Friendly

Opens Utah Recreation Company 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
Spruces - Big Cottonwood
$10.00 - $371.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $10 for day-use parking to $371 for group sites with pavilions and cabins. Firewood is available for $9 onsite.
Standard Site Fee$33.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$119.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$251.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 526 reviews

488 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanrestroomshiking

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, spacious sites, and range of amenities as major positives. However, there are mixed opinions on customer service and maintenance."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT, 84121

Spruces - Big Cottonwood

Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT, 84121

Driving directionsFrom I-215, take the 6200 South exit and travel a mile east to Wasatch Blvd. Take Wasatch Blvd a mile south to junction with Big Cottonwood Canyon/Highway 190. Make a left at the junction and travel up Big Cottonwood Canyon 9.7 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads that are well-maintained. However, the gate is locked from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, restricting access during those hours.
Nearby places
Salt Lake City (approx. 20 minutes), Park City (approx. 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies like firewood ($9) are available onsite. Major shopping outlets and groceries can be found in Salt Lake City, approximately 20 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Spruces - Big Cottonwood

Perched at 7,500 feet, Spruces Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer heat, where cool mountain breezes whisper through the trees even on the warmest days. When winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a snow-lover's paradise, with pristine powder blanketing the grounds and creating endless opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter camping beneath star-filled skies.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (June 6–Sept 20); busiest and most highly reviewed season for hikes and cool temps.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspen color and cooler weather make fall appealing, though season ends Sept 20.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Opens June 6; spring access limited by snow and closure period.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; out-of-season access/overnight camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 6, 2025 - September 20, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season opens June 6, 2025, and closes September 20, 2025. Out-of-season closures apply.
  • Current Alerts: Flooding and snow-related closures affect accessibility during certain seasons.

About Spruces - Big Cottonwood

Nestled deep within the forest, Spruces Campground welcomes adventurers with its diverse accommodation options, from intimate single sites perfect for solo travelers to spacious double sites for families and dedicated group areas for larger gatherings. This mountain retreat pampers campers with modern conveniences including flush toilets and fresh drinking water, while each site comes complete with its own picnic table and fire ring, creating the perfect blend of comfort and authentic outdoor living.
Spruces Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Additionally, glamping sites and yurts offer more comfortable options.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights allowed.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

A wide range of recreational activities is available, making Spruces Campground a versatile destination. Popular activities include hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Additionally, the campground's proximity to trails like the Donut Falls Trail adds to its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
HikingHiking is one of the most popular activities, with nearby trails such as the Donut Falls Trail offering scenic routes suitable for families and casual hikers. Other trails provide access to more challenging terrain for experienced adventurers.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFly-fishing is a favored activity on Big Cottonwood Creek, which runs near the campground. Reviewers noted the serene setting as a highlight for fishing enthusiasts.
BikingMountain biking is a popular activity, with trails in the surrounding Big Cottonwood Canyon catering to varying skill levels. Some trails are shared with hikers.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with several reviewers noting sightings of moose, deer, and other animals. For example, one user stated, 'A moose was up and down through our campsite (#7) all morning!'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country; improper food storage can result in fines up to $5,000. Streams are off-limits for wading and cleaning.
Active AlertsFlooding and snow-related closures affect accessibility during certain seasons.
Food Storage RequiredLockers are provided for secure food storage to prevent bear encounters.

Weather at Spruces - Big Cottonwood

Reviews

4.4
526 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Spruces - Big Cottonwood is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, spacious sites, and range of amenities as major positives. However, there are mixed opinions on customer service and maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 526 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the scenic setting, clean restrooms, and abundant wildlife. Many appreciate the proximity to hiking trails and the peaceful environment.
Based on 526 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes inconsistent camp host behavior, maintenance issues like broken grills and non-functional sinks, and high fees relative to perceived upkeep.
Based on 526 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure first-come-first-serve sites. Group sites are recommended for weddings or large gatherings. Bring bug spray to combat biting flies, which can be a nuisance.
Based on 526 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest and most highly reviewed season, with visitors enjoying the cooler canyon temperatures. Winter activities, such as snowshoeing, are also popular. However, maintenance issues...
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Based on 526 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground is beautiful and well-maintained, with clean bathrooms and sufficient spacing between sites.' 2. 'The flies were such a nuisance, we had to leave early.' 3. 'The glamping site was...
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Based on 526 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #77: Accommodates a 35-foot trailer and truck. Site #7: Frequent moose sightings. Site #62: Lacked shade and was spread out, with missing grills.
Based on 526 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is enhanced by paved roads and walkways, though no specific ADA features are mentioned in reviews.
Based on 526 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed due to the campground's location within a watershed area. This policy is strictly enforced.
Based on 526 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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Spruces - Big Cottonwood