How much does camping cost at Spruces - Big Cottonwood?

Camping fees at Spruces - Big Cottonwood range from $29.07-$326.81/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Spruces - Big Cottonwood first-come first-served or reservation?

Spruces - Big Cottonwood 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 Spruces - Big Cottonwood before I book?

Yes! Spruces - Big Cottonwood has 9 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 Spruces - Big Cottonwood?

Spruces - Big Cottonwood is open May 22 to September 27. 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 Spruces - Big Cottonwood?

Spruces - Big Cottonwood does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Spruces - Big Cottonwood?

Fire policies at Spruces - Big Cottonwood: Extra Vehicle - $10 per vehicle, per day (paid on-site cash/check) Firewood - $9. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Spruces - Big Cottonwood have?

Spruces - Big Cottonwood has 92 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Spruces - Big Cottonwood?

Pets are not allowed at Spruces - Big Cottonwood. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Spruces - Big Cottonwood?

Spruces - Big Cottonwood offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Spruces - Big Cottonwood?

Popular activities at Spruces - Big Cottonwood include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Spruces - Big Cottonwood

4.41

526 reviews

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

Top 18% in UTSummer

Great HikingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$29.07 - $326.81/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

92 campsites

Season

Season opens June 6,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV Friendly

Book on Utah Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$29.07 - $326.81/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

92 campsites

Season

Season opens June 6,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV Friendly

Book on Utah Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Spruces - Big Cottonwood

$29.07 - $326.81 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA - Small Group Day Use: $158.56; GROUP PICNIC AREA -Pavilion: $326.81; GROUP PICNIC AREA-Day Use 100ppl: $307.43; GROUP STANDARD...

Standard Site Fee$33.00

Premium Site Fee$119.00

Group Site Fee$251.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

SALT LAKE RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE 801-733-2660 OR UTAH RECREATION COMPANY 385-273-1100comments@AmericanLL.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Spruces - Big Cottonwood

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

Nearby places

Salt Lake City (approx. 20 minutes), Park City (approx. 25 minutes)

Weather at Spruces - Big Cottonwood

Current alerts(14)

Campground Etiquette and Rules Gates open at 7am, close at 10pm Quiet Hours are 10pm-6am No generators after 10pm Camping is allowed only within the designated space provided.
Click here for more info about the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest -For more info, call Salt Lake Ranger District at 801-733-2660 opt 3 or Utah Recreation at 385-273-1100 -Visit our website gocamputah.com or Facebook facebook.com/letsgocamputah To reserve a campsite call…
Dogs are NOT allowed (only service animals) and owner may be fined $650 This is a watershed area; -Visitors will be fined for bringing domestic pets or livestock into the area -Wading and playing in the water is not allowed
Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood within 10 miles of your destination and burning it on-site. For more information click here

Best Time to Camp at Spruces - Big Cottonwood

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Spruces — the campground is open (June 6–Sept 20) and high-elevation conditions are at their most stable, with daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s. Trails, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows are fully accessible, making hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing the primary draws; long daylight and generally dry weather maximize outdoor time. Expect busy holiday weekends and filled sites — reservations are wise; Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 18% in UT

Summer is busiest and best-reviewed; cool daytime temps and accessible trails/lakes make it peak season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens June 6, 2025, and closes September 20, 2025. Out-of-season closures apply.

About Spruces - Big Cottonwood

Spruces sits high in Big Cottonwood Canyon, 30 minutes from Salt Lake City, operated by Utah Recreation Company within Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This large alpine campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with flush toilets and potable water, serving as a base for hiking, fishing, biking, and climbing in the Wasatch Range. Visitors praise the scenic setting and wildlife, though some note road noise and inconsistent restroom maintenance.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Spruces — the campground is open (June 6–Sept 20) and high-elevation conditions are at their most stable, with daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s. Trails, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows are fully accessible, making hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing the primary draws; long daylight and generally dry weather maximize outdoor time. Expect busy holiday weekends and filled sites — reservations are wise; Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation7500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense spruce forests mix with aspen groves along Big Cottonwood Creek, which runs through the campground. Granite peaks rise on both sides of the canyon. Wildflowers bloom through summer meadows, and aspens turn gold in early fall. Moose and deer frequent the area. The upper section has thicker aspen cover, while the lower section opens up with more spacing between sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available, but glamping sites and yurts are provided for those seeking a more comfortable camping experience.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specifically mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 consecutive nights allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Single sites allow up to 8 guests
double sites allow 16 guests.

Groups

Group sites accommodate up to 50 or 100 people, depending on the site. They are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, suitable for large gatherings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at recreation.gov or via phone at 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground is designed with paved roads and concrete walkways, enhancing accessibility for visitors. However, specific details about ADA-compliant features were not mentioned.

Site SizeThe campground offers a range of site sizes, including single, double, and group sites. Many sites are spacious and can accommodate larger groups or vehicles. For example, site 77 could fit a 35-foot trailer and a truck, as noted by a reviewer.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary depending on the section of the campground. The upper portion offers more seclusion among dense aspen trees, while the lower section is more open and spacious.

Total Campsites92 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites like #45 for proximity to streams or group sites for larger gatherings.

Best CampsitesSite 77 fits a 35-foot trailer with room for a truck. Sites 43, 7, and 32 get mentioned for stream access and privacy. Upper loop sites offer more seclusion under aspens.

Need help booking Spruces - Big Cottonwood?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Spruces Campground offers a variety of amenities to cater to families and groups alike. Visitors will find picnic tables, campfire rings, and grills at each site. Drinking water is provided seasonally, and flush toilets are available, which are appreciated by many visitors. The campground also features recreational facilities such as a baseball field, volleyball court, and horseshoe pits. Firewood can be purchased directly from the host, and all walkways, parking areas, and roads within the campground are paved, ensuring ease of access. However, the campground lacks shower facilities, and there is no Wi-Fi available, as mentioned in both official sources and user reviews.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredLockers are provided for secure food storage to prevent bear encounters.

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).

Fire PolicyExtra Vehicle - $10 per vehicle, per day (paid on-site cash/check) Firewood - $9

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available on-site, with dumpsters provided for waste disposal. Campers are reminded to follow 'Leave No Trace' principles.

Cell CoverageUser reviews suggest that cell phone service is available within the campground. For instance, a reviewer mentioned, 'It was away from the city but still had great cell service.'

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

526 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 526 reviews.

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

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want high-elevation access to Wasatch trails and don't mind road noise or evening gate hours.

Skip if

You need quiet seclusion or 24-hour gate access for flexible schedules.

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Campgrounds

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Spruces - Big Cottonwood

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Spruces - Big Cottonwood sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Redman Campground set among a forest of shady spruce and pine trees is located in scenic Big Cottonwood Canyon at an elevation of 8,300 feet. Salt Lake City is conveniently close. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking and fishing.  Dogs, horses, and other domestic animals are prohibited in protected watersheds because their waste can end up in the drinking water, so pets are not allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon and Spruces campground. The campground contains two group sites and numerous single, double, and triple-family sites, all with picnic tables and campfire rings. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the host. Roads and parking spurs are dirt.

About the campground

The elevation is 7,400 ft. The campground is composed of two unnamed sections informally referred to as upper and lower. The lower section is comprised of a loop and spur and is smaller than the upper section. This section meanders through a denser stand of conifers and includes a babbling brook. The parking aprons are shorter in the lower section. The upper section has more open sites, longer parking aprons and mature Aspen. Some of the camping sites in the upper section are along Big Cottonwood Creek among some spruce and fir trees. A few of the sites have no grilles but all have fire rings. The sites in the upper section are well spaced and along with a pleasantly thick understory and middlestory, privacy between sites is excellent. Wasatch National Forest 627 The tables and fire rings are anchored in an asphalt apron and not all sites have tent pads. The campground is adjacent to State Rt. 190, traffic noise from which can be distracting. Mountain biking is available at the nearby Solitude and Brighton ski resorts. A "resident" moose might be seen keeping an eye on the campers. A ballfield, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, fishing and hiking make this an ideal campground for families. NOTE: Except for seeing-eye and companion (licensed) dogs, dogs are not permitted in the campground.

Seasons & access

Open May 1 through October 31

RV information

The parking aprons are paved.

Directions

In Salt Lake City, UT, at the intersection of State Rt. 210 (Wasatch Blvd.) and State Rt. 190 (Big Cottonwood Cyn), take Rt. 190 east 10 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.

National Forest: Wasatch National Forest
Ranger District: Salt Lake
Elevation: 7400
Rate: $26 per day - single $53 per day - double $80 per day - triple
Maximum Stay: 7