Campsite evenings
Folding Camping Chair · Adult
For an outdoor sitting area at camp; check packed size against your vehicle storage.
RV & camping guide
Salt Lake City by RV
17 min from SLCCamping score 7/10Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- SLC
- Airport drive
- 17 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 2–4 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- AWD is strongly recommended for canyon travel from November to May; check rental agency tire ratings.
Book in this order
Your route
SLC
Salt Lake City International Airport
Salt Lake City
About 17 min · 8 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Vehicle & road notes
Which vehicle
AWD is strongly recommended for canyon travel from November to May; check rental agency tire ratings.
parking
Canyon Capacity
Trailheads in Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons often fill by 7:30 AM on summer weekends. Utilize the UTA ski bus during winter to mitigate parking shortages and traffic restrictions.
signal
Canyon Dead Zones
Expect total loss of cellular signal in the upper reaches of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Always notify someone of your itinerary before entering the mountain canyons.
fuel
Gateway Supplies
Fill tanks in Sandy or Midvale before heading up the Cottonwood Canyons, as there are no fuel stations within the canyon walls. Fuel is also unavailable on Antelope Island beyond the entrance.
Campground reservations
Canyon Transportation and Island Access Procedures
Entry to Antelope Island State Park requires a daily vehicle fee paid at the causeway. During winter months, parking at popular Wasatch ski resorts and trailheads in Little Cottonwood Canyon may require advanced reservations or specific carpool permits. Check the official UDOT and Utah State Parks websites for changing seasonal requirements.
Official source2 · Choose a motorhome or campervan
Fleet rentals from established depots. Compare pick-up cities against your flight.
Prefer a car and campground trip?
- ✓ Compare suppliers at SLC
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at SLC
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at SLC
- ✓ Compare suppliers at SLC
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at SLC
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at SLC3 · Where to park the rig near Salt Lake City
Private campgrounds and RV parks outside the park, plus overnight stops for members.
RV parks near Salt Lake City on RoverPass
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Check campground availability
Campsites near Salt Lake City on Campspot
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Check campground availabilityTraveling by RV near Salt Lake City?
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
Harvest Hosts membership: 5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
Your route
Day 1 · High Altitude Alpine Lakes
Big Cottonwood Canyon → Red Butte Garden
Day 2 · Island Vistas and Saline Shores
Antelope Island State Park → Ensign Peak
Day 3 · Temple Grounds and Olympic History
Temple Square → Utah Olympic Park
Viator
Tours & experiences near Salt Lake City
Explore guided activities around Salt Lake City. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Salt Lake City
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Wildlife & night viewing
OWLER1 Night Vision Binoculars
20X optical zoom · 500m IR range. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$294.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
Can I take an RV to Salt Lake City?
Yes, Salt Lake City is a good fit for camping trips. Check vehicle length limits on park roads and campgrounds before you book, and plan fuel stops on remote stretches.
Where do I pick up an RV for Salt Lake City?
The nearest airport is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), about 17 min away by car. Rental depots are usually in larger cities, so compare pick-up points before booking flights.
Do campgrounds near Salt Lake City need reservations?
Entry to Antelope Island State Park requires a daily vehicle fee paid at the causeway. During winter months, parking at popular Wasatch ski resorts and trailheads in Little Cottonwood Canyon may require advanced reservations or specific carpool permits. Check the official UDOT and Utah State Parks websites for changing seasonal requirements.