Simpson Springs Campground

Open — Open year-round. Water is shut off for winter; campers must bring all water needed including drinking water. Sites 1-10 are reservable online through Recreation.gov; sites 11-19 are first-come, first-served.

About

Simpson Springs Campground is located on the eastern edge of Utah's West Desert near the historic Simpson Springs station on the Pony Express National Historic Trail. The area was the site of a significant Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the late 1930s and early 1940s, just prior to the establishment of the US Army Dugway Proving Grounds during World War II. The campground features 20 campsites with accessibility features, many with pull-through parking spots made of compacted gravel wide enough to accommodate vehicles with side lifts and ramps. Each campsite includes a cement picnic table with fixed benches and accessible fire rings that are 18 inches tall and 48 inches in diameter. Some sites have flat gravel tent pads bordered by railroad ties. The campground has 4 accessible vault restrooms dispersed throughout the area. Sites 1-10 are reservable online through Recreation.gov, while sites 11-19 remain available first-come, first-served. Potable water is available from 5 hydrants dispersed throughout the campground from approximately March through November, but is shut off during winter months. The campground offers access to hiking, OHV riding, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Across the road, visitors can explore interpretive exhibits about the CCC camp and a replica of the Pony Express station. The campground is located along the scenic Pony Express Backcountry Byway, approximately 25 miles west of Highway 36 on maintained gravel road.

Directions

From 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 on maintained gravel road. The campground is approximately 12 miles south of Dugway, Utah.

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