Utah / Tooele County

Simpson Springs Campground

Open — Open year-round. Water is shut off for the winter season; bring all necessary water including drinking water. Construction on a new group site with shade structure was anticipated to be completed in December 2024.

About

Simpson Springs Campground is situated on the eastern edge of Utah's West Desert near the historic Simpson Springs station on the Pony Express National Historic Trail. The campground features 20 accessible campsites designed to accommodate RVs and tent campers, with many sites offering pull-through parking on compacted gravel surfaces wide enough for vehicles equipped with side lifts and ramps. The area has significant historical importance as the site of a 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. A reconstructed Pony Express station replica and interpretive displays allow visitors to explore this rich history. The campground is located approximately 12 miles south of Dugway on the Pony Express Road, a scenic backcountry byway. The remote desert location provides opportunities for OHV riding, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The campground is situated on a hill with the road slope exceeding 5 degrees in some areas. Large rocks have been placed across the road in the southern portion to prevent washouts. Visitors should be prepared for remote desert conditions and bring adequate supplies, as the nearest services are in Tooele, approximately 65 miles away.

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. The campground is approximately 12 miles south of Dugway, Utah, on the Pony Express Road.

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