Simpson Springs Campground
Open year-round. Potable water is available seasonally but shut off during winter months. Sites 1-10 are reservable via Recreation.gov; sites 11-19 are first-come, first-served. No campground host on site.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 8 at 3:13PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
ESFSLC The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel will merge with a fall-like storm system over the western United States, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall and a resulting threat of flooding. Widespread rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is expected, locally in excess of 3 inches, particularly across south aspects of southern Utah mountains, between late Saturday and Monday morning. Expect many area waterways including streams, rivers, normally dry washes, creeks, and slot canyons to have rising, fast flows by Sunday evening. Current forecasts do not bring any rivers to flood stage, but this will be monitored as the fine details of heavy rain bands become more confident. Those with activities near rivers, streams, creeks and recent burn scars should closely monitor the forecast over the next several days. Those with outdoor plans Sunday onward that include any travel near waterways across Utah should consider alternate plans. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will remain possible through at least Wednesday. While the rainfall rates with these additional rounds of precipitation will generally be lower, areas that receive significant precipitation during the weekend will be extra sensitive to any additional rainfall.
About
Simpson Springs Campground occupies a historic location on the Pony Express National Historic Trail in Tooele County, Utah. The site served as a significant Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the late 1930s and early 1940s, predating the establishment of the nearby US Army Dugway Proving Grounds. Today it offers a remote desert camping experience with access to OHV riding, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing along the scenic Pony Express backcountry byway. The campground features 20 campsites designed with accessibility in mind, including pull-through gravel parking suitable for side lifts and ramps, wheelchair-accessible water hydrants, elevated fire rings, and cement picnic tables on hard-packed ground. Three accessible vault restrooms serve the area, with a fourth added in late 2024 along with a new group camping area. Potable water is available seasonally but shut off during winter months. Sites 1-10 can be reserved through Recreation.gov, while sites 11-19 are available first-come, first-served with on-site payment. The campground operates year-round at $15 per night. There is no campground host on site, and visitors should be prepared for primitive conditions in a remote desert environment.
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.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| blm_ut_sl_mail@blm.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (801) 320-8300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| BLM Simpson Springs Campground |
Availability
Photos
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