Utah / Salt Lake County / Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Spruces - Big Cottonwood

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates seasonally, typically from late spring through fall. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Spruces Campground sits in scenic Big Cottonwood Canyon at 7,500 feet elevation, offering the most modern camping facilities on the Salt Lake Ranger District. All roads, parking areas, and campsites are paved, with concrete or paved walkways throughout. The campground features 81 single sites, 9 double sites, 2 triple sites, multiple group overnight sites, and day-use picnic areas. All sites include picnic tables, campfire rings, and grills. The campground is nestled among shady spruce and aspen trees, with vivid summer wildflowers and spectacular autumn foliage. Recreational opportunities abound, including hiking on nearby trails like the Donut Falls Trail, mountain biking, fly-fishing on Big Cottonwood Creek, and rock climbing. Solitude Mountain Resort is 3 miles up-canyon, and Silver Lake offers additional fishing and canoeing opportunities. As part of the Salt Lake City Watershed, special regulations are strictly enforced: no pets or livestock are allowed, and wading or swimming in water sources is prohibited. The campground provides flush toilets and drinking water, along with recreational amenities including a baseball field, volleyball court, and horseshoe pits. Gates open at 7am and close at 10pm, with quiet hours from 10pm to 6am. There is a 7-day stay limit, with a 2-night minimum on weekends and 3-night minimum on holiday weekends.

Directions

From I-215, take the 6200 South exit and travel a mile east to Wasatch Blvd. Take Wasatch Blvd a mile south to junction with Big Cottonwood Canyon/Highway 190. Make a left at the junction and travel up Big Cottonwood Canyon 9.7 miles to the campground.

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