Simpson Springs Campground
4.3235 reviewsNone
Simpson Springs Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual campsite fees are $15 per night, payable in cash or check. The campground operates on a hybrid system with some sites available for...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$15.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(801) 977-4300
About this campground
Journey back in time at Simpson Springs Campground, where the legendary Pony Express riders once thundered across the desert. This historic high-desert retreat offers 20 thoughtfully positioned campsites, with sites 1-11 available for reservation and 12-19 welcoming adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire pit, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. Modern vault toilets and seasonal potable water (March through November) ensure comfort during your stay. The campground welcomes both RV enthusiasts and tent campers year-round, accommodating rigs up to 30 feet in length. Mature desert vegetation provides pockets of welcome shade throughout the grounds.
Simpson Springs Campground offers both reservable and first-come, first-served campsites. It accommodates tent and RV campers but does not provide group camping or luxury camping options.
Historical SignificanceStep into the pages of American history at Simpson Springs, where the thunder of hoofbeats once announced the arrival of Pony Express riders racing against time. This authentic station site along the legendary mail route offers visitors a tangible connection to the brave riders who linked East and West in the 1860s. Interpretive displays bring the past to life, sharing tales of determination and adventure that defined the American frontier. Explore the carefully preserved remnants of the original station and imagine the excitement as fresh horses were saddled for the next leg of the journey. The campground serves as your base camp for discovering additional historic sites along the trail, each with its own story of courage and perseverance.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of high desert weather at Simpson Springs, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Spring and fall offer ideal camping conditions with comfortable daytime temperatures, though autumn nights can drop dramatically, creating perfect campfire weather. Summer brings intense desert heat that makes early morning and evening adventures most enjoyable. The reliable desert winds provide natural air conditioning but remind campers to secure their gear. From March through November, fresh potable water flows at the campground, while winter visitors should come prepared with their own water supply for a true frontier experience.
ElevationPerched at 5,100 feet in Utah's high desert, Simpson Springs Campground offers a unique mountain-desert experience where thin air meets wide-open spaces. This elevation creates a fascinating microclimate where warm desert days give way to refreshingly cool nights, often dropping 30 degrees or more after sunset. The altitude enhances your view of the night sky, making stargazing spectacular, while the crisp air carries the subtle fragrances of sage and juniper across the landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape sculpted by ancient volcanic forces at Simpson Springs, where weathered tuff formations create a dramatic backdrop for your camping adventure. The high desert stretches endlessly in every direction, painted in subtle hues of sage green, dusty gold, and volcanic gray. Keep your camera ready for encounters with the area's most famous residents - the wild horses that roam freely across this untamed landscape, their manes flowing in the perpetual desert breeze. While rare, the elusive mountain lion also calls this wilderness home, adding an element of wild authenticity to the experience. Desert wildflowers burst into color after spring rains, while ancient junipers stand as gnarled sentinels, their twisted forms telling stories of centuries past.
Geological RegionSimpson Springs Campground sits within a remarkable geological wonderland where ancient volcanic activity meets classic high desert terrain. At 5,100 feet elevation along the historic Pony Express Trail, the landscape reveals layers of Earth's violent past through distinctive volcanic tuff formations - compressed ash from eruptions millions of years ago. These pale, sculpted rock formations contrast beautifully with the sprawling sagebrush steppe that dominates the region. The open desert vistas stretch to distant mountain ranges, creating a sense of infinite space that defines the Great Basin. Wild horses roam this timeless landscape, their presence a living reminder of the Old West, galloping across the same ground where Pony Express riders once made history.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeCampground sites can accommodate equipment up to 30 feet in size.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy level varies. Some reviews highlight that first-come, first-served sites are more private, while others note close proximity between sites.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring sturdy tent stakes for hard gravel, plenty of water, and firewood. Ideal sites for privacy are in the unreserved section.
Best CampsitesSite #1 is highly recommended for its shade and proximity to large trees. A user noted, 'Really recommend reserving site #1. Only large trees in the area are around #1 with a little coverage for site #2.'
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified
Check-out
Not specified
Stay Limit
14 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
8persons per site
Groups
Group camping is not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are divided into reservable (sites 1-11) and first-come, first-served (sites 12-19). The layout includes partial shade at most sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov (for sites 1-11)
Walk-in AvailabilitySites 12-19 are first-come, first-served. User reviews suggest early arrival, as spots fill quickly during peak times. One user noted, 'We left Salt Lake City at 5:30 and got the last first-come, first-served spot.'
Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-served sites require on-site payment, and no refunds or modifications are allowed. For reservable sites, cancellations may incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees if canceled within the late window.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Simpson Springs Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. Its location on the historic Pony Express Trail adds cultural and historical significance. Visitors often mention the presence of wild horses and opportunities for geode hunting as highlights.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include nearby trails and exploring the historical Pony Express Trail. Benjamin Porter mentions the proximity to historic sites and trails.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a major highlight, with several reviewers mentioning encounters with wild horses. "We even heard a mountain lion," wrote Hannah Morgan, while others noted wildlife such as rattlesnakes.Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground is located on the historic Pony Express Trail, providing a cultural and historical experience. Jeff Christensen describes it as an "awesome site from the Pony Express days of the old west."Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but the campground is open year-round, and some visitors like Michael Christian Een appreciated the views and horses in November.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits. Campers must bring their own firewood, as none is provided.
- Quiet hours are Not specified
Hazards
General hazardsRattlesnakes and occasionally reported sightings of mountain lions in the area. High winds are common during certain times of the year.
Active alertsNone noted after the 2021 construction closure, but users are advised to check for updates before visiting.
Weather forecast
45
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services would likely be located in Dugway or Eagle Mountain, both around 10-15 miles from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch to November (potable water available)
Trash and recyclingNo details about dedicated trash or recycling facilities are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresNo significant water bodies nearby, but potable water is available within the campground during March to November.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints involve site reservation issues, with double-booking or unauthorized site use due to the lack of a campground host or patrol. Flies and hard gravel for tent setups were also mentioned.
HostNo on-site host is available. Several reviews mention the lack of patrolling or assistance at the campground.
Campground Map
None
Driving directionsFrom State Route 36 near Faust, turn west on the Pony Express Road and drive 25 miles to campground on maintained gravel road. From Interstate 80, take Dugway-Rowley Exit 77, drive south on State Route 196 to Dugway, continue south 10 miles on maintained dirt road to Pony Express Road, turn left or west onto Pony Express Road for 10 miles to campground.
Road access to Simpson Springs Campground involves a mix of gravel and dirt roads. User reviews indicate that while the gravel road leading there is maintained, it can be rough and poorly maintained in sections, with dips and gouges requiring careful driving. A sedan can make the trip, but it is recommended to drive cautiously. One user stated, 'Getting to the campsite takes you along a gravel road with a few dips and gouges in it. I did this drive in a sedan...not the ideal vehicle but it's doable.'Nearby places
Dugway (Approx. 10 miles south), Eagle Mountain (Approx. 15 miles), Salt Lake City (Approx. 2 hours drive)
Nearby supplies
Grocery, fuel, and camping supplies can be sourced in Dugway (10 miles south) or Eagle Mountain (15 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.3
35 reviews
Simpson Springs Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users frequently praise the campground for its stunning views, tranquility, and access to historical and natural features. Concerns include issues with reservations and lack of staff presence.
Review Summaries
Based on 35 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets, potable water availability, peaceful and scenic environment, wildlife sightings, starry night skies, and historical significance.
Based on 35 reviewsCommon Concerns
Reservation issues, lack of enforcement leading to occupied reserved sites, no camp host, no cell service, gravel or rocky tent areas, and occasional overcrowding.
Based on 35 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring cash or checks for the $15 fee, arrive early to secure first-come, first-served sites, carry proof of reservation, and bring sturdy tent stakes and a hammer for rocky ground. Firewood should be...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are preferred for comfortable temperatures and wildlife sightings. Summer is noted to be extremely hot, as observed by Melissa Burrup, while fall visitors like Parker enjoy cooler...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "The bathrooms were very clean and fully stocked, and they had water you can get from spigots." - Hannah Morgan
2. "Night is very beautiful with lots of stars blanketing the sky." - Sal...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #1 is highly recommended for its shade and spaciousness, as noted by Chad Schilleman. First-come, first-served sites are described as more private by Steve Chisham.
Based on 35 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 35 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically discuss pets or pet policies.
Based on 35 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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