Great Salt Lake State Park
00 review1075 S 13312 W, Magna, Utah, 84044, United States
Great Salt Lake State Park
$20.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$35.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsites cost $35 per night, as mentioned in multiple user reviews. Dry camping costs $20 according to a review by Karen Castle. Access to showers requires an additional payment. A park entry fee of $5 is required for day use.
About this campground
Perched on the shores of America's inland sea, Great Salt Lake State Park Campground offers an intimate camping experience where the desert meets the water. This peaceful retreat combines modern conveniences with otherworldly landscapes, featuring a full-service marina, hot showers, electrical hookups, and a convenient dump station. Wake to stunning sunrises over the shimmering salt waters and spend your days exploring one of the West's most unique natural wonders.
The campground is small with only five sites available, offering options for RVs, tents, and dry camping.
Historical SignificanceCamp where ancient waters once stretched beyond the horizon. The Great Salt Lake stands as a magnificent remnant of Lake Bonneville, a vast prehistoric inland sea that once covered an astounding 20,000 square miles during the last Ice Age. Today's lake preserves this geological legacy, offering visitors a chance to connect with deep time while experiencing one of North America's most fascinating natural phenomena.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic moods of the high desert climate, where winter brings crisp days hovering in the 30s and star-filled nights dipping into the 20s. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise with temperatures climbing into the balmy 80s and 90s. Be prepared for the lake's legendary winds that sweep across the open water, bringing fresh air and occasional insect visitors during warmer months – a small price for accessing this extraordinary ecosystem.
ElevationSituated at the edge of the Great Basin, the campground rests at the lake's natural shoreline elevation, where the high desert plateau meets the saline waters.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth, where endless salt water mirrors the sky and creates breathtaking vistas that stretch to distant mountain ranges. The campground's prime location on the southern shore provides front-row seats to nature's grand theater. Watch clouds of migrating birds feast on billions of tiny brine shrimp, witness spectacular sunsets paint the water in shades of pink and gold, and experience the surreal beauty of this saline wonderland.
Geological RegionSet within the Great Basin's most iconic feature, the campground occupies the southern shores of the Great Salt Lake – a geological marvel born from the ancient Lake Bonneville. This prehistoric inland ocean once covered 20,000 square miles during the Ice Age, leaving behind today's concentrated salt lake and the surrounding basin's distinctive terraces and shorelines. The unique geology creates an ecosystem found nowhere else, where salt-loving organisms thrive in waters saltier than the ocean.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed, but the small size and proximity to the visitor center may contribute to ease of access.
Sites SizeSites are described as small and compact, with only five available in close proximity to each other.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites offer very little privacy, as they are 'right on top of each other,' according to user reviews.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are closely spaced, and RV campers are likely to enjoy the campground more than tent campers due to the wind and noise. Heather Morris mentions the campground is ideal for families.
Best CampsitesNot specified.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
After 3:00 PM (based on gate closure policies and general campground norms).
Check-out
Before 12:00 PM (not specifically stated but assumed based on general norms).
Stay Limit
No information found about stay limits.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Heather Morris indicates affordability for families, suggesting an allowance of up to 8 guests per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has only 5 campsites, closely spaced near the marina. Sites include water and electricity hookups.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground claims to be open year-round but has inconsistent closures during the winter months, as noted by Andrew Palmer and Cormac Sookram.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the state website.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not specified, but reservations are recommended due to limited campsites (5 total).
Cancellation PolicySome user reviews complain about the campground being bookable online during closures, leading to confusion. No specific refund policies or deadlines are provided.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
The Great Salt Lake State Park offers a range of recreational activities, including swimming, boating, kayaking, birdwatching, and walking along the beach. Scenic views of the lake and harbor are highlights of the park experience.
Swimming
Swimming is available along the beach area, but the water quality and the presence of brine flies and mosquitoes may detract from the experience.Boating
Boating is facilitated by the availability of a marina and a public boat ramp for lake access.Wildlife viewing
The park's location provides opportunities for birdwatching and observing other lake wildlife species.Beach activities
Beach-related activities include walking and enjoying the lakeside scenery; however, the beach area is noted to have sand fleas and brine flies.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking are recommended by the park description and user reviews, making it an appealing destination for paddling enthusiasts.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire use may be restricted due to wind. Detailed policies are not available.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsCommon hazards include strong wind gusts, mosquito and brine fly infestations, and proximity to the Interstate, which generates noise pollution.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely located in Salt Lake City, about 16 miles away, including hospitals and police stations. No specific emergency service facilities are mentioned within the campground.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling information is not explicitly provided; user reviews suggest the area appears clean but lacks detailed information on trash facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to the Great Salt Lake, offering direct access to the marina and views of the lake.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include road noise from Interstate 80, inconsistency in campground opening during winter, bugs, and bright overnight lights affecting stargazing.
HostOne review notes that one of the five campsites is occupied by the camp host, but no further details are provided.
Campground Map
1075 S 13312 W, Magna, Utah, 84044, United States
Driving directionsGreat Salt Lake State Park is located just off Exit 104 on Interstate 80.
The campground is easily accessible from Interstate 80 via Exit 104, providing a direct and convenient route. However, some reviews mention that the proximity to Interstate 80 results in road noise being audible throughout the night.Nearby places
Salt Lake City (approximately 16 miles, 20 minutes), Tooele (approximately 24 miles, 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Salt Lake City offers the nearest supplies for groceries, camping gear, and fuel, located about 16 miles from the campground. Additional supplies may be available in nearby Magna.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Great Salt Lake State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of the Great Salt Lake State Park campground are highly mixed. Positive sentiments focus on the beautiful lake views, affordability, and proximity to Salt Lake City. Negative feedback centers on the lack of privacy, road noise, wind, insects, and strong marina smells.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Beautiful views of the Great Salt Lake, affordable pricing, clean and well-maintained facilities, proximity to Salt Lake City and the airport, and peaceful atmosphere due to the small campground size.
Common Concerns
Complaints include lack of privacy, road noise from Interstate 80, strong odors from the marina, issues with wind making outdoor activities difficult, the presence of sand fleas and mosquitoes,...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing bug spray due to sand fleas and mosquitoes, checking in before the gates close at 5:00 PM, and reaching out to the visitor center for after-hours instructions. Campers with...
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Seasonal Insights
The warm weather months are popular for visitors due to accessibility and activities like swimming and kayaking. However, strong winds and bugs can impact enjoyment during these times. Winter camping...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'This place is all about the view.' - Randy Caputo. 2. 'Super affordable for a family of 8 to enjoy a wonderful time playing in the gorgeous salt lake!' - Heather Morris. 3. 'Conflicted about this...
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Site-Specific Reviews
The campground has five total sites, with a focus on RV accommodations. No specific site numbers were favorably or unfavorably mentioned to distinguish the best and worst spots.
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressed accessibility features.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground. Some users mention bringing their dogs but no further details on pet-related facilities were provided.
Last updated August 10, 2025