Boy Scout
4.5524 reviewsSouth Willow Canyon, Dugway, UT, 84022
Boy Scout
$22.00 - $69.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$69.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees include: $22 for single sites (capacity: 8 people, 1 vehicle), $38 for double sites (capacity: 16 people, 2 vehicles), $69 for group sites (capacity: 35 people, 4 vehicles). Day use is $15 and extra vehicle fee is $10 per vehicle per night. Firewood costs $9 and must be paid onsite (cash or check).
About this campground
Tucked away in the rugged beauty of South Willow Canyon, Boy Scout Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This primitive campground serves as your gateway to pristine hiking trails, crystal-clear fishing waters, and nights under star-studded skies. Here, the desert canyon's raw beauty meets the comforts of a secluded camping retreat, where the only sounds you'll hear are the whisper of wind through ancient junipers and the gentle babble of Willow Creek.
Boy Scout Campground caters to primitive camping, tent camping, and group camping, with options for single-family, double, and group sites. Users highlight the basic nature of the campground, emphasizing its secluded and scenic surroundings.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts that paint this high desert landscape in ever-changing hues. Winter brings a magical transformation as light snow dusts the canyon walls, creating a serene wonderland for the hardy few who venture here. As spring emerges, the canyon awakens with wildflowers and flowing water. Summer arrives with warm, dry days perfect for exploration and cool, comfortable nights that invite deep sleep under the stars. The moderate temperatures and low humidity create ideal camping conditions from late spring through early fall.
ElevationPerched at 6,320 feet above sea level, this high-altitude haven offers a refreshing escape from the desert floor below. The elevation brings crisp, clean air and noticeably cooler temperatures that provide natural air conditioning during summer months. Visitors should prepare for the thin mountain air and remember that the sun's rays are more intense at this altitude, making sun protection essential even on cloudy days. The elevation also treats campers to spectacular views and a closer connection to the night sky.
Natural Features and ScenerySouth Willow Canyon reveals itself as a hidden oasis where desert meets mountain forest. Ancient oaks spread their gnarled branches overhead while vibrant maples paint the canyon in fiery colors each fall. Stoic junipers stand sentinel among the rocks, their twisted forms telling stories of centuries past. The star of this natural theater is Willow Creek, which dances through the campground, creating pools where native trout dart through dappled sunlight. This remarkable convergence of water and desert creates a rare ecosystem where shade-dappled campsites nestle beneath a verdant canopy.
Geological RegionSouth Willow Canyon stands as a testament to nature's patient artistry, where millennia of water and wind have carved a dramatic gorge through ancient rock formations. This remote desert canyon defies expectations with its lush ribbon of oak, maple, and juniper forest that thrives along the life-giving waters of Willow Creek. The canyon walls rise dramatically around you, creating an intimate natural amphitheater that shelters visitors from the outside world while showcasing the raw geological beauty of this unique landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details are not explicitly provided in official sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of five single-family sites, one double site, and one group site. Single-family sites accommodate up to 8 people and one vehicle, while the double site fits 16 people and two vehicles. The group site allows up to 35 people and four vehicles.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site; some sites like campsite 3 are noted for their seclusion ('Fairly private too'), while others are closer to group sites, reducing privacy ('Two group sites (7 & 8) are right on top of each other').
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #4 can fit a large group with multiple tents and vehicles. Sites #7 and #8 are ideal for groups, as they are next to each other with shared parking.
Best CampsitesSite #3 is frequently praised for privacy, creek access, proximity to bathrooms, and scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12 PM
Check-out
12 PM the following day
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit not explicitly mentioned in authoritative materials.
Guests Allowed Per Site
8for single sites, 16 for double sites, 35 for group sites.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 35 people and four vehicles. User reviews indicate that the group sites (7 and 8) are close together, potentially reducing privacy ('Two group sites (7 & 8) are right on top of each other').
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 5 single sites, 1 double site, and 1 group site. Sites #7 and #8 are next to each other and share parking.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16 to September 1 (reservable dates). First-come, first-served sites available until September 27.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability begins on September 2 and runs until September 27. Limited availability for walk-ups.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 fee applies for changes or cancellations. Late cancellations for individual campsites forfeit the first night's fee in addition to the $10 cancellation fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Boy Scout Campground offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and climbing. Official sources mention the Stansbury Front Trail and Medina Flat Trail for hiking, as well as trout fishing in Willow Creek. User reviews emphasize the scenic hikes ('There is a hike you can do from the campsite, that goes all the way up is difficult level') and proximity to the stream ('Access to the river from our site'). Reviews also highlight wildlife encounters, including snakes and other fauna.
Hiking
The campground is near two trails, Stansbury Front Trail and Medina Flat Trail, which offer access to the Deseret Peak Wilderness. User reviews describe the trails as steep and challenging ('Hiked one mile up... it’s steep.') and suitable for outdoor enthusiasts.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Fishing
Willow Creek offers opportunities for trout fishing, specifically rainbow and brown trout. User reviews note the stream's proximity to campsites, which enhances fishing convenience.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is an attraction in the area, with official sources describing the South Willow Canyon Road as a spot noted for fantastic wildlife. User reviews mention encounters with snakes and other wildlife.Winter Activities
Official sources do not provide explicit information about winter activities. However, snow is mentioned as usually present on the upper trails from November to mid-June.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are noted.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential bear encounters; campers must store food securely. Seasonal thunderstorms may occur.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Nearest Sani-dump is in Tooele. Grantsville is the closest city for limited emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 to September 1.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is not provided; campers must pack out all their trash according to official guidelines.
Proximity to water featuresWillow Creek flows through the campground, offering trout fishing and recreational access.
Common complaintsDirty restrooms (according to one review), uneven campsites, and limited accessibility for trailers.
HostHosts are described as helpful and diligent. "Camp host Wade was amazing" and "Margaret was absolutely wonderful to work with."
Campground Map
South Willow Canyon, Dugway, UT, 84022
Driving directionsFrom Salt Lake City, head west on I-80 for 36 miles. Take the Stansbury-Tooele/Route 35 exit and travel south 3 miles to Route 138 West. Follow it 10 miles to Grantsville. Go through Grantsville to Cooley Street and turn south; go 5 miles to the South Willow Canyon turnoff. Boy Scout Campground is located 1.7 miles from the forest boundary.
The road is mostly paved but becomes gravel at the National Forest boundary. It winds through some very interesting narrows, but any vehicle should be able to make it. However, the road is pitted with chuckholes and is not recommended for trailer use.Nearby places
Grantsville (approx. 10 miles), Tooele (approx. 20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Grantsville offers limited supplies. Campers are advised to bring all water and essentials, as there is no water system at the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.6
24 reviews
Boy Scout is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Boy Scout Campground reflect mixed sentiments. Positive feedback highlights the scenic environment, access to the creek, and clean facilities ('Bathrooms cleaned daily'). Negative comments focus on limited privacy at group sites and occasional dirty restrooms ('Bathrooms were incredibly dirty').
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews
What Campers Love
Scenic environment, proximity to the creek, clean vault toilets (in some cases), and helpful camp hosts ('Camp host was very clean & friendly').
Based on 24 reviewsCommon Concerns
Limited privacy at group sites, occasional dirty restrooms ('Bathrooms were incredibly dirty'), and issues with cell phone service.
Based on 24 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring all water needed for your stay, pack out trash, and verify site features in advance (e.g., steep grades for fire pits and tables, as noted by users).
Based on 24 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest summer is ideal for camping due to accessibility and outdoor activities. Snow limits access to trails from November to mid-June.
Based on 24 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'We go here every year. It’s right next to a shallow river so the kids can play in the water all day.' - Mark Lyman
2. 'Great place for camping, tons of trees, some parking spots are small but...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 3: Highly rated for privacy and creek access ('Fairly private too.')
Site 5: Praised for ample space and proximity to the stream ('Plenty of room for our pop-up trailer and minivan.')
Based on 24 reviewsAccessibility Features
No explicit accessibility reviews are provided.
Based on 24 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed; however, users must follow rules such as leash requirements and waste disposal. User feedback does not elaborate further on pet-related experiences.
Based on 24 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025