Intake Campground
4.7410 reviewsUinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Dugway, UT 84022
Intake Campground
$19.79 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
Peak season rates are $19.79 per night for standard nonelectric sites. During other periods, first-come-first-served fee is $19.79. This is a Scan and Pay facility; fees are non-refundable.
About this campground
Tucked away in the rugged beauty of South Willow Canyon, Intake Campground offers an intimate escape into Utah's wild Stansbury Range. This hidden gem southwest of Grantsville provides just four secluded campsites, making it perfect for those seeking solitude and authentic wilderness experiences. While amenities are basic with vault restrooms and no running water, the rewards are plentiful – cast your line into the babbling waters of Willow Creek, or set out on foot to explore the renowned Stansbury Front and Medina Flat Trails that wind through this spectacular high desert landscape.
Intake Campground provides facilities for tent camping and may accommodate small RVs or trailers, but there are no hookups. Group or luxury camping options are not available.
Weather and SeasonsFrom November through mid-June, a blanket of snow transforms this canyon into a winter wonderland, creating a serene but challenging environment for the most adventurous souls. As summer arrives, the high desert comes alive with warm days perfect for streamside relaxation and cool evenings ideal for stargazing around the campfire. Each season paints the canyon in different hues, offering returning visitors an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.
ElevationPerched at 6,320 feet above sea level, Intake Campground offers a refreshing retreat from the desert heat below. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where crisp mountain air mingles with high desert breezes, and panoramic vistas stretch across the Stansbury Range. The altitude provides natural air conditioning during summer months while offering spectacular sunrise and sunset views that paint the canyon walls in brilliant oranges and purples.
Natural Features and ScenerySouth Willow Canyon embraces visitors with its surprising blend of desert and forest ecosystems. Ancient junipers twist skyward alongside graceful oaks and vibrant maples that burst into fiery colors each fall. The melodic sounds of Willow Creek provide a constant soundtrack as it tumbles over smooth stones, creating peaceful pools perfect for quiet contemplation. This forested oasis rising from the desert floor offers dappled shade during hot afternoons and frames stunning views of the surrounding canyon walls.
Geological RegionThe Stansbury Range reveals millions of years of geological history in the dramatic walls of South Willow Canyon. This remote desert canyon showcases nature's artistry through layers of ancient rock formations, carved and sculpted by time and water. The unique ecosystem supports an unexpected forest of oak, maple, and juniper trees that thrive in the protected canyon environment, creating a lush contrast to the stark beauty of the surrounding high desert peaks and ridges.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for Intake Campground.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of 4 single sites, with a maximum capacity of 8 people and 1 vehicle per site.
Sites PrivacyThe sites vary in spacing and privacy. One reviewer stated, 'Sites are well spaced for privacy (or at least I can say Site #1 is).,' while another mentioned, 'There is not a lot of room in some of the camps and the camps are really close to each other.'
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #3 offers ample shade and proximity to the creek. Site #1 is quieter, suitable for privacy.
Best CampsitesSite #1 has been praised for privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
7AM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights per reservation.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFour single sites spaced moderately apart for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts May 16, 2025, and ends September 01, 2025 (peak). First-come-first-served period runs from September 02, 2025, to September 27, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online system or call 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is mentioned from September 02, 2025 to September 27, 2025. Availability requires in-person claiming and payment.
Cancellation PolicyReservations may be canceled online or via the call center. A $10 service fee applies. For cancellations within 24 hours of arrival, the entire use fee is forfeited.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at Intake Campground can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby trails and creek offer a variety of recreational opportunities.
Hiking
The multi-use Stansbury Front Trail and Medina Flat Trail are accessible across the road from the campground entrance. These trails lead to the rugged Deseret Peak Wilderness and offer opportunities for exploring the natural beauty of the area.Fishing
Fishing is available in Willow Creek, which flows through the campground. Anglers can expect to find rainbow and brown trout.Wildlife viewing
The area is known for its fantastic wildlife. Visitors have reported seeing various species of animals along South Willow Canyon Road.Winter Activities
The upper parts of nearby trails may have snow from November to mid-June, offering potential for winter activities like snowshoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in designated rings. Firewood is available for $9 near the Boy Scout Campground.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsCampground is located in bear country; improper food storage may attract wildlife. The road has steep and narrow sections.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.9 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 hospitals, police stations, or ranger stations are in Grantsville or Tooele, UT.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16, 2025 - September 01, 2025
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility. All trash must be packed out by campers, as there are no trash or recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Willow Creek.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mentioned vault toilets being unpleasantly odorous. Sites may feel cramped due to close proximity.
HostRanger Wayne is noted for excellent service, according to one review.
Campground Map
Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Dugway, UT 84022
Driving directionsSouth Willow Canyon is accessible via South Willow Canyon Road, which is mostly paved but turns into gravel at the National Forest boundary. The road is steep and narrow, not recommended for trailer use. Snow can usually be found on the upper trail from November to mid-June.
Road to the campground is mostly paved but transitions into gravel and is pitted with chuckholes. The narrow and steep terrain is challenging for trailers.Nearby places
Grantsville (approx. 12 miles, 25-minute drive), Tooele (approx. 30 miles, 45-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Grantsville or Tooele.
Camper Reviews
4.7
10 reviews
Intake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Intake Campground has received generally positive reviews. The sentiment highlights its peaceful and scenic setting, the proximity to trails and a creek, and the rustic atmosphere. Some complaints were noted regarding the condition of the vault toilets and the behavior of other campers regarding unleashed dogs.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the peaceful location, shaded sites, and the stream running through the campground. One reviewer noted, 'A beautiful clean space with plenty of shade and right next to the creek.'...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include issues with unleashed dogs and occasional odor from the vault toilets. One reviewer recalled, 'Two pit bulls with no owners to be seen anywhere and two border collies from a...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water, as there is no water system in place. Bringing trash bags is also necessary due to the 'pack it in, pack it out' policy. It's also wise to be cautious of...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is noted to be tranquil and less visited, making it a great spot for those seeking a quieter experience. Snow can be present on nearby trails from November to mid-June, which should be...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Great little campground along a small stream. Sites are well spaced for privacy.' - Adam Jaycox
2. 'Quiet and largely off the beaten path. Minimal traffic noise with campsites along the creek.' -...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #1 has been noted as having good privacy. However, reviewers mentioned that some campsites are close together. Specific complaints about unleashed dogs near Campsite #2 were also noted.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were available.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Some users expressed concerns about dogs not being on leashes. One stated, 'I brought my dogs and kept them on leash and I had two encounters with other peoples' dogs who were off leash coming into...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025