Spruces - Big Cottonwood

Campground · Utah · 102 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Wasatch National Forest (NF) · Open Access

102
Bookable sites
80 ft
Max rig length
up to 150
People per site
12
Accessible sites
7,381 ft
Elevation
Spruces Campground
Photo: USFS · Recreation.gov

Overview

Spruces Campground is located in scenic Big Cottonwood Canyon at an elevation of 7,500 feet. Salt Lake City is conveniently close. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking and fishing.

Recreation

Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities on canyon trails, including the Donut Falls Trail, which begins in the nearby Jordan Pines Campground. Fly-fishermen enjoy casting on Big Cottonwood Creek.

Facilities

This large campground contains several group overnight campsites and day-use picnic sites, as well as numerous single and double-family campsites. All sites have picnic tables, campfire rings and grills.

Flush toilets and drinking water are provided. A baseball field, volleyball court and horseshoe pits are located within the campground. Firewood is available for purchase from the host. All roads, parking areas and parking sites are paved and all walkways are concrete or paved.

Natural Features

The campground is set among a forest of shady spruce and aspen trees. Vivid summer wildflowers are abundant and autumn leaves put on quite a show.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (385) 273-1100.

Nearby Attractions

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a beautiful area known for its soaring peaks, pristine hidden lakes and cascading streams. Numerous hiking and mountain biking trails are in the area. Rock climbing is a popular activity as well.

Solitude Mountain Resort is 3 miles up-canyon, offering scenic chairlift rides, hiking, a few dining options and a challenging 18-hole disc golf course.

Silver Lake is another mile past Solitude. Fishing and canoeing are popular activities. An easy trail loops around the small lake.

Charges & Cancellations

Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees

  • Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation.
  • Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount.
  • You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Late Cancellations

  • Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival.
  • Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply.
  • Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee.
  • Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee.
  • Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge.

No-Shows

  • Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date.
  • If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.

Refunds

  • Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure.
  • Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location.
  • Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card.
  • Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy.
  • Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure.

Recreation.gov Billing Information

  • Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as "Recreation.gov 877-444-6777."

Changes to Policies and Procedures

  • Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July 2018.

The facts

  • 102 bookable sites
  • 110 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • 6 sites for day use only
  • 12 accessible sites
  • Vehicles up to 80 ft
  • Up to 150 people per site
  • Loops: GRUP - DAY USE, GRUP - OVERNIGHT, LOWR, S&P, UPPR

Site types

  • 82 Standard Nonelectric
  • 8 Management
  • 6 Group Picnic Area
  • 5 RV Nonelectric
  • 4 Yurt
  • 3 Group Standard Nonelectric
  • 2 Tent Only Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade
  • Water hookups — not available
  • Pets allowed — not available

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

110 campsites at Spruces - Big Cottonwood

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
GRP2GRUP - DAY USEGroup Picnic Area—Paved—100♿
GRP3GRUP - DAY USEGroup Picnic Area—Paved—100♿
GRP4GRUP - DAY USEGroup Picnic Area—Paved—50♿
GRP7GRUP - DAY USEGroup Picnic Area—Paved—150♿
GRP8GRUP - DAY USEGroup Picnic Area—Paved—50♿
GRP9GRUP - DAY USEGroup Picnic Area—Paved—100♿
GRP1GRUP - OVERNIGHTGroup Standard Nonelectric—Paved35 ft50♿
GRP5GRUP - OVERNIGHTGroup Standard Nonelectric—Paved35 ft50
GRP6GRUP - OVERNIGHTGroup Standard Nonelectric—Paved35 ft50♿
001LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft16
002LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
003LOWRYurtBack InPaved18 ft8
005LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft8
006LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft16
007LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft8
008LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft8
009 HOSTLOWRManagementBack InPaved30 ft8
010LOWRYurtBack InPaved18 ft8♿
011LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft16
012LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved15 ft8
013LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
014LOWRTent Only NonelectricParallelPaved20 ft8
015LOWRRv NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft8
016LOWRRv NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft8
017LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
018LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
019LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft8
020LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved15 ft8
021LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
022LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8
023LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft8
024LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
025LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8
026LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft8
027LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
028LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved40 ft24
029LOWRTent Only Nonelectric—Paved20 ft8
030LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved34 ft8
031LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved24 ft8
032LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft8
033LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
034LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft16
035LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8♿
036LOWRRv NonelectricPull ThroughPaved45 ft8
037LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft8
038LOWRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8
Double S&PS&PManagementBack InPaved20 ft16
Group Overnight S&PS&PManagement—Paved35 ft50♿
Single S&PS&PManagementBack InPaved30 ft8
Triple S&PS&PManagementBack InPaved35 ft24
Yurt S&PS&PManagementBack InPaved18 ft8♿
039 HOSTUPPRManagementBack InPaved30 ft8
040UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
041UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
042 HOSTUPPRManagementBack InPaved30 ft8
043UPPRYurtBack InPaved18 ft8
044UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft8
045UPPRYurtBack InPaved18 ft8
046UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft8
047UPPRRv NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft8
048UPPRRv NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft8
049UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft8
050UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
051UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft16
052UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
053UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft8
054UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft8
055UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
056UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved15 ft8
057UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft8
058UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
059UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
060UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved40 ft8
061UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft8
062UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft16
063UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft24
064UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved40 ft8
065UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft16
066UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
067UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
068UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
069UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
070UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft16
071UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft8
072UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
073UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
074UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved55 ft8
075UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft8
076UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8
077UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
078UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8
079UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8
080UPPRStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPaved20 ft8
081UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8
082UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved70 ft8
083UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
084UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft8
085UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
086UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
087UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved55 ft8
088UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
089UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved60 ft8
090UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved60 ft8
091UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
092UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft8
093UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
094UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved80 ft8
095UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft8
096UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8
097UPPRStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8

Getting there

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.

40.64056, -111.63583 · 40°38'26.0"N 111°38'9.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in5.04.54.75.43.71.71.01.62.13.13.94.3

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 1.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

Cash, Check, or Scan & Pay 80 Single Sites- $33.00, Capacity - 8 people + 1 vehicle 8 Double Sites - $67.00, Capacity - 16 people + 2 vehicle 2 Triple Sites - $94.00, Capacity - 24 people + 3 vehicle 4 Glamping Sites - $119.00, Capacity - 8 people (deposit required) + 1 vehicle Day Use Group Site #4, #8 - $180.00, Capacity - 50 people + 1 vehicle 2 Overnight Group Sites - $251.00, Capacity - 50 people + 1 vehicle Day Use Group Site #2, #3 - $349.00, Capacity - 100 people + 20 vehicle Day Use Group Site #9 with pavilion/cabin - $371.00, Capacity - 100 people + 20 vehicle Day Use Group Sites #7 - $363.00, Capacity - 150 people + 30 vehicle Day Use - $15.00 Trailhead Parking - $15.00 Extra vehicle - $10.00 per vehicle (paid on-site cash/check) Firewood - $9.00 (paid on-site cash/check)

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Spruces - Big Cottonwood

Can you reserve a site at Spruces - Big Cottonwood?
Yes, Spruces - Big Cottonwood is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Spruces - Big Cottonwood have?
110 sites in total, of which 102 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Spruces - Big Cottonwood?
80 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Spruces - Big Cottonwood?
No, pets are not allowed at Spruces - Big Cottonwood.
Does Spruces - Big Cottonwood have hookups?
No hookups are recorded here.
Are campfires allowed at Spruces - Big Cottonwood?
Campfires are allowed at Spruces - Big Cottonwood. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Spruces - Big Cottonwood

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-08-11.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.