OutReserve

Simpson Springs Campground

Pony Express Station at Simpson Springs Campground
Simpson Springs Campsite
Pony Express Station at Simpson Springs Campground
View from Simpson Springs Campground

About Simpson Springs Campground

The campground is situated on the eastern edge of Utah's West Desert near the historic Simpson Springs station on the Pony Express National Historic Trail. Simpson Springs was the site of a significant Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in the late 1930s and early 1940s, just prior to the establishment of the US Army Dugway Proving Grounds during World War II.

Number of accommodations: 11

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Hiking

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

11 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 002, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 003, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 004, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 005, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 006, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 007, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 008, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 009, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 010, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 Simpson Springs Group Site, Loop: A
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (93)

What Guests Are Saying

Simpson Springs Campground is praised for its beautiful vistas, cleanliness, and convenient facilities, making it a great spot for groups and stargazing. The pavilion is well-equipped and offers shelter from the sun, though visitors should be prepared for windy conditions. However, issues like reserved sites being occupied, occasional maintenance concerns, and disturbances from noisy campers can detract from the experience.

Review Summary

3.8
93 reviews
5
29.0%
27
4
38.7%
36
3
19.4%
18
2
6.5%
6
1
6.5%
6

Carissa T

Verified

July 29, 2024 Stayed at: 004, Loop: A

3

The campground is fairly clean and well maintained, though the signposts could use some touching up. The vault toilets were a bit messy but this site is rustic and doesn't have a host, so it makes sense. Shade is sparse.

The views on the drive out are very pretty, I stopped multiple times to take photos. A good chunk of the drive is on dirt roads that can be a bit bumpy. They're maintained enough I don't think a sedan would have issues getting to it, but I was definitely grateful for my SUV.

The best way to describe this site to me is deserted. I was the only person there, and with the lack of shade and heat, I didn't do much exploring, which was a shame to me since I booked it because it was on the Pony Express trail.

I think this site is best if you are:
A: In a big group
B: Really into ATVing or horseback riding and plan to spend most of your time doing that
C: Planning a trip early June/late August when the heat isn't as bad.

Danielle B

Verified

June 17, 2024 Stayed at: 010, Loop: A

4

This was a great, secluded campground. There are scorpions so watch for that. Number 1 spot was the best for the shade, but is not close to the restrooms. The rest of the spots do not have shade so plan accordingly. They have tent spots but they are gravel and it is hard to get your tent stakes to go in the ground and stay. It is a 24 mile drive out on a gravel road and that’s what takes the longest to get there.

Danielle B

Verified

June 17, 2024 Stayed at: 010, Loop: A

4

This was a great, secluded campground. There are scorpions so watch for that. Number 1 spot was the best for the shade, but is not close to the restrooms. The rest of the spots do not have shade so plan accordingly. They have tent spots but they are gravel and it is hard to get your tent stakes to go in the ground and stay. It is a 24 mile drive out on a gravel road and that’s what takes the longest to get there.

James A

Verified

May 25, 2024 Stayed at: 007, Loop: A

2

On Thursday a group of families moved in and set up camp and then proceeded to let their group of 10 to 12 year old sons run loose throughout the campground. Those families apparently didn't care that their kids were bothering the rest of the campers. I came back Friday afternoon and found that the families with the disruptive kids had torn down their camp and left. Either they were asked to leave by other campers or even the families could no longer stand their own kids. It was not a pleasant experience having disruptive kids running loose throughout the campground. I know there isn't a campground host but in this case it surely would have helped.

James A

Verified

May 25, 2024 Stayed at: 007, Loop: A

2

On Thursday a group of families moved in and set up camp and then proceeded to let their group of 10 to 12 year old sons run loose throughout the campground. Those families apparently didn't care that their kids were bothering the rest of the campers. I came back Friday afternoon and found that the families with the disruptive kids had torn down their camp and left. Either they were asked to leave by other campers or even the families could no longer stand their own kids. It was not a pleasant experience having disruptive kids running loose throughout the campground. I know there isn't a campground host but in this case it surely would have helped.

C M

Verified

May 12, 2024 Stayed at: 002, Loop: A

4

Great place to stay until the wind kicks up. Campground is nice!

C M

Verified

May 12, 2024 Stayed at: 002, Loop: A

4

Great place to stay until the wind kicks up. Campground is nice!

Brian P

Verified

April 24, 2024 Stayed at: 002, Loop: A

4

Clean and isolated. Perfect

Brian P

Verified

April 24, 2024 Stayed at: 002, Loop: A

4

Clean and isolated. Perfect

Jared K

Verified

July 16, 2023 Stayed at: 003, Loop: A

3

The site itself isn’t bad but it was a HUGE mistake going here in the heat of the summer as a minimalist camper. That’s on me. If you have an RV or a shade/cooling setup, go wild. My son and I spent all day chasing shade and chugging water until the sun went down because there are no covered rec areas here. But on the flip side, the view of the stars at night was AMAZING! Don’t be like me; research the weather and the area and plan according to your means.

Location Simpson Springs Campground

Address:
491 N. John Glenn Rd
Salt Lake City, UT, 84116
United States

Highway access

Simpson Springs Campground is accessible via I-80, with the nearest exit located approximately 40 miles north on Highway 36. The campground is further reached by traveling south on Pony Express Road.

Latitude & Longitude: 41.022 / -112.472

Elevation: 1281 feet

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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