The best lakeside camping near Salem

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Camping by the lake in Salem hits different—there’s over 2,000 spots here, and every one’s within striking distance of the water. You’ll find campsites right on the shore, tucked under cottonwoods or set back for a quieter vibe. Reviews point to Sandy Beach (225 reviews) for mellow swimming coves, Strawberry Hideout (10 reviews) for fishing off the dock, and The Boneyard (3 reviews) for a secluded spot to watch wildlife. Bring your dog, light up a campfire, and keep your binoculars handy—wildlife-watching here is legit, especially at sunrise. Average price per night sits at $40, but you’ll find options as low as $20 if you keep an eye out. Toilets are common, and snow sports pick up when winter rolls in. If you want lake camping with campfires and pet-friendly spots, Salem’s got you covered.

98% (269) 99 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Salem

Sandy Beach

1. Sandy Beach

91%
(436)
48mi from Salem · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
17 RV sites available for reservations. Easy to access 55 foot long sites. Each site has incredible lake views. Access to private sandy beach with kayak, and paddle board rentals available. Fishing, water sports, views, and star gazing. Just a short distance from I-15 but worlds away from the hustle an bustle.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$30
 / night
Strawberry Hideout

2. Strawberry Hideout

100%
(12)
48mi from Salem · 1 site · Tent, RV
Come and spend a relaxing weekend out at Strawberry Hideout where you have lakes, rivers, and hundreds of miles of ATV trails to explore Utah, located just east of Heber City! With a massive 10ft x 16ft deck, a picnic table and a smokeless cinderblock firepit you can lounge around to your heart's content! Here are the key features of the surrounding area: Strawberry Reservoir 20 minutes west Gas Station/Convinience Store/Restaurant 4 minutes away (The Big G) Starvation Reservoir 20 minutes east Slot canyons 15 minutes south Hundreds of miles of ATV Trails Outdoor privacy but not too remote (amazing cell reception!) Stargazing Occasional wildlife crossing!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$45
 / night
Soldier summit camp

3. Soldier summit camp

100%
(2)
32mi from Salem · 1 site
Learn more about this land:Beautiful property right next to the tree line lots of wildlife, amazing views, only about 30 mins away from diamond fork hot springs. Some two wheel drive cars can get to it or you can park on the road and walk to it. Ride motorcycles and four wheelers, hunting, hiking. Gas station right down the road.
Pets
from 
$20
 / night
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

4. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

90%
(94)
National forest 38mi from Salem · 2666 sites
2.1 million acres of unique wilderness scenery just begging to be explored.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Utah Lake State Park

5. Utah Lake State Park

97%
(16)
State park 13mi from Salem · 49 sites
Discover the allure of Utah Lake State Park's aquatic adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lakeside RV Campground

6. Lakeside RV Campground

100%
(4)
13mi from Salem
Lakeside RV Campground stands out as a unique, family-owned destination that offers a full range of services and year-round accommodations for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Nestled in a serene country setting, our campground serves as an ideal retreat or convenient stop for RV enthusiasts. Our prime location strikes the perfect balance between proximity to local attractions and the tranquility of nature. Guests can easily explore nearby natural features, enjoy refreshing swimming holes, and partake in a variety of outdoor activities. Additionally, a selection of restaurants and shops is just a short drive away, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. As we celebrate 34 years of successful ownership, we are grateful to our loyal guests who have made this journey possible. Come experience the charm and hospitality of Lakeside RV Campground, where unforgettable memories await.
Manti-La Sal National Forest

7. Manti-La Sal National Forest

100%
(16)
National forest 62mi from Salem · 328 sites
Trivia time! Which part of Utah contains the densest black bear and largest elk population? The Manti-La Sal National Forest, of course! How about this one: where does most of the coal mined in Utah come from? Well, 85% of it is mined right here in the Manti-La Sal. This special forest is full of natural surprises, like lofty mountaintops, lush meadows, cavernous sandstone canyons, plus plenty of water. If it sounds like there’s a ton of diversity here, that’s because there truly is! All of this diversity means that there’s a lot to do out here. Near Moab, the forest is home to the La Sal Mountains with their tall peaks and narrow canyons. To the north, on the Wasatch Plateau, you’ll be yearning for your next road trip along the Huntington and Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byways (also called the Energy Loop). And when it comes time to hit the hay at night? You guessed it—there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Scofield State Park

8. Scofield State Park

State park 34mi from Salem · 72 sites
Once upon a time, the town of Scofield had over 6,000 residents. Once the mining boom slowed down, that number shrank to less than 100. But, this small town draws in huge visitor numbers, thanks to the Scofield Reservoir. You could be one of them! If you’d like to spend your outdoor getaway camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming, then come discover what Scofield has to offer. In the winter, this is also one of the best places around to ice fish for rainbow and cutthroat trout. Oh, but we almost forgot to mention the best part! Thanks to the park’s prime real estate up in the Manti-LaSal Mountains, the scenery is hard to beat. Take it all in at one of three day and overnight use spots.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ashley National Forest

9. Ashley National Forest

88%
(13)
National forest 106mi from Salem · 1000 sites
Choose some majestic highlights in this mountainous national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Jordanelle State Park

10. Jordanelle State Park

83%
(7)
State park 40mi from Salem · 220 sites
This place is well-stocked and ready for some outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Camping by the lake in Salem hits different—there’s over 2,000 spots here, and every one’s within striking distance of the water. You’ll find campsites right on the shore, tucked under cottonwoods or set back for a quieter vibe. Reviews point to Sandy Beach (225 reviews) for mellow swimming coves, Strawberry Hideout (10 reviews) for fishing off the dock, and The Boneyard (3 reviews) for a secluded spot to watch wildlife. Bring your dog, light up a campfire, and keep your binoculars handy—wildlife-watching here is legit, especially at sunrise. Average price per night sits at $40, but you’ll find options as low as $20 if you keep an eye out. Toilets are common, and snow sports pick up when winter rolls in. If you want lake camping with campfires and pet-friendly spots, Salem’s got you covered.

98% (269) 99 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Salem

Sandy Beach

1. Sandy Beach

91%
(436)
48mi from Salem · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
17 RV sites available for reservations. Easy to access 55 foot long sites. Each site has incredible lake views. Access to private sandy beach with kayak, and paddle board rentals available. Fishing, water sports, views, and star gazing. Just a short distance from I-15 but worlds away from the hustle an bustle.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$30
 / night
Strawberry Hideout

2. Strawberry Hideout

100%
(12)
48mi from Salem · 1 site · Tent, RV
Come and spend a relaxing weekend out at Strawberry Hideout where you have lakes, rivers, and hundreds of miles of ATV trails to explore Utah, located just east of Heber City! With a massive 10ft x 16ft deck, a picnic table and a smokeless cinderblock firepit you can lounge around to your heart's content! Here are the key features of the surrounding area: Strawberry Reservoir 20 minutes west Gas Station/Convinience Store/Restaurant 4 minutes away (The Big G) Starvation Reservoir 20 minutes east Slot canyons 15 minutes south Hundreds of miles of ATV Trails Outdoor privacy but not too remote (amazing cell reception!) Stargazing Occasional wildlife crossing!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$45
 / night
Soldier summit camp

3. Soldier summit camp

100%
(2)
32mi from Salem · 1 site
Learn more about this land:Beautiful property right next to the tree line lots of wildlife, amazing views, only about 30 mins away from diamond fork hot springs. Some two wheel drive cars can get to it or you can park on the road and walk to it. Ride motorcycles and four wheelers, hunting, hiking. Gas station right down the road.
Pets
from 
$20
 / night
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

4. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

90%
(94)
National forest 38mi from Salem · 2666 sites
2.1 million acres of unique wilderness scenery just begging to be explored.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Utah Lake State Park

5. Utah Lake State Park

97%
(16)
State park 13mi from Salem · 49 sites
Discover the allure of Utah Lake State Park's aquatic adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lakeside RV Campground

6. Lakeside RV Campground

100%
(4)
13mi from Salem
Lakeside RV Campground stands out as a unique, family-owned destination that offers a full range of services and year-round accommodations for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Nestled in a serene country setting, our campground serves as an ideal retreat or convenient stop for RV enthusiasts. Our prime location strikes the perfect balance between proximity to local attractions and the tranquility of nature. Guests can easily explore nearby natural features, enjoy refreshing swimming holes, and partake in a variety of outdoor activities. Additionally, a selection of restaurants and shops is just a short drive away, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. As we celebrate 34 years of successful ownership, we are grateful to our loyal guests who have made this journey possible. Come experience the charm and hospitality of Lakeside RV Campground, where unforgettable memories await.
Manti-La Sal National Forest

7. Manti-La Sal National Forest

100%
(16)
National forest 62mi from Salem · 328 sites
Trivia time! Which part of Utah contains the densest black bear and largest elk population? The Manti-La Sal National Forest, of course! How about this one: where does most of the coal mined in Utah come from? Well, 85% of it is mined right here in the Manti-La Sal. This special forest is full of natural surprises, like lofty mountaintops, lush meadows, cavernous sandstone canyons, plus plenty of water. If it sounds like there’s a ton of diversity here, that’s because there truly is! All of this diversity means that there’s a lot to do out here. Near Moab, the forest is home to the La Sal Mountains with their tall peaks and narrow canyons. To the north, on the Wasatch Plateau, you’ll be yearning for your next road trip along the Huntington and Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byways (also called the Energy Loop). And when it comes time to hit the hay at night? You guessed it—there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Scofield State Park

8. Scofield State Park

State park 34mi from Salem · 72 sites
Once upon a time, the town of Scofield had over 6,000 residents. Once the mining boom slowed down, that number shrank to less than 100. But, this small town draws in huge visitor numbers, thanks to the Scofield Reservoir. You could be one of them! If you’d like to spend your outdoor getaway camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming, then come discover what Scofield has to offer. In the winter, this is also one of the best places around to ice fish for rainbow and cutthroat trout. Oh, but we almost forgot to mention the best part! Thanks to the park’s prime real estate up in the Manti-LaSal Mountains, the scenery is hard to beat. Take it all in at one of three day and overnight use spots.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ashley National Forest

9. Ashley National Forest

88%
(13)
National forest 106mi from Salem · 1000 sites
Choose some majestic highlights in this mountainous national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Jordanelle State Park

10. Jordanelle State Park

83%
(7)
State park 40mi from Salem · 220 sites
This place is well-stocked and ready for some outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field