Camping at Great Salt Lake

We are currently working on an exciting multi-day mountain biking trip throughout Colorado and with the additional option of finishing off the trip in Utah, we thought a blog on the Great Salt Lake, Utah, would be interesting to read…if it’s the mountain biking trip to Colorado that you are more interested in then email me, Michelle, at [email protected] to find out more…

American Dead Sea 

Utah’s Great Salt Lake is often called the “American Dead Sea” due to its salinity, which also makes it very unique. It’s the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere with a surface area ranging from 2,500 to 8,500 square kilometres depending on the weather conditions.Due to its size and non-commercialised surroundings, the area such as Great Salt Lake makes for great campgrounds as you can enjoy the peace and quiet whilst interacting with Mother Nature. Though other countries have popular camping grounds around lakes as well the Lakes District in the UK, camping on the banks of the Great Salt Lake is a completely different experience altogether. 

According to a post from Buddy the Traveling Monkey he specifies the wildlife species which flourish at the Great Salt Lake are the American bison, coyotes, and bighorn sheep. Swimming is also a one of a kind experience in the Great Salt Lake. The high salt content in the water creates a higher level of buoyancy. This results in a floating effect so you can just lie on the surface and bask in the tranquillity of your surroundings. 

Tips for Family Trips stated that the best spot to do this from is Antelope Island State Park which is situated in the middle of the Lake. There’s a small admission fee of US$9 per vehicle or US$15 if you’re going to stay overnight, but you can do all sorts of other activities here as well such as enjoy a picnic, horseback riding, or trek your way to Buffalo Point to see a breath-taking panoramic view of the area.

In addition, paddling or kayaking can be very memorable experiences. Outdoor Research described the Great Salt Lake as “big and mysteriously quiet” so if you want to isolate yourself from the rest of the world for a few moments, then this is one great place to do it in.

Travel tips for foreign campers 

It’s important to book a campsite beforehand. Although there are many campgrounds located around the Great Salt Lake, the areas still get filled with campers and tourists especially during holidays. It’s also advisable to bring your own tent so it matches your specifications and preferences. Tent rentals are available but the chances are there will be limited choices, so it’s better to bring one with you.

Just remember to keep the weight of your baggage in check. Also, if you’re bringing a tent from overseas you need to make sure you are aware of how much it will cost you to transport via plane. In a blog post entitled ‘Beware of Cheap Flights Extra Costs’ which was published by airport parking specialists Parking4Less, it was mentioned that the limits for baggage allowances sometimes change depending on the carrier. Double-check the size and weight allowances of the airline you're flying with to avoid paying extra charges. The majority of airlines will also tell you on their website how much it will cost to transport tents.

You can also rent an RV but make sure that your license is recognized in the US. It’s worth noting as well that the US implements driving on the right-hand side of the road, so if you're from a country that drives on the left, you may need to make some adjustments.

Lastly, your entry point will most likely be Salt Lake City, which is just an hour away from the Great Salt Lake. The place has lots of unique attractions so don't miss the opportunity to explore the city as well.