Good campsites for AP *near* SLC - Forums

Topic starter

Apr 28, 2025

Hello all!

I've recently moved to the Salt Lake area, and am looking for campsite suggestions. I've been doing some narrowband imaging from my backyard, but need to find somewhere with darker skies to shoot broadband, preferably within 1-2 hours drive from SLC. What are some of your go-to campsites?

CS,

Caleb

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LesterChristopher

Apr 29, 2025

Hello Cs. We have a couple of sites we go to. Skull Valley horse shoe knolls and wolfcreek in the Uintas mountains. We usually go to public star party at Stansbury in tooele with the Salt Lake Astronomical Society.

Caleb Larsen

Topic starter

Apr 30, 2025

Hi, I'll have to check those places out, thanks for the suggestions!

I was thinking of going to the next star party at Stansbury-I saw pictures of the massive dobsonian and want to take a look through it

Are those star parties generally well-attended?

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LesterChristopher

Apr 30, 2025

Yes usually are well attended. I'm planning on going to stansbury star party.

Cfreerksen

May 2, 2025

Places I frequent are the Vernon reservoir area and Blackrock Canyon which is south of 5 Mile recreation area for close to home.

For longer trips maybe a few days Bryce Canyon NP. My favorite right now for a few day trip Great Basin NP. I would say that is the darkest sky around. Not a light dome to be seen. I camp near there on the Utah side on some BLM land.

I'm not sure if you are from the western US. But unlike the eastern US there are "Public Lands" or BLM areas. You can find maps on-line that show where they are located. Off grid camping is permitted for usually 14 days. Just be kind, respectful and clean up after yourself.

CS

Chris

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