The best camping near Golden Spike National Historic Site

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Golden Spike National Historic Site adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Golden Spike National Historic Site

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Mountain Top Getaways

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Preston, ID

My Grandfather owned this property for many years. He dry farmed this land and raised nine children to be hardworking. I visited this property many times to work along side my father and grandfather. I remember horseback riding and building a shed for my grandfathers combine. I recently purchased this property from my grandparents and got to work building my tiny home that my new family lives in. Learn more about this land: **New hammock posts on site #4** These campsites are at the mouth of Cub River Canyon. The views are expansive and beautiful. National forest is only a few minute drive away along with a handful of reservoirs and river access. Come enjoy the views. These are primitive campsites with no potable water. There are antique farm implements visible on the property.

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Secret Canyon Ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Malad City, ID

Meadow Springs campground lies at the foot of the Elkhorn hills, on St. John’s bench in SE Idaho. Surrounded by open fields and accessible only by dirt road, this unique spot is located next to two small natural ponds, and as such, is a terrific spot for bird watching and golden sunsets. It is the site of an old homestead, and the surrounding land is still actively farmed, so you can look out over open fields of this year’s crop as you enjoy dinner and quiet evenings in the fresh air.Whether you come as a single family for an adventurous night outdoors, or as a group with one to several tents or RV’s, this site has room to accommodate and is far enough away to be remote, (no neighbors!) while still close enough to town and other attractions to be convenient.--10 minutes from downtown Malad (Picture a small Idaho town with no stoplight still, but easy-to-find grocery, drive-in, pizza place, hospital, bar, etc)--15 mins from Devils Creek Reservoir and Malad Summit trails--20 minutes from Downata Hot Springs--30 minutes from Lava Hot Springs--3 hours from Yellowstone and Jackson HoleLearn more about this land:Come escape and recharge in a private campground under the shade of giant poplars alive with birdsong and a sky full of stars you can actually see. Located on the ancestral lands of the Shoshone-Bannock people, this campsite is nestled under a grove of poplars planted by the original homesteaders over 100 years ago. It features a Tipi, a newly built outhouse, two swings, a picnic table, fire-ring, cast-iron hand pump to access well water, plenty of flat ground for tents, RV's, and car parking, and most importantly, wide-open space in every direction. If you are looking for somewhere completely opposite of hectic city living, this is it.

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Rasmussen Ridge

12 sites · RVs1 acre · Mantua, UT

Located in Mantua, UT, a small mountain valley in Cache National Forest on the Wasatchback of the Rocky Mountains of Utah. A ten minute walk to Mantua Reservoir for ice fishing in the winter, kayaking, boating, water skiing, fishing in Spring, Summer, & Fall. Pickleball courts and Sydney's Grill are a 10 minute walk away. Mountain biking, four wheeling, side-by-side adventure right outside your RV door to Willard Peak and the beautiful Northern Wasatchback. Use of my huge lawn (next to the field where you park) for lawn games (provided for a small fee), and my in-ground fire pit are available for your enjoyment. Friendly dogs are very welcome - my white Lab is always looking for new friends! 3 miles down Box Elder Canyon to two large grocery stores, Walmart, gas stations, restaurants, and gyms. One hour to skiing at Snow Basin (home of 2002 Olympic downhill), Powder Mountain to the south and Beaver Mountain to the north. World's largest game bird refuge and museum 10 minutes west down the canyon. Utah State University 30 minutes to the north and Weber State University 30 minutes to the south. Box Elder Creek is a 5 minute walk into Box Elder Campground, the poppy hill (2 weeks in June), and wonderful hiking opportunities. The valley was settled by Danish immigrants in 1862, and the property you will be on is owned by a descendent of the original settlers. See more info about Mantua in the link below.

The best camping near Golden Spike National Historic Site guide

Overview

About

Where can you relive one of the most important moments in American history? Hint: it's in not in Washington D.C.—it's in the middle of the Utah desert. Here, two steam locomotives met in 1869 to complete the first transcontinental railroad. At Golden Spike, you can stand in the exact spot that changed the country's future.

The history is palpable as two replica steam engines ride the rails. Afterward, be transported to the 1800s as volunteers reenact the Last Spike ceremony. Stand close to the front—you might even get to participate. If you're a fan of trains, the boiler wash is a must-see. Want to get up close and personal with the railroad? Walk the 1.5-mile Big Fill Loop along the Central Pacific and Union Pacific grades. You can even walk out onto the Big Fill, a ravine-spanning engineering marvel. Rangers lead guided hikes of the trail on summer weekends.

If you're visiting in the winter, there's still plenty to do. Drive the east or west railroad grade to see how the workers navigated the landscape. Look for the spot where workers laid 10 miles of track in one day. When the weather is rough, head to the Engine House to see the locomotives.

Golden Spike is remote—find great camping options in Wellsville or Willard Bay State Park.