Redman Camp Ground

Redman Camp Ground is a special place. It is a National Forest Service camp ground located about 15 miles east of Salt Lake City, Utah in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Utah State Road 190. It is easy to find. Just go past the second entrance Solitude Ski Resort and turn right. The drive up or down Big Cottonwood Canyon is a jaw dropper.

Redman Camp Ground has 44 sites including the host site. Only the host site has full hookups and there is not a dump site in the camp ground so Redman is primarily a short-term camp ground for tent, pop-up, Class B, and smaller Class C campers. There are several sites that could accommodate Class As but they are usually not level. There are 2 major loops with 22 sites per loop. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are 5 modern toilets and 2 pit toilets. Many sites are next to a rushing mountain stream. Some sites have level tent pads. Pets are not allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon ($1,800 fine).

Wildlife abounds in and around Redman.

The sites (except for group sites) are not close together

and most give you the feeling of camping by yourself. Huge conifers, willow, and aspen are the dominate tree species. Moose, chipmunks, squirrels, and mule deer are frequently seen.

Redman usually does not open until the middle or late June and closes soon after Labor Day because of the heavy snow fall during the winter. During this past snow season this area received over 600 inches of snow. Night-time temperatures in June can fall into the 30s. During the day the usual temperature is in the low 70s. It costs just $15 a night plus an additional charge for extra vehicles. A lot of younger, Salt Lake City families use Redman for a one or two night camping trip on the weekend.

This camp ground has everything except the amenities that many RVers demand and expect like water, electricity, sewage, swimming pools, game rooms, internet access, minature golf courses, and other somewhat artificial 'attractions' that some kids demand. If you can be a 'real' camper for a day or two Redman is a beautiful place to camp. Cool air, wildlife, huge trees, spacious spots, and real camping make Redman heaven on earth.

We were lucky to be chosen to be camp ground hosts for the 2006 season at Redman. Our supervisors told us that there is a Redman cult that loves this special place and tells the Forest Service to never change it. If you come you and camp here will understand why. We will be here until September and will sadly move on.

This was typed under 8 sixty foot fir trees with the smell of pine filling the air and sound of hummingbirds visiting the feeder hanging from a nearby tree and an icy mountain stream rushing close by providing a musical backdrop to my quiet tippity-tapping. Heaven has to be like this.