Camp Williams

Camp Williams is a Department of Defense (DOD) professional training center located just 26 miles south of Salt Lake City. Army Garrison Camp Williams is a National Guard Training Site operated by the Utah Army National Guard. The training site consists of 23,830 acres of combat-training areas resembling the same types of environments encountered by those currently serving in Middle Eastern combat operations. It is utilized by all branches of the military for specific types of training unique to the military branch utilizing the training area.

aerial view of Camp Williams with Saratoga Springs in the distance
Over the past decade, residential development has grown increasingly close to Utah National Guard’s Camp Williams, pictured in the foreground with Saratoga Springs in the distance. (Francisco Kjiolseth | Tribune file photo)

Current encroachment levels, future development plans, and pressures on the surrounding community general plans continue to pose a significant challenge to Camp Williams’ training mission and operations. At-risk training facilities include small-arms-weapons firing ranges, artillery-firing points, demolition, grenade, and crew-served-weapon ranges.

In addition, weather conditions, vegetation, and other characteristics of its location pose a risk of high intensity wildfires sparked by live weaponry or lightning. This problem is compounded by urban development now extending to the installation fence line. Camp Williams’ focused efforts to prevent wildfires from spreading include “fire break” roads, fuels reduction, restrictions on spark producing activities, and wildland fire crews on site during training. None-the-less, some past incidences have led to fires sweeping towards neighboring communities, forcing the evacuation of residents, and damaging homes. Camp Williams averages 27 days of no training each year due to high fire hazard risks.

Camp Williams

Soldiers endure a six-mile ruck march back to garrison during the Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Williams
Soldiers endure a six-mile ruck march back to garrison during the Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Williams, Utah, March 23, 2021. Soldiers representing the Utah National Guard’s major commands will endure intense mental and physical tests over a three-day competition to determine the state’s Soldier of the Year, Non-commissioned Officer of the Year and Senior NCO of the Year. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Bryton Bluth)
Utah Army National Guard soldier saluting
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