Top 10 Best Camping Spots in Utah for the 2023 Season
Utah offers an abundance of diverse landscapes and breathtaking views, making it a dream destination for nature lovers and camping enthusiasts. With its majestic mountains, stunning rock formations, and tranquil lakes and rivers, Utah provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
In addition to its numerous state parks, Utah boasts an impressive five national parks, showcasing the state’s commitment to preserving its natural wonders. The famous Colorado River also flows through Utah, offering opportunities for fishing and water activities.
With over 7,000 campsites to choose from, campers can immerse themselves in the beauty of Utah’s alpine wilderness, enjoy lakeside camping near picturesque bodies of water, or experience the vastness of the desert under a starry sky. Private campgrounds near tourist attractions provide convenience and easy access to popular sites.
Whether you prefer hiking among awe-inspiring rock formations, biking along mountain trails, or simply soaking in the serenity of nature, Utah has something for everyone. Prepare your camping gear, embrace the beauty of the great outdoors, and embark on an unforgettable camping adventure in the stunning landscapes of Utah.
When choosing a camping spot in Utah, consider the activities offered, family-friendly amenities, and the choice between rustic or modern camping.
Here are some top spots to consider:
Remember to check reservations and permits for a smooth camping experience.
1. Bryce Canyon National Park
Best Camping Spots in Utah for the 2023 Season
Contact: 435-834-5322
Address: Bryce Canyon National Park UT-63. Bryce, Utah 84764.
Activities to do:
Hiking, Ranger Programs, Moon Hikes, Astronomy Programs, Back Country Hiking, Rim Walk, Kids Programs, Snowshoe Hikes, and Tent Camping.
Enhance your Bryce Canyon experience by staying at Sunset Campground, a picturesque campground conveniently located within walking distance of the mesmerizing hoodoo spires.
Highlights:
- By reserving a spot at this campground, you can extend your stay in the national park and fully immerse yourself in its wonders without having to rush through the top trails. For an ultimate Southern Utah adventure, I recommend allocating one night for Bryce Canyon and another night for Zion National Park.
- Sunset Campground offers a serene setting with towering Ponderosa Pines that provide much-needed shade during the summer months.
- Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, this campground welcomes both and allows stays of up to 14 consecutive days.
With amenities such as flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, laundry facilities, and showers, Sunset Campground ensures a comfortable and convenient stay for visitors exploring the captivating beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park.
2. Zion National Park
Best Camping Spots in Utah for the 2023 Season
Contact: 435-772-3256
Address: Zion National Park, 1 Zion Park Blvd., State Route 9, Springdale, UT 84767
Activities to do:
Hiking, Swimming, Biking, Visitor Center, Evening programs, Interpretive Programs, Star Gazing, Photography, Canyoneering (Permit required), and Climbing (Permit required)
Immerse yourself in the heart of Zion National Park with a rugged camping experience at Watchman Campground. Situated amidst the breathtaking beauty of Utah’s most popular national park, securing a reservation for this coveted campsite on Recreation.gov is highly recommended due to its immense popularity.
Highlights:
- Watchman Campground caters to both tent camping and RV camping (up to 40 feet), allowing visitors to choose their preferred accommodation style. Nestled between impressive stratigraphic sandstone walls, the campground offers stunning views of the surrounding natural wonders.
- Conveniently, hiking and biking trails are within walking distance, providing easy access to the park’s scenic wonders. Additionally, staying in the campground enhances your chances of encountering local wildlife, adding to the allure of the experience.
With amenities such as electrical hookups, group sites, picnic tables, fire rings, and shade shelters, Watchman Campground ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay for campers seeking to explore Zion National Park’s unparalleled beauty.
3. Arches National Park
Best Camping Spots in Utah for the 2023 Season
Contact: 435-719-2299
Address: Arches National Park, PO Box 907, Moab, UT 84532
Activities to do:
Backpacking, Ranger Programs, Hiking, Auto Touring, Biking, Canyoneering, Commercial Tours, Horseback Riding, Rock Climbing, Stargazing, and Photography.
Arches National Park, located just 20 minutes away from Moab, offers a unique camping experience amidst the stunning desert landscapes. The sole campground in the park, Devils Garden Campground, provides picturesque views of red sandstone formations, towering arches, and desert vegetation like Utah juniper and pinyon pine.
Highlights:
- Campers can immerse themselves in the beauty of the desert and enjoy the vibrant colors of wildflowers. It is important to make reservations in advance, as campsites fill up quickly due to the campground’s popularity.
- Staying within the park allows for convenient access to the hiking trails and the opportunity to explore at a relaxed pace. Amenities at the campground include flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Though cell service may be spotty, the ample desert views make up for it, offering a tranquil camping experience in the heart of Arches National Park.
4. Capitol Reef National Park
Best Camping Spots in Utah for the 2023 Season
Contact: +1 435-425-3791
Address: Utah, United States
Activities to do:
An amazing scenic drive, hiking trails that rival those in Zion, rugged, remote areas to explore by 4×4, short, easy slot canyons, historical landmarks, and even delicious pie.
Capitol Reef National Park offers a tranquil campground with easy access to the main park attractions. The campground provides a serene environment with grassy areas and is situated amidst towering canyon walls.
Highlights:
- Nearby hiking trails like the Goosenecks Trail and Capitol Gorge Trail allow visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty. Fruita Campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere and is less crowded compared to other Utah national parks.
- With limited cell service, it’s an opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. Winter is a great time to visit for a more secluded and authentic experience.
Reservations can be made online, and amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, electrical hookups, a dump station, and potable water. The campground is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes away from Moab.
5. BLM Land, Meadow
Best Camping Spots in Utah for the 2023 Season
Contact: Phone: 775-726-8100
Address: Pioche, NV, Utah, United States.
Activities to do:
Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Hunting, Boating, Rock climbing, and other outdoor activities.
Located about 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Provo, Meadow Hot Springs is a hidden gem for those seeking a primitive camping experience next to a scenic desert hot spring.
Highlights:
- Despite being technically on private land, the owners usually permit camping as long as visitors practice Leave No Trace principles. It’s not uncommon to find other campers, including Sprinter Vans, overnighting at Meadow Hot Springs.
- Whether you pitch a tent or park your campervan, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of prairie-like landscapes, majestic mountains, and expansive open country.
Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and soak in the rejuvenating hot springs for an unforgettable camping experience.
6. Canyonlands National Park
Best Camping Spots in Utah for the 2023 Season
Contact: +1 435-719-2313
Address: Canyonlands National Park, Moab Jett 50 West 400 North Moab, Utah 84532 Utah, United States
Activities to do:
Feel the breeze through majestic dramatic canyons, Fishing, Boat ride, and other activities.
Located about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Moab, The Needles Campground in Canyonlands National Park offers campers a unique and awe-inspiring experience surrounded by giant gorgeous views.
Highlights:
- From almost every campsite, you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the vast desert expanse and stunning sandstone formations, making it an ideal spot for capturing breathtaking sunsets.
- This remote campground in the southern portion of Canyonlands provides a sense of isolation and tranquility, while still being conveniently located near top hiking trails and viewpoints such as Confluence Overlook, Druid Arch, the Joint Trail, and Chesler Park.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the desert landscape and explore the wonders of this remarkable national park.
7. Sand Island Campground
Best Camping Spots in Utah for the 2023 Season
Contact: 435-587-1500
Address: Sand Island Campground, North bank of the San Juan River about 3 miles west of Bluff, Utah.
Activities to do:
Rafting, Kayaking, Hiking, Mountain biking, OHVing, Picnicking, and Wildlife viewing.
Located just 20 minutes away from Mexican Hat, Sand Island Campground offers a prime camping experience right along the scenic San Juan River in southeastern Utah.
Highlights:
- This campground is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, providing convenient access to the river for early-morning angling adventures.
- As you explore the shores of the San Juan River, you’ll also have the opportunity to marvel at the petroglyphs that adorn the area, adding a unique cultural and historical element to your camping experience.
- With amenities such as drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and a boat launch, Sand Island Campground ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Remember to pack all your camping essentials for a memorable riverside retreat.
8. Gold Bar Group Campground, Moab
Best Camping Spots in Utah for the 2023 Season
Contact: 435-259-2100
Address: Gold Bar Group Campground, Moab, UT 84532, Utah, United States
Activities to do: Hiking, Mountain biking, Whitewater rafting, and Four-wheel drive.
Nestled amidst the stunning red rock formations and offering breathtaking views of the Colorado River, Gold Bar Group Campground in Moab, Utah provides a tranquil and scenic camping experience. Located just 15 minutes away from Moab, this campground is a hidden gem along the picturesque Potash Road, opposite Arches National Park.
Highlights:
- While it primarily serves as a group site during the summer months, it remains quiet and uncrowded during the winter season, making it an ideal retreat for solo campers with 4WD, especially after a recent storm.
- Additionally, nearby individual sites campgrounds such as Kings Bottom Campground and Jaycee Campground offer similar majestic views of the Colorado River, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
Equipped with amenities such as fire grates, picnic tables, vault toilets, and shade shelters, Gold Bar Group Campground provides the necessary comforts for a memorable camping experience.
9. Antelope Island State Park
Best Camping Spots in Utah for the 2023 Season
Contact: +1 801-773-2941
Address: Antelope Island State Park, Antelope Island Rd, Utah, United States.
Activities to do:
Camping, Picnicking, Sailing, Biking, Photography, Wildlife viewing, Saltwater bathing, Bird watching, and touring Fielding.
Discover a hidden gem on the water at Bridger Bay Campground, nestled within the captivating Antelope Island State Park.
Highlights:
- This campground offers a unique experience with its citadel-like setting, surrounded by stunning 360-degree lake views. Despite its proximity to Salt Lake City, Bridger Bay Campground provides a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
- While staying at Bridger Bay Campground, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the historic Fielding Garr Ranch, an intriguing attraction on the island that adds a touch of history to your camping adventure. Whether you choose to relax by the campfire, enjoy a picnic at the provided tables, or take in the natural beauty of the surroundings, Bridger Bay Campground offers a serene and secluded atmosphere.
- Reservations can be made online in advance, or you can try your luck on a first-come, first-serve basis. The campground provides basic amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets, ensuring a comfortable camping experience while immersing yourself in the remarkable landscapes of Antelope Island State Park.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this hidden paradise, as Bridger Bay Campground has earned its place among my personal favorites in Utah.
10. Goblin Valley State Park
Best Camping Spots in Utah for the 2023 Season
Contact: +1 435-275-4584
Address: Goblin Valley State Park, Goblin Valley Rd, Green River, UT 84525, Utah, United States.
Activities to do:
Hiking, Exploring, Rock Climbing, Mountain biking, Swimming, and other activities.
Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes of Goblin Valley State Park, a hidden gem in Utah. This campground offers a serene and peaceful environment, seldom overwhelmed by overwhelming crowds, providing the perfect setting for slot canyoneering adventures in solitude.
Highlights:
- Goblin Valley State Park holds a special place in my heart and is undoubtedly one of the most captivating destinations in Utah. For a reasonable fee of $45 per night, which includes the park entrance, you can experience the unique charm of this otherworldly place.
- Canyoneers will find themselves in paradise as Goblin Valley State Park boasts a multitude of slot canyons to explore. The backcountry wilderness surrounding the campground offers an abundance of these mesmerizing formations, providing endless opportunities for thrilling adventures.
- The remote location, situated between the renowned Moab National Park and Capitol Reef National Park, ensures that Goblin Valley State Park remains less traveled and exceptionally well-preserved.
- While camping at this extraordinary location, you can enjoy the campground’s amenities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and shade shelters. Be sure to arrive early as reservations operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Prepare to be captivated by the whimsical formations that give Goblin Valley its name. The mystical charm and untouched beauty of this state park will leave an indelible mark on your Utah adventures.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Utah offers a wide range of incredible camping spots for the 2023 season. Whether you prefer red rock landscapes, serene lakes, majestic mountains, or remote wilderness areas, there is something for everyone. From the popular national parks to lesser-known hidden gems, Utah’s camping destinations provide unforgettable experiences. Be sure to plan, check reservation requirements, and follow Leave No Trace principles to make the most of your camping adventure in Utah.
FAQs
Is it permissible to camp anywhere in Utah without restrictions?
Camping is generally allowed on most public lands in Utah for up to 15 consecutive days. However, some areas may have shorter limits of 7 days. Research the specific regulations for your chosen location to avoid any problems and ensure a smooth camping experience. Adhering to the rules will make your time in Utah more enjoyable and responsible.
Is camping allowed in Utah’s national parks?
Yes, camping is permitted in Utah’s national parks. Campgrounds are available in all five parks, typically requiring a fee. They are open year-round, but during the spring and summer, campgrounds tend to be fully booked, while in the off-season, they are often less crowded.
What makes Utah a great choice for camping?
Utah is a top destination for camping in the Southwest, offering unbeatable sights and surroundings. The state provides ample free public land for camping, and the campgrounds in its national parks offer serene experiences.
What are the camping fees at Utah’s parks?
Tent sites in Utah’s national parks cost $20 per night, while RV sites are typically $30. In Utah state parks, RV sites are $35 per night and tent sites are $20.
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