Camping options near Alton, Utah span from forested retreats to high desert terrain with elevations ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 feet. Temperatures at these elevations can drop significantly at night, even during summer months when daytime highs remain comfortable. The region's dirt access roads frequently become muddy or impassable after rainfall, particularly during spring snowmelt and monsoon season.
What to do
Visit Cedar Breaks National Monument: Located about 45 minutes from Alton, this lesser-known natural wonder features colorful rock formations similar to Bryce Canyon but with fewer crowds. One visitor at Duck Creek Campground noted, "25m from Cedar Breaks NM-don't skip out! (It's like seeing Bryce but VERY close to the edges! Awesome!)"
Explore off-road trails: The region offers extensive OHV trail systems that connect multiple recreation areas. At Duck Creek Campground, a camper explained, "If you are looking for 800+ miles of OHV trails, this is the place to go! ATV's, dirt bikes and side by sides galore!"
Winter stargazing: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create exceptional stargazing conditions. A camper at Dixie National Forest Dispersed FR117 shared, "In late October, we were the only campers within site or earshot. A little trickle of a stream on one side and an amazing view of the stars."
What campers like
Convenience to multiple parks: The central location allows easy access to several national parks. A visitor at Bryce Zion Campground stated, "The owners went out of their way to help us when we found ourselves in the area without a place to stay... The location is perfect for exploring Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and Grand Staircase Escalante."
Seasonal temperature variations: The high elevation provides relief from summer heat. One camper at Bauers Canyon Ranch RV Park explained, "It's a higher elevations than Zion and anything around Kanab, makes for cooler nights."
Wildlife encounters: Many campsites offer opportunities for animal sightings. A visitor to Camp Lutherwood noted, "Deer will wander between RVs, and if you bring a snack to share you can pet them, so cool!"
What you should know
Extreme temperature swings: Prepare for cold nights year-round. A camper at Watchman Campground warned, "The wind really picks up at night so secure your stuff. This is cockroach county. They will come out en force immediately after sunset."
Water availability varies: Many dispersed sites have no services. A Tom Best Spring Road camper reported, "There is an outhouse directly across from FR 117 highway on highway 12 that was open. Great cell signal for both AT&T and Verizon."
Reservation challenges: Popular campgrounds fill quickly. A visitor to North Campground observed, "Watchman is difficult to get a reservation for but worth it. You MUST make reservations online 6 months in advance to get a spot and they go SO FAST!"
Tips for camping with families
Off-season visits: Consider camping during shoulder seasons for fewer crowds. At Sunset Campground, a camper shared, "We stayed in April and it got to around -7C / +30 Fahrenheit in the van!"
Animal interactions: Several campgrounds offer unique wildlife experiences. At Bryce Zion Campground, one family mentioned, "Our kids are always excited to stop here... Bring carrots and apples for the horses."
Warm clothing essential: Pack extra layers even in summer. A Duck Creek visitor warned, "Ended up at Duck Creek mid May where nights got down to 25 degrees. Besides getting a little chillier and windier than we anticipated, it was a great campsite!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose carefully based on your specific needs. At Ruby's Inn Campground, a reviewer advised, "Campground has sites for all kinds of campers from tent/dry camping to huge sites for big rigs. Some are shaded and in the trees and some are open. Make sure you check with the staff as to which kind you are getting."
Road condition awareness: Many access roads require careful navigation. For Dixie National Forest dispersed camping, one RVer cautioned, "The sites were a little hard to find in the snow but the rock fire pits made them easier to spot, we couldn't go very far down the snow covered road due to only having a two wheel drive."
Hookup locations vary: Check utility placement before setting up. At Ruby's Inn Campground, a camper noted, "The hookups on our sites were more to one end of the site and not so much in the middle of the site which was not a problem for any of us."
