Buckhorn RV Park and Resort houses luxury Tipis (Teepees) alongside glamping cabins near Castle Dale, providing an elevated outdoor experience in central Utah. These authentic Native American-inspired accommodations offer a blend of cultural immersion and modern comforts, with spacious interiors and thoughtful amenities. While maintaining their traditional conical shape, the Tipis provide protection from the elements while incorporating amenities not found in traditional camping. The resort features clean bathrooms, modern showers, and convenient laundry facilities for guests, ensuring a comfortable stay regardless of the accommodation chosen. A Dyrt reviewer noted, "They offer spacious pull-through RV spots, luxury cabins and Tipis(Teepees), as well as tent sites and a group area for rent."
The Tipis at Buckhorn serve as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding wilderness areas, including nearby Joe's Valley Reservoir, a popular destination for boating, fishing, and kayaking. For those seeking a more structured outdoor experience, Palisade State Park, approximately 30 miles west, offers additional glamping cabins alongside a picturesque lake with paddle boat and canoe rentals. The region boasts extensive OHV trail networks, including the Arapeen Trail system, providing glamping guests with direct access to outdoor adventure without sacrificing comfort. A visitor described the surrounding area as "beautiful campground and great owner and a hidden treasure," highlighting the balance of natural beauty and thoughtful hospitality that characterizes the glamping experience near Castle Dale. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months when these unique accommodations fill quickly.
"This made the experience hassle-free. One thing to note is that although you can tent camp at this site, the majority of campers are those using RVs. I enjoyed my experience tent camping."
"The drive up along the river is so beautiful. It is a little narrow, but there was some equipment out so it appeared they were working on the road and fixing it up. Take it slow with the big rigs."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $18 / night
"They offer spacious pull-through RV spots, luxury cabins and Tipis(Teepees), as well as tent sites and a group area for rent. There are bathrooms, showers, and a laundry facility on site."
Available this weekend
from $24 - $148 / night
"There are no trash bins onsite, so what you bring in, you have to pack out."
"Didn’t stay at the campground drive down an oil rig road and found a camp spot with no one around!!."
from $10 - $18 / night
"However, they really are in a great location and easily accessible. The Dwelling is large enough to hold a really big family or two couples with small children. "
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $40 - $60 / night
"Easy access to fishing and off-road excursions, hiking and photography."
"Big campsites with nice tables and bathrooms."
"There is no parking next to the site, but it is small walk to the site. The tent sites are spaced far apart and some are tucked behind the Goblins."
"Some campsite parking spots, like ours, were like 20 yards away from the car, but some were right next to the site. Bathrooms are clean and there are clean showers too."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $200 / night
"Owner Michelle very friendly and welcoming and accommodating. Pros: Full hookups at all sites. Sites spacious enough to extend slides. Sites are level and clean."
"But there are a few larger 5th wheel trails here. Michelle and her husband are very friendly and easy to talk with. Was open by her parents I think she said in 1956. She grew up here. Now runs it."
"There are great atv trails nearby. There is a great golf course right next to the lake/campground. The restaurant at the golf club has really good food. The bathrooms are kept clean."
"Bathrooms well Maintained and pedal boat and other boat rentals. Plenty of fish to catch off the shore or in a boat"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 - $300 / night
"The site is located really close to a major road near the highway and thus a lot of noise if tent camping. I would imagine that RVs would be less bothered."
"Due to issue with the conversion ban we rented we need electric hookups for every night if we want power. The battery will not stayed charged."
GuideGood place. Wide site #42. Did not look at restrooms. Cute little town, very old but has all the items you may need- Ace Hardware, grocery store, Mexican food, gas stations. You save 3 cents a gallon at the Philips 66 station.
GuideLots of sites for every type of camper, level and well stocked clean bathrooms with showers.
GuideThis is a very cool place to camp. Our understanding was that it could be hard to find a campsite open, but we lucked out for an overnight stay. Has nice showers and flush toilets but no hookups. Took a hike at first light into one of the "Goblin" valleys, which was pretty magical. Our dog truely enjoyed to walk about. Would have liked to go biking but we didn't have enought time, perhaps next time we pass this direction. Well worth the effort to stay here.
LegendDefinitely one of the nicer KOA Journey campgrounds I've seen this summer. The staff are friendly the restrooms and laundry rooms are very clean and up-to-date the pool is nice-sized with a water slide and this KOA Journey campground has all the other regular amenities one would expect. Please see attached photos and video for more details.
GuideOverall, meh. Only booked this place for the swimming pool and it was shut down when we showed up. Staff was helpful and facilities were well maintained.
ScoutThis KOA was easy to find right off the highway. Office was closed when we arrived but we had a reservation and all the info was waiting for us at the door. Sites are big, clean, all gravel with a picnic table and patio. Clean dog park area. Showers and restrooms appear to be new, clean, roomy, and are individual gender neutral. Only downside is there is limited to no shade which is why the 4 stars.
TravelerIt is a large campground with a hundred or so spaces. Dry, desert surface. Amenities are sufficient. When we were there (april 2026) the were only a dozen guests. Good for one night to us.
LegendRoads were pretty rough due to recent rain. It took some work to get our 36 foot fifth wheel in the spot but we did it.
GuideGobblin Valley park is near by, odd formations for sure. There are also pictographs a couple miles away. Great view of the valley and hills. There are about 6 or 7 large sites readily accessible in a large rig.
Castle Dale sits in central Utah's high desert at 5,700 feet elevation, providing access to both desert formations and forested mountain terrain. This area receives less than 10 inches of rainfall annually, creating a dry climate with dramatic temperature shifts between seasons. Camping options range from developed sites with amenities to remote dispersed locations on public lands surrounding the San Rafael Swell.
**Fishing at reservoir: **Joes Valley Reservoir near Joes Valley Campground offers fishing opportunities with a turquoise water color distinctive to the region. The water temperature remains cool even in summer months. "Endless trails to ride/hike good camping and fishing highly recommended!!!" notes reviewer Daryl S.
Mountain biking trails: Access extensive trail networks directly from camping areas with options for all skill levels. A reviewer at Orange Olsen describes the location as having "ATV trails are endless and right out the driveway is access to Skyline Drive AKA God's Country."
Bouldering spots: The area attracts rock climbers, particularly for bouldering opportunities. Steven G. from Orange Olsen notes, "Not much of a rock climber but I know the only reason my in-laws come is to go drag themselves up a rock while I wet a fly."
Clean facilities: Buckhorn RV Park and Resort maintains modern restrooms and shower facilities. "There are bathrooms, showers, and a laundry facility on site," reports reviewer Ashley F., who appreciated these comforts after outdoor activities.
Dark night skies: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing with minimal light pollution. "The night sky was something I've never seen, so unreal!" writes Paige J. about Goblin Valley State Park Campground, which shares similar dark sky conditions with the Castle Dale area.
Spacious camping areas: Many sites offer ample room between neighbors. The Miller Flat-Joes Valley-Huntington Canyon Rec Area features "nice big camp sites" according to Brad B., who adds, "When we stayed here it was in the summer and we were the only ones in the whole campground. Big campsites with nice tables and bathrooms."
Limited cell service: Most camping areas have poor or no cell reception. Be prepared to disconnect completely while camping.
Pack-it-out requirements: "There are no trash bins onsite, so what you bring in, you have to pack out," warns Steven M. about Joes Valley Campground, a policy common at many campgrounds in the area.
Weather extremes: Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, even in summer. "Very hot & windy when we were there in June," reports Terry K. from Goblin Valley State Park Campground, conditions similar throughout the region.
Paddle sports: Palisade State Park Campground offers kid-friendly water activities. "They rent paddle boats and canoes if wanted. Have a sandy little beach as well," shares LaDell G. The reservoir is approximately 30 miles west of Castle Dale.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include dedicated play areas. Matt L. notes that Palisade State Park has a "Great rec area including a playground. Bathrooms well maintained and pedal boat and other boat rentals."
Yurt camping Castle Dale, Utah: For families seeking alternatives to tent camping, yurt rentals provide sturdy shelter with more comfort. Yurt camping near Castle Dale, Utah allows families to experience outdoor recreation without extensive camping gear.
Limited hookup sites: Reserve early for full-hookup sites, especially during peak season. "They offer spacious pull-through RV spots" at RV parks like Buckhorn, but availability is limited.
Generator restrictions: Be aware of noise regulations that limit generator use. "The campground was very strict about the 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM noise policy. A buddy turned on his generator around 6:50ish AM to brew some Java and was promptly found and advised to turn off the noise," reports Troy L.
Access considerations: Some roads to camping areas have challenging sections. "The drive up along the river is so beautiful. It is a little narrow, but there was some equipment out so it appeared they were working on the road and fixing it up. Take it slow with the big rigs," advises Shad G. about access routes similar to those found throughout the Castle Dale region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Castle Dale, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Castle Dale, UT is Joes Valley Reservoir with a 4.1-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Castle Dale, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 glamping camping locations near Castle Dale, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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