RV camping options near Castle Dale, Utah provide easy access to the scenic terrain of central Utah. Located at approximately 5,600 feet elevation in Emery County, this area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly reaching the 90s and cold winters with lows often below freezing. Castle Dale serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions including the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry and the San Rafael Swell.
What to do
ATV Riding Access: Castle Dale offers convenient access to numerous ATV trails. At Esquire Estates Mobile Home and RV Park, campers appreciate the easy access to local riding areas. "We can rent ATV's locally as well and there is a lot of close by site seeing," notes one visitor.
Explore Helper's Historic Downtown: Take a short drive to Helper for its historic downtown area. Guests at Castle Gate RV Park enjoy this nearby attraction. "Downtown Helper is just a short walk away. Cute little area that looks like there is quite a bit of restoration/renovation underway," reports one camper who found it a good alternative to crowded Moab.
Mountain Biking Trails: The area offers mountain biking opportunities within a short drive. Visitors use nearby campgrounds as a base for riding. A camper mentioned, "Stayed here a weekend to get in some mountain biking in nearby Price. Everything in the park is immaculate, and very well maintained."
What campers like
Riverside Sites: Several campgrounds feature spots along the Price River. At Castle Gate RV Park, campers enjoy the waterfront access: "Site was super level for us. Great space between neighbors on our side of the park... we took our chairs down to the river bank each evening. So tranquil and relaxing!"
Train Watching: For railroad enthusiasts, some campgrounds offer prime viewing of active train operations. "We had a train watching back in spot and it was really fun for our little one to watch the trains going by!" notes a family staying at Castle Gate RV Park. Another adds, "There is a really cool rail yard across the street where you can watch slow moving locomotives move railcars."
Splash Areas for Kids: Some parks feature water play areas, providing relief during hot summer months. "There is a splash area for the kids to beat the heat and a place to play horseshoe," mentions a visitor at Castle Gate RV Park, making it suitable for family trips during summer heat.
What you should know
Seasonal Operations: Weather impacts campground operations significantly. At Manti - La Sal KOA, facilities remain open year-round with 104 full-hookup sites, unlike some seasonal operations in the area. Visitors note the campground is "well maintained and clean with lot of trees for shade."
Connectivity Varies: Cell service and wifi quality differ substantially between locations. At iCamp Green River, a camper noted: "The Wi-Fi is very slow. My AT&T service was great though." At other parks, technology infrastructure stands out: "The WiFi is the best of any park we have been!"
Noise Considerations: Railroad tracks and highways near several campgrounds create periodic noise. "There is a train tracks near by so if that noise bothers you this is not the place," warns one camper at iCamp Green River. Another notes, "Street traffic noise can be heard. We do have a white noise machine and it did not interrupt our sleep."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-Friendly Areas: Many parks accommodate pets but have varying policies. At Nine Mile RV Resort in Wellington, pets are welcomed at the property's 83 RV sites. The resort is "still under construction, but when finished it will be a very nice and convenient park between Salt Lake to Moab," according to a recent visitor.
Recreation Facilities: Some parks offer amenities specifically for children. "There is a really cool rail yard across the street where you can watch slow moving locomotives move railcars. There is a little splash zone for the kiddos and plenty of grassy areas," reports one family that visited Castle Gate RV Park.
Level Site Selection: For easier setup with children, look for level sites. At Castle Gate RV Park, a camper noted "The sites are very nice" and another mentioned "Our site was super level for us," making family setup less stressful, especially with tired kids after travel.
Tips from RVers
Sewer Connection Placement: Some RV parks have unusual hookup configurations. At Love's RV Hookup, travelers get "Water electric and sewer" connections but should note location differences. One camper at another park mentioned, "the sewer hookup is located at the back of the site which is a little different but works fine!"
Site Leveling Requirements: RVers report varying experiences with site levelness. "The sites are gravel but they were level," noted one traveler at Castle Gate RV Park. Another camper at Blue Cut RV Park observed, "Sites are level and clean," though some parks may require leveling blocks.
Big Rig Accommodations: Several parks offer sites specifically designed for larger RVs. Nine Mile RV Resort has "spacious pull-through RV spots" according to visitors, while Castle Gate RV Park is noted for being "big-rig friendly" with sites that can accommodate large motorhomes and fifth wheels.