The elevation changes around Dammeron Valley create distinct camping microclimates within short distances. Located at approximately 5,000 feet, Dammeron Valley serves as a transition zone between desert lowlands and forested highlands. Temperatures can vary by 20°F between camping locations within a 30-minute drive, making it possible to find comfortable camping conditions regardless of season.
What to do
Dinosaur track hunting: Red Cliffs Campground offers access to nearby dinosaur tracks. As one camper noted, "The space is fairly small but a beautiful area. Hiking trails lead to some dinosaur tracks! There is access to water at the sites. No showers." The campground has 11 sites and multiple hiking trails accessible directly from the campsites.
Fish at multiple reservoirs: Baker Dam Recreation Area provides fishing opportunities in a quieter setting than larger state parks. A visitor shared, "Great campground, most campsites are trailer accessible or can fit multiple tents, super clean bathrooms. It would be 5 Stars from us if there would have been potable water, and more trails to hike, there was only one short one we found. Fishing was slow but we had fun."
Off-season swimming: Warm weather extends into fall at Sand Hollow State Park, making swimming possible when other areas are too cold. "Sand Hollow State Park Camping is such a good time. The summer nights by the beach camping out with your people and your dogs is one of my favorites. The beach is mostly clean, sometimes rude people leave behind garbage but the main culture their helps out to maintain a clean peaceful and fun environment!"
What campers like
Scenic tent sites: Tent sites at higher elevations provide relief from summer heat. One camper at Crackfoot Campground shared, "We stayed in site 22, had a breathtaking sunset. Sites 19-23 you have to walk up to, which can be a hassle carrying heavy coolers and totes. But totally worth all the privacy. Cows and deer walk through the sites, it was really cool."
Pool access during hot months: RV parks with swimming pools provide essential relief during summer. A visitor to McArthur's Temple View RV Resort stated, "The Temple View RV Resort in St. George was nice even though the lots are not paved. They have a covered bubble swimming pool, shuffleboard, billiards, and a lot of different scheduled events you can participate in."
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds offer organized activities. At St. George/Hurricane KOA, visitors appreciate amenities designed for children: "It does include free miniature golf horseshoes and a pickleball but way to hot to do them." Families also enjoy the beach areas at various reservoir campgrounds.
What you should know
Gate closure times: Several campgrounds restrict after-hours access. A camper at Quail Creek State Park warned, "Only problem here is that they lock you out of the park by 10pm, that is kind of annoying!" This applies to multiple state parks in the region, requiring careful planning for late arrivals.
Cell service variability: Connectivity changes dramatically between campgrounds. At Red Cliffs Campground, "Cell signal is very good for TMobile, not so good for Verizon or ATT." Meanwhile, at Zion River Resort, "There is virtually no cell signal in Virgin. Certainly not enough to even begin to create a hot spot."
Seasonal water quality: Water conditions in reservoirs change throughout the year. A Sand Hollow visitor explained, "The summer nights by the beach camping out with your people and your dogs is one of my favorites," while another camper cautioned about "Swimmer's itch" affecting some visitors during certain months.
Tips for camping with families
Best campsites for kids: Choose sites with natural play areas nearby. A visitor to Crackfoot Campground reported, "This is an amazing campground with a creek that runs all along the east side of the campground that leads to a reservoir." Children can safely explore these water features with supervision.
Holiday camping traditions: Watchman Campground hosts special events during holidays. "It was Halloween and many of the kids camped around us dressed up in costumes and went trick or treating. Many campers put up festive lighting and one even set up a full size inflatable castle which was a big hit."
Bathroom facilities: Family-friendly bathrooms vary widely between campgrounds. At Snow Canyon State Park, "The shower/restroom facilities weren't clean, old-looking, no electrical outlets, and offered little privacy. The shower requires holding down a chain to operate (annoying!)," making it challenging for parents helping young children.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection: Choose sites based on privacy rather than hookups when possible. At Snow Canyon State Park, "The non-hookup sites are MUCH better than the ones with hookups. The hookup sites are VERY narrow (some as little as 10 feet wide) and difficult to pull into."
Height restrictions: Some campgrounds have tunnel clearance issues. At Red Cliffs Campground, "You have to go under the interstate thru two narrow concrete tunnels, they are 11.9 high, so be careful, many large RVs, 5th wheels, Class As will not fit!!" Always verify access routes before booking.
Water pressure considerations: Water systems can struggle during peak season. At Temple View RV Resort, a camper noted, "Only issue we had the 2 days we stayed was low water pressure entire stay. Called the office to see if the pressures could be raised and was told to wait a few minutes and try." Bringing a water pressure regulator is advised for the best places to camp near Dammeron Valley, Utah.
