Baker Dam Recreation Area offers quieter camping opportunities near Dammeron Valley, Utah at an elevation around 4,500 feet. The recreation area sits between Pine Valley Mountain and the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, creating a transitional landscape where desert scrub meets pine forest. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F during daylight hours but can drop below 60°F at night.
What to do
Hiking through slot canyons: Red Cliffs Campground provides access to several hiking trails leading to interesting geological features. "There are tons of red ants, though—not too bad since we haven't been bitten, but yeah, a little gross. There are tons of trails that are super easy to get to," notes Lynna C. who stayed at Red Cliffs Campground.
Fishing at Baker Dam: The small reservoir at Baker Dam offers fishing opportunities even though catches can be inconsistent. "Fishing was slow but we had fun," according to Mikai P. who camped at Baker Dam Recreation Area. The reservoir is stocked with trout and sometimes bass.
Visit nearby state parks: Use your campsite as a base for exploring multiple parks. "The drive to this site was absolutely beautiful. The sunset over the mountains was breath taking," reports Alaina C. who stayed at Crackfoot Campground after visiting Zion National Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer more separation between campsites than others. At Baker Dam, "spots are a little rough, with some concrete tables (a couple with missing benches) and other spots with old weathered wooden tables," but Jessica W. adds that "will be back for sure, when it warms up."
Heated pools and hot tubs: During cooler months, Zion River Resort offers comfortable amenities. "Nice heated pool area with hot tub. Some areas have nice shade trees and grass areas," says Ben B., who noted they "give a discount for repeat customers."
Access to Virgin River: Water access makes hot summer days more bearable. "The cool Virgin River behind our site was a nice place to soak our tired feet and enjoy a beverage after hiking in Zion," shares Larry E. who appreciated staying at Zion River Resort with "very friendly staff, clean facilities, and mature trees."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds now require advance booking. Greg L. notes about Red Cliffs: "Reservations only as of 2021 (this cg used to be all FF). 11 sites, vault toilets, dumpsters, water spigots scattered around. Cell signal is very good for TMobile, not so good for Verizon or ATT."
RV size limitations: Access to some campgrounds can be challenging for larger vehicles. At Red Cliffs, "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!!"
Water availability concerns: Not all campgrounds have reliable water sources. Benjamin W. warns that at Baker Dam Recreation Area "no water on site so make sure you bring your own." This is especially important when camping with pets who need regular water access.
Tips for camping with families
Look for pet-friendly hiking trails: When seeking pet-friendly camping near Dammeron Valley, Utah, consider accessible trails. At Snow Canyon State Park Campground, "good accommodations. Comfortable with great vistas. Restrooms and shower facilities very clean," according to David C. The park features several dog-friendly trails.
Consider seasonal temperatures: Summer heat can be challenging with children and pets. "We stayed from Sunday to Tuesday. Check in is 2 but they allow earlier if no one is at site," shares Julie G. about Crackfoot Campground, where "elevation 6800 ft was 90s during day (a lot cooler in shade) 60s at night, so quite a drop in temp."
Visit during shoulder seasons: Spring and fall offer more comfortable temperatures. Jake C. recommends: "I'd recommend this as an early spring camp outing. The temps climb quickly in Southern Utah in late spring. My kids had a blast in the sand dune area" at Snow Canyon State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: At McArthur's Temple View RV Resort, Tara notes "the trailer sites are a little on the small-side and there could definitely be more greenery throughout the park, particularly trees to help with the heat." However, she found the park "very clean and well-maintained" with "really friendly, helpful, and accommodating" staff.
Consider connectivity needs: Internet access varies widely between campgrounds. At Zion River Resort, Reuben found "there is virtually no cell signal in Virgin. Certainly not enough to even begin to create a hot spot. There is wifi (and we even had a booster on our site)...but there was still terrible connectivity."
RV-specific amenities: McArthur's Temple View RV Resort caters to longer stays. "This campground has a very nice rec center and plenty of activities during the winter months," according to Sam F., who appreciated "the spring warmth and their large outdoor pool" even outside of peak season.
