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Top-Rated Utah Camping: RV Sites, Tent Camps & Dispersed Options

10,000
Reviews

Utah's camping landscape stretches from developed RV parks to remote backcountry sites, encompassing destinations like Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Arches. Major campgrounds such as Watchman, South, and Devils Garden provide established camping with varying amenity levels, while dispersed options like Tom Best Spring Road in Dixie National Forest offer free, primitive alternatives. The region includes both tent and RV sites, with some locations featuring cabin accommodations and glamping options. National park campgrounds typically provide toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables, while national forest dispersed camping offers solitude with minimal amenities.

Road conditions across Utah camping areas vary significantly by location and season, with some dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles for access. Campgrounds like those in Zion National Park operate year-round, while Devils Garden in Arches closes seasonally from November through February. Many national park campgrounds require reservations months in advance, particularly during the peak summer season. Elevation differences create varied climate conditions, with higher-elevation sites experiencing cooler temperatures even in summer. Flash flooding can impact low-lying areas and wash out access roads unexpectedly. "The area is absolutely beautiful but we drive a ford escape and couldn't get very far on the road as it was very eroded! Lucky if you have a higher clearance vehicle," noted one camper about Henrieville Creek in Grand Staircase.

Campers report varying experiences with privacy and solitude depending on location choice. Dispersed sites generally offer more seclusion, while established campgrounds provide consistent amenities but less isolation. Utah campgrounds in national parks fill quickly during peak season, with visitors recommending early reservations. One visitor described their experience at a Forest Service dispersed site: "Great off grid spot, nice tracks off the main gravel road you can park up at. Clear spots with plenty of pine cones and firewood lying around." Cell service remains spotty throughout much of Utah's backcountry, with better coverage near towns and highways. Mixed-use campgrounds offering both RV hookups and tent sites present compromise options between amenities and natural setting, particularly along major travel corridors near national parks.

Best Camping Sites in Utah (1,774)

    1. Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    253 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 772-3837

    $35 - $130 / night

    "Sites were typical National Park, small and close together but well positioned.  We had close access to a modern restroom that was clean and well maintained.  "

    "Watchman is conveniently located within walking distance of the Zion National Park south entrance. The camp sites are shaded with trees and red gravel/sand ground structure."

    2. Devils Garden Campground — Arches National Park

    96 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 719-2299

    $25 - $250 / night

    "This campground is surrounded by tall majestic rocks high in the Utah desert. Well located to visit several National parks. Toilets and water scattered around this large site."

    "Depending on how far you want to walk, there is access to several of the park's arches right from the campsite. Beware of Ravens!"

    3. Zion Canyon Campground

    99 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 772-3237

    "Lovely spot with a river running along one side, but only people with river spots have access to it! Conveniently within the nice town of Springdale and very close to park entrance."

    "The location is definitely a highlight, it’s just a short walk to the park entrance, which made getting in and out of Zion really convenient. "

    4. Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park

    94 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 425-4172

    $25 / night

    "One of our favorite campgrounds in southern Utah nestled in the Capitol Reef National Park."

    "Should've planned my stay around harvest time! Very close to the Cohab canyon trail, one to hike for sure! Be sure to stop by the lil cabin nearby delectable pies and a bit of history."

    5. South Campground — Zion National Park

    93 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 772-3256

    $35 / night

    "Perfect location just a short walk away from the visitors center where you catch the shuttle into the park, or exit to catch the shuttle to Springdale. Clean bathrooms. No shade at site 125."

    "The drive in from the Eastern entrance is simply incredible and full of epic photo ops. Zion reminds me of Yosemite Valley in some ways."

    6. North Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park

    84 Reviews
    Tropic, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 834-5322

    $30 / night

    "The sites are tucked into cozy piney woods that belies the massive red, rocky hoodoos just a few yards away in the amphitheater. "

    "I was only able to spend a short time here on my Utah National Park road trip this year but I really fell in love with this place."

    7. Zion River Resort

    81 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    Website
    +1 (888) 822-8594

    "At the site we were on there was a creek behind us which we loved and so did our dogs! Friendly neighbors! Beautiful place. Located close to Zion park. A lot of off road adventures near by"

    "The park is 10minutes away from Zion National Park and about 2hrs from Bryce Canyon. The park is adjacent to the Virgin River. Walking path to the river is great for kids."

    8. Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground

    79 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, OR
    Website
    +1 (435) 834-5341

    "Our camper was nestled in the trees with a hill behind the camper, where we could also explore."

    "We rented a pull behind trailer to tow behind our LR4. We were looking for a clean, established campground with full hook ups, as close to Bryce Canyon NP as a possible."

    9. Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest

    70 Reviews
    Tropic, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3700

    "Lots of great trails close by and super close to the park entrance - all for FREE! Couldn’t ask for more!"

    "Physically cooler than other Utah spots due to the trees. Could even set up a hammock if you wanted. Wifi (Verizon) was decent. Easy road in."

    10. Utahraptor State Park Campground

    74 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-3770

    $30 - $50 / night

    "But the best part is the setting: scrubby desert surrounded by craggy mountains and dramatic skies. What a beautiful place."

    "Lots of room for over 100 rigs, tents, vans, though some are in close proximity to each other."

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10000 Reviews of 1774 Utah Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 5, 2026

    Kodachrome State Park

    Nice park, Amazing amenities

    The scenery here is not Zion but it is really nice for people who just want to get somewhere pretty, do small hikes, and camp. The camp spots are close but the trees make it seem more spacious. The “no generators after 4pm” is also a major plus for those seeking peaceful outdoor camping.
    The amenities here deserve special mention here: in short, they are amazing. The showers here are the undisputed nicest public showers we have ever used. The bathrooms are also impeccable. All of the spots have shade (you will need in the summer. There is even a frisbee golf course somewhere here!

  • EThe Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 5, 2026

    Sand Cove Primitive Camping Area

    Washed out road

    We got within about a quarter of a mile, but the road was washed out. We have a 4 x 4, but not worth getting stuck in 95° heat. We ended up camping about a half mile farther back.

  • Christopher B.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 4, 2026

    Hummingbird Campground

    Very conveniently located to Monument Valley

     We arrived after dark with a storm rapidly approaching. Turns out there is such a thing as“monsoon season” in the Arid Basin Range! The campground is small but neat, and each site has a shaded picnic table and fire ring. The views are spectacular. A low rocky ridge to the west accents the beautiful sunsets, while to the east and south, several monuments stand prominently against the sky. It’s a very peaceful and relaxing place to stay. There are several camp dogs on site who are great welcoming representatives. Dusty and Rusty will steal your heart! I would recommend Hummingbird to a weary traveler or a spirited adventurer. It’s a wonderful place to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and reconnect with the peace and beauty of the desert.

  • Benjamin S.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 4, 2026

    Ken's Lake Campground

    Kens Lake Overnight

    Ken’s Lake was a great little spot just outside Moab if you’re looking for rustic camping without a bunch of extra fluff.

    There are pit toilets and no water, so bring your own and plan accordingly. Once you’ve accepted that, it’s a really nice place to camp.

    One of the best parts was the walk to Faux Falls. My 10-year-old kept talking about wanting to go see “Fox Falls,” and for a while I genuinely thought he had somehow discovered some other waterfall in the area that I didn’t know about. I kept wondering how on earth he knew about this mystery waterfall considering he had never even been here before.

    Eventually I realized he meant Faux Falls.

    So naturally that turned into a family lesson on French words, silent letters, and why the French apparently decided spelling should just be more of a suggestion.

    The kids and dogs absolutely loved it. They had a blast running around, exploring, and making the walk out to the falls.

    Ken’s Lake is simple, scenic, close to Moab, and a great place to let the kids and dogs burn off some energy. Just bring plenty of water, be prepared for pit toilets, and don’t be surprised if your kid starts telling you about mysterious waterfalls that don’t actually exist.

  • Benjamin S.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 4, 2026

    Sand Island Campground

    Sand Island basic sites but good spot.

    Sand Island Campground was a great stop for us. It’s simple, scenic, and actually feels like camping instead of an RV subdivision with a gift shop. The bathrooms are pit toilets, so if flushing toilets are a requirement, this may not be your place. If you can survive that minor hardship, the rest is pretty easy. Fresh water is right by the registration board, and we paid for our site by scanning the Recreation.gov QR code posted there. No paperwork scavenger hunt required. Every site we saw had a picnic table and fire pit, and there are a few pull-through spots. We managed to grab one, which with a bigger rig felt like hitting the campsite jackpot. The kids had a blast looking for the petroglyphs. They’re easy to find, which means the kids get to feel like adventurous archaeologists while the adults avoid wandering aimlessly through the desert pretending we know where we’re going. It’s not fancy, and that’s exactly why we liked it. Beautiful surroundings, a practical setup, some genuinely cool history nearby, and enough space to relax. If your idea of camping requires marble showers and a concierge, keep driving. If you want a neat little desert campground with petroglyphs and a campfire, this place is a winner.

  • R
    Oct. 4, 2026

    White Rocks Dispersed Camping

    Cool Rocks, but the Flies Were Unbearable

    The rock formations are cool and fun to explore, but unfortunately the flies completely ruined this spot for us. I’ve camped in plenty of places with bugs, but I’ve never experienced flies this bad. If you stood still for more than a few seconds, you would literally be swarmed by them. There are cattle and bison in the surrounding area, so I’m guessing that contributes to the fly problem. Whatever the cause, they were relentless. It was so bad that after about 20 minutes, we gave up, packed everything back up, and left. Based on our experience, I would never camp here again.

  • SThe Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 4, 2026

    Bryce View Campground — Kodachrome Basin State Park

    Very very scenic but you have to drive

    This is place is extremely scenic and quiet but just know you must drive to get to ANY hiking. Walk the dog? I guess 10 laps around the loop? Or risk your life on the gravel road.

  • Nicholas A.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 4, 2026

    Bountiful B Dispersed

    A bit noisy

    Camp is about 25 minutes from town via a dirt road 4x4 not required in certain areas just be cautious when selecting certain sites if you don't have 4x4. Also worth noting lots of dirt bikes and side by sides and folks shooting guns, so if you're a light sleeper you may not enjoy this site. Otherwise, it's totally fine.

  • RThe Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 4, 2026

    Hummingbird Campground

    Nice homestead camping with great scenic background

    Very interesting sites in fenced 3 to 4 acre property. Hosts very nice. Reserve by email or phone to host. Suggest reserving, sites full on Saturday night in October. Pay extra for homemade Navajo tacos.

Guide to Utah

Camping in Utah offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're into dispersed camping or prefer established campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Explore the Outdoors: Utah is known for its breathtaking scenery. At Wedge Overlook, one reviewer said, “The views are breathtaking and we enjoyed a site right on the canyon edge.”
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Payson Lakes, are great for fishing. A visitor noted, “It is a fantastic place to bring your kids for fishing.”
  • Hiking: Trails abound in Utah. One camper at Diamond Fork mentioned, “There are plenty of areas to do dispersed camping up diamond fork. With a bonus of being able to hike to some of the better hot springs close to salt lake.”

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful landscapes. A review for Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area highlighted, “There are some pretty mountain views.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of room. One camper at Castle Gate RV Park said, “Large sites with plenty of room between sites.”
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Campgrounds like Fillmore KOA have great facilities. A visitor shared, “The pool and jacuzzi, little bit of shade. The grass is nice and well maintained.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wedge Overlook, have minimal facilities. One reviewer pointed out, “No developed fee CG, NO WATER, no dumpsters.”
  • Crowds: Popular spots can get busy. A camper at Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area noted, “The dispersed camping area pretty much fills up overnight.”
  • Road Conditions: Access can be tricky. A visitor at Diamond Fork mentioned, “High clearance with all wheel or 4-wheel drive recommended until the snow melts.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities. One parent at Castle Gate RV Park said, “Our kids enjoyed their time at the playground and splash pad.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have fishing gear or hiking plans. A camper at Payson Lakes said, “It’s a beautiful spot with lots of hiking and shade.”
  • Check Weather Conditions: Be prepared for changing weather. A family at Yuba Campground mentioned, “We arrived during a snow storm, off season camping was first come first serve.”

Tips from RVers

  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Spots: Many campgrounds cater to larger RVs. A reviewer at Castle Gate RV Park noted, “This RV park was such a great stop along our road trip.”
  • Check for Hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. One RV traveler at Mystic Hot Springs appreciated, “Full hookup for EV charge was great!”
  • Be Mindful of Road Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Richfield KOA mentioned, “I-15 noise. Tent campers a good set of noise canceling ear buds will take care of it.”

Camping in Utah can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Utah for scenic views?

Utah offers spectacular scenic camping experiences throughout the state. Goblin Valley State Park Campground provides access to a bizarre landscape of unique rock formations resembling goblins, perfect for photographers and nature lovers. Kodachrome Basin State Park features campsites surrounded by stunning red rock cliffs and colorful mountains, with easy access to Bryce Canyon National Park. Other notable options include Devil's Garden in Arches National Park for stargazing and rock formations, Capitol Reef's Fruita Campground for fruit orchards against red rock backdrops, and Monument Valley KOA for iconic desert vistas. The best scenic campgrounds typically require reservations well in advance during peak season (April-October).

When is the ideal time to go camping in Utah based on weather and crowds?

The ideal camping season in Utah runs from late spring (May) to early fall (October), with specific timing depending on your destination's elevation. Oasis Campground — Yuba State Park offers excellent early season camping when state parks open in spring, with beautiful lake views and fewer crowds. For summer camping, higher elevation sites like Navajo Lake Campground in Dixie National Forest provide cooler temperatures. Southern Utah desert regions are best in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are moderate. Northern Utah mountain campgrounds typically open later (June) and close earlier (September) due to snow. To avoid crowds, consider weekday visits and shoulder seasons, especially around popular national parks where summer crowds can be intense.

Where can I find free dispersed camping areas in Utah?

Utah offers abundant free dispersed camping opportunities on public lands. Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry provides free dispersed camping with no amenities near Utah Lake. This area is popular for off-road vehicles with established fire rings in common camping spots. Tom Best Spring Road FR117 in Dixie National Forest offers free dispersed camping with big-rig access. Additional dispersed camping can be found throughout Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands near Moab, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and surrounding national forests. Remember to pack out all trash, bring sufficient water, and follow fire regulations. Most dispersed sites require self-containment with no facilities, and camping is typically limited to 14 days in the same location.

Do I need permits for camping in Utah's national parks and public lands?

Permit requirements vary across Utah's public lands. At national parks like Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park, developed campgrounds require reservations which effectively serve as your permit. Most can be booked through recreation.gov up to six months in advance. Backcountry camping in national parks always requires wilderness permits, which have limited availability and should be reserved early. For state parks like Pine Creek Campground — Wasatch Mountain State Park, reservations are typically required and serve as your permit. BLM and Forest Service dispersed camping generally doesn't require permits, but specific high-use areas may have registration systems. Always check official websites before your trip, as permit systems change seasonally and may have different requirements during fire restrictions.

Keep Exploring

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