Best Campgrounds near Gunlock, UT

Camping options around Gunlock, Utah span from developed state park facilities to dispersed sites on public lands. Gunlock State Park Campground serves as a central camping area with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Nearby, Baker Dam Recreation Area provides tent and RV camping with more primitive amenities. The region includes both waterfront camping at Gunlock Reservoir and high-desert camping experiences in the surrounding BLM lands. Most established campgrounds are within a 30-minute drive of St. George, making them accessible for visitors seeking proximity to urban amenities while enjoying natural surroundings.

Roads throughout the Gunlock area vary in quality, with some dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rainfall. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Many campsites at Gunlock State Park offer electric hookups with water, and the park features newly constructed facilities that receive positive reviews for cleanliness and maintenance. Public lands surrounding Gunlock follow standard BLM dispersed camping regulations with 14-day stay limits. Cell service is generally reliable at established campgrounds but may be limited in remote areas. A visitor noted, "The campground is right off the road and is easy to get to. Roads are gravel/dirt. The rangers were friendly and helpful."

Campers frequently mention the striking red rock landscapes and reservoir views as highlights of camping in the Gunlock area. Sites at Gunlock State Park provide covered picnic tables, which prove valuable given the limited natural shade in the region. Reviewers consistently rate the new bathroom facilities highly, with one camper describing them as "the cleanest bathrooms for any campground." Blake Gubler Road BLM areas offer more solitude but receive mixed reviews due to dust, recreational shooting activity, and occasional improper waste disposal. During summer months, the reservoir at Gunlock State Park attracts many visitors, making advance reservations advisable for weekend camping. Several campgrounds in the area feature convenient access to hiking and mountain biking trails, with Snow Canyon State Park serving as a popular nearby destination for day trips from Gunlock camping areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Gunlock, Utah (184)

    1. Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park

    569 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    24 miles
    +1 (435) 680-0715

    $50 / night

    "It’s fun of all sorts, kayaking, lake beach, boating, cliff jumping, bbq, off-roading everywhere!!! And the beauty that surrounds is unreal!!"

    "It’s always a family favorite when we go to Southern Utah"

    2. Snow Canyon State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Ivins, UT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 628-2255

    $40 - $200 / night

    "2.5 mike hike in, 300 ft elevation gain, easy trail to beautiful overlook of southern Utah. Camp is a sandy open area next to the overlook and cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park. Free to camp."

    "Snow Canyon is a still relatively unknown place near St George, Utah. There is SO much to do around there and there are great hikes that leave from this campground which makes it even better."

    3. McArthur's Temple View RV Resort

    25 Reviews
    St. George, UT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 673-6400

    $52 - $67 / night

    "We were on a road trip around Utah and decided to stop in the town of Saint George to get a bite to eat. We ended up taking our time to eat."

    "This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."

    4. Quail Creek State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 879-2378

    $28 - $40 / night

    "Beautiful location! All camp sites overlook the lake. There are flush toilets and outdoor coin showers. If the camp ground fills, they allow primitive camping in the parking lot for a minimal fee."

    "The big pro is that you are really close to a lake where you can go for a swim, quite a rare feature for a campground in Utah. Beautiful surroundings, new showers and restrooms."

    5. Red Cliffs Campground

    27 Reviews
    Leeds, UT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 688-3200

    $5 - $15 / night

    "Stopped here late on my way through Utah. Short drive off the highway and easy to find. Very clean sites, I was only there in the dark but area was quiet and easy to setup camp."

    "Water spigots are everywhere, and there are trash cans close by. Plus, there are two vault toilets not too far away. The roads and campsites are all paved."

    6. St. George / Hurricane KOA Journey

    35 Reviews
    Leeds, UT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We had a fun trip to Utah this past weekend for an off-road event. We found the KOA and set up camp for a few days. Internet connection wasn’t great and the weather was moody since it was March."

    "This KOA is located about ten minutes outside of St George and right off the I-15 freeway. It was all the amenities that your typical KOA has; dog park, hookups, cabins, and store."

    7. Baker Dam Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Central, UT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 688-3200

    $5 - $24 / night

    "Nice location - not too far from Zion, but much quieter! Beautiful drive in."

    "Ended up here as a last minute change in camping locations, and it didn’t disappoint."

    8. Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    242 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    43 miles
    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."

    9. Gunlock State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Gunlock, UT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 218-6544

    $45 - $175 / night

    "The layout is confusing as the campsites blend into the road so it’s easy to drive through an empty campsite."

    "Sites (mostly drive through but a few back-in) have a table, fire ring, power and water.  There is no shade, so you will want to bring something for that. The bathrooms are very clean with heaters."

    10. Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon

    4 Reviews
    Veyo, UT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 574-2300

    $25 - $100 / night

    "Awesome campground tucked in the river valley directly outside of Veyo and 30 minutes outside of St. George! "

    "We got the largest site and people walked through our camp constantly. Rock climbers and crawdad fishers. Other sites camped in a rock parking area or you can't park close."

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Recent Reviews near Gunlock, UT

1575 Reviews of 184 Gunlock Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Mesquite Trails RV Resort

    Nice & affordable campsite

    Easy access - would recommend to request a site on the mountain side instead of the highway site. Huge truck traffic during night time.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Pyramid Ridge Campground

    Must pay

    Seems ok got a better site unless neighbors with lots a lights come

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Single River Site

    Easy, clean stay with babbling brook sounds all night!

    Super simple, right off the road (the no one seems to drive after 10:30/11pm until 7am the next day), with sounds of the water coming from below. Stars were the best I’ve slept under in this area.

    Little stone fire pit, this solo spot is across the water from a larger spot where a group had already set up. I barely heard them even though they stayed up late around the fire - yay for the water sounds creating a natural sound barrier. Would stay again!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Rocky Peak Campground

    Spacious site with great views

    We arrived today. Big site with loads of space between other campers MTB trail system on the doorstep 6000’ up so might get cold at night Road in is fine so perhaps it’s been up graded since previous reviews. We have 25’ Airstream and had no issues at all……. So far so good will add more later…….. So after 3 nights here the only downside is off road vehicles which on a weekday is minimal but over the weekend is a pain in the arse !! Lots of noise and idiots using the camp loop as a race track when they have so much alternative space - really annoying Even at dark no respect for campers

  • Luka Đ.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    North Creek Dispersed Camping

    Great spot

    Got to this spot little before sunset, chrysler voyager didnt have too much trouble getting to the spot as long as I was driving really slow. My campsite was on the left after you get of the main road, next to the creek and with a firepit. There are other campers here but there is enough personal space IMO. Might stay here a couple of nights, instead of just one.

  • Sheri C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Sand Hollow OHV Camp

    OHV trails great place

    We just spent 5 nights here. was great! We have a 30 ft toy hauler and had no problems getting in and out. There were much bigger rigs then ours. This is all about riding off road. If you don't like the noise from UTVs and ATVs its not the place for you. Weather was perfect! It is a wash so i wouldn't try in the rain or after rain.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Baker Dam Recreation Area

    Decent, quiet campground

    As noted, there is no water or dump here. Vault toilets clean, and were cleaned every couple of days with TONS of toilet paper (no stink at all on those days), sites fairly level and most were very wide. There were some local kids hanging out in day use area in evening but did not stay late. Another camper with a reservation arrived to find their site occupied and that occupant did not return until evening but did leave without apparent incident. 

    If you're passing through Veyo, UT down the road, do yourself a favor and stop at Veyo Pies on the main hwy. Wow. We had the personal chicken pot pie (VERY good, meat was tender and crust fantastic!), a slice of Volcano pie and slice of apple, and took a whole cherry/raspberry pie with us to a gathering 600 miles away---it was the hit of the party. For those familiar, these pies were on par with those of 'The Pie-O-Neer' in Pie Town, NM (although Pie-O-Neer may have  recently changed their name---not confirmed). 

    ---->>ALSO in October 2025, information posted said there was'bad algae' in the reservoir, so do NOT fish or drink(including dogs!)<<----

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Snow Canyon State Park Campground

    Scenery never fails to impress

    Sites with hookup--with a couple of exceptions--are VERY close together. You can reach out and touch someone. If you have slide-out, you may not be able to use, or use fully extended. Other non-hookup sites have LOOONG driveways (ours was ~90'). Level, great places in most sites to set up tents/shades. There are 4 showers and they are all closed mid-day for cleaning. As someone noted here, the showers require that the chain be held down---a fix that worked for us: Put a rock(s) in bag and tie/hang it from the chain (worked great). Bathrooms were clean, flush toilets. There is a dump station available. Overall it was quiet, cell signal 4g and one itty bitty teeny tiny bar--very spotty. No bugs.

  • e
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Virgin River Gorge Recreation Area Campground (BLM)

    Accessible quiet campsite

    Easy to access off of I15 with paved roads the whole way. Loads of sites, but each was quite small. $16 to reserve (provides a sheltered spot) and $8 to walk-up. Toilets plumbed but could be a little cleaner. Overall great place to stay between vegas and Zion!


Guide to Gunlock

Gunlock, Utah sits at an elevation of 3,600 feet in southwest Utah's high desert, where temperatures range from below freezing in winter to over 100°F in summer. The region features volcanic outcrops alongside red sandstone formations, creating distinct camping environments across the area. Local camping areas typically receive less visitation than nearby national parks, making weekday reservations more readily available during peak seasons.

What to do

Rock climbing access: At Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon, campers can set up "almost directly at the base of your climb" with "individual camping spots along a river valley with steep climbing walls," according to Christina S. The site provides opportunities for beginners and experienced climbers.

Fishing opportunities: Baker Dam Recreation Area offers fishing options about 20 minutes from Gunlock. While one camper noted "fishing was slow but we had fun," the reservoir provides a quieter alternative to more crowded waters. Mikai P. mentioned it "would be 5 Stars from us if there would have been potable water."

Water recreation: Sand Hollow State Park features "great large mouth bass fishing and beautiful red rock scenery" according to Charles W. The park includes rental facilities where visitors can obtain "sea doos, boats, UTVs" and other equipment, though Chris L. noted "they are very particular about charging extra fees."

What campers like

Campground facilities: Gunlock State Park Campground receives high marks for its newer amenities. Kent M. described these as the "cleanest bathrooms for any campground" while noting each table "has a roof cover." The campground layout includes both pull-through and back-in sites.

Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer water access during hot months. At Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon, Ben F. highlighted the "awesome campground for families with many amenities and activities such as pool, climbing, concessions, showers and more." The facility features a "fully finished spring-fed pool" with concessions and wifi available.

Convenient locations: Red Cliffs Campground provides accessibility while maintaining natural surroundings. Sam B. noted "this campground is very nice" with "covered picnic tables" and sites that are "clean and well maintained." The location serves as a good alternative when Zion sites are full.

What you should know

Site selection considerations: When booking at Snow Canyon State Park, note that site types vary significantly. Jana S. explained: "sites 1-14 are basically parking spots. You are really close to your neighbors and have very little privacy. But there are some tent sites with power that are more spread out."

Utility limitations: Most campgrounds have restricted utilities. At Baker Dam Recreation Area, Michael G. mentioned there's "no water which is fine for me" while noting "vault toilets that were okay clean." Jessica W. found spots "a little rough, with some concrete tables (a couple with missing benches)."

Weather patterns: Campers should prepare for significant temperature fluctuations. Jessica W. described Baker Dam as "windy but beautiful" and suggested returning "when it warms up and the cold wind that comes out of the canyon isn't so bone chilling."

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon offers multiple family-friendly activities. Aaron W. called it "kids favorite camp spot" with "plenty of things to do," including crawdad fishing in the river. The site recommends "bring a bucket or get one at concessions" for this activity.

Booking strategies: For Quail Creek State Park Campground, Meghan B. noted reserving online "adds a whopping $8 reservation fee, but we didn't want to show up to a full campground" and found "it was full on a Sunday night in early April." The camp host texted prior to arrival to confirm readiness.

Pet considerations: Not all campgrounds welcome pets. Veyo Pool specifically lists "NO pets-allowed" in its features, while Gunlock State Park does permit them. For water activities with dogs, Samantha L. mentioned her experience at Quail Creek: "Our dog loved romping in the water, since there was no one at the lake during our time there."

Tips from RVers

Site spacing: At McArthur's Temple View RV Resort, Patrick J. found "nice sized sites" and mentioned "we had a pull through." He added that "after check in we were escorted to our site and given information about the park," though noted initial confusion about tow vehicle parking.

Utility reliability: Some campgrounds experience infrastructure issues. At Gunlock State Park, Meghan B. reported "unreliable electricity or something, because the lights turned off in the showers, restrooms, and also at the sites during our stay." Despite this, she rated facilities as "new and clean."

Site surface types: McArthur's Temple View features gravel sites rather than paved pads. Ray & Terri F. described it as a "fairly large resort" with "sites are gravel and fairly close together," noting cellular coverage was "quite good, with 4 Bars of 5G service and speeds up to 22 MB/s."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gunlock, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gunlock, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 184 campgrounds and RV parks near Gunlock, UT and 64 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gunlock, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gunlock, UT is Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 569 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gunlock, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 64 free dispersed camping spots near Gunlock, UT.