Cabin camping near Roosevelt, Utah offers a variety of accommodations in high desert terrain at around 5,000 feet elevation. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures reaching the 90s and winter lows frequently below freezing. Many cabin sites are positioned near reservoirs created for irrigation, providing both recreational opportunities and habitat for local wildlife.
What to do
Paddleboard and kayak on Red Fleet Reservoir: Just 20 miles north of Roosevelt, Red Fleet State Park Campground offers water recreation and unique geological attractions. "They rent kayaks, paddle boards and canoes. The bathrooms are clean and well kept. There is a beach area with a floating dock to swim out to," notes a visitor who appreciated the various water activities.
Visit dinosaur tracks: The Red Fleet area contains preserved dinosaur footprints accessible by water. "Our absolute favorite part of this campground is the ability to rent kayaks and kayak over to see the dinosaur footprints. This was our first time seeing anything of the like, and it absolutely blew our minds," reports a camper who made the trek to see this paleontological treasure.
Explore mountain biking trails: The region contains numerous off-road trails suitable for various skill levels. "Make Steinaker your basecamp for the many mountain biking trails just up the highway, hiking (check out Moonshine Arch), fishing, and more," advises a regular visitor to the area who uses the cabin facilities as a launching point for outdoor activities.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Steinaker State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms and common areas. "The showers and bathrooms were spotless, and the dumpsters were very convenient. I ended up at a full hookup spot that cost $50 a night. I believe there are $30 options available as well," reports a recent visitor about the facilities.
Family-friendly activities: Moon Lake Campground provides recreation opportunities suitable for all ages. "Moon Lake Campground is a clean and modern campground on the shores of a beautiful high mountain lake. The lodge provides rentals of kayaks and small fishing boats. It even has a taco truck out front," notes a family that ranked this location among their favorites.
Cabin variety: The area offers everything from basic shelters to more equipped accommodations. "The campground has full hook up spots, Electrical, a cabin you can rent and tent sites. There is a great group site that gives you access to the water and has a covered pavilion," explains a camper detailing the range of options at Red Fleet.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance planning, especially during peak season. "This is a great lil campground although I feel like they tried to cram alot of campsites right on top of each other. Some bigger shadier trees towards the lake but you better book those way in advance cause they fill up fast," advises a regular visitor to the area.
Weather considerations: The area experiences extreme temperature variations with limited shade at many locations. "My suggestions are to take some kind of extra shade. There are not a lot of trees for shade. Also lots of ice to keep food cool," recommends a summer visitor to Red Fleet State Park Campground.
Pet restrictions: Not all cabin areas welcome pets, especially near beaches or water access points. "Park personnel kicked us off the beach the next morning and said dogs aren't allowed anywhere near the water at this campground. The dog policy is not obvious on the website or stated in my reservation confirmation," cautions a visitor who had difficulty with pet policies.
Tips for camping with families
Lakeside recreation options: Mountain View Campground at Fred Hayes State Park provides water access for various activities. "The family had a blast. The camping area is all paved and the kids loved riding their bikes all day. It's just a short drive down to the water with a beach area," reports a family who enjoyed the paved surfaces for children's activities.
Educational opportunities: Integrate learning about geology and paleontology into your trip. "Steinaker State Park and Campground is located about five miles north of Vernal, UT. Hike the Eagle Crest trail located at the large group site for beautiful views of the lake, and Vernal beyond," suggests a visitor who appreciates the educational aspects of the area.
Cabin supplies checklist: Most cabin rentals provide minimal furnishings. "The sites have pavilions and fire rings. They don't allow tents on the grass, but a handful had a tent pad so make sure you check the site listing to determine if it will allow a tent. We had water hookups and access to 20/30/50 electricity," details a visitor to Mountain View Campground.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Several parks offer dump facilities for extended stays. "There is a dump station that's easy to access. There is nice grass planted at some sites; however, due to the drought, they have sadly let the grass die. This is very sad but with the water so low in the reservoirs it's hard to justify watering the grass," notes an RV camper at Indian Bay Campground.
Site selection strategy: Reserve back-in sites at Mountain View for better views and privacy. "I was glad I had a back-in site around the edge of the loop. I loved the view. The pull through sites in the middle were super close together that left little room for slide outs and entry/exit from the trailers unless you were in the end," advises an RV camper who appreciated their site selection.
Seasonal availability: Most cabin facilities operate on a limited season due to weather. "The bathrooms were the dirtiest I have ever seen. They have forest rangers when u check in and they have them around camp but I guess they don't clean the bathrooms," warns a camper who visited during a busy period, suggesting travelers check facility conditions during shoulder seasons.
