R
Renee C.
Scout
ScoutSun Outdoors North Salt Lake
Friendly, good for a night
This is a good stop over place. It has a pool, store and some outside games. No shade at all and no space between sites but the staff is excellent
Top-Rated Utah Camping: RV Sites, Tent Camps & Dispersed Options
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 (1,751)
1. Watchman Campground — Zion National Park
252 ReviewsSpringdale, UTWebsite+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 ReviewsMoab, UTWebsite+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. Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park
94 ReviewsTorrey, UTWebsite+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."
4. Zion Canyon Campground
98 ReviewsSpringdale, UTWebsite+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. "
5. South Campground — Zion National Park
91 ReviewsSpringdale, UTWebsite+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
83 ReviewsTropic, UTWebsite+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
80 ReviewsVirgin, UTWebsite+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
78 ReviewsFern Ridge Lake, ORWebsite+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 ReviewsTropic, UTWebsite+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
72 ReviewsMoab, UTWebsite+1 (435) 259-3770$30 - $50 / night
"Lots of room for over 100 rigs, tents, vans, though some are in close proximity to each other."
"My class b van handled the road well. 15 dollars paid through the Utah park ap."
Recent Camping Photos in Utah
2522 Photos of 1751 Utah Campgrounds
Derek W.
Manti-LaSal National Forest Oowah Lake Campground
Spencer L.
Moosehorn Dispersed Camping
Megan W.
Lake Desolation Primitive Sites
Carrie C.
Granary Springs
Sara T.
Ledge B
Jason B.
Tracking Station Road
johny R.
Road #839 Dispersed Camping
Donald B.
Deer Creek Lake Trail
Dani B.
Burr Trail Rd Dispersed Camping
Carrie C.
Coyote Gulch — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Caroline F.
Dispersed camping near orangeville
Recent Reviews in Utah
10000 Reviews of 1751 Utah Campgrounds
- ZZach F.Scout
BLM Lone Mesa Dispersed Camping
Windy car camping
First time here, and would stay again. Got pretty windy when a rain storm passed through, but the cool breeze the rest of the night was worth my pop up canopy almost going over the edge!
Morgan R.
GuideBrigham City-Perry South KOA
Loved this spot!
The whole family loved this spot! My son loved the pool and the playground. The lady that helped us check in a spot last minute was soo nice! We arrived almost at closing time and she kept the pool open for us to enjoy! Very accommodating and kind. They even have a kitchen that serves food so we didn’t have to worry about cooking food! They also have unlimited pancakes, cereal, and coffee in the morning. The spot was just far enough in from the main road that it was quiet. The showers and bathrooms were clean. Had a great fire and a wonderful stay!
- Morgan R.Guide
Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown
Okay for 1 night
It was great to stop here and jump in the pool. It was soo hot out! The grounds were clean and well kept. I appreciated the awning over the picnic table. The bathrooms and showers were great. It is in the middle of town, so expect to hear traffic through the night.
- Jeff R.Guide
Miner's Canyon Dispersed
Good spot
Lots of spots for any size rigs, closer to the water the bugs can be crazy, lots of trash left around, we were here 10 months ago same trash still here. Be wonderfully if it was cleaned up.
- LLynn
RangerFish Lake National Forest
Beautiful view
Found a few pullouts and one or 2 larger spots to pull in along the road. The road is relatively smooth gravel.
s M.Scoutunknown
Crickets
So far very pleasant. Right in the road but you can park and walk in to at least one campsite. There are dirt bikers coming down the trail. I didn't walk far beyond the one site with campfire spit and stones. A little trash has been left , but if you want ease of access and ability to walk back to camp, plus a place ten miles or so from supplies in Orem, this is very nice. Despite traffic and early morning athletes I did sleep well. And it's easier access than the unpaved Widow's peak dispersed - still paved roads here.
- EEric P.
LegendGreen River State Park Campground
July camping trip
Had a quick one night stay on the way to Colorado. The park was clean and sites were spaced well. Walking distance to the green river. Kayak and SUP rentals available. There was ice available at park entrance if needed. I had 5g service with Verizon while there. My only complaint was the very loud group in the group site that had music going and Loud till after 11 pm .
do K.ScoutTrial Lake Campground
The fishing was so peaceful and plentiful
The fishing was amazing and the lake was so peaceful.
However the blonde camp host was less then friendly and on a major power trip trying to make up her own rules.
The bathrooms weren’t maintained. They stunk like ammonia so bad you could barely breathe and the garbage dumpsters were full when we arrived and weren’t emptied the entire 7 days we were there. You also still have no access to water.
A word to the wise if you are wanting a peaceful experience don’t book sites 17 or 18. The fire pit for 17 is right in the middle of the 2 sites and the fire pit for 18 is up a hill. You are literally on top of your neighbors. I had to stand in site 17 to back my trailer into site 18 it’s ridiculous.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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