Top 10+ Utah Campgrounds

Utah's camping landscape includes over 1,600 campgrounds spanning five national parks, multiple state parks, and extensive BLM and Forest Service lands. The state accommodates every camping style from primitive dispersed sites to luxury RV resorts, with dramatic elevation changes creating distinct camping seasons and conditions across different regions.

National park campgrounds anchor Utah's camping scene but require advance planning due to high demand. Watchman in Zion and Devils Garden in Arches represent the premium locations, booking months ahead for peak seasons. These developed campgrounds provide modern restrooms and potable water but maintain typical national park constraints like small sites and strict quiet hours.

The Mighty Five national parks each offer different camping characteristics. Zion's riverside locations provide shade and shuttle access but face extreme summer heat. Bryce Canyon's higher elevation brings cooler temperatures and pine forests, while Arches and Canyonlands offer desert camping with expansive views. Capitol Reef's Fruita Campground stands out as an oasis setting with fruit orchards and creek access.

Utah's dispersed camping opportunities rival any western state, with over 570 documented free sites across BLM and Forest Service lands. Popular areas like Tom Best Spring Road near Bryce and the Moab corridor fill quickly during peak seasons, while more remote locations in places like Grand Staircase-Escalante offer genuine solitude. Road conditions vary dramatically, from standard vehicle access to high-clearance 4WD requirements.

Private campgrounds concentrate around major attractions, particularly in the Moab and Zion areas. These range from basic hookup parks to full-service resorts with pools, WiFi, and convenience stores. Pricing reflects proximity to national parks, with locations like Springdale and Moab commanding premium rates during spring and fall peak seasons.

Utah's extreme geography creates unique camping considerations. Desert locations require serious heat preparation during summer months, while mountain areas can see snow as early as September. Flash flood risks affect canyon camping, and high elevation sites may be inaccessible during winter months. Water availability varies dramatically between developed campgrounds with full services and primitive sites requiring complete self-sufficiency.

Elevation changes across the state mean camping seasons overlap differently in various regions. Southern Utah desert areas become uncomfortable during summer but offer excellent winter camping, while northern mountain locations provide summer relief but close entirely during cold months. Understanding these patterns helps campers find ideal conditions year-round across Utah's diverse camping ecosystem.

Best Camping Sites in Utah (1,676)

    1. Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park

    569 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    +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. Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    242 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."

    3. Devils Garden Campground — Arches National Park

    94 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!"

    4. South Campground — Zion National Park

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

    $35 - $50 / 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."

    5. Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park

    88 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."

    "There are lots of trees and shade and after driving through the desert it’s crazy to find this oasis tucked back behind these big beautiful rocks 🏜. The sites are a good size and comfortable."

    6. Zion Canyon Campground

    92 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. "

    7. Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground

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

    "Campground Review Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground Definitely the closest campground outside of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah with all the amenities (absolutely positively everything) and even"

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

    8. North Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park

    78 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."

    9. Zion River Resort

    75 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."

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

    71 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 1,676 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews in Utah

9354 Reviews of 1676 Utah Campgrounds


  • Christy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Cowboy Camp Campground

    Simple and stunning

    Absolutely incredible campsite. If you’re heading to Dead Horse Point for sunset, skip it and camp here instead—the sunsets from this spot are unreal. There are only seven sites, and most are great. The first one is near the road but still has amazing views. One site sits higher on a hill, tricky for vans but perfect if you want a panoramic overlook. I camped on #6 and while it not “private” it’s a view not to be missed.

    Every site has a fire ring, the vault toilet is spotless and stocked, and it’s quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. I’d pay $20 for this without a second thought. I arrived at 5:30 on a Tuesday in October and there were only three spots left.

    Honestly, I almost don’t want to share this place—it’s that good. But everyone deserves that “wow, I’m lucky” feeling

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Hailstone - Lower Fisher Campground — Jordanelle State Park

    Great state park campground

    Convenient location to Park City. Large spacious sites. Nice clean bathrooms. You can hear road noise from highway 40. We got a site without reservation with no problem. Some sites are more level than others. We are enjoying looking at the reservoir from the back of our site. Some construction noise across highway 40 but not too much late on a weekday.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed

    All Time Best

    The view from our site was unreal. I think this might be my best campsite ever. Would return. Went on a Sunday afternoon and snagged a brilliant spot for a night.

  • J
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Bridger Bay Campground — Antelope Island State Park

    Beautiful buffalo views

    An amazing place to kick back, relax, and hangout with bison. They walk up and graze through the campsites which is a beautiful thing to wake up to. Right now the island doesn’t have water so come prepared. Electrical hook ups. State parks always skoolie friendly.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Gunlock State Park Campground

    Nice spot for short stay

    Very well maintained. New bathrooms with lots of (free to campers) showers. Water and electric worked great the whole time we were here. Super friendly staff.

    Looks like the roads were just paved and in need of more directional arrows. The layout is confusing as the campsites blend into the road so it’s easy to drive through an empty campsite. We were in a 24ft van and were able to be level without blocks by entering from the wrong way. Larger rigs would have had difficulty because of the slope. Many sites were sloped quite a bit so choose your site accordingly. We had site 21 that had great views but was exposed to ferocious winds one of the nights.

    We prefer campgrounds with walking access to trails. This one didn’t have that so we’d come back but just for an overnight.

  • Tyler M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Rocky Peak Campground

    Campsite with plenty of space

    Plenty of space in each of the campsites. A couple trails nearby and other activities to do. Not a bad place to spend the night. $20 to reserve online.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    BLM Mineral Bottom Road Dispersed Camping

    Nice and quiet

    Super easy road to get to in my RAV4. We parked fairly close to the entrance so we could hear cars in the distance but other than that, super quiet. Lots of campers around us. We were in the trees for some privacy.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Flaming Gorge-Manila KOA

    Great KOA in small town

    We were greeted so warmly by Traci, who with her husband runs the campground. As it is off-season, the campground was empty and Traci helped us pick a sunny site. She also suggested a late afternoon scenic drive nearby. Such a pretty area and the campground is very near. Super clean bathrooms.


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.