Cell service can be unreliable at many Roosevelt-area campgrounds, with best reception typically found at RV parks closer to town. Nestled in northeastern Utah at approximately 5,000 feet elevation, the region experiences hot summer days with cool nights and cold winters. Most RV parks near Roosevelt remain open year-round while forest service campgrounds generally operate May through October.
What to do
Kayak to dinosaur tracks: At Red Fleet State Park Campground, visitors can rent kayaks to paddle across the reservoir to view fossilized dinosaur footprints. "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.
Explore Dinosaur National Monument: Outlaw Trail RV Park serves as an ideal base camp for dinosaur enthusiasts, located just 6 minutes from the Quarry Visitor Center. "This was a great place for us to put a group together. We had easy access to some of the OHV trails in the area but had to drive to some of the main ones back near Vernal," notes one visitor.
Fishing at Whiterocks: The creek near Whiterocks campground offers excellent fishing opportunities. "If you get one of the sites towards the back of the campground the creek runs right by it and fishing for pan size trout is a blast," shares one reviewer. The campground is about 75 minutes outside Vernal on a well-maintained road.
What campers like
Shade trees: Fossil Valley RV Park features mature trees that provide much-needed shade during hot summer months. "Park has lots of really big shade trees which would be a HUGE plus during hotter summer months," notes a camper. The park's central Vernal location makes it convenient for accessing local attractions.
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the roominess at certain parks. "The sites were deep and wide and we had no problem backing into the site. It fit our trailer, truck, and SxS vehicles," a visitor mentioned about one local resort. The extra space allows for comfortable setup of multiple vehicles and camping equipment.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms are frequently mentioned in reviews. "Bathrooms were clean, water was hot," reports a camper at the KOA. Another visitor at Lakeside RV Park noted, "Bathrooms a little run down but functional. The hosts were nice."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Tap water taste varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper noted about their stay, "We had to buy bottled water because we couldn't stand the taste of the tap water even through a filter." Consider bringing water filtration systems or bottled water for drinking.
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends and holiday periods. Vernal Dinosaurland KOA operates seasonally from March through October and requires advance booking during peak times. "This campground is only a few blocks from downtown Vernal, but out of town enough for a rural feel," shares a visitor.
Limited shade at newer parks: Recently established RV parks often lack mature trees. "There isn't much shade at all since the RV resort is new and still growing trees," notes a camper. During summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, consider parks with established tree coverage or bring portable shade structures.
Tips for camping with families
Educational activities: Several campgrounds offer dinosaur-themed programming for children. "We are currently planning family camp 2022, and are planning on staying here for a week to explore all the dinosaurs," shares a visitor about Vernal Dinosaurland KOA.
Recreational amenities: Lakeside RV Park provides family-friendly amenities overlooking Starvation Reservoir. "The campsite was a pull through, fairly large with a picnic table and fire ring. There is a nice dog walk/path with a great view of the reservoir at the end of the path," notes one reviewer.
Swimming options: Red Fleet State Park offers excellent swimming facilities for children. "They had a waterslide down the boat ramp and water trampoline that arent normally there. This year they have added a hammock rack to the campground that holds 9 hammocks," reports a camper who visited during the annual paddlefest event.
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection: When booking RV camping near Roosevelt, Utah, request sites away from highways to minimize noise. "Some reviews mention the Main Street traffic and it is a bit loud, but not really anything that bothered us," notes a camper about Fossil Valley RV Park.
Hookup specifications: Electrical service varies between parks, with some offering only 30-amp while others provide 50-amp connections. "Full hookups with max 50 amp service and good Wi-Fi," reports a visitor about one park, while another mentions "coin-operated showers. $2/wash and $2/40 min of dryer."
Internet considerations: WiFi quality differs dramatically between campgrounds. One reviewer reported, "WiFi is free, but each site is throttled to 5 Mbps (which is fine for basic streaming, but not HD or 4K)." For those needing reliable connectivity, confirm internet capabilities before booking or plan to use cellular data.
