Best Campgrounds near Santa Clara, UT

Camping near Santa Clara, Utah centers around a mix of state parks, BLM lands, and private campgrounds scattered throughout the surrounding red rock region. Snow Canyon State Park Campground, just 3 miles north of Santa Clara, provides established camping with tent and RV sites amid dramatic sandstone formations. McArthur's Temple View RV Resort in nearby St. George offers full-hookup camping with cabin accommodations, while dispersed camping can be found on public lands surrounding the area. The landscape transitions from desert valleys to higher elevations, providing year-round camping opportunities depending on the location.

Road conditions vary significantly between developed and primitive camping areas. State parks like Sand Hollow and Quail Creek maintain well-graded access roads suitable for most vehicles, while dispersed camping often requires high-clearance or 4WD transportation. "No frills, dispersed camping location just off the highway at the Arizona/Utah border. Great sunset/sunrise views," notes one visitor about Black Rock Road dispersed camping. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in lower elevations, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Water is scarce on undeveloped lands, requiring campers to pack in their own supply. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak spring and fall seasons when Zion National Park visitors overflow into surrounding areas.

The region includes a mix of waterfront and desert camping experiences with distinct characteristics. Campgrounds at Quail Creek and Sand Hollow State Parks provide direct lake access, attracting water recreation enthusiasts. "All camp sites overlook the lake. There are flush toilets and outdoor coin showers," explains one camper about Quail Creek. Sites near Zion National Park, approximately 30 minutes east, experience high visitation and often fill quickly. Primitive camping areas tend to have minimal facilities but offer greater solitude and stargazing opportunities. Red rock formations and mountain views dominate the landscape, with some camping areas providing access to slot canyons and hiking trails. Night temperatures can drop significantly even in warmer months, requiring proper preparation for temperature fluctuations regardless of season.

Best Camping Sites Near Santa Clara, Utah (189)

    1. Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park

    569 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    15 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
    5 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
    5 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
    15 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. St. George / Hurricane KOA Journey

    35 Reviews
    Leeds, UT
    15 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."

    6. Red Cliffs Campground

    27 Reviews
    Leeds, UT
    15 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."

    7. Virgin River Gorge Recreation Area Campground (BLM)

    27 Reviews
    Littlefield, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 688-3200

    $8 / night

    "Close to freeway but quiet. Very clean, some trails. Need to register at kiosk, one bar T mobile not enough to pay at site."

    "Walmart only 18 m away in Utah, Mesquite NV stores are the same distance west."

    8. Southern Utah RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Washington, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 669-2242

    $59 - $79 / night

    "This is a great, clean, relatively affordable spot to spend the night on your way to the sites in Southern Utah. This place is new, so it's very clean. No mature trees."

    "Right off the highway so there is road noise but you’re close to town to stock up on essentials or get delivery!"

    9. Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    242 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    37 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."

    10. Cedar Pockets Pass Road - Dispersed Camping

    20 Reviews
    Littlefield, AZ
    15 miles
    Website

    "We drive by this all the time when we go to and from Las Vegas to Utah."

    "Easy access a great pull off on the way to southern Utah national parks. There are a couple of nice trails If you want to do a morning or evening hike."

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Recent Reviews near Santa Clara, UT

1608 Reviews of 189 Santa Clara Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Dallin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Archers Overlook East Zion

    Quick easy spot

    Nothing special, hard ground, limited space, good for hammocks or pull over van camping. Fires capable.

  • 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!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Jellystone Park at Zion

    Just Incredible !!!

    This place is incredible. It has an amazing pool area that reminds me of great Wolf Lodge for camping! Huge waterslides, splash pad, zone, multiple pools and hot tubs and a lazy river! It has a huge trampoline jump, park and incredible park. This place is a kids paradise!

  • Natalie  G.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Zion Wright Family Ranch

    Quiet and gorgeous scenery!

    This was a great spot to camp! It was quiet and the night sky was great and the sunrise/sunset was even greater!

    Some of the porta potties were a little full and others were spotless. The road in is a little rough, but is definitely drivable when dry.

  • 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.

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Hidden Springs Rv Resort

    Very nice campground, clean with all the amenitites

    Great camping, lot's of grass and landscaping, great pool, laundry, facilities, store, etc. When booking really take a look at the relief of the campground, there are spots with incredible views over St. George, Warner Valley, Hurricane and if I had noticed that I would have booked other sites.

    Staff is great and super helpful, would recommend this campground as an A+


Guide to Santa Clara

Dispersed camping options near Santa Clara, Utah include public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management where primitive camping is permitted. Located in Washington County at approximately 2,800 feet elevation, Santa Clara enjoys a desert climate with dramatic temperature differences between seasons. Winter temperatures average 35-60°F while summer months regularly reach 95-105°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons for most visitors.

What to do

Hiking at Snow Canyon State Park: Located just 3 miles north of Santa Clara, the park offers multiple trail options through volcanic landscapes. "There are great red rock/lava flow hiking trail options, most are easy/moderate, nice loop through Snow Canyon and around on mesa and back for road cycling," notes one visitor at Snow Canyon State Park Campground.

Water recreation at Quail Creek: About 25 minutes from Santa Clara, this reservoir provides opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. "The dock for non-motorized water craft is easy to access from the parking lot next to the camp ground. If you do not have gear with you, there is a rental shop on site," explains a camper at Quail Creek State Park Campground.

Mountain biking: The St. George area surrounding Santa Clara is known for its quality trails. "Great mtn biking in St. George area (including a roller coaster ride on hard packed single track: Bear Claw Poppy and Snake Pit Loop trails. Many other trails in area)," shares a visitor to Snow Canyon State Park Campground.

What campers like

Red rock formations and hiking: The distinctive geology creates memorable experiences for visitors. "Red Cliffs Campground is a beautiful area, nested in the red cliffs and with hiking MTB trails right from the cg," comments a visitor to Red Cliffs Campground.

Stargazing opportunities: Many campsites in the area provide excellent night sky viewing. A camper at Southern Utah RV Resort noted the "Absolutely beautiful views" while another visitor to Cedar Pockets Pass described their experience as a "Quiet and star studded night."

Lake and water access: Several campgrounds offer direct access to water features. "Sand Hollow State Park Camping is such a good time. The summer nights by the beach camping out with your people and your dogs is one of my favorites," shares a camper at Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park.

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can be extreme in this desert region. "We stayed in late June and the temps were hot so it was nice to have the lake nearby for swimming, boating, kayaking, etc.," notes a visitor to Westside Campground at Sand Hollow State Park.

Campground operating hours: Some park campgrounds have strict entry and exit times. "Only problem here is that they lock you out of the park by 10pm, that is kind of annoying," mentions a camper at Quail Creek State Park.

Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Watchman Campground — Zion National Park, "You MUST make reservations online 6 months in advance to get a spot and they go SO FAST!"

Wind conditions: Several camping areas experience significant wind, particularly in canyons. At Virgin River Gorge Recreation Area Campground, a camper noted, "At about 3 am the wind became too much and the tent was almost flying out from under our bodies."

Tips for camping with families

Sand Hollow for water activities: The reservoir provides family-friendly beach access. "There's always a ton of people here! But there is plenty of space, you barely even notice. It's always a family favorite when we go to Southern Utah," explains a visitor to Westside Campground at Sand Hollow State Park.

Playground amenities: Some campgrounds include facilities specifically for children. Southern Utah RV Resort features "Basketball half court, small playground for kids, corn hole area, community fire pit area," making it suitable for family camping trips.

Educational opportunities: Many sites offer interpretive trails or natural features for learning. Red Cliffs Campground provides access to "dinosaur tracks" according to one visitor, creating opportunities for nature education with children.

Tips from RVers

Site selection at Snow Canyon: RV sites have specific limitations to consider. "Only the RV sites have power, and the RV sites were pathetically small. They were basically parking spots with tiny shared picnic tables between them," cautions a visitor to Snow Canyon State Park Campground.

Full hookups availability: Several campgrounds offer complete services for RVs. At McArthur's Temple View RV Resort, one camper noted it provides "50amp full hookups including cable TV and strong wifi" making it convenient for longer stays.

Size restrictions: Some campgrounds have tunnel or site size limitations. A camper at Red Cliffs Campground warns, "Note you have to go under the interstate thru two narrow concrete tunnels, they are 11.9 high, so be careful, many large RVs, 5th wheels, Class As will not fit!"

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Santa Clara, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Santa Clara, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 189 campgrounds and RV parks near Santa Clara, UT and 67 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Santa Clara, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 67 free dispersed camping spots near Santa Clara, UT.