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 (187)

    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

    40 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

    35 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)

    26 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

1582 Reviews of 187 Santa Clara Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    McArthur's Temple View RV Resort

    Great Zion base with a dinghy

    Met with the Bigfoot Owner’s Club International (BOCI) here for rally. Very nice helpful staff. Nice amenities. Off load your mini foot and check it out. Great food nearby if you’re too tired to cook. Be sure you have an awning or pop up for shade!

  • Jeanne D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Old 91 Dispersed

    Easy to find and lots of space

    Easy to find for a quick overnighter! Lots of spaces

  • L
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Cedar Pockets Pass Road - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot

    We came here during labour day weekend and had the place to ourselves. No trees, but the mountains provide nice shade in the evening and morning.

  • IThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Kolob Road BLM Dispersed

    Nice spot for my vab

    I'm not pickey but there isn't any cell service and no ammenities

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Hurricane Cliffs BLM dispersed #54

    Simple spot, easy to get to, not to far from town.

    A pretty large area, I was the only one there. Nothing too special, but it gets the job done. The views weren't too back for a Midwesterner. it was fairly close to the road and could hear traffic pass during the night, but it wouldn't stop me from camping here again.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Lambs Knoll Climbing Site Camping

    Great for stargazing and a nice view of the valley

    This campsite was very quiet except on nights when a stargazing guide group came to meet up there around 9/9:30 PM. They weren’t super loud and only met there and then left shortly after.

  • Riley H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    North Creek Dispersed Camping

    Great spot + location, 100000 ants

    The location and sites are great. Got here late at night and tons of open spots and in close proximity to Zion...

    However.

    The site we were at was a logistical nightmare setting up our tent due to the 40,000 ants that were making every moment living hell trying to set up our tent. Every time we stood still for more than 3 seconds (not an exaggeration) ants would start finding their way up our feet. Me and my girlfriend are master bug haters so maybe this won’t bother others, or maybe other sites aren’t as infested.

    All in all, awesome spot! might recommend car camping if you stay in the site we were at if you value your sanity and don’t want your body rented out to be a home for ants and their 65,000 friends.


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 187 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.