We all love roasting marshmallows over a campfire—and you can often still do that while cabin camping in Vernal. Find the best information on cabin camping near Vernal, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these Utah cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.
Get back to family fun at Dinosaurland KOA! Built to accommodate the largest rigs on the road, the campground's upgraded RV Sites are the first to be booked. Fire pits, patios, pull thrus - this KOA has them ready and waiting. You'll be so comfortable you won't want to leave, but one of the most beautiful regions in all of Utah is waiting for you. Raft the Green and Yampa rivers, hike or bike the trails in the Uinta Mountains, fish the Flaming Gorge or one of the many nearby lakes. Ancient history beckons in Dry Fork Canyon as you explore the petroglyphs in search of the Three Kings. Save a day to spend at the Quarry Exhibit Hall at Dinosaur National Monument examining the wall of more than 1,500 fossils. Daily ranger programs educate both young and old about Utah's long-gone inhabitants at this state-of-the-art facility. If you want to kick back and relax, this KOA's heated pool is just the ticket, and you'll find the best stargazing around. Northeast Utah is calling your name! Max pull thru: 75 feet.
$29 - $72 / night
Over 50 sites.
Iron Springs Group Campground is located approximately 5 miles off U.S. Highway 191, along the Red Cloud Loop Scenic Backway at an elevation of 9,200 feet. Campers enjoy exploring local off-road trails.The Iron Springs Campground Group Sites include both the fenced-in area with picnic tables, and the areas immediately adjacent to site 1 and 2 with a quarter mile for overflow parking. *There is currently NO WATER at Iron Spring Group Campground. The Forest Service is working on repairing the issue.*
Red Cloud Loop offers scenic driving on a maintained dirt road, providing miles of trails for ATVs, hikers and mountain bikers. The loop leads to numerous reservoirs and lakes, overlooks, historic sites and through forests and meadows. East Park and Oaks Park Reservoirs are less than 10 miles away. Both are stocked with catchable rainbow trout. A boat ramp is available at East Park; Oaks Park does not have a boat ramp. Brush Creek Caves are nearby, a popular destination for caving and geocaching.
Iron Springs lies at the edge of a grassy meadow bordered by shady pines and aspens. Sagebrush and summer wildflowers dot the meadow. Many small lakes and streams can be found in the vicinity.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is known not only for its beautiful red cliffs, but also for its world-class fishing for lake, brown and rainbow trout. Boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and scuba diving are popular activities on the reservoir.Flaming Gorge Dam offers guided tours of the working hydroelectric plant and the dam itself; The adjacent visitor center contains area history exhibits.The Green River below the dam provides spectacular rafting opportunities. A trip down the river offers unique geology, outlaw history and Native American rock art. The Ashley-Karst National Geologic Recreation Area offers dramatic canyons, densely forested backcountry areas, and vast networks of caves.
$25 / night
Grizzly Ridge Yurt is located on the Ashley National Forest, approximately 20 air miles north of Vernal in eastern Utah. It provides year-round primitive lodging for guests. The yurt is open for reservations all months except November, April and May. Hiking, off-roading, skiing and snowshoeing are the most popular activities in the area. Call the District Office at (435) 789-1181 three business days prior to a reserved visit to confirm door lock combination. District Office is closed Saturday and Sunday. Lock combination is REQUIRED to enter yurt.
Numerous hiking, biking and off-road trails crisscross the area. Guests enjoy hiking up the trail to 9,335-foot Grizzly Ridge. In winter months, endless cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails are right out the front door.
The yurt is situated in a small clearing surrounded by pines and aspens, at an elevation of 9,200 feet. From the deck, guests are awarded beautiful views toward Red Fleet Reservoir and Vernal off in the distance. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is known not only for its beautiful red cliffs, but also for its world-class fishing for brown and rainbow trout. Boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and scuba diving are popular activities on the reservoir, which can be accessed within 25 miles of the yurt. The Ashley-Karst National Geologic Recreation Area offers dramatic canyons, densely forested backcountry areas, and vast networks of caves.
$50 / night
There are 21 campsites on the shore of East Park Reservoir where you can fish for rainbow trout. There is a trailhead at north end of the lake that leads east to US 191, and another one at the south end that leads west to Oaks Park Lake. This is a fantastic waterfowl hunting area.
Colton Guard Station is located in the Colton Hollow area, approximately 5 miles west of U.S. Highway 191. It is near Vernal, Utah, in the Ashley National Forest. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the complex in 1933 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal instituted during the Great Depression. It was a residence for rangers who patrolled the forest on horseback prior to the age of modern vehicles. The Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District has chosen to rent this guard station to the public so that guests can enjoy a RUSTIC experience similar to that of the first rangers. Colton Guard Station is open for reservations all months of the year, except November, April and May.The cabin can be accessed by vehicle throughout warmer months and during the winter, access is by snowmobile, cross-country ski or snowshoe travel. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Call the District Office at (435) 789-1181 three business days prior to a reserved visit to confirm door lock combination. District Office is closed Saturday and Sunday. Lock combination is REQUIRED to enter guard station.
In summer months, numerous hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicle trails crisscross the area. In winter months, endless snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities are right out the front door.
The complex sits in Colton Hollow, at an elevation of 8,500 feet. Aspens and pines surround the site, offering nice shade. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant in the area.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is known not only for its beautiful red cliffs, but also for its world-class fishing for lake, brown and rainbow trout. Boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and scuba diving are popular activities on the reservoir, which can be accessed within 30 miles. The Ashley-Karst National Geologic Recreation Area offers dramatic canyons, densely forested backcountry areas, and vast networks of caves.
$60 / night
This campground is convenient to boat ramp with four sites on asphalt.
Lucerne Campground is located on the shore of Flaming Gorge Reservoir at an elevation of 6,100 feet. Boating, fishing and water skiing are popular activities.
Fishing, boating, canoeing, water skiing and swimming are popular activities on the lake. Campers are offered the convenience of an adjacent boat ramp, marina and fish cleaning station. Lucerne Marina has boat rentals, fuel, slips, fishing licenses, bait and groceries.
The campground is situated in a high desert landscape with sagebrush and a few scattered trees. Natural shade is minimal. Typical weather ranges from warm days to cool nights.
Flaming Gorge Dam offers guided tours of the working hydroelectric plant and the dam itself; the adjacent visitor center contains area history exhibits.
$33 - $4500 / night
Guide
Steinaker State Park and Campground is located about five miles north of Vernal, UT. The campground is beautiful, and the campsites vary between desert vegetation, large shady cottonwoods, and sandy beaches. There is also one cabin available to rent. Hike the Eagle Crest trail located at the large group site for beautiful views of the lake, and Vernal beyond. Make Steinaker your basecamp for the many mountain biking trails just up the highway, hiking (check out Moonshine Arch), fishing, and more.
Legend
Vernal Dinosoar Koa seems like it has a TON of spots crammed into a small are but all of them have green grass, picnic tables, and grills. Some sites have covered awnings some have large shade trees. What I liked about this campground were all the activity options they gave you, unlike some other KOA's I've stayed at. There was a small but functional K-9 park, a kids park, a swimming pool, a jump pad, and they had bike/3 wheeler rentals, and a mini golf coarse. They had a covered patio off of the pool building with picnic tables for use and just on the other side of the jump pad and kids playground they had a HUGE grassy field that you could go throw frisbees on or even fly a kite. They had spots for small RV, Very Large RVs, One special site that came with cable tv, and numerous cabins for rent. If your looking for something just off of the town in Vernal, So you can visit all the great dinosaur attractions, this would be the place. They did have a small store with firewood, some sundries, and tourist gifts. They also have 2 dump stations for $10 a use out front.
GuideThis is a great recreation area close to the town of Vernal, about 5 miles out. There is a lake for fishing, swimming and water sports. There is a nice beach with pavilions and picnic sites. The campground has full hook up spots, Electrical, a cabin you can rent and tent sites. There is a great group site that gives you access to the water and has a covered pavilion. There are many walking trails and atv trails accessible from this campground.
LegendThis campground is only a few blocks from downtown Vernal, but out of town enough for a rural feel. Some highway noise, but quiets down by nightfall. This campground had a good feel to it IMO. Not super large, but almost all the sites were pull through. I requested a spot by the bathroom/shower building & we got a patio site. Very nice site with a propane grill provided.
There are 3 bathroom/showers in the campground. One in the office building, one by the pool & one by the tent section. Bathrooms were clean. I used the laundry room without issues.
They had a couple of tipis, a woody tent (don't know what that is). 15 tent sites & cabins. The RV sites were basic KOA.- in a row & kind of close. We had no issues with WIFI. Staff was courteous& they had a lot of area information. I especially liked the day trips that were numbered. We camped at Vernal/ Dinosaurland KOA Holiday in a Travel Trailer.
Guide
Lots of activities for families (pool, play area), small dog area, clean restrooms, staff was very friendly. We had some vehicle troubles and the guy lent us a few tools we didn’t have and checked on us to see how it was going. Lots of things to do in the area and is close to Dinosaur NM. Also has a large teepee tent and larger cabin for a few families to stay in. Tent, RV, and cabins also available.
TravelerWow! We spent 3 nights at Dippy Cabin and what a fantastic place! Amazing views, private drive, mini fridge, and microwave. Full size bunk beds, porch, and grill. Absolutely fantastic.
GuideWe hadn't done much research in this area and hadn't planned where to go so we decided to "glamp" at the KOA. For a KOA this was pretty nice. Restrooms were clean. Lots of activities for children. It was expensive for close together sites and only electric and water hookups. We did have a nice shade tree however and were able to run our A/C. The proximity to Dinosaur National Monument was the reason we stayed 2 nights. We explored the Utah part of the Monument (where the dinosaurs are) and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the quarry, petroglyphs and cabin.
Legend
Ok, why would anyone pay $175-$285 a night to stay in old smelly FS bunkhouses that likely have a long history of housing mice, rats and racoons! The areas by the old cabins are not large enough to park many vehicles. Any camper with their own travel trailer or RV is going to camp anywhere on Ashley NF, including by a lake for free or a lot less. Likely why no one was staying there on the Utah pioneer day week. Not even close to a lake, just stuck in a dense shaded tree patch... No views even.
Guide
Last spring we snowshoed into the Colton Guard Station. What a fun experience! It's about a five mile snowshoe from Highway 40. There is a gate in the winter preventing you from going any further than the parking lot on Forest Road 020. There is a cabin and bunkhouse on the complex, both with wood burning stoves (wood provided). The cabin has a set of twin bunk beds, and a futon that folds out. The bunk house has several twin beds with mattresses. There is an old outhouse that you can use in the winter (no running water to the guard station that time of year). We had so much fun playing games by the warmth of the wood burning stove and sledding down the surrounding hills. Our four legged friend enjoyed being able to accompany us on our adventure. Remember to bring your own bedding and water.
LegendThis is a really nice campground. Paved road goes all the way around the park. Some sites are close but others are set alone for privacy. Short hilly walk to the lake depending on which site your in. There is one cabin that they rent out that looks to be in great condition. Fishing is so so but the water is warm enough to swim in during summer months. There is also a geocache hidden by the fish cleaning station, if you ask the rangers they can give you the coordinates.
LegendThis is a great lil campground although I feel like they tried to cram alot of campsites right on top of each other. All sites have picnic tables and firepits with a grill. Its kinda a dry vegetation in the park mostly sage brush and junipers, Some bigger shadier trees towards the lake but you better book those way in advance cause they fill up fast. They have small sites, tent sites, many large pull through sites, and even one small cabin. I did notice 3 bathroom facilities in spread throughout the park though and water spigots throughout. They have recently built a nature trail that runs from the side of the lake around to the front of it so thats a nice lil jont. They do also offer one group site that has a pavilion. This campground is not for anyone that doesnt like to be seen cause most likely you'll have a neighbor right next to you, above you, or below you.
TravelerNo camping in Flaming Gorge w 2-3 feet of snow still....so headed toward Vernal and remembered we had scoped this place out on a previous raft trip. Campsite 12 is beautiful and...we were the only ones here on a Friday!
ScoutThis used to be a fairly decent swimming / fishing hole closer to vernal city than nearby reservoir red fleet. Now the water level is so low I wouldn’t recommend it. Just go on ahead a bit further to visit red fleet instead.
TravelerBeautiful area and lake! Close to the town of vernal. 20 miles outside dinosaur National monument. Staff helpful. Bathrooms clean, nice shower areas! Not sure whether it was usual to have so much wind in the area, but good thing our tent was well secured! Had to stow test of the gear in the car so it wouldn’t blow away! Most beautiful sunset ever! Great campsite!
LegendAccess to the park was easy as was check in. The camp hosts were super nice and very accommodating during our three night’s stay. We proceeded backwards through the campground as instructed to pull through site 8, which is FHUs and 50 AMP. We had to maneuver our 39’ fifth wheel so the utilities side bedroom slide wouldn’t go into a tree. The utilities are placed in the middle of the pad so that was nice. However, water pressure was only about 25 to 30 psi so we filled our freshwater tank and used the pump. We got spotty service on Verizon between 1 and 2 bars. In the mornings we were able to get our Verizon MiFi to work well. We really liked being on the upper campground level with more space between the sites and the covered patio with the picnic table. Sites 1- 8 that lead to the upper level are FHUs. Beware that site 8 is a 1/4 moon turn with a large tree then two poles out the front of the site that people have complained about hitting. We could have backed out of the site but decided to go carefully forward and we missed the poles(obvious from scrapes that some people did not), but we did scrape the branches of the trees. Pull through site 7 is probably the easiest FHU to get into. The rest of the sites are a mix of different services, i.e. water and electric or no hookups at all. They also have a couple of yurts and a cabin. The main draw here seemed to be OHVs but there were also a few people with boats. Checkout Moonshine Arch. It took us twice to find the Moonshine Arch, which is just down the road from Steinaker SP. Google maps nor Waze will get you to the trailhead. It's best to ask for directions from the camp host manning the Steinaker SP gate entrance. The first time we were not prepared and missed the turn to the left after you get on the gravel road(there's no sign). When we got to the parking area, we had no idea which way to go and ended up wondering around. There was a couple with a brochure(which you can get at the park office) but it was basically worthless. Since it was hot and we had our dogs, we bailed but did have a nice hike. The second day we were better prepared and found a blogger who had posted instructions. Basically its a.8/less than a mile moderate hike as follows: 1) go through the green gate to an old, rough jeep trail and follow it around to the right to another green gate, 2) before that green gate follow the trail to the left until you come to an intersection where you'll go right and continue until you get to the flat rocks that go up a hill, 3) climb the flat rock hill staying towards the left until you see a BLM info sign, 4) at the sign follow the trail to the left(at this point you can follow the footprints in the sand) and keep going until you get to the arch, which has a sign that you are there, and of course the arch is hard to miss at this point. Some info says you can see the arch after you climb the flat rock hill. You can see trees around the arch once you know where it is but not the arch itself. Also, if you are into dinosaurs, this is your area starting with Vernal’s museum plus state and national sights as well.
Guide
We backpacked into Grizzly Ridge Yurt for a one night stay late this last summer. What a fun and beautiful place to stay. The Yurt is situated in a clearing at about 9000 feet. It's surrounded by pine and aspen trees, and at night from the front porch you can see the lights of Vernal in the distance. There is a fire ring located just below the yurt, with plenty of fire wood provided. The yurt is well stocked with two double bunk beds, a propane cooking stove, plenty of pots and pans, and a wood burning stove which kept us TOASTY WARM all night! Remember your own bedding, plenty of water, and lighting (no electricity or water at the yurt). We thoroughly enjoyed reading stories from the guest book.
LegendThis it the KOA near Dinosaur Np on the Utah/Colorado border. They had a tough winter and were still recovering in June when we stayed.. the area with the dog park was flooded from snow melt, so it had not been mowed in some time. Mosquitoes were bad. Dog park was unusable. They have a pool. Also rent 3-wheel cycles for kids to ride up and down terrorizing everyone. I is a short drive to Dinosaur Np.
TravelerI arrived here around 7:50pm . There were a lot of empty spaces to camp but the old & grumpy guy didn’t allowed me to camp here.
I wouldn’t recommend it. Go to “Fossil Valley Rv park & self . It’s like 6min away.
TravelerDon't give this place your money. You can't even tent camp here for less than 55.00 per night. Just go another 8-9 miles down the highway to Steinaker where tent camping is 20.00 and RV sites with full hookups are around 35.00.
TravelerBeautiful and grassy, endless blue sky and quiet - just as we like it.
GuidePretty typical KOA. Bathhouses were clean but a bit worn. They were, however very adequate for the size of the camp. WiFi was better than usual. Some shade. We were in an overflow site with dirt pad but most sites seemed to be gravel. Bring earplugs, lots of road noise at least in the front of the park. If you want great steaks to grill try Unitah meats just down the road.
TravelerThe scenery was lovely. Able to pull into the tent site with our Ford E150 no problems, basically no one else in the tent portion of the site (mostly in the RV section). Every site has a fire pit and a picnic table and chairs. Bathrooms were clean, water was hot.
ScoutGreat place to stay. Close 15 minute drive to Dinosaur National Monument!
GuideSuper clean, lots of amenities pool, mini golf, horseshoes…friendly, helpful staff. Only downside pool closed to early at 8 pm.
GuideFairly spread out for a KOA. Nice staff and good pool. Very popular place!
ScoutIt was really nice nothing negative to say
Travelernice grass sites for tents and a nice bathhouse.
Experience the charm of cabin camping near Vernal, Utah, where stunning landscapes and cozy accommodations await outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Vernal, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Vernal, UT is Steinaker State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Vernal, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 cabin camping locations near Vernal, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
