Cabin camping near Vernal, Utah offers access to the Uinta Mountains and the eastern edge of the Uinta Basin at elevations ranging from 5,300 to 9,000 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer days reach 90°F, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature fluctuations. The area contains several lodging structures from basic cabins to yurts set amid high-desert terrain.
What to do
Dinosaur tracks excursion: Red Fleet State Park offers kayak rentals that allow visitors to paddle to view fossilized dinosaur footprints. According to one visitor at Red Fleet State Park Campground, "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!"
Geocaching adventures: The Iron Springs area contains numerous geocaching opportunities scattered throughout the surrounding trails. A camper from Iron Springs Group Campground notes, "Great area. Many trails for hiking and OHV travel. In the heart of geocaching country... Ice cave, grizzly ridge, brush creek cave, the old copper mines all in the area."
Hiking local trails: The Eagle Crest trail at Steinaker State Park provides panoramic views of the area. One reviewer mentioned, "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."
What campers like
Cabin alternatives: The Grizzly Ridge Yurt offers a unique circular lodging structure at 9,000 feet elevation. A reviewer at Grizzly Ridge Yurt stated, "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."
Lakeside accommodations: Cabins at multiple state parks include waterfront access. According to one visitor to Steinaker State Park, "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."
Winter lodging options: The Colton Guard Station can be reached via snowshoeing in winter months. A visitor to Colton Guard Station shared, "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)."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Some cabins have flush toilets while others rely on vault toilets or outhouses. A camper at Steinaker State Park Campground mentioned, "Campground of 31 sites, with pit toilets but also has a flush toilet/4 shower building. And dump station. Very pleasant cg around a smallish lake near Vernal, UT."
Water access concerns: Not all cabin sites offer running water year-round. In some locations like East Park, a camper noted, "Nice CG, paved FS rd all the way except last 1/2 mile of gravel from FS rd #20. CG has 20 camp sites, no reservations. $10 nite, vault toilets but NO water or garbage."
Reservation timing: Many cabin locations fill quickly during peak seasons. A reviewer observed, "This is a great lil campground although I feel like they tried to cram alot of campsites right on top of each other... Some bigger shadier trees towards the lake but you better book those way in advance cause they fill up fast."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Dinosaurland KOA provides structured recreation options. According to a visitor at Vernal / Dinosaurland KOA, "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."
Family cabin options: Some locations offer larger group accommodations. One reviewer stated, "This campground has a good feel to it... Very nice site with a propane grill provided."
Teepee rentals: Alternative cabin-like structures are available at select campgrounds. A visitor mentioned, "Red Fleet offers RV sites, tent sites, and even has a couple teepees you can also rent out and stay in. Short walk to the lake. Bathroom facilities with running water."
Tips from RVers
Location convenience: Outlaw Trail RV Park provides close access to Dinosaur National Monument with cabin options. A visitor to Outlaw Trail RV Park noted, "It is very close to Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Wall which is why we chose it... This place was awesome. Play set, tons of grass, sand volleyball, tether ball, picnic/grilling areas. Laundry and bathroom/shower very clean."
Full hookup spots: Most developed cabin locations also accommodate RVs with utilities. One camper shared, "The campground had a good feel to it. We got a patio site with a propane grill provided."
Camp store access: Verify if on-site provisions are available. A camper reported, "They had a small store with firewood, some sundries, and tourist gifts. They also have 2 dump stations for $10 a use out front."
