Cabin camping near Whiterocks, Utah provides access to mountain lakes, scenic byways, and multiple state parks within a 40-mile radius. Located at approximately 5,350 feet elevation, the area experiences warm summer days with cool evenings and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Access roads to most cabin sites are paved with short gravel sections leading to some properties.
What to do
Hiking trails: The Eagle Crest trail at Steinaker State Park Campground offers elevated views of both the lake and Vernal beyond. "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," suggests Amanda B.
Wildlife viewing: Red Cloud Loop Scenic Byway near East Park Campground provides opportunities to see local wildlife including moose. "Within a few miles of the campground we saw 4 moose," reports Jennifer C., who recommends taking time to drive the scenic route while staying at East Park.
Dinosaur exploration: The fossil sites at Dinosaur National Monument are approximately 30 minutes from Outlaw Trail RV Park. "Right outside visitor center for Dinosaur national monument, Quarry wall of dinosaur bones and several self guided auto tours with stops along the way," notes Cathy C. about the convenient location.
What campers like
Lake activities: Moon Lake Campground offers boat rentals, fishing, swimming, and paddle sports on a high-elevation lake. "The lodge provides rentals of kayaks and small fishing boats. It even has a taco truck out front," writes Corey J. about Moon Lake's amenities, adding that "The bathrooms are modern for a national forest campground with running water, electricity, flushing toilets and ventilation fans."
Recreation amenities: Family-friendly features at Vernal / Dinosaurland KOA include multiple activity options beyond basic camping. "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," explains Cortney M.
Seclusion options: Despite their popularity, some cabin areas offer quieter camping spots away from crowds. At Iron Springs, "Circle Camp as we have named it is a popular site and you're lucky to score it anytime during the summer months. As you can see from the pictures it has a nice big fire pit," describes Cortney M., noting that family groups can fit "4-5 trailers in this site."
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Lake levels fluctuate significantly throughout the summer season at several area reservoirs. "The lake has a boat ramp but the water gets drawn down and there does not seem to be any nice beach area," Greg L. reports about East Park, adding that sometimes "cattle were on the shoreline."
Communication limitations: Cell service is unavailable at several cabin camping locations in the area. "No cell signal of any provider" is reported at East Park Campground by Greg L., making it important to plan communications and navigation before arrival.
Varying bathroom facilities: Restroom quality varies widely between cabin camping locations. Red Fleet State Park Campground offers "Bathroom facilities with running water," according to Cortney M., while other campgrounds only provide vault toilets without running water.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple cabin camping locations feature designated play areas for children. "They had a HUGE grassy field that you could go throw frisbees on or even fly a kite," notes Cortney M. about the Vernal Dinosaurland KOA's open spaces beyond the formal playground.
Swimming options: Red Fleet State Park offers swimming from a designated beach area with a floating dock. "There is a beach area with a floating dock to swim out to. They rent kayaks, paddle boards and canoes," explains Tammy H.
Educational activities: Combine cabin camping with dinosaur-themed learning opportunities for children. "We chose this camp ground as a stop over on the way home... We are currently planning family camp 2022, and are planning on staying here for a week to explore all the dinosaurs," shares Jason S. about using the Vernal KOA as a base for dinosaur activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For cabin campers with RVs, East Park Campground offers sites with easy lake access but limited hookups. "Nice campground. Graveled road and sites available for RV or tents. They also have water spigots," notes Cortney M.
Utility hookup availability: Full-service sites are available at select locations near Whiterocks. Outlaw Trail RV Park provides "Level gravel sites. Right outside visitor center for Dinosaur national monument," according to Cathy C., who also notes the practical amenities like "Clean, modern laundry. $2/wash and $2/40 min of dryer."
Weather considerations: Summer camping typically features warm days but cooler nights at higher elevation sites. "Clear skies made looking at stars wonderful... My suggestions are to take some kind of extra shade. There are not a lot of trees for shade," advises Arnel O. about summer cabin camping.
