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Top 10+ Tent Campgrounds in Utah

7,689 Reviews

Utah's tent camping ranges from developed state park campgrounds to primitive dispersed sites, with over 250 options across desert canyons and mountain forests. Ground conditions vary dramatically - from soft forest soil to hard-packed desert that requires rock anchoring instead of standard tent stakes.

Watchman Campground in Zion gets mixed reviews from tent campers. While the location near park trails is unbeatable, campers consistently mention the hard ground that makes staking difficult and the lack of shade during hot summer days. The campground has flush toilets and potable water, but no showers on-site.

Dead Horse Point's newer Wingate section works better for tent camping than the older Kayenta loop. Recent visitors appreciate the dedicated tent pads and wind-blocking picnic tables, though the area lacks shade trees. The private bathrooms with automatic features get positive mentions, and the elevated desert location provides stunning views.

Yellow Circle Road near Moab offers tent-friendly dispersed camping with mountain views and good wind protection from natural vegetation. Campers report peaceful conditions with minimal traffic, though broken glass scattered around some sites requires careful site selection. Standard vehicles can access most spots without high clearance needs.

Horsethief Campground near Arches appeals to tent campers wanting developed amenities while staying close to the park. Visitors mention excellent sunrise and sunset views from the elevated location, but warn about persistent winds and extremely hard ground. Many campers end up tying guylines to rocks rather than using stakes.

Spencer Flat in Grand Staircase-Escalante provides secluded tent camping with existing fire rings and well-spaced sites. March visitors report having the area mostly to themselves, with better maintenance than many dispersed areas.

Ground conditions present the biggest challenge for Utah tent camping. Desert sites often require rocks for anchoring, while mountain locations may have softer soil but face weather exposure. Wind is common statewide, making sturdy tent setup essential. Most developed campgrounds provide potable water and vault or flush toilets, while dispersed sites require complete self-sufficiency including waste disposal.

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Best Tent Sites in Utah (255)

    1. Volcano Peak Campground (Dispersed)

    40 Reviews
    Wendover, UT
    Website

    "We happened upon this pretty little desert campground while we were out looking for agate one day around Volcano Peak. "

    "This is a pristine area elevated a bit off the salt flats but with views for miles. With the mountains as the backdrop, they make for a great day hike."

    2. Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area

    31 Reviews
    La Sal, UT
    Website

    "This was our second night boondocking near Moab, and it was peaceful. We were the only ones out in this area camping with not a single car driving by while we were here."

    "AFTER CLEANING UP A HUGE MESS THAT SOME A HOLE LEFT, we arranged our gear and set up camp. Best time I have ever had camping. We were even greeted with 4" of snow our last day there!"

    3. Gemini Bridges Campground

    28 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    Website
    +1 (507) 208-9692

    "No WiFi. No cell. Be prepared to enjoy fresh air, beauty, quiet.

    This is a narrow canyon, surrounded by high cliff walls. Everything echoes. Bring good quality firewood."

    "The drive to these campsites is steep and narrow. 4x4 advised. We drove the road in a Jeep Grand Cherokee and had no issues."

    4. Great Western Trail Dispersed

    28 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT

    "We decided to ask a park ranger where else we could camp, he handed us a map (in the pictures) and sent us on our way."

    "You do have to drive back a little ways (see map) but quite a few spots of varying sizes, pretty spread apart. There were a handful of other people there."

    5. Spencer Flat Dispersed Camping - Grand Staircase Nat Mon

    17 Reviews
    Escalante, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 644-4300

    "In the beginning of March during the week I was the only one around. I would agree that there aren’t many spots available on this road; I counted like 6-8ish spots."

    "After staying in a couple National Park campgrounds on our Utah trip this was a great surprise of seclusion :) It was well maintained and just an all around great experience."

    6. Behind the Rocks Road Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "This is an amazing place to come and get away from all the people in Moab! Beautiful place to set up and plenty of room to spread out and have a private area!"

    "Flat, a few trees, no toilet or fire ring. The area filled up throughout the night and the people were close by . Everyone was cool when we were there. Bring a WAG bag to protect the desert."

    7. Kolob Terrace Road

    11 Reviews
    Virgin, UT

    "A large space, others joined us as the night went on and we weren’t bothered by noise and were close to the stream."

    "There were a couple of other vans there but the trees and campgrounds offered a fair bit of privacy. Close to the road without having to hear all the freeway traffic."

    8. Kolob Road BLM Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Virgin, UT

    "It was just off the road, but not too much traffic noise. The little river by the site is very pretty. We only had 2 neighbors, but the spots are decently spaced apart so nobody was too close"

    "Road was easy to pull down and turn around in my Ford Transit. Nice views and access to creek. Quiet except a bit of road noise."

    9. Uinta Canyon

    9 Reviews
    Neola, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 722-5018

    "Fishing is close by as well as a short hike to smokey springs. Firepits along with a group fire pit, 2 well maintained bathrooms, picnic tables, and wildlife."

    "My culinary school I recently graduated from decided to go here to set up temporary roasting pit and roast an entire pig. Yes you heard right."

    10. Up the Creek Campground

    9 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 248-2001

    $28 / night

    "A few things set this place apart in Moab: Tent only campers, no dogs, showers, and there are Wheelbarrows to bring your camp gear to your site - there are no vehicles allowed past the parking lot."

    "Short drive to all the state/national parks, and just a walk to downtown."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos in Utah

232 Photos of 255 Utah Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in Utah

7689 Reviews of 255 Utah Campgrounds

  • Mary S.
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Wingate Campground — Dead Horse Point State Park

    Brand new Wingate area, comfortable but no shade

    Dead Horse Point has a new section called Wingate. The older section is Kayenta.

    Wingate has wide asphalt spaces, electricity, fire rings, tent pads and picnic tables with wind blocks on 2 sides. There are very few trees...so no shade. (Kayenta has greater shade possibilities.) There may also be some sewer hookups.

    Another feature - walk-in tent sites and yurts. There are 4 great looking yurts in Wingate and 5 others near the park's Visitor Center.

    Bathrooms - they are private and include an automatic flush toilet, soap dispenser, automatic faucet and hand dryer. No showers but the bathrooms are very nice.

    There is a dishwashing sink outside the bathroom. It appears the water is potable but they ask you to arrive with water and help conserve water. Their water is trucked in from Moab....per reserveamerica.com.

  • Pat S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Sunrise Campground

    Good campground, easily accessable

    Sunrise CG is located right of hwy 89 about 10 minutes west of Garden City.  The CG sits above Bear Lake. The sites are pretty spacious, heavily wooded with good shade. There are picnic tables and fire rings at each site. There are 27 sites available. There are no hooks or dump stations. There a vault toilets and no showers. there is drinking wager available. This CG can accommodate walk in tent camping to RVs. You can reserve some sites on rec.gov. 

    This was a good stop that was convenient on the way through northern Utah. The camp host was awesome and funny.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Tom's Best Spring Road Dixie National Forest

    Lots of spots off this road!

    Plenty of spots (though we were here on a weekday) and SO CLOSE to Bryce NP! The stars were beautiful at night - even got some photos with my phone. There were some cows but they mostly stayed clear of the road. Road was pretty level and easy for cars to get back (and there were spots right off the road). I already want to come back!

    There was a fire ban in July so bring your camp stove and leave no trace!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Kayenta Campground — Dead Horse Point State Park

    Nicely laid out campground

    General & Site Quality: 56 electric sites, walk-in tent sites, and nine yurts in two loops: Kayenta and Wingate. Paved driveways, mostly level, a tent pad, fire ring, and a sheltered picnic table (from sun and wind) complete the electric sites. Back-in sites are on the inside of the loops while pull-thru sites are on the outside. There were three camp hosts in the Wingate loop, more than I usually see. 

    Bathhouse: Eight individual units in each loop with toilet, sink, soap, and hand dryer. Although the toilets were automatic flush, they didn’t always do the job and often took multiple tries. One toilet was clogged. There are also some vault toilets. No showers. 

    Activities: Nice and easy hiking trails. You can hike the west rim and east rim trails to make a loop for approximately five miles (depending on how many overlooks you include). Some trails are better marked than others, but we enjoyed a west-to-east rim hike from and returning to our campsite in Wingate. Designated mountain biking trails. 

    Unfortunately, we could only snag one night here but would have liked to have stayed longer.

  • Angee D.
    May. 17, 2019

    Elephant Canyon 3 (EC3) — Canyonlands National Park

    Views All Around

    This is a great backpacking campsite. Permit is required as are wag bags and leave no trace. I tracked it at 3 miles from Elephant Canyon trailhead. It was a 2 mile hike to Druid Arch from this site. No service and no water so plan accordingly.

  • B
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    The best campground in Zion

    As an avid nature enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of visiting Watchman Campground in Zion National Park, and I must say it was an unforgettable experience. Nestled amidst the breathtaking red rock landscapes and verdant canyons, this campground offers a peaceful retreat for outdoor lovers seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Zion.

    Location: Situated in the heart of Zion National Park, Watchman Campground boasts a prime location that provides easy access to the park's renowned hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and natural wonders. Its proximity to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, just a short walk away, is incredibly convenient for obtaining information, permits, and maps.

    Campsites: The campground features a variety of campsites, including tent sites, RV sites, and electric hookup sites. The sites are well-maintained, spacious, and thoughtfully arranged to provide a semblance of privacy and tranquility. The campsites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and ample space for parking. Although the sites do not have hookups for water or sewer, the centrally located restrooms with running water and flushing toilets are clean and easily accessible.

    Scenic Beauty: The awe-inspiring beauty surrounding Watchman Campground is nothing short of mesmerizing. Towering sandstone cliffs, vibrant foliage, and the tranquil Virgin River create a picturesque backdrop that embodies the essence of Zion National Park. The campground itself is enveloped by lush vegetation, providing a serene atmosphere and enhancing the feeling of immersion in nature.

    Amenities and Facilities: Watchman Campground offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for campers. The Visitor Center nearby offers a well-stocked store where you can find camping supplies, snacks, and souvenirs. Additionally, the campground provides drinking water stations and a dump station for RVs. The presence of a shuttle stop within the campground allows for convenient transportation to explore various trails and viewpoints throughout the park.

    Accessibility: Watchman Campground strives to accommodate campers of all abilities. Several campsites are designed specifically to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, featuring accessible picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities. This commitment to inclusivity is commendable and enhances the overall camping experience for everyone.

    Reservation System and Availability: To secure a spot at Watchman Campground, it is strongly recommended to make a reservation well in advance. The campground is in high demand, especially during peak seasons, and availability can be limited. The reservation system is user-friendly, ensuring a seamless booking process.

    Visitor Experience: The staff at Watchman Campground is knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to provide guidance and assistance. Whether you're seeking recommendations for hiking trails or seeking general information about the park, they are there to make your stay enjoyable. Additionally, the campground observes quiet hours, creating a peaceful ambiance that allows visitors to truly connect with nature and relish the serenity of the surroundings.

    In conclusion, Watchman Campground is a hidden gem within Zion National Park. Its idyllic setting, well-maintained facilities, and convenient location make it an ideal base for exploring the park's wonders. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a nature photographer, or simply seeking solace in the embrace of Mother Nature, this campground is a must-visit destination that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

    Note: As with any outdoor adventure, it is essential to adhere to park regulations, practice Leave No Trace principles, and respect the fragile ecosystem to ensure the preservation of this remarkable natural treasure.

  • Stephanie L.
    Sep. 2, 2018

    South Campground — Zion National Park

    Rough camping

    To enter the South-Zion National Park camp grounds you have to go through the park entrance and the camp grounds are just behind the parks entrance. There is drinking water, flush-able toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, flat places for a tent, dump stations. There is not however, showers, shade which can get hot on 100 degree days, there is no power, the ground is too hard to stake down tents, no trees for hammocks, the bathroom have huge spiders and filthy, there are plenty of rocks to sleep on!

    This is not the best camp site on the planet it is ok. It currently costs $35 to get into the Zion National Park and then it costs to camp at this site. With the amount of traffic this area gets and the amount of money flowing in they could put in a decent bathroom, one without bugs.

    I have good news there are lots of trails for backpacking and biking. If you'd like to go for a stroll to shower there are showers a little less than a mile away that cost $15 for 12 minutes. They aren't wonderful but they get the job done. They are however also filthy! Thank goodness I had my Oofos Oolala flip flops on hand to save my feet from whatever nasty germs were living in the shower floor that was covered in hair. There are some great places to eat close by to this camp grounds and great coffee! If you need any souvenirs there are plenty of places to shop!

    The South-Zion National Park campgrounds have a shuttle close by that drives guests to the trail for the well known, "Narrows". The shuttle comes with your park pass and is a hop on hop off transit. It is the easiest way to see some of Zions most precious wonders!

    Pros:

    Close to popular trails

    River runs next to camp

    Close shopping and food

    Potable water

    Places to throw away trash

    Cons:

    Bad bathrooms (rather go outside) + small stalls

    No showers

    Rough grounds

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2016

    Horsethief Campground

    Best Views for Sunrise and Sunset - Close to Arches NP

    On Utah 313, 12 miles from Hwy 191 Elevation 5800 and offering 56 sites and can accommodate RV's (no hookups). Great views for sunrise and sunset! All BLM campgrounds and camping areas have vault toilets, fire rings, are open year round, and a fee is charged / collected at self pay station at entrance. No firewood gathering (available at convenience stores in Moab). Camping at all sites is limited to 14 days within a 30 day period. Be prepared for wind. Ground is pretty hard and tough to get tent stakes in - we tied down to rocks on site. About a 15 min ride from Arches and about 30 min from Moab. A great place to get away form the crowds!

Guide to Utah

Utah offers a stunning backdrop for tent camping, with diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to deserts, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tent campers should check out breathtaking views

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tent camping amenities to enjoy

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tent camping locations in Utah?

Utah offers exceptional tent camping across diverse landscapes. For backcountry experiences, Chesler Park 2 (CP2) campsite in The Needles District — Canyonlands National Park provides incredible scenery with a 4.4-mile hike from Elephant Hill Trailhead. If you prefer lakeside camping, Stanton Creek Primitive Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers direct lake access with undesignated sites right on the water. For those seeking free dispersed options near Moab, Yellow Circle Road provides peaceful settings with mountain views. Starr Spring Campground stands out among BLM sites with proper facilities including picnic tables and fire rings. The Needles District of Canyonlands and areas around Moab consistently rank among Utah's best tent camping destinations.

Do I need permits for tent camping in Utah's national parks?

Yes, permits are required for tent camping in Utah's national parks, particularly for backcountry sites. At Elephant Canyon 3 (EC3) — Canyonlands National Park, permits are mandatory, and campers must pack out waste using WAG bags following Leave No Trace principles. Similarly, at Devils Kitchen — Canyonlands National Park, advance backcountry permits are essential. For developed campgrounds within national parks like Zion, Bryce, Arches, and Capitol Reef, reservations are strongly recommended during peak season (March-October). Most permits can be obtained through recreation.gov or at visitor centers. For BLM and National Forest lands outside park boundaries, permits are typically not required for dispersed camping, but always check current regulations before your trip.

What are the best seasons for tent camping in Utah?

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are the ideal seasons for tent camping in Utah, offering moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer brings intense heat, especially in southern Utah where temperatures at places like Jaycee Park Campground near Moab can exceed 100°F. Higher elevation sites such as Monticello Lake at 8,700 feet provide cooler summer options. Winter camping is possible in southern Utah's desert regions, though nights get very cold. The Moab area sees heavy visitation in spring and fall, while summer is better for mountain camping in the Uintas or Wasatch Range. Always check weather forecasts before your trip, as conditions can change rapidly across Utah's varied terrain.

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