Top 10+ Tent Campgrounds in Utah

Utah is primarily known for two things: its world-class skiing and winding slot canyons. But the Beehive State has much more to offer the outdoor enthusiast. It's home to five national parks and eight national monuments. And that's just the beginning. There is no shortage of exotic camping in Utah.

For desert dwellers, Monument Valley never disappoints. It’s the kind of place that leaves a person searching for meaning. When the sun dips below the monuments and the sky radiates with color, it’s easy to see why the Navajo people revere the land. Media buffs will also recognize the familiar landmarks from film and TV. Those visiting Bears Ears can see Monument Valley in the distance from campsites like Muley Point.

Campers who visit Goblin Valley get a unique experience. An amphitheater of bizarrely-shaped hoodoos greets visitors. Even though there are hoodoos all over Utah, none compare to the “goblins” in this state park. They make an excellent backdrop for photos, adventure, games, and soul-searching.

A worthy Utah destination is Zion National Park, growing more popular by the year. The etched canyon walls make a lasting impression, as they jut thousands of feet up from the earth. The sense of perspective visitors experience keeps them coming back. The Watchman campground is a popular choice for campers. It offers accessibility to trails, the Virgin River, a shuttle bus, and the adjacent town.

Many will also make a trip to nearby Bryce Canyon National Park, to see the infamous spires. Staying at the North campground is a great way to see the best parts of the park.

It doesn’t take a road trip to go camping in Utah. The state capital, Salt Lake City, butts up against the Wasatch Mountains. Fifteen minutes up one of the canyons is all it takes to trade city noise for alpine meadows and lakes. In the summer, Albion Basin blooms with color. Red Pine Lake is a secluded campsite with two lakes and frequent wildlife sightings.

For a different kind of mountain experience, the Uinta Mountains aren’t much farther. They’re the only mountain range in the contiguous US that runs east-west. Still part of the Rockies, they’re Utah’s highest range, with King’s Peak topping out at 13,528 feet. Most of the camping is dispersed, but Mirror Lake is a great campground right off the main scenic highway.

There’s something for everyone in the great state of Utah. From the desert climate to the fresh mountain air; unique experiences found only in the land of Zion. With nooks and crannies waiting to be explored, camping in Utah is, indeed, life elevated.

Best Tent Sites in Utah (250)

    1. Volcano Peak Campground (Dispersed)

    39 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

    30 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. Great Western Trail Dispersed

    27 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."

    4. Gemini Bridges Campground

    25 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."

    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. 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."

    8. 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."

    9. Kolob Road BLM Dispersed

    9 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."

    10. BLM Mineral Point Road Dispersed Camping

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

    "We found the very first campsite (designated by a rock fire ring) to be empty and snagged it."

    "Found a spot with good privacy. Had 1 bar Verizon. Great for getting up early to catch a sunrise!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 250 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in Utah

7347 Reviews of 250 Utah Campgrounds



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.

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