Top 10+ Tent Campgrounds in Utah

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.

Best Tent Sites in Utah (253)

    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. Gemini Bridges Campground

    27 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

    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."

    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. 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."

    9. 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."

    10. 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 253 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in Utah

7428 Reviews of 253 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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