Are you thinking about going on a camping trip to Utah? It’s one of the most amazing ways to take in the natural beauty of this fine state. Utah is filled with a breathtaking landscape with tree-lined snowy mountains, amber farmland, unique rock formations, dense desert, and rolling hills.
In Utah, you can take in all of these beautiful sights camping in a tent, in an RV, or even free camping without any traditional shelter. There are state parks, national parks, private campgrounds, and other areas to choose from. You can find camping near big cities like Salt Lake City, on hiking trails, and right next to fish-filled rivers and lakes.
Before you pack everything up and get ready to hit the road in your car or RV, make sure your car insurance is up to date and then take a look at this guide on the best camping sites in Utah.
This is the location you want to be in if you’re looking to take in impressive views of the state. Dead Horse State Park is thousands of feet over the Colorado River. You can view the river as well as the mountains from nearby Canyonlands National Park. This is a fairly popular campsite, but it is also nice and quiet. Visitors to this site will enjoy mile upon miles of mountain biking and desert hiking trails.
If you’re the kind of person that is more interested in luxury camping than roughing it in the wilderness, Goblin Valley State Park is a good choice. There are two massive yurts available that offer air conditioning and heating, as well as fourteen sites for RVs and ten for tends. The name of the park is based on the thousands of rock pinnacles you can find in the area. They are shaped like mushrooms and considered “goblins” by the locals.
This is another fairly popular spot for camping in Utah and is located within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Be aware that there are limited campsites here and they are first come, first serve. The summer can have people lining up to get a spot. While it is quite popular, it’s also fairly peaceful since it’s relatively small. You will enjoy easy access to Calf Creek from this campground.
Those of you who might be interested in free camping should definitely consider Twin Hollows Campground. It doesn’t get much better than this location. It’s just a short drive from Zion National Park and is located in a ravine a bit away from the highway. Since it’s lower than the highway, it has minimal noise so you can still enjoy quiet. There are a reasonable number of campsites available with access to the river nearby. However, this is a primitive location so don’t expect running water or restrooms.
Twelve Mile Flat is one of the best camping in Utah. This campground is located near a beautiful meadow and is full of pine and spruce trees. This is a great spot for the outdoor enthusiast and offers the option to ride ATVs, bicycles, or go on various hikes. If you take a drive up the plateau near the campground, you’ll also have access to some of the most breathtaking views you could imagine of the nearby lakes and mountains. This location is great for camping even in winter and has great snowmobiling trails.
If you are only going to be camping in Utah once, Antelope Island State Park may be the right destination to get the experience you are looking for. This is an area near the Great Salt Lake and is known for both its beauty and the large amounts of wildlife in the area. You might see bison, pronghorn, waterfowl, and even bighorn sheep. There are three primitive campgrounds with 52 sites in total. It’s an isolated area that lets you really get away from everything for a while, which makes it one of the best camping in Utah.
As the name suggests, Coral Pink Sand Dunes National Park has thousands of acres of red and orange sand dunes as well as beautiful blue skies. The park is best known for its many red cliffs, but you’ll also see tons of pinion and juniper trees and the room for off-road fun for the whole family or friend group. We recommend camping here to truly take in all that the park has to offer. There are 22 sites to camp at and is near Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon National Park for even more opportunities to explore.
Those who want less of a rustic experience and more of an accommodated one will be happy with Wasatch Mountain State Park. It’s not far away from great dining, plenty of shopping, golfing, and other activities. This park is found in Heber Valley and offers great outdoor scenery. It is also home to Huber Grove and the Historic Tate Barn. There are many tent sites, along with RV sites, and you can expect full hookups, so you don’t have to go without. There is limited camping available in the winter but is popular even then due to all of the nearby winter activities.
Those who want to camp with a large group may not have as many options, but Upper Onion Creek Campground is a sound choice. There are two massive group sites for weddings, family reunions, and other large camping activities. Both of the large camping sites and all of the smaller ones are nearby the Colorado River Canyon so you can take in the red rock formations from a distance. In addition, this campsite is only 40 minutes away from Moab, so you can trek into town for anything you need.
If you plan to visit Arches National Park and would like to add some camping in to make it a well-rounded trip, you cannot beat Devil’s Garden Campground. This campground is well within the national park and because of that can offer some spectacular views. You’ll enjoy natural spires, arches, and fins, along with all the desert plants you could imagine. There is juniper pine, yucca, and prickly pear. This campground has 51 campsites but tends to be quite popular, so it’s best to reserve early to ensure you get a spot.
Another campground that is worth scoping out is Watchman Campground located in Zion National Park. There are a massive 176 campsites, which means it appeals to those who enjoy a little noise and socialization. While camping there, you can take in the Watchman rock formation and everything else that Zion offers. More than half of the campsites come with electricity, so you don’t even have to rough it while you stay. If you’re into hiking, there’s a two-mile option called the Watchman Trail right nearby, which makes Watchman one of the best camping in Utah.
Utah is an amazing place to visit and getting the full experience can be a lot easier when you choose to go camping. These eleven campgrounds make up some of the best in the state and range between rugged and comfortable. If you’re planning a trip to the state anytime soon, put camping on your to-do list. You’ll get to experience the landscapes, plants, and animals of the area up close and personal. Any of these campsites will offer a fantastic time for the whole family. Now get started on your next adventure and make sure you’re ready to explore by getting your cheap car insurance in Utah here.