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Camping in Utah: Why Utah Is a Camper’s Dream
Utah stands out as a dream destination for campers thanks to its wide-ranging terrain, countless public lands, and accessible camping options for all experience levels. From the towering red rocks of southern Utah to the alpine peaks in the north, you can find everything from desert solitude to lush, tree-lined mountain escapes.
“If you want to do something for me after I’m gone, live so as to not defile the precious earth.”
— Calvin Rutstrum (Chips from a Wilderness Log, 1978)
Why Utah Is a Camper’s Paradise
Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent under the stars, roll up in your RV for lakeside views, or indulge in luxury glamping near a national park, Utah offers it all.
With over 7,000 campsites in state parks, five national parks, and millions of acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, Utah caters to everyone from the novice camper to the seasoned adventurer.
Explore Utah
“Wilderness and the life dependent on it are fragile entities. They can be destroyed in a matter of years, if not days.”
— Wayne Owens, Foreword of Wilderness at the Edge, 1989
Types of Camping in Utah
Tent Camping
Tent camping is the traditional form of outdoor lodging and is widely accessible across Utah. Nearly every state park, national park, and forest service campground includes tent sites, many of which offer picnic tables, fire rings, bathrooms, and even drinking water.
If you’re looking to rough it, dispersed camping on BLM or forest lands allows you to truly connect with nature. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and verify if campfires are permitted during your visit.
Popular Tent Camping Locations:
- Arches National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Mirror Lake Highway in the Uinta Mountains
- Kodachrome Basin State Park
Glamping
Glamping, or “glamorous camping,” is ideal for those who love the outdoors but want the comfort of a bed, electricity, and often, Wi-Fi. Glamping options in Utah range from safari tents and yurts to fully furnished cabins and even luxury airstreams.
Best Glamping Spots:
- Under Canvas Moab (near Arches and Canyonlands)
- Zion Wildflower Resort
- Capitol Reef Resort (offers wagons and teepees)
Unique Accommodations
Utah state parks also offer unique lodging such as:
- Yurts: Found in Goblin Valley, Dead Horse Point, and East Canyon
- Cabins: Available at Palisade and Bear Lake
- Teepees: Often set up by private glamping companies
These provide a comfortable middle ground between tent camping and full-on glamping.
RV and Trailer Camping
RV camping is another popular way to explore Utah, offering comforts like heat, air conditioning, and even satellite TV. Full-service RV parks with electric, water, and sewer hookups are scattered throughout the state, particularly near national parks and in more urban areas like Salt Lake City, Moab, and St. George.
Top RV Parks in Utah:
- Zion River Resort
- Ruby’s Inn near Bryce Canyon
- Mountain Valley RV Resort in Heber City
For a more rustic experience, many state and national park campgrounds offer dry camping (no hookups), but often with dump stations and potable water access.
Utah’s Diverse Terrains for Camping
Desert and Red Rock Country
Southern Utah is world-renowned for its desert landscapes. Here you’ll find canyons, mesas, hoodoos, arches, and more. Daytime temps can soar over 100°F in the summer, but the dry air and cool nights make it bearable with proper planning.
Top Spots:
- Moab (Arches and Canyonlands)
- Escalante Grand Staircase
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Lakes and Reservoirs
Utah offers numerous camping opportunities near lakes and reservoirs for those who enjoy water sports, fishing, or relaxing with a view.
Best Lakefront Camping:
- Bear Lake State Park (ideal for families)
- Sand Hollow State Park (great for boating and ATVs)
- Deer Creek State Park (easy access from Salt Lake City)
- Yuba Lake (Central Utah)
- Jordanelle State Park (a family favorite)
Mountains and Forests
Northern Utah and the central part of the state are home to the Wasatch and Uinta mountain ranges. These areas provide cool, shaded camping among pine forests and lakes, perfect for escaping the summer heat.
Top Spots:
- Mirror Lake Highway
- Flaming Gorge
- Fish Lake National Forest
- Logan Canyon
Canyonlands and Badlands
Areas like the San Rafael Swell and Goblin Valley offer eerie rock formations and unworldly landscapes, making them great for dispersed and primitive camping.
Recommended Areas:
- Little Wild Horse Canyon
- Temple Mountain Road (BLM land)
- Horseshoe Canyon (remote and isolated)
Best Times to Camp in Utah
Utah is a four-season state, but each region has a different ideal window for camping:
- Deserts: March to May and September to October
- Mountains: June to early September
- Lakes: May through September
- Winter Camping: December to February, but only for well-prepared adventurers
Note: Monsoon season (late July through August) can bring flash floods in desert regions. Always check the weather.
Camping Essentials: What to Pack
Here are must-have items for any Utah camping trip:
Basics
- Tent (or shelter)
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Stove and fuel
- Cookware and utensils
- Headlamp or lantern
- Cooler and food storage
- Water container and filtration system
- Trash bags
Clothing
- Layers for warm days and cool nights
- Waterproof jacket
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sturdy hiking shoes
Extras
- GPS or map
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Camp chairs
- Firewood (where permitted)
Leave No Trace Utah
Safety and Etiquette
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, bury human waste 6-8″ deep, and stay on trails.
- Campfire Rules: Always check local fire restrictions. Use established rings.
- Wildlife Safety: Store food in bear-proof containers and never feed animals.
- Respect Quiet Hours: Most campgrounds enforce quiet times between 10 PM and 6 AM.
Be Considerate: Keep music low, drive slowly, and keep pets leashed.
Grandma’s Tips
Tips for Camping Success
- Reserve early: Popular sites book months in advance
- Have a backup plan: Weather and crowds can disrupt plans
- Travel with extra water: Especially in remote desert areas
- Educate kids: Involve them in planning and safety
- Journal your experience: Note wildlife, stars, and hikes
For those camping for the first time with grandkids or children, read First-Time Camping with Kids: A Grandparent’s (or Parent’s) Guide to Safe, Fun, and Memorable Outdoor Adventures.
Where to Find Campsites in Utah
Online Resources
- Recreation.gov: Federal lands and national parks
- Utah State Parks: State-run sites with amenities
- Hipcamp: Private camping and glamping
- Campendium: RV and boondocking spots
- FreeCampsites.net: User-submitted free locations
Mobile Apps
- The Dyrt: Extensive reviews and offline maps
- AllTrails: Find nearby hikes from camp
- Gaia GPS: Topo maps for backcountry navigation
Ranger Stations
Before heading out, especially in remote areas, stop by local BLM or National Forest offices for:
- Fire conditions
- Trail maps
- Wildlife warnings
- Permit requirements
Final THoughts
Embrace the Adventure
Camping in Utah isn’t just a vacation; it’s a journey into some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America. From solo backpackers to glamping couples and RVing retirees, there’s something for everyone. With the right preparation and mindset, your Utah camping trip will offer both serenity and excitement.
So pack your gear, grab a map, and hit the open road. The mountains, canyons, and star-filled skies of Utah are waiting for you.
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