Discover the best lakeside campgrounds in Utah with campfires

United States
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Utah

91% (3736 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Utah

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

93%

(291)

Red Desert RV Park

8 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Moab, UT

Red Desert RV Park has expanded to 55 full hookup RV sites along with 14 cabins. We are geared towards outdoor adventurists and sightseers wanting a cost-effective stay while taking advantage of everything Moab has to offer! We are locally owned by a family of 8 and love calling Moab our home. We understand the corporate overtaking that Moab has had in the last 5 years and plan to keep our campground affordably priced and locally owned. We have upgraded the old site plan from 7 RV sites to 55 Full Service RV sites this year. Most sites are pull through but we will have some back-ins. Our new bathhouse has a laundry, women's bathrooms and showers, men's bathrooms and showers, and an ADA compliant family style bathroom. In addition to the new bathhouse, we have a new office and retail store where we sell souvenirs, RV supplies, snacks, drinks, ice, firewood, and other necessities for guests. We do not currently have propane fill on site. We know that there are many options to choose from when it comes to staying in Moab. We urge people to support locally owned businesses that help Moab grow and solve problems that exist in our community. Moab is a recreation mecca with something for everyone and our little campground on the south end of the valley puts you within minutes of town, the mountains, and the red deserts around Moab.

Lakeside Cabins and Camping

2 sites · Lodging3 acres · Scipio, UT

This is on about 3 acres with a river running through it. It is only a 5 minute or so drive to Yuba Lake. The nearest town with a grocery store is Nephi, the nearest gas stations with convenience store and Dairy Queen is 7 miles away.

Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

57 sites · RVs, Tents1200 acres · Virgin, UT

Off Grid eco oriented camp on 1200 acres overlooking Zion National Park. Owned and operated by Bill Wright, a rancher whose family has farmed and ranched the land for several generations. A few minutes from Zion’s backcountry trails in the Kolob Terrace Region and approx. 40 minutes to the main gate of Zion NP. Bill Wright is the father of the legendary "Wright Brothers" the family of Professional Rodeo Saddle Bronc riders. You will often see Bill tending the land and moving cattle and horses from your campsite. This off the grid ranch has some of the most stunning views you'll ever encounter. Want a little adventure during your stay? Reserve a 2-hour horseback ride with Bill. He'll finish your ride with one of the most breathtaking vistas you can find of Zion National Park. Our property features many spaced out sites to choose from with bathrooms onsite. Pets and campfires are also allowed.

Yuba - El Conejo Lakeside

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Scipio, UT

Park your van, trailer or RV a skip away from Yuba Lake on private 3 acre land. Unimproved parking space surrounded by beautiful views. Plenty of space to set up tents, pets welcome. Just minutes away from the marina and Yuba Lake State Park amenities including zip line, potable water and dump with state park entrance fee. Enjoy the lake during the day and the stars at night. Property has two sites. Both have optional electrical hookup, boat slip , and firewood. Site 1 - “El Conejo Camp Spot” away from the main road featuring 4x20 step off deck, picnic table, and camp chairs, as well (2) 30amp RV hookups. This is a pull thru or pull around site. Site 2 - “Roadside Summit” with picnic table, fire ring, and 50amp electrical hookup. This is a pull through site with grade. Lake can be accessed with state park fee at the marina entrance and the north shore, or on the south side via five minute ride or 1.25 mi walk. (See Add-Ons if you need a boat slip for the day or overnight). Road in is dirt with minor grade up to property. Notes: ——— * Wildlife - In late summer, cattle graze nearby. In spring, you may see sheep and baby lambs on the way to the south beach access. There are rattle snakes, bunnies, and we’ve seen a scorpion or two. *Weather - Summer days can be quite hot with cooler nights. There is no shade on the property. Wind gusts carrying dust can occur. It’s a good idea to check weather app for conditions. *Landscape/Views - Utah natural landscape changes markedly with the seasons. Some photos may reflect green grasses, when these dry out mid summer, they can produce fine stickers to be aware of with long hair pets, kids, and ankles in general. Views can change depending on developing neighboring properties. Sunsets either at the lake or the property are unobstructed and often dramatic. Night sky viewing is also pretty awesome as there is very little light pollution.

Sandy Beach

46 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres · Scipio, UT

17 RV sites available for reservations. Easy to access 55 foot long sites. Each site has incredible lake views. Access to private sandy beach with kayak, and paddle board rentals available. Fishing, water sports, views, and star gazing. Just a short distance from I-15 but worlds away from the hustle an bustle.

12 top lakeside campgrounds in Utah with campfires

97%

(3956)

Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

57 sites · RVs, Tents1200 acres · Virgin, UT

Off Grid eco oriented camp on 1200 acres overlooking Zion National Park. Owned and operated by Bill Wright, a rancher whose family has farmed and ranched the land for several generations. A few minutes from Zion’s backcountry trails in the Kolob Terrace Region and approx. 40 minutes to the main gate of Zion NP. Bill Wright is the father of the legendary "Wright Brothers" the family of Professional Rodeo Saddle Bronc riders. You will often see Bill tending the land and moving cattle and horses from your campsite. This off the grid ranch has some of the most stunning views you'll ever encounter. Want a little adventure during your stay? Reserve a 2-hour horseback ride with Bill. He'll finish your ride with one of the most breathtaking vistas you can find of Zion National Park. Our property features many spaced out sites to choose from with bathrooms onsite. Pets and campfires are also allowed.

Red Desert RV Park

8 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Moab, UT

Red Desert RV Park has expanded to 55 full hookup RV sites along with 14 cabins. We are geared towards outdoor adventurists and sightseers wanting a cost-effective stay while taking advantage of everything Moab has to offer! We are locally owned by a family of 8 and love calling Moab our home. We understand the corporate overtaking that Moab has had in the last 5 years and plan to keep our campground affordably priced and locally owned. We have upgraded the old site plan from 7 RV sites to 55 Full Service RV sites this year. Most sites are pull through but we will have some back-ins. Our new bathhouse has a laundry, women's bathrooms and showers, men's bathrooms and showers, and an ADA compliant family style bathroom. In addition to the new bathhouse, we have a new office and retail store where we sell souvenirs, RV supplies, snacks, drinks, ice, firewood, and other necessities for guests. We do not currently have propane fill on site. We know that there are many options to choose from when it comes to staying in Moab. We urge people to support locally owned businesses that help Moab grow and solve problems that exist in our community. Moab is a recreation mecca with something for everyone and our little campground on the south end of the valley puts you within minutes of town, the mountains, and the red deserts around Moab.

Lakeside Cabins and Camping

2 sites · Lodging3 acres · Scipio, UT

This is on about 3 acres with a river running through it. It is only a 5 minute or so drive to Yuba Lake. The nearest town with a grocery store is Nephi, the nearest gas stations with convenience store and Dairy Queen is 7 miles away.

Sandy Beach

46 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres · Scipio, UT

17 RV sites available for reservations. Easy to access 55 foot long sites. Each site has incredible lake views. Access to private sandy beach with kayak, and paddle board rentals available. Fishing, water sports, views, and star gazing. Just a short distance from I-15 but worlds away from the hustle an bustle.

Yuba - El Conejo Lakeside

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Scipio, UT

Park your van, trailer or RV a skip away from Yuba Lake on private 3 acre land. Unimproved parking space surrounded by beautiful views. Plenty of space to set up tents, pets welcome. Just minutes away from the marina and Yuba Lake State Park amenities including zip line, potable water and dump with state park entrance fee. Enjoy the lake during the day and the stars at night. Property has two sites. Both have optional electrical hookup, boat slip , and firewood. Site 1 - “El Conejo Camp Spot” away from the main road featuring 4x20 step off deck, picnic table, and camp chairs, as well (2) 30amp RV hookups. This is a pull thru or pull around site. Site 2 - “Roadside Summit” with picnic table, fire ring, and 50amp electrical hookup. This is a pull through site with grade. Lake can be accessed with state park fee at the marina entrance and the north shore, or on the south side via five minute ride or 1.25 mi walk. (See Add-Ons if you need a boat slip for the day or overnight). Road in is dirt with minor grade up to property. Notes: ——— * Wildlife - In late summer, cattle graze nearby. In spring, you may see sheep and baby lambs on the way to the south beach access. There are rattle snakes, bunnies, and we’ve seen a scorpion or two. *Weather - Summer days can be quite hot with cooler nights. There is no shade on the property. Wind gusts carrying dust can occur. It’s a good idea to check weather app for conditions. *Landscape/Views - Utah natural landscape changes markedly with the seasons. Some photos may reflect green grasses, when these dry out mid summer, they can produce fine stickers to be aware of with long hair pets, kids, and ankles in general. Views can change depending on developing neighboring properties. Sunsets either at the lake or the property are unobstructed and often dramatic. Night sky viewing is also pretty awesome as there is very little light pollution.

93%

(40)

Stoneview Camp

2 sites · RVs33 acres · Bryce Canyon City, UT

Theres no better way to capture the full beauty of the stars at night than out here on Stoneview ranch. close to Bryce Canyon, discount on local country music dinner show. bathroom available

98%

(129)

Ravens Nest Utah

5 sites · RVs, Tents93 acres · Panguitch, UT

Ravens Nest is NESTled in the mountains near Panguitch Utah, and is a prime location for camping with a great many places to visit nearby. All 2W Drive. Those being Bryce Canyon 23 miles, Zion Canyon 56 miles, Panguitch Lake 18 miles, Kodachrome Basin 32 miles, Petrified Forest 40 miles, Coral Pink Sand Dunes 63 miles, and many more.

97%

(37)

Hope Acres

4 sites · Lodging5 acres · Tabiona, UT

Looking for a Glamping experience? Hope Acres is in the tall Pinion Pines at 7800 feet atop of a Mesa in Northern Utah. Just minutes from 2 large Reservoirs, Strawberry and Starvation to include mountain lakes, rivers for fishing, boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, Swimming and other water activities. While the property lies in the middle of mountainous country there are many hiking trails as well as off road UTV and ATV trails for riding the back country. If your into sightseeing then this is the place, with many different species of wildlife that roam this beautiful landscape as well as a Birds Eye view of the high terrain that awaits you. Hope Acres has beautiful Bell Tents that are placed on elevated decks with comfortable queen beds and some twins. Each tent boasts air conditioning that provides the comforts of home while enjoying the outdoors. Each camp site offers a personal bathroom as well as a shower, picnic table, high speed internet, hammock, BBQ and outdoor sink, amenities for an enjoyable experience. If you are looking for a hideaway then come experience the beauty while relaxing and making memories at Hope Acres, we look forward to seeing you.

100%

(4)

Sandstone Ranch

1 site · Tent11 acres · Duchesne, UT

Welcome to Sandstone Ranch where you'll find yourself surrounded with all of the high desert beauty it has to offer. Wake up and wind down to beautiful pastel sunrises and sunsets. Explore the stunning rock formations and steep cliff sides that lead into seasonal river beds. You'll be surrounded by juniper trees, pine trees, sagebrush and cactus. With numerous rivers and secluded access to Starvation Reservoir you can enjoy many recreational activities such as Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Jet Skiing, ATV off-roading, hiking, mountain biking. You can rent Paddle boards or other camping gear/goods from us for an extra fee. We also offer a personal off roading tour for those who seek a unique adventure with our Sand Dune Jeep Safari. Our family of 6 took the leap and left the city life in order to reconnect to the land on this 11 acre property. We are in the beginnings of our homestead journey and hope to create a space for guests like you to enjoy our animal rescue, camp retreats for groups, classes on herbalism and camp for kids where they can learn basic survival skills. It is this love for nature and the gifts that it offers to us all that we want to share our land with others. We currently offer 1 Tent Site with a fire pit and an outhouse. There is also the option for RV site on the main pad. We will be expanding and offering more sites in the coming months. This is wilderness camping so be aware that there is wildlife and that roads are bumpy. Please contact us with any special requests or questions and we'll be happy to assist you.

98%

(78)

Swell Retreat in San Rafael Swell

13 sites · RVs, Tents208 acres · Castle Dale, UT

A Swell Oasis in the desert of the San Rafael Swell: Swell Retreat. A pine tree farm was active prior to us purchasing the land, so lots of beautiful trees. A couple ponds stocked with large mouth bass. Zipline, WIBIT, water slide, etc. A field of hay, and continued improvements to make it into a Swell Retreat!!! We are a great spot to stay and have onsite a zip line into Lake Elevate, water slide into the pond, adventure island, zipline, kayaking, paddle boarding, catch and release fishing, and close to all fun in the San Rafael Swell. 20 min or so from three reservoirs for additional fishing, swimming and motor boating, 30 minutes from the Little Grand Canyon for breathtaking views, hiking and mountain biking, petroglyphs and the San Rafael Swell river to float on, 60 minutes from Goblin Valley, within 60 minutes to multiple slot canyons: Little Wild Horse Canyon, Muddy Creek, The Chute (similar to Zion National Park), Baptist Draw, to name a few. Mountain fun for rock climbing just up the road in Joe's Valley, hiking, biking, fishing, etc. We would love to have you stay on our little farm while you enjoy the fun of the San Rafael Swell adventures.

71%

(7)

Dutch John Resort

37 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Dutch John, UT

RV 50 amp Sites available for trailers of all sizes, offering convenient back-in access. All 30 amp & 50 amp RV Sites come equipped with Electricity, Water, and Sewer Hookups. Additionally, campers enjoy access to showers and restrooms. A coin-operated laundry facility is also available; coins for washers and dryers must be purchased from the store. RV 30 amp sites feature pull-through, back-in, and long and short site options. All 30 amp & 50 amp RV Sites feature Electricity, Water, and Sewer Hookups, alongside access to showers and restrooms. A coin-operated laundry is accessible; coins are available for purchase from the store. RV 30 amp sites offer pull-through, back-in, and long and short site choices. Dry Campground denotes no water connection. Our amenities include a steakhouse, cafe, and ice cream shop. Rental options encompass river rafts, kayaks, paddle boards, and fishing boats. Other facilities include a gas station, fly shop, convenience store, and fishing guides. What makes Dutch John unique? Dutch John is a distinctive mountain community treasured for its natural and scenic beauty. It offers access to world-class fishing, wildlife viewing, and hunting opportunities. Experience a small community quality of life with urban conveniences in a rural setting. The Visitors Center is open year-round. Nearby attractions include the US Forest Service Visitor's Center at Red Canyon, Swett Ranch, Ute Tower Lookout, Cedar Springs Marina, and Jarvie Ranch in Brown's Park. Dutch John boasts an airport with a paved landing strip spanning 6000 feet in length.

100%

(2)

Farm Cabins Zion & Bryce!! Pool...

8 sites · Lodging14 acres · Mt. Carmel, UT

- An Experience, Not Just a Place to Stay - Cabin Stay on Farm -Family Owned and Operated 27 years - Stay and See Zion, Bryce and North Rim Grand Canyon! - Swimming Pool and Hot Tub - Pasture Views - Mountain Views - All Smack Dab in the Middle of 3 National Parks - Light Breakfast Included in the Rates - Additional Farm-Fresh Breakfast Items Available for Purchase Daily!! - Located at EAST ZION = Away From the Hustle and Bustle of the West Side of Zion National Park. East Zion is the Quiet Side. ONLY about 18 min. to the east entrance of ZION, 50 minutes to SPRINGDALE and only an hour to BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK! Location, Location , Location - Unpack Only Once - See North Rim of Grand Canyon too! - Take Day Trips from Arrowhead to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon (1 hr), Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (20 min), Belly of the Dragon (2 min), Red Hollow Slot Canyon (5 min), Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (20 min), Grand Escalante National Monument (35 min), Cedar Breaks National Monument (1 hr), Duck Creek Village and Navajo Lake (40 min), Kanab Western Town (20 min), North Rim Grand Canyon (1.75 hr to entrance) AND so much more - Country Setting - Visit the farm animals within walking distance - Star Gazing - Fruit Tree Orchard - Gardens - Hummingbirds - Goldfish Pond - BBQ Area

Star Hosts in Utah

98%

(78)

Swell Retreat in San Rafael Swell

13 sites · RVs, Tents208 acres · Castle Dale, UT

A Swell Oasis in the desert of the San Rafael Swell: Swell Retreat. A pine tree farm was active prior to us purchasing the land, so lots of beautiful trees. A couple ponds stocked with large mouth bass. Zipline, WIBIT, water slide, etc. A field of hay, and continued improvements to make it into a Swell Retreat!!! We are a great spot to stay and have onsite a zip line into Lake Elevate, water slide into the pond, adventure island, zipline, kayaking, paddle boarding, catch and release fishing, and close to all fun in the San Rafael Swell. 20 min or so from three reservoirs for additional fishing, swimming and motor boating, 30 minutes from the Little Grand Canyon for breathtaking views, hiking and mountain biking, petroglyphs and the San Rafael Swell river to float on, 60 minutes from Goblin Valley, within 60 minutes to multiple slot canyons: Little Wild Horse Canyon, Muddy Creek, The Chute (similar to Zion National Park), Baptist Draw, to name a few. Mountain fun for rock climbing just up the road in Joe's Valley, hiking, biking, fishing, etc. We would love to have you stay on our little farm while you enjoy the fun of the San Rafael Swell adventures.

96%

(129)

Retro Star Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Huntsville, UT

Retro Star Ranch is big and secluded. Aside from a few trailers that dot the hills in the distance you are pretty much on your own. We have 25 acres of land at the end of a private road in a secret hidden valley not far from SLC, Ogden and Eden Utah. This land is pristine and connected to over 5000 acres of undeveloped open space. The property is part of a recreational property subdivision. You might see some fellow campers on quads, occasionally you might hear gunfire, but you're more likely to see deer, fox, grouse, birds of prey, moose and possibly elk. Not far from Causey Reservoir and the South Fork of the Ogden River both of which have great water for floating and fishing. You could easily get here in a sedan when dry but not recommended for sports or low clearance vehicles. If you have 4x4 that is better, especially if you want to venture to our last campsite or pull a trailer here. We've pulled a 30' foot trailer but the road is skinny in places and the turns are tight, bumpy from cobbles and ruts and often have puddles. There is about 2 miles of that climbs over a ridge. If you're adventurous and a confident driver on dirt roads you will have no problem. If it's you're first time pulling a trailer or if you have a low clearance then this might not be the spot for you. However, if you're looking for something peaceful and secluded that is not that far from town, this is it. We can also accommodate larger groups or multiple vehicles if desired. Please contact us with any special requests or questions. The Knoll site is better for trailers and larger groups. It has a loop through driveway and can accommodate a few trailers. Please be aware that this is wilderness camping and there are wild animals throughout the woods. It is best to stay on trail or at the site and be alert for snakes, big cats, moose and deer.

Hope Acres

4 sites · Lodging5 acres · Tabiona, UT

Looking for a Glamping experience? Hope Acres is in the tall Pinion Pines at 7800 feet atop of a Mesa in Northern Utah. Just minutes from 2 large Reservoirs, Strawberry and Starvation to include mountain lakes, rivers for fishing, boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, Swimming and other water activities. While the property lies in the middle of mountainous country there are many hiking trails as well as off road UTV and ATV trails for riding the back country. If your into sightseeing then this is the place, with many different species of wildlife that roam this beautiful landscape as well as a Birds Eye view of the high terrain that awaits you. Hope Acres has beautiful Bell Tents that are placed on elevated decks with comfortable queen beds and some twins. Each tent boasts air conditioning that provides the comforts of home while enjoying the outdoors. Each camp site offers a personal bathroom as well as a shower, picnic table, high speed internet, hammock, BBQ and outdoor sink, amenities for an enjoyable experience. If you are looking for a hideaway then come experience the beauty while relaxing and making memories at Hope Acres, we look forward to seeing you.

Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

57 sites · RVs, Tents1200 acres · Virgin, UT

Off Grid eco oriented camp on 1200 acres overlooking Zion National Park. Owned and operated by Bill Wright, a rancher whose family has farmed and ranched the land for several generations. A few minutes from Zion’s backcountry trails in the Kolob Terrace Region and approx. 40 minutes to the main gate of Zion NP. Bill Wright is the father of the legendary "Wright Brothers" the family of Professional Rodeo Saddle Bronc riders. You will often see Bill tending the land and moving cattle and horses from your campsite. This off the grid ranch has some of the most stunning views you'll ever encounter. Want a little adventure during your stay? Reserve a 2-hour horseback ride with Bill. He'll finish your ride with one of the most breathtaking vistas you can find of Zion National Park. Our property features many spaced out sites to choose from with bathrooms onsite. Pets and campfires are also allowed.

Ravens Nest Utah

5 sites · RVs, Tents93 acres · Panguitch, UT

Ravens Nest is NESTled in the mountains near Panguitch Utah, and is a prime location for camping with a great many places to visit nearby. All 2W Drive. Those being Bryce Canyon 23 miles, Zion Canyon 56 miles, Panguitch Lake 18 miles, Kodachrome Basin 32 miles, Petrified Forest 40 miles, Coral Pink Sand Dunes 63 miles, and many more.

Available this weekend

93%

(40)

Stoneview Camp

2 sites · RVs33 acres · Bryce Canyon City, UT

Theres no better way to capture the full beauty of the stars at night than out here on Stoneview ranch. close to Bryce Canyon, discount on local country music dinner show. bathroom available

Sandy Beach

46 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres · Scipio, UT

17 RV sites available for reservations. Easy to access 55 foot long sites. Each site has incredible lake views. Access to private sandy beach with kayak, and paddle board rentals available. Fishing, water sports, views, and star gazing. Just a short distance from I-15 but worlds away from the hustle an bustle.

Ravens Nest Utah

5 sites · RVs, Tents93 acres · Panguitch, UT

Ravens Nest is NESTled in the mountains near Panguitch Utah, and is a prime location for camping with a great many places to visit nearby. All 2W Drive. Those being Bryce Canyon 23 miles, Zion Canyon 56 miles, Panguitch Lake 18 miles, Kodachrome Basin 32 miles, Petrified Forest 40 miles, Coral Pink Sand Dunes 63 miles, and many more.

Red Desert RV Park

8 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Moab, UT

Red Desert RV Park has expanded to 55 full hookup RV sites along with 14 cabins. We are geared towards outdoor adventurists and sightseers wanting a cost-effective stay while taking advantage of everything Moab has to offer! We are locally owned by a family of 8 and love calling Moab our home. We understand the corporate overtaking that Moab has had in the last 5 years and plan to keep our campground affordably priced and locally owned. We have upgraded the old site plan from 7 RV sites to 55 Full Service RV sites this year. Most sites are pull through but we will have some back-ins. Our new bathhouse has a laundry, women's bathrooms and showers, men's bathrooms and showers, and an ADA compliant family style bathroom. In addition to the new bathhouse, we have a new office and retail store where we sell souvenirs, RV supplies, snacks, drinks, ice, firewood, and other necessities for guests. We do not currently have propane fill on site. We know that there are many options to choose from when it comes to staying in Moab. We urge people to support locally owned businesses that help Moab grow and solve problems that exist in our community. Moab is a recreation mecca with something for everyone and our little campground on the south end of the valley puts you within minutes of town, the mountains, and the red deserts around Moab.

Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

57 sites · RVs, Tents1200 acres · Virgin, UT

Off Grid eco oriented camp on 1200 acres overlooking Zion National Park. Owned and operated by Bill Wright, a rancher whose family has farmed and ranched the land for several generations. A few minutes from Zion’s backcountry trails in the Kolob Terrace Region and approx. 40 minutes to the main gate of Zion NP. Bill Wright is the father of the legendary "Wright Brothers" the family of Professional Rodeo Saddle Bronc riders. You will often see Bill tending the land and moving cattle and horses from your campsite. This off the grid ranch has some of the most stunning views you'll ever encounter. Want a little adventure during your stay? Reserve a 2-hour horseback ride with Bill. He'll finish your ride with one of the most breathtaking vistas you can find of Zion National Park. Our property features many spaced out sites to choose from with bathrooms onsite. Pets and campfires are also allowed.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

91%

(89)

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Levan, Utah

88%

(12)

Ashley National Forest

Dead Horse Point State Park

Moab, Utah

100%

(9)

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Dixie National Forest

Cedar Fort, Utah

91%

(11)

Fishlake National Forest

Joseph, Utah

100%

(15)

Manti-La Sal National Forest

Ferron, Utah

Rent a kayak or paddleboard near the campground and tour the lake. Row to the northernmost part for some shade, but keep in mind: Years of silt have made the lake bottom soft and murky - you may sink up to your ankles, possibly lose a shoe!

100%

(3)

Quail Creek State Park

Hurricane, Utah

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping in Utah with campfires guide

Overview

With a wide variety of terrains ranging from dense forest to arid plateaus, Utah has been attracting campers, backpackers, and hikers for generations. It's home to five national parks, plus dozens of state parks and national forests and monuments (not to mention plenty of BLM land), making it easy to find a Utah camping experience that suits you best. While the southern and eastern parts of the state attract lovers of the great outdoors with their massive rock formations and abundance of recreation activities, you’ll also find plenty to do up in the north, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to getting out on one of the region’s many lakes and reservoirs come summer.

Where to go

Northwest Utah

Northern Utah is where you'll find some of the state's lushest areas, with plenty of lakes and mountains, a stark contrast to the rockier, arid regions to the south. Salt Lake City is one of the region's biggest draws, and its easy access to outdoor recreation areas, such as Antelope Island State Park on the Great Salt Lake, makes it a reasonable base for those wanting to explore the region. Camping areas abound in this region—the tent-only Cottonwood Campground at Bear Lake State Park is a particularly good choice.

Eastern Utah

Eastern Utah offers some of the best opportunities for outdoor recreation in the state, and that's not just because two of Utah’s five national parks—Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park—are here, a short drive from Moab. Spots worth visiting include Dead Horse Point State Park (popular for mountain biking) and Natural Bridges National Monument, where you’ll see three natural bridge formations carved from the earth millennia ago. This area is also great for archaeology fans. Hovenweep National Monument is a great place to check out the ruins of 13th-century pueblos, while Bear Ears National Monument is full of beautifully preserved ancient cave art.

South-Central and Southern Utah

South Central Utah offers a mix of high desert and dense forest, with plenty of spots to go out and play. You can hike through the slot canyons of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, explore the fairytale-like hoodoos at Goblin Valley State Park, or try your hand at canyoning at Capitol Reef National Park. This region is also home to Lake Powell, on the Colorado River, right on the border with Arizona.

Southwest Utah

Home to both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, southwest Utah offers fantastic hiking and camping options, with a mix of beautiful rock formations, vast forests, and desert sand dunes. While the national parks are the main draw, this region offers plenty to do, from ATV/OHV riding on the massive golden dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park to checking out the red rock formations at Kodachrome Basin State Park. You'll find some of Utah's best camping spots and hiking trails all through the region, and the lack of light pollution makes this area ideal for stargazing under the night skies.