Discover the best cave campgrounds in Utah with wildlife watching

United States
—
Utah

86% (3801 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Utah

Available this weekend

Under $50

100%

(2)

Mike's Place on the "Boulder"

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Duchesne, UT

This is a very natural place with awesome rock formations, abundant wildlife etc. I did find an ancient axe head years ago in one of the crevices. Up above camp is a rock formation I have always called "Mike Rushmore". Learn more about this land: This is a really cool place and I get a lot of compliments from those that have been here or have seen it. It's a hikers paradise with lots of rock features, sandy areas, tons of trees, wildlife and all the beautiful plant life of a high desert. The lake is close by for Fishing, kayaking, boating, or just a good ole swim about 10 minutes away. So, here is what you get on my 15 acres. Me, as your host to show you around and let you pick from several spots available where you would like to camp on the upper 5 acres for RV, truck, tent,, etc. I can accomidate whatever. For those that want the natural experience I suggest down below. So cool. There is no one right next to me to the north, south, east, or west. Very private. It is off grid.. However, potable water and generator can be available if needed for and extra fee. This place is absolutely amazing. Your host: Mike It's my place so I can do what I want. I'll show you around, hook you up so you have a nice stay. Contact me if interested in a more natural place to stay. Let me know how I can help or if you have any questions. Thank you, Mike

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.

The Boneyard

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Tabiona, UT

Learn more about this land: Within a 20 minute drive: fly fishing...boating....horseback riding.....Mt Biking....ropes course...hiking ...star gazing.....wildlife viewing....outdoor cooking...

Sun Tunnels West: Grouse Flyover

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · UT

Learn more about this land:Enjoy spreading out over 40 acres here in the ghost town of Lucin, Utah. Conveniently located under two miles northwest of internationally renowned land art, along an intermittent stream north of the road, the area has abundant bird life and breathtaking natural beauty. Wake up for a sunrise at Dr Nancy Holt's Sun Tunnels, enjoy a day of bouldering and hiking on the Pilot Mountains, take Little Pigeon Rd to the end to enjoy the Salt Lake mud flats, come back to the Sun Tunnels for a sunset through the Tunnels over the mountains, turn all your lights off, and enjoy seeing the Milky Way over the crisp desert nights.

93%

(283)

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.

6 top cave campgrounds in Utah with wildlife watching

97%

(3911)

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.

94%

(1403)

The Needles Outpost Campground

55 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Monticello , UT

This Outpost and campground is located on 300 acres of private property surrounded by park and public land. It has been here for over 30 years in some form or another. We are Caleb & Amber who enjoyed managing this little oasis in the middle of the desert from March to June of 2017 when we decided to purchase the business & make it our own. This is a dry, rugged campground with a bathhouse that provides coin operated showers and flush toilets. In addition there is little old rustic camp store placed in the middle of nowhere where we provide fuel, snacks, firewood, ice, showers, cold drinks & more. If you are looking for a more private site with lots of space and shade, book our Small Group at the Rocks. For a warmer stay during the cooler months book one of our Glamping Tents listed. We have the larger, and spacious tent in the grove of the Juniper Trees (which is also amazing in the warmer season) and rent a heater from us inside the general/camp store. BE SURE TO GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME TO CHECK IN NO LATER THAN 5PM. THANK YOU!! DON'T FORGET TO TAKE A SCREEN SHOT OF THE DIRECTIONS HERE, YOU WILL LOSE SERVICE ON YOUR WAY.

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.

Sun Tunnels West: Grouse Flyover

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · UT

Learn more about this land:Enjoy spreading out over 40 acres here in the ghost town of Lucin, Utah. Conveniently located under two miles northwest of internationally renowned land art, along an intermittent stream north of the road, the area has abundant bird life and breathtaking natural beauty. Wake up for a sunrise at Dr Nancy Holt's Sun Tunnels, enjoy a day of bouldering and hiking on the Pilot Mountains, take Little Pigeon Rd to the end to enjoy the Salt Lake mud flats, come back to the Sun Tunnels for a sunset through the Tunnels over the mountains, turn all your lights off, and enjoy seeing the Milky Way over the crisp desert nights.

Mike's Place on the "Boulder"

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Duchesne, UT

This is a very natural place with awesome rock formations, abundant wildlife etc. I did find an ancient axe head years ago in one of the crevices. Up above camp is a rock formation I have always called "Mike Rushmore". Learn more about this land: This is a really cool place and I get a lot of compliments from those that have been here or have seen it. It's a hikers paradise with lots of rock features, sandy areas, tons of trees, wildlife and all the beautiful plant life of a high desert. The lake is close by for Fishing, kayaking, boating, or just a good ole swim about 10 minutes away. So, here is what you get on my 15 acres. Me, as your host to show you around and let you pick from several spots available where you would like to camp on the upper 5 acres for RV, truck, tent,, etc. I can accomidate whatever. For those that want the natural experience I suggest down below. So cool. There is no one right next to me to the north, south, east, or west. Very private. It is off grid.. However, potable water and generator can be available if needed for and extra fee. This place is absolutely amazing. Your host: Mike It's my place so I can do what I want. I'll show you around, hook you up so you have a nice stay. Contact me if interested in a more natural place to stay. Let me know how I can help or if you have any questions. Thank you, Mike

The Boneyard

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Tabiona, UT

Learn more about this land: Within a 20 minute drive: fly fishing...boating....horseback riding.....Mt Biking....ropes course...hiking ...star gazing.....wildlife viewing....outdoor cooking...

Dog-friendly getaways

94%

(1403)

The Needles Outpost Campground

55 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Monticello , UT

This Outpost and campground is located on 300 acres of private property surrounded by park and public land. It has been here for over 30 years in some form or another. We are Caleb & Amber who enjoyed managing this little oasis in the middle of the desert from March to June of 2017 when we decided to purchase the business & make it our own. This is a dry, rugged campground with a bathhouse that provides coin operated showers and flush toilets. In addition there is little old rustic camp store placed in the middle of nowhere where we provide fuel, snacks, firewood, ice, showers, cold drinks & more. If you are looking for a more private site with lots of space and shade, book our Small Group at the Rocks. For a warmer stay during the cooler months book one of our Glamping Tents listed. We have the larger, and spacious tent in the grove of the Juniper Trees (which is also amazing in the warmer season) and rent a heater from us inside the general/camp store. BE SURE TO GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME TO CHECK IN NO LATER THAN 5PM. THANK YOU!! DON'T FORGET TO TAKE A SCREEN SHOT OF THE DIRECTIONS HERE, YOU WILL LOSE SERVICE ON YOUR WAY.

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.

Sun Tunnels West: Grouse Flyover

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · UT

Learn more about this land:Enjoy spreading out over 40 acres here in the ghost town of Lucin, Utah. Conveniently located under two miles northwest of internationally renowned land art, along an intermittent stream north of the road, the area has abundant bird life and breathtaking natural beauty. Wake up for a sunrise at Dr Nancy Holt's Sun Tunnels, enjoy a day of bouldering and hiking on the Pilot Mountains, take Little Pigeon Rd to the end to enjoy the Salt Lake mud flats, come back to the Sun Tunnels for a sunset through the Tunnels over the mountains, turn all your lights off, and enjoy seeing the Milky Way over the crisp desert nights.

Mike's Place on the "Boulder"

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Duchesne, UT

This is a very natural place with awesome rock formations, abundant wildlife etc. I did find an ancient axe head years ago in one of the crevices. Up above camp is a rock formation I have always called "Mike Rushmore". Learn more about this land: This is a really cool place and I get a lot of compliments from those that have been here or have seen it. It's a hikers paradise with lots of rock features, sandy areas, tons of trees, wildlife and all the beautiful plant life of a high desert. The lake is close by for Fishing, kayaking, boating, or just a good ole swim about 10 minutes away. So, here is what you get on my 15 acres. Me, as your host to show you around and let you pick from several spots available where you would like to camp on the upper 5 acres for RV, truck, tent,, etc. I can accomidate whatever. For those that want the natural experience I suggest down below. So cool. There is no one right next to me to the north, south, east, or west. Very private. It is off grid.. However, potable water and generator can be available if needed for and extra fee. This place is absolutely amazing. Your host: Mike It's my place so I can do what I want. I'll show you around, hook you up so you have a nice stay. Contact me if interested in a more natural place to stay. Let me know how I can help or if you have any questions. Thank you, Mike

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.

88%

(12)

Ashley National Forest

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Utah

100%

(15)

Kodachrome Basin State Park

Henrieville, Utah

100%

(9)

Snow Canyon State Park

Ivins, Utah

82%

(19)

Dixie National Forest

Cedar Fort, Utah

91%

(11)

Fishlake National Forest

Joseph, Utah

100%

(3)

Monticello Field Office

Monticello, Utah

100%

(2)

Fremont Indian State Park

Joseph, Utah

94%

(26)

Goblin Valley State Park

Hanksville, Utah

Cave camping in Utah with wildlife watching 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.