Forest camping in Utah with climbing

From lakes to mountains to desert plateaus, Utah’s great outdoors comes in many flavors.

96% (5292 reviews)
96% (5292 reviews)

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12 top forest campgrounds in Utah with climbing

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.
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$35
 / night
91%
(1757)

Kolob Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Virgin, UT
The perfect way to escape the heat of summer, and the crowds of Zion National Park. Kolob Campground, Kolob Terrace Road, and Kolob Reservoir is a quiet location nestled between the main canyons of Zion National Park and the remote Kolob Finger Canyons Complex at Zion National Park. With quick access to West Rim Trail, Subway Canyon, Hop Valley Trail, and Wildcat Canyon Trail, this area of Greater Zion is not to be missed.  Located in a private gated area on the shores of Kolob Reservoir, Kolob Campground is the premiere location for camping on Kolob Mountain in the Greater Zion National Park area. Kolob Campground is located adjacent to the Kolob Reservoir boat ramp and dock, including four acres of private shoreline. Just a few feet from the paved road, nestled in tall aspen, oak, and pine trees. Access to potable water is available adjacent to camp, and public restrooms (vault toilets) are only a short walk from camp.WiFi access is available nearby at Kolob Adventure Rentals/Adventure Beach (3 minute walk). WiFi location and password provided by host upon request. This is an exclusive benefit available to our guests, and the only WiFi available to campers in the area.Canoe, kayak and SUP rentals, snacks and beverages are also located nearby. LP(propane) fires are allowed and LP fire bowls can be provided through the camp host. LP fuel is also available for purchase. Wood burning, charcoal, and smoking currently not allowed due to area restriction.
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$34.96
 / night
96%
(537)

Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

10 sites · RVs, Tents19 acres · Blanding, UT
Watch the sun come up over the Sleeping Ute Mountain in Colorado and enjoy a gorgeous sunset as the sun sets over the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. We are off the grid and have no electricity or water. Our graveled camping sites are easy to access. We are located next to a paved road. You do not need high clearance vehicles or 4-wheel drive. Camp in a natural high desert environment consisting of cedar and pinion trees, Brigham tea, sagebrush, etc. Great views of the night sky. An ancient Indian mound is on site. The Five Kiva Ruin and Nations Natural Bridge are within hiking distance. Minutes away is the town of Blanding with restaurants, hospital, gas stations and a dump station. Its only a short drive to five different National Monuments: Bears Ears, Natural Bridges, Rainbow Bridge, Hovenweep, and Canyon of The Ancients. Take a scenic drive over the Blue Mountain and Elk Ridge. Southeastern Utah is full of archeology history to hike and explore.
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$25
 / night
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.
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$45
 / night
98%
(873)

Ranchito Feliz

6 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Cannonville, UT
When booking please add in your note the type of camping you are doing, ie. tent, car, van, or larger RV and please, only texts...NO calls. In the middle of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument; adjacent to Bryce Canyon National Park; within walking distance of Kodachrome Basin State Park; and an easy drive to Zion and Capital Reef National Parks, as well as Lake Powell National Recreational Area, this unique site is an opportunity not to miss. The pet/horse friendly property (approximately 9 acres/3 ha/64 sq. m) boasts private designated single tent sites, and a mix car camping and larger RV sites, as well as paleontological, geological, biological, astronomical, and historical interests of the ranch. The equestrians will find a two-acre pasture, three paddocks, a round pen, as well as beautiful places to ride from the ranch. This secluded location has a small town of about 175 (Cannonville) three miles/5 k distant where there is a small store, gas, and a Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center. And, bonus, the in town campground has: high speed internet, and cell phone service and laundry. This ranch and campground is an off the grid, passive/active solar voltaic, so no electricity, no internet and only Verizon works here. In Tropic 12 miles distant all carriers get service. Potable water, shower, dish washing station and composting toilet (This means that all campers count when booking, even the kids...their poops add up too). The views are spectacular from any site where the xeroscaped landscape uses indigenous material and plants to complement the quintessential Pinon/Juniper ecosystem the campground sits in. On three sides you are surrounded by red cliffs in the Carmel Formation which can give shelter from wind and sun, but campers can also look out over the Paria River (you can hear the river from camp as well as its amphibians) which runs south in front of the property and eventually meets the Colorado River at Lee’s Ferry where most put-in to raft the Grand Canyon. Looking north, one sees the meaning of the term “Grand Staircase” by viewing The Entrada, Tropic Shale, Straight Cliffs, Wahweap, Kaiparowits, and Pink Limestone Formations capped by late Tertiary Volcanism; or, the “steps” of Promise Rock, Sand Point, Powell Point, and the Aquarius Plateau (highest forested mesa in North America at over eleven thousand feet.). The biological diversity here is also astounding: Birds: 140 species and counting including the tiny Costa’s Humming Bird all the way up to the enormous California Condor. Plants: 2 species of Sagebrush, 4 species of trees, numerous grass species, and a plethora of beautiful wildflowers and cacti. Reptiles: Many species of snakes and lizards. Unfortunately, this includes the occasional rattlesnake. It is advised that you have your pets vaccinated. Amphibian: Toads and Salamanders Insects: There are very few mosquitos. There are a few biting Deer Flies, and worse yet, those damn gnats. These “no-see-ums” are temperature dependent so are not a bother in the shade, early mornings, late evenings and at night. It is recommended that you bring some kick ass insect repellant and a “bee hat” if you are out and about in the sun during the day between May and July. Fossils: Bivalves, snails, petrified wood (many types) and various other corals, insects and plant fossils abound and are often incorporated into the ranch infrastructure. The nearby area is considered the hottest paleontological spot on the planet. Astronomy: The area is widely considered to be under the darkest skies in the lower 49. The Milky Way and Presides are common sights without the unsightly annoyance of any neighbor’s lights. The climate is varied and interesting. All four seasons are here and occasionally all in one day. Winter snows melt quickly though temperatures can dip into the sub-zeros. The 5,900 ft./1800 m. elevation keeps the summer temps reasonable and always gives a chilly summer evening to cool things off. If you want climatic extremes, you can, within an hour or so, be at Lake Powell and its 100+ F/38+ C heat or on the Aquarius Plateau at 65 degrees F/18 C in midday June. Recreation on many levels is all within proximity. From canyoneering, “free” climbing on an established nearby crag composed of a welded tuff capping the Aquarius Plateau (see Mountain Project and “The Aquarius Plateau”) and many aid lines on Entrada Formation towers within walking distance (see Mountain Project and “The Grand Staircase”), water sports of Lake Powell and the Colorado River as well as fishing in the cool temps of Pine Lake 35 minutes distant. Then of course, there is the Monument, National Park and the State Park only a short drive away. Seclusion, security, water, and views all within a short walk or drive of exiting destinations, make this worth the stop.
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$40
 / night
95%
(104)

Indian Canyon Ranch

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Monticello, UT
Please be advised, that during heavy rain four-wheel drive may be necessary but in all cases low clearance vehicles are not ideal on the last section of road but if you arrive before dark and go slow any vehicle can make it. Units are not heated. Please plan to show up before dark for the best experience and ease of finding the location. Indian Canyon Ranch is proud to be an independent, off grid property with limited solar power and water available. There are no RV hook ups available but there is limited solar power in the rental units and in the communal area but not in the primitive campsites. Campsites are primitive camping only. Showers in the main communal area are solar powered and only hot with the sun and for an hour or so after sunset Joe purchased this property in 2008. At that time, it was 8 acres, and it is now at 20 acres continuous property. The ranch is situated 2 miles off the highway down a bumpy dirt road on the edge of the national forest, this gives you a feeling of being in the wilderness. The south and east sides are boarded by canyons and ruins. All other private properties in the area are 10 acres or more so are well spread out and sparsely populated. All the structures on site were brought here piece by piece and were salvaged from construction projects in Yosemite and Grand Canyon national parks. Water is manually hauled in and the power in the kitchen area is solar generated so please be conscious of water and power use.
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$23.75
 / night
99%
(65)

Rasmussen Ridge

12 sites · RVs1 acre · Mantua, UT
Located in Mantua, UT, a small mountain valley in Cache National Forest on the Wasatchback of the Rocky Mountains of Utah. A ten minute walk to Mantua Reservoir for ice fishing in the winter, kayaking, boating, water skiing, fishing in Spring, Summer, & Fall. Pickleball courts and Sydney's Grill are a 10 minute walk away. Mountain biking, four wheeling, side-by-side adventure right outside your RV door to Willard Peak and the beautiful Northern Wasatchback. Use of my huge lawn (next to the field where you park) for lawn games (provided for a small fee), and my in-ground fire pit are available for your enjoyment. Friendly dogs are very welcome - my white Lab is always looking for new friends! 3 miles down Box Elder Canyon to two large grocery stores, Walmart, gas stations, restaurants, and gyms. One hour to skiing at Snow Basin (home of 2002 Olympic downhill), Powder Mountain to the south and Beaver Mountain to the north. World's largest game bird refuge and museum 10 minutes west down the canyon. Utah State University 30 minutes to the north and Weber State University 30 minutes to the south. Box Elder Creek is a 5 minute walk into Box Elder Campground, the poppy hill (2 weeks in June), and wonderful hiking opportunities. The valley was settled by Danish immigrants in 1862, and the property you will be on is owned by a descendent of the original settlers. See more info about Mantua in the link below.
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$35
 / night
89%
(65)

Zion Glamping Adventures

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents26 acres · Hurricane, UT
Located in a spectacular spot in Hildale, Utah, just an hour drive from Zion National Park. Escape the crowds and indulge in this extraordinary retreat!​ Accommodations > 20 units of Glamping Tents > 2 units of Rock Cave > 7 sites for the RV Park The campsite has five fully operational bathrooms equipped with running water, hot showers, and flush toilets. Basic toiletries are provided for your convenience. There is a common kitchen area where you'll find a fridge, microwave and propane grills. Every morning, our host expertly prepares a delectable breakfast consisting of steaming cups of coffee and mouthwatering pancakes, ensuring that all guests can savor a delightful start to their day. In the evening, the host creates a spacious campfire that invites all guests to gather together and forge connections. It's an opportunity to engage with fellow campers, share captivating tales, and indulge in the delightful combination of s'mores. Make sure not to overlook our highly sought-after array of activities, including exhilarating side by side tours, captivating guided hikes, memorable horseback rides, scenic wagon rides, creative paint and wine sessions, and rejuvenating yoga classes!​
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$65
 / night
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.
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$61.20
 / night
89%
(22)

Camp Joy at Kolob Reservoir

6 sites · RVs3 acres · Kanarraville, UT
A secluded hill top camping spot with PRISTINE views of the lake and access to all that Kolob Reservoir and Zion National Park have to offer. The LARGEST and most secluded camping spot for MILES. After parking your trailer or pitching your tent, walk down to the lake with your fishing poles and kayaks or take a bike ride down Kolob Terrace road. It is the perfect home base for the all the adventures to be had at Kolob and the surrounding areas around Zion National Park. Camp Joy is the highest point around Kolob Reservoir so you will be afforded the best sunset views in all four directions. You will never experience another “golden hour” like the one you experience while at Camp Joy. Our mission is to share the “Joy” of making unforgettable memories in the mountains with friends and family. Happy Travels! Camp Joy at Kolob FAMOUS HIKES AND TRAILHEADS LOCATED BY CAMP JOY: The "Kolob Terrace" is a lesser-traveled section of Zion, accessible via the Kolob Terrace Road that heads north from the town of Virgin. The drive through the Terrace up to Lava Point offers a good sampling of wondrous views, from golden valleys to the majestic North and South Guardian Angels high in distance. The Kolob Terrace is home to one of the most popular canyons in Zion: the Left Fork of North Creek, aka. "the Subway." WEST RIM TRAIL NORTHGATE PEAKS TRAIL THE SUBWAY WILDCAT CANYON TRAILHEAD HOP VALLEY TRAILHEAD THE CONNECTOR TRAIL HOODOO CITY GRAPEVINE TRAIL LANGSTON CANYON AND LANGSTON MOUNTAIN Brief history of Camp Joy: Camp Joy is a small parcel of land given to my grandmother and her sisters by my paternal great grandfather. It was part of a larger, 2,500 acre parcel that has been used for grazing sheep the last 100 or so years. As was common in those days, the male heir inherited the larger portion to continue the family business of sheep, and the three females inherited 1 acre each. My paternal grandmother fondly recalls spending her summers exploring the flora and fauna and staying overnight in a small cabin that they called “Camp Joy.” My father, also used to visit this area during his youth and has many fond memories of when the family would “Hie to Kolob.” My grandmother, being too old to enjoy the place herself, wanted to sell her portion to someone who would be able to enjoy it in this life. She didn’t believe in restricting access to the wonderful and uniquely awe inducing land surrounding Zion National park. She knew humans are just mere stewards , temporarily living off the land that Mother Nature has so generously provided for. My father and mother also shared this vision so (with his sisters/cousins permission) he purchased her share and the two adjoining lots that were owned by his aunts and combined them so we could have a place to park our trailers in the summertime. The advent of the internet and the resurgence of people wanting to go somewhere with their families to experience the peace and tranquility one can only find in the wilds, led us to feel that sharing this slice of heaven was not only economical but the right thing to do. So much of Kolob and the surrounding areas are marked off by private property, owners who aren’t even there to enjoy it 99% of the time. So we felt divinely called to offer our humble slice of heaven to likeminded individuals, seeking tranquility and peace but for some cosmic reason didn’t stand to inherit private property in the middle of one of the most beautiful places on earth. So welcome friend. We only ask, as you leave this place, to please bring with you this spirit of abundance and joy to wherever you call home.
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$41.25
 / night
96%
(123)

Wind Walker Homestead

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents170 acres · Spring City, UT
Wind Walker Homestead has been a destination resort for decades, but is now family owned and being updated and marketed for groups, couples, families, reunions, weddings, retreats or just a camping weekend away from the hussle of city life. Elk, deer and many other species of wildlife are present at different times. With 170 acres, there is plenty of room to hike, bike and let the kids explore. Utah juniper and Cedar are the species of trees on this high desert landscape at 6000 foot elevation. A newly renovated pool summer 2022 and new bathrooms, showers and laundry room added (in a 14 foot grain silo) by the pool spring 2022. We just added a basketball area and sand volleyball is summer 2022. Pickleball going in summer 2023. 8 new full hookup RV pads also going in summer 2023 and are now available with 30/50 amp service. Far enough away from the lights of surrounding towns of Spring City, Mt. Pleasant and Ephraim, the Milky Way and stars will amaze. Come and visit for a night or a week. We look forward to seeing you soon. - Cindy, Bob, Joe and Natalie
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$40.50
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Forest camping in Utah with climbing 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. 

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