When it comes to camping, Utah doesn’t pull any punches.
The state has stunning natural features like Cottonwood Canyons and Point of the Mountain that offer thrilling outdoor recreation activities. Plus, with sweeping views in every direction, miles of untouched federal and state-protected land and more than its fair share of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the Beehive State is a natural choice for campers and RVers from across the country.
We’ve been exploring some the best campgrounds in the USA in our destination inspiration series. We’ve already blogged about eight Michigan campgrounds to add to your bucket list, amazing Florida RV campgrounds and Ohio’s best campgrounds for RVers. Now, we’re highlighting some of the best RV campgrounds in Utah.
Important note: Due to Covid-19, many campgrounds have temporarily closed or limited capacity to allow for social distancing. Please contact each campground directly for latest information and updates.
What does Utah have to offer?
With so much to experience here, it should come as no surprise that Utah is home to numerous campgrounds. Many are near popular must-see destinations that you’ve definitely heard about. But others are in more remote locations where you could be the only person around for miles. Regardless of where you look, the landscape is gorgeous. Temperatures here can soar during the day and drop quickly in the evening, so when planning an excursion to Utah, you need to be prepared for anything, including:
- Sweeping views of a red rock desert landscape
- Seeing unique wildlife like ferrets, big horn sheep, pine martens, beavers and porcupines and even some dangerous animals, like black bears, coyotes, rattlesnakes and black widow spiders
- A fabulous selection of birds. Utah is said to be home to more than 400 bird species, including the California Condor and Black Rosy-Finch as well as a wide array of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds
- Scenic outdoor tourist destinations like Zion National Park, the Great Salt Lake, Canyonlands Nation Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and more
- Limited or no cell phone coverage in many areas, so be sure to bring maps, a compass, and other essential gear you’ll need
8 of the Best Utah campgrounds
Whether you plan to marvel at some of nature’s finest wonders, go on an exhilarating paragliding excursion or hike the numerous mountain trails, Utah welcomes you to stop by and make yourself at home in your fifth wheel, travel trailer or motorhome.
Here’s a look at some of the best Utah campgrounds for RVers:
Best Utah campground for spelunkers:
Timpooneke Campground | Provo, Utah
For a classic camping experience, consider Timpooneke Campground. Stunning meadows and mountain views coupled with numerous hiking trails for exploring the great outdoors surround this Utah campground.
Nearby, there are attractions for every family. Pack a picnic and head to Scout Falls, majestic waterfalls nestled along the northern section of Mt. Timpanogos. If you’re looking for a unique adventure, tour the Timpanogos Cave located in the nearby city of American Fork. Several ranger-led cave tours are available daily, but it is recommended that tickets be purchased online in advance.
Visitors enjoy the escape from the city without being too far away from its conveniences. The lush forest, bubbling streams and landscape thick with mighty pines, firs and aspens are the backdrop for a peaceful week-long vacation or quick weekend getaway.
There are 20 single and seven double gravel sites for RV camping. All sites are accessible and require reservations. Since Highway 92 has a vehicle length restriction of 30 feet over the Alpine Scenic Loop and the Timpooneke Campground is on the Alpine Scenic Loop, pay attention to size restrictions along your route. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service website, vehicle size restrictions vary between 15 to 30 feet.
Best Utah campground for dinosaur hunters:
Red Fleet State Park | Vernal, Utah
Discover your inner paleontologist, fun for the kids, plus amenities that the whole family can appreciate at Red Fleet State Park. Dinosaurs are the name of the game here as the campground is home to numerous dinosaur tracks believed to be more than 200 million years old. According to the state park’s website, the tracks range from three to 17 inches and are preserved in Navajo sandstone.
If you dreamed about being a paleontologist when you were a kid, you’ve got to explore the nearby Dinosaur National Monument. Here you can view more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils located inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall, which is situated over the notable Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry.
When you’re finished checking out prehistoric creatures, head over to the Red Fleet Reservoir for outdoor recreation. It’s the perfect spot for boating and fishing. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, too.
The park is also host to annual events like Paddlefest, which promotes stand up paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing. There’s also the Dino-Triathlon, a swimming/biking/running endurance competition.
Campers often refer to Red Fleet State Park as a hidden gem in the desert. The campground boasts 29 campsites and each one has a table, grill and fire pit. A few sites have electrical and water hookups. Bathrooms and drinking water are available, but there are no showers.
Best Utah campground for spectacular views:
Archview RV Resort & Campground | Moab, Utah
If you prefer most of the comforts of home while traveling in your RV, then head to Archview RV Resort & Campground. This Utah campground is located just minutes away from Arches National Park and nearby Canyonlands National Park.
Moab is a popular camping destination and a fabulous place to soak up a sunset or take in a breathtaking view of the nighttime sky.
While fantastic views go without saying (you are in red rock country, after all), what many campers enjoy here are life’s “little luxuries,” including an onsite convenience store, gas station and laundromat. There’s also a pool and splash pad for the kids. There’s even free WiFi and some sites offer cable TV. If you need supplies, you won’t have any trouble finding firewood, ice or propane here.
Campers often comment that this campground has thought of everything. Pull-thru RV sites are a popular option and sites can handle a maximum length of 50 feet.
A unique feature is the community campfire, where you can meet your fellow campers and learn about their experiences on the road during special social events.
Best Utah campground for boondocking:
Ledgefork Campground | Kamas, Utah
On the other hand, if you prefer remote experiences and “roughing it,” Ledgefork Campground is the place you want to be. Located on the western edge of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, this campground has no hookups, but plenty of rugged, natural beauty.
Campers here will experience Ledgefork Campground’s scenic views. Mature trees provide ample amounts of shade at each of the 67 single sites and six double sites. Creatures like deer, elk and moose can be spotted grazing in the abundant landscape. Leave the windows open and the sound of rushing water nearby may just lull you to sleep, too.
Operated by concessionaire hosts, it’s obvious that great care is taken to maintain the campground’s dirt roads, vault bathroom facilities and trails. Thanks to its proximity to the Smith Morehouse Reservoir with marvelous fishing, access to local waterways for kayaking and trails for hiking, you’ll have no trouble keeping the family entertained here – even if they don’t have cell service.
One word of caution: Some campers do report that the paved campsites can be snug, so if you have a larger RV, it can’t hurt to call ahead to make sure the space you have is appropriately sized for your needs.
Besides that, campers adore Ledgefork Campground. The only downside is that the campsites here can fill up quickly. This means you’ll need to plan your adventure in advance.
Best Utah campground for history buffs:
Capitol Reef National Park’s Fruita Campground | Torrey, Utah
If you love history, you probably plan your vacation around visiting national landmarks, Civil War sites, old forts, different museums and historic cemeteries. What about historic orchards?
The aptly named Fruita Campground is home to many orchards that are the legacy left behind by the Latter-Day Saints pioneers who settled the area in the 1880s. According to the National Park Service website, these settlers planted nearly 1,900 fruit trees in the Fremont River Valley. Apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, pears and plums from these trees provided nourishing food and income to the approximately 10 families who lived in Fruita up until the 1960s.
Today, many of these orchards are located within Capital Reef National Park in Torrey. The orchards are preserved and protected as part of the Fruita Rural Historic Landscape listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Park staff members continue to care for the orchards by applying heritage techniques, such as using the same irrigation ditches the pioneers dug more than 130 years ago and utilizing heirloom practices to prune, mow, control pests, plant, map and graft. Just as the settlers had to deal with climate changes and weather concerns, so do the staff members who tend to the trees today.
Enjoy a real taste of history
The fruit trees in full bloom are an exquisite sight. Although it can be tricky to catch them in the spring, those who visit in summer and fall are also in for treat. Heirloom fruit varieties are available for U-pick during the season. Money collected from fruit sales support the preservation of the orchards.
Throughout the valley region, there are also nut trees laden with almonds, pecans and walnuts. Additionally, you’ll find preserved pioneer sites, like a schoolhouse and blacksmith’s shop. Camping here is like stepping back in time.
The Fruita Campground is a refreshing oasis from the miles of desert that surround it. There are a total of 71 sites in the campground and each is equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit and/or above ground grill. There is no individual water, sewage or electrical hookups on the RV sites so come prepared. The restrooms have flushing toilets and running water but there are no showers. There is an RV dump and potable water fill station. Campground sites vary in size up to 52 feet long to accommodate Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels.
Best Utah campground for hikers:
Snow Canyon State Park | Ivins, Utah
With more than 38 miles of hiking trails, you can spend days exploring Snow Canyon State Park and see something different each time you venture out.
The geology and scenery here is nothing short of striking. You’ll be amazed by the colorful canyons, lava formations, sandstone outcrops and sand dunes. The trails are well-maintained and most are easy to navigate. At 0.6 miles, Butterfly Trail provides the shortest route to the most popular scenic viewpoint in the park, West Canyon Overlook. Hidden Pinyon Trail, which also clocks in at 0.6 miles, is a nature treasure trove, offering views of local plant life as it winds through sandy valleys and rocky outcrops.
In all, there are 15 trails that are accessible via a scenic drive. Most trails intersect at one point or another but each has its own distinct personality with different topography and views. Whiptail Trail, which is three miles long, is the only one in the park that’s fully accessible for individuals with disabilities. The quarter-mile Sand Dunes Trail is a must for families with small children because it is a short hike that rewards hikers with entertaining views of brightly colored sand dunes.
Along these routes, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot a diverse amount of wildlife, including coyotes, kit foxes, quail, roadrunners, leopard lizards, gopher snakes and canyon tree frogs. You might also encounter a few sensitive species which are protected by state or federal law, such as peregrine falcons, desert tortoises and gila monsters.
The campground itself is quite intimate. There are 24 standard sites, including 16 sites with partial hookups available. Some sites are back-in, others are pull-thru. Most allow pets. It is important to note that sites 1-14 are narrow and the use of slides and awnings is not guaranteed. Also, while sites do come with fire pits, there are fire restrictions imposed from June 1-Sept. 15, although use of charcoal in grills or firepits and propane and gas stoves is permitted.
Best Utah campground for thrill seekers:
Canyonlands National Park/The Needles Campground | Moab, Utah
If you like activities like rafting, mountain biking, climbing and four-wheel driving, a stay at The Needles Campground in Canyonlands National Park will place you squarely in the center of all the adrenaline-pumping action. This desert retreat offers nearly 50 miles of challenging backcountry roads that provide access to camping, trailheads and other natural features. The Cedar Mesa Sandstone spires in Elephant Canyon are breathtaking and the reason why this area in the southeast corner of Canyonlands is called The Needles.
Because of its location deep in Canyonlands National Park, The Needles Campground is best for self-contained small campers and RVs. There are no RV hookups, but drinking water and flush toilets are available. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided at each of the 26 individual sites. There are no showers nor is there a dump station.
What you will find here is plenty of dramatic scenery, unique desert plants and wildlife and plenty of things to see and do. The Colorado and Green rivers run through the Canyonlands, presenting the perfect conditions for both canoeing and kayaking upstream of the Confluence and whitewater rafting below it. Several local outfitters offer guided river trips on these waters.
Also located here is Horseshoe Canyon, which the National Park Service says contains some of the most impressive rock art in North America. The Great Gallery is the most prominent panel and it includes life-sized figures with intricate designs. The Maze is one of the most remote and challenging areas on the Canyonlands. Only experienced four-wheel drivers and hikers are recommended to travel here as the roads and trails are difficult to maneuver. Visitors should come prepared with the proper equipment and gear for self-rescue if necessary.
Within Canyonlands National Park, there are also fantastic opportunities for mountain biking. In The Needles section, Elephant Hill Road is among the most thrilling with steep grades, loose rock and stair-step drops. Climbing is allowed at the sandstone towers within the Island in the Sky section. Check out the regulations and safety tips here.
Photo by Joshua Case.
When you’re ready to wind down for the evening, settle in and be amazed by the stars. Because of its remote location away from many cities, the Canyonlands is home to some of the darkest skies you’ll find in the country. Come and gaze in wonder at the sight of innumerable stars shining brightly.
Best Utah campground for family fun:
Bullfrog RV & Campground | Lake Powell, Utah
Whether you’ve got school-age children, teens or young adults in your family, Bullfrog RV & Campground, located at Lake Powell, has something fun for everyone – from exhilarating to relaxing and everything in between. You could camp here for at least a week and never have to travel far for the unforgettable vacation you’ve been waiting for all year long.
For the adventure seekers in your family, you can rent a powerboat at the marina and head out to the water for a day filled with tubing, wakeboarding, waterskiing and disk tubing. All water toys are available for rent at the marina.
Those who wish to spend their vacation engaged in more laid-back activities can do so by paddleboarding, kayaking, hanging out at the beach, swimming, fishing, birdwatching, golfing, hiking and stargazing.
A number of tours are also available in the area. Take a Jeep tour into Antelope Canyon so you can snap some awesome photos. Go on a walking tour of the Glen Canyon Dam. Book a scenic air tour of the Grand Circle. Or take a guided hike tour to the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
While in the area, make time to marvel at sites like the Rainbow Bridge, a natural stone bridge designated as a national monument in 1910 and Hole in the Rock Trail created by Mormon pioneers who spent 45 days blasting through a rock wall to create a path for early travelers. There are also several major canyons in the area.
Located along North Lake Powell, Bullfrog Marina RV Park & Campground features 20 pull-thru spaces and four back-in spaces for RVs. All sites offer full hookups and can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet long. Restrooms, showers and charcoal grills are also available.
For more information about these campgrounds
- Tempooneke Campground is situated in a mountainous area near the Mt. Timpanogos Wilderness. Families will enjoy the scenic views and access to grills, picnic tables and firewood. For reservations, call (877) 444-6777.
- Red Fleet State Park is at 8750 N. Highway 191 in Vernal, Utah, which is nearly 188 miles east of Salt Lake City. It is almost three hours away from Draper. For reservations, call (800) 322-3770.
- Archview RV Resort & Campground is located at 13701 N. Highway 191 in Moab, Utah. For reservations, book online at SunRVResorts.com.
- Ledgefork Campground is located approximately an hour away from Draper in Kamas, Utah in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The campground has no hookups, but picnic tables and fire pits are available. For reservations, call (877) 444-6777.
- Capitol Reef National Park’s Fruita Campground is located in the desert off of UT-24, which can be accessed via I-15 or I-70. Directions are available on the park’s website. The campground has no hookups, but picnic tables and fire pits are available. Make reservations online or call (435) 425-4172 (Monday-Thursday) OR (435) 425-3791 (Friday-Sunday) for more information.
- Snow Canyon State Park Campground is located at 1002 Snow Canyon Drive in Ivins. This state park is located a little over an hour southwest of Zion National Park. The campground is furnished with modern restrooms, drinking water, dump station, showers and sewage disposal station. For more information, call (435) 628-2255.
- The Needles Campground in Canyonlands National Park is located at 2282 Resource Blvd.
in Moab (mailing address). Because of its remote location deep in the park, campers should rely on maps more than GPS when in the parks. Maps are available online. For campground inquiries, call (435) 259-4711. - Bullfrog RV & Campground is located off of Hwy. 276 on Bullfrog, about three hours west of Monticello. Pets are allowed. For reservations, call (435) 684-3032.