Camping in Utah

Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

Camping in Utah

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

Top-rated stays

Big Rock Candy Mountain
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Big Rock Candy Mountain
61 sites · Lodging, RVs20 acres · Sevier, UTBig Rock Candy Mountain Resort is a western-style resort that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the Utah wilderness and experience a variety of outdoor activities. The resort is located near the famous Paiute ATV Trail, a 275-mile loop that offers visitors access to over 2,000 miles of ATV/UTV trails and other wilderness adventures. In addition to ATVing, visitors can also go river rafting and floating, fishing, hiking, biking, and more. Hiking is popular at Big Rock Candy Mountain, with several famous trails to choose from. The Miners' Park Historical Trail is a .25-mile trail that takes visitors past 16 displays of mining equipment, reconstructed workings, and a refurbished cabin. Another popular hike is the Bullion Falls trail, which is a 2-mile out-and-back hike that takes about an hour to complete and features spectacular views of the 60-foot Bullion Falls. Biking enthusiasts can rent traditional and electric bikes, and experienced mountain bikers can challenge themselves on several trails in the area. For families with young children, the Candy Mountain Express is a 6.75-mile paved trail that runs along the Sevier River. Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort also offers guests the chance to learn about the western history of the area. Sevier and Paiute Counties are filled with historical sites, monuments, museums, abandoned mining towns, and Butch Cassidy's childhood home. Fremont State Park is also nearby and has an interpretive trail and museum that showcases artifacts from the Fremont Indians. Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort is a fantastic base from which to explore the surrounding area, including Butch Cassidy's childhood home, Fremont Indian State Park, Piute State Park, Cove Fort, the Paiute Trails, and Marysvale. With so many activities and amenities, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable vacation experience. Don't miss this opportunity to escape to the great outdoors and experience the beauty and excitement of the Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort. Book your stay today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
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$54
 / night
Canyons of Escalante RV Park
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Canyons of Escalante RV Park
53 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Escalante, UTWelcome to Canyons of Escalante RV Park! We are so excited for the opportunity to host you and share in the unique beauty of Southern Utah. We are a family owned and operated RV Park that has RV Sites, Cabins, Tent spaces, and immaculate Shower/Laundry facilities. We are located directly on the Main Street of Escalante, Utah and are nestled against the Escalante Grand Staircase. We are not only the perfect basecamp for exploration of the Staircase but so much more! We are ideally situated between Bryce NP, Capital Reef NP, Dixie National Forest, Petrified Forest State Park, Glen Canyon Recreation Area and within walking distance to the Dining, Pubs and Groceries that Escalante has to offer. Canyons of Escalante RV Park is conveniently located on Main Street of Escalante, UT. Within walking distance to local eateries and shopping. Our Standard sites are pull through, accommodating RVs up to 28' in length. Full hookups with 30 amp service, Wi-Fi, shower and laundry facility nearby. Perfect for smaller motor homes, tent trailers, pods, vans, truck campers, etc. We are also pet friendly, have bathroom facilities and hot showers! Our cabins are away from the RV sites in a secluded area surrounded by beautiful gardens and walkways. Fire rings are at each cabin as well as 2 shared pavilions equipped with charcoal grills and picnic tables. Your adventure awaits! Let us help make the most of it. Look forward to seeing you soon. Happy Trails!
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$26
 / night
The Orchards at Kolob RV Resort
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The Orchards at Kolob RV Resort
37 sites · RVs4 acres · New Harmony, UTThere are over 8 million RV owners in the U.S., and they all need to stay somewhere. Whether you plan to stay one night or an entire week, we are a community that aspires to create a positive environment that emphasizes quality time with friends and family, peace and quiet, relaxation, and the majestic beauty of our natural environment. When we built The Orchards at Kolob RV Resort, we kept you in mind. Located right off I-15 in beautiful New Harmony, Utah we allow you to escape and explore all that Utah has to offer. We are situated in the perfect location to stay while you visit the mighty 5 national parks or take a day hike to Kanarraville Falls. Are you ready to stay at the best RV Resort Southern Utah has to offer? Well look no further. Our commitment to you is for you to have an RV stay to remember. The staff is always here to make sure your stay is perfect. If you need anything during your visit. Please don't hesitate to ask. We hope our contagious smiles and the beauty of our resort will keep you coming back year after year.
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$65
 / night
Sandy Beach
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Sandy Beach
40 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres · Levan, UT17 RV sites available for reservations. Easy to access 55 foot long sites. Each site has incredible lake views. Access to private sandy beach with jet ski, 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.
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$30
 / night
The Needles Outpost Campground
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The Needles Outpost Campground
34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Monticello , UTThis Outpost and campground is located on 100 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.
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$15
 / night
Glamping Canyonlands
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Glamping Canyonlands
14 sites · Lodging22 acres · Monticello, UTWe are outdoor enthusiasts; love hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, mountain biking, snowboarding, etc. As we've gotten older, our pace has admittedly slowed down, but we still get out there whenever we can. We also love food, travel, music, life, our fur babies and a lot of other things. Glamping Canyonlands is an off-the-grid property with four 16.5 ft and one 16x24 ft canvas wall tent and a pod. The tents are furnished with a comfortable memory foam queen mattress fitted with bedding, extra blankets, seating for two, area rugs, end tables, string lights, board games, first aid kit, hand sanitizer, phone battery pack, small battery operated fans, 2 deck chairs, private firepit with grill top, hammocks & picnic table. Communal areas are bathrooms with a flushing toilet, warm shower, outdoor kitchen, and, picnic tables. French press coffee each morning. Starlink Internet is available. May not each most of the tents but in the communal areas. Late check-ins are available. You will receive more information closer to your arrival date. The small town of Monticello-15 mins, Newspaper Rock-15 mins, Foy Lake-25 mins, Canyonlands NP-40 mins, Moab-40 mins, Arches-50 mins. We've been married since 2012 and best friends since 2006. In fact, it was our honeymoon in the Canyonlands National Park that inspired us to open Glamping Canyonlands, our eco-friendly, off-grid campground. If there is anything specific you'd like to know about us, just ask! We hope we get the opportunity to meet you in the near future!
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$140
 / night
Red River Camp - Capitol Reef
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Red River Camp - Capitol Reef
6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Teasdale, UTWelcome to Red River Camp! Our camp sites highlight the beautiful red cliff backdrop infamous in southern Utah. Only 10 minutes from Capitol Reef National Park! Come relax and stay the night before you go out to hike, sight see, climb, off-road, fish etc. The opportunity for adventure is endless. Our family built the Red River Ranch many years ago and we are excited to share the beautiful surroundings with people that share our love for the outdoors. Guests will have a private camp site and access to their own fire pit, shared picnic table, shared trash, and shared toilet. No access to water, electricity, or sewer. Cell phone service should work great!
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$34
 / night
BaseCamp 37°
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BaseCamp 37°
5 sites · LodgingKanab, UTA great day of adventure deserves an equally awesome evening. Welcome to our off-the-grid but totally connected glamping hideaway. Safari-style tents, luxury beds and linens, hot showers, multiple grills and friendly folks await. Find us 8 miles east of Kanab in the Chocolate Cliffs of the Grand Staircase under the magnificent Southern Utah sky.
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$210
 / night
Swell Lake: zip line, kayak, paddle board, swim, slip N slide, etc.
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Swell Retreat in San Rafael Swell
10 sites · RVs, Tents208 acres · Castle Dale, UTA 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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$25
 / night
Wind Walker Homestead
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Wind Walker Homestead
9 sites · RVs, Tents170 acres · Spring City, UTWind 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. There is a special spirit on the land here and is visited by Native American groups each year. 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 2021 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. 8 new full hookup RV pads also going in summer 2022. 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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$45
 / night
Retro camper
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Indian Canyon Ranch
10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Monticello, UTJoe purchased this property in 2008. At that time it was 8 acres it is currently now at 20 acres continuous property. The ranch is situated 2 miles off the highway on the edge of the vast national forest, areas this gives you a feeling of being in the wilderness. The south and east sides are boarded by canyons and ruins. All other properties in the area or 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 so please be conscious of water use. 
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$25
 / night
Camping Nirvana: A Slice of Heaven
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Camping Nirvana: A Slice of Heaven
10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · New Harmony, UTWelcome to our quiet and peaceful Hipcamp. This beautiful is perfectly tucked away property sits on a large piece of land, with access to hiking trails, including dry river beds and rock hounding opportunities just out the backyard. You will also be able to use the garage and the parking is abundant. Our spacious campsites offer plenty of room for tents and RVs. For the outdoor enthusiasts, there's plenty to explore on our property and nearby. And if you want to explore more, Bryce Canyon and Zion national park are nearby, also Brian Head, Cedar City, and St. George are close by, so you can enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer. After a day of play, you'll relax and sleep soundly in the fresh air. At night, gather around and star gaze up at the zero light pollution skies and see the absolutely beautiful night sky.
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$58
 / night

Outdoor stays for every style

Find your new favorite spot.

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All camping options

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can camp on BLM land in Utah, where 42% of the state is considered BLM land (some 22.9 million acres). Most developed BLM campgrounds in the state require a fee, while dispersed campsites on Utah BLM land are more often free. Popular spots include the Silver Island Mountains Backcountry Byway (BCB) outside the Bonneville Salt Flats, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest outside Gunnison, and Ashley National Forest.

Boondocking, or dispersed camping, can be safe in Utah as long as you follow some basic guidelines and precautions. Here are some tips to ensure a safe boondocking experience:

  1. Choose a well-established and legal dispersed camping area on BLM or National Forest land. Check the regulations and restrictions for the area you plan to camp in.
  2. Bring sufficient water, food, and supplies, as there may not be any amenities or services nearby.
  3. Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions and temperature fluctuations, especially in the desert.
  4. Practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment.
  5. Be aware of potential wildlife encounters and know how to respond appropriately.
  6. Let someone know your travel plans and expected return date.
  7. Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition and bring a spare tire, tools, and extra fuel if needed.
  8. Have a map, GPS, or navigation app to help you find your way and avoid getting lost.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a safe and memorable boondocking experience in Utah.

No, you cannot camp anywhere in Utah. Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds or specific areas on public land, such as national forests, BLM land, and state parks. Dispersed camping is permitted in some areas, but it's essential to follow local regulations and guidelines, including Leave No Trace principles. Always check with the land management agency responsible for the area where you plan to camp for specific rules and restrictions. To find camping options in Utah, you can explore Hipcamp's directory of campgrounds and private land options.

The Great Salt Lake itself is not closed, as it is a large body of water in Utah. However, the facilities and recreational areas around the lake may have varying hours and accessibility depending on the season, weather, and local regulations. Antelope Island State Park, a popular destination on the Great Salt Lake, is open for day-use and camping. For more information on camping near the Great Salt Lake, you can visit Hipcamp.

Utah is an excellent destination for camping, with its diverse landscapes, national parks, state parks, and public lands offering a wide variety of camping experiences. From the red rock formations of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park to the lush forests of Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah offers a range of scenic camping options. In addition to the popular national parks, Utah has 43 state parks, many of which offer camping facilities. Some notable state parks include Dead Horse Point State Park, which offers stunning views of the Colorado River, and Goblin Valley State Park, known for its unique sandstone formations. Utah's camping opportunities cater to a variety of preferences, from primitive campsites and dispersed camping on BLM land to developed campgrounds with amenities such as restrooms and picnic areas. Whether you're interested in tent camping, RV camping, or even staying in a yurt or cabin, Utah has something to offer every camper.

Before camping in Utah, it's essential to be prepared and aware of the following information:

  1. Weather: Utah's climate can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from very hot during the day to cold at night. Be prepared for sudden weather changes and pack appropriate clothing and gear.
  2. Altitude: Utah has a high average elevation, with many camping areas located above 6,000 feet. Be aware of the potential for altitude sickness and give yourself time to acclimate.
  3. Wildlife: Be aware of the local wildlife, including bears, snakes, and insects. Store your food and trash properly, and be cautious when exploring the wilderness.
  4. Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. Pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and leave natural and cultural features undisturbed.
  5. Fire Restrictions: Familiarize yourself with the current fire restrictions in the area you plan to camp. Always adhere to posted regulations and never leave a fire unattended.
  6. Water: Carry enough water for your needs, as water sources may be scarce or unreliable in the desert. When relying on natural water sources, always treat the water before consuming it.
  7. Permits and Reservations: Some campgrounds and parks require permits or reservations in advance. Research the specific area you plan to visit and secure any necessary permits or reservations ahead of time.
  8. Dispersed Camping: If you plan to camp on BLM or National Forest land outside of developed campgrounds, be aware of the rules and regulations for dispersed camping and follow them accordingly.
  9. Road Conditions: Many camping areas in Utah are accessed via dirt or gravel roads, which can be rough and may require a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle. Check road conditions before heading out.

By keeping these points in mind, you'll be better prepared for a safe and enjoyable camping experience in Utah.

Whether you need a permit to camp in Utah depends on the location and type of camping. In most cases, you do not need a permit for dispersed camping on BLM lands and national forests. However, for developed campgrounds, fees and reservations may be required. In some popular and sensitive areas, such as backcountry camping in certain national parks, permits may be necessary to manage the impact on the environment and maintain visitor safety. Always check the specific regulations and requirements for the area you plan to camp in before your trip.

Yes, boondocking is allowed in Utah, particularly on BLM lands and National Forests. Boondocking, also known as dispersed camping, is popular among RVers and campers who prefer a more remote and off-the-grid experience. It's important to practice Leave No Trace principles and follow any posted regulations or restrictions when boondocking. Keep in mind that amenities like water, restrooms, and trash disposal are typically not available at these sites. You can find some boondocking spots on websites or apps such as freecampsites.net, Campendium, or iOverlander.

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