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The best camping in Utah with campfires

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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.

94% (12.7K) 13,442 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Utah

Arrowhead Campground

1. Arrowhead Campground

96%
(1345)
Monument Valley, UT · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Greetings! Welcome to Arrowhead Campground! Arrowhead Campground is roughly 5 acres of land, sitting right in Monument Valley, Utah. Come stay with us to experience one of the most amazing views in the world! You'll get to experience a full 360 degree view of all the towering red sandstone buttes and mesas. This is great for capturing the best views in the area. You'll experience breathtaking sunsets and sunrises right from your campsite. Great for pictures and photoshoots. The campground offers one of the largest shade structures in the area, with durable white picnic tables. We do allow campfires, so there is a fire-pit for that. The campground is only 2 1/2 miles away from the tribal park and 1 1/4 miles from the nearest highway. It's tucked away and secluded from noise and light pollution. The stars at night are bright and shinny, so you can pitch your tent right underneath them. With that said, Arrowhead Campground will be one of the best campgrounds you'll ever stay at. If you have any other questions feel free to message me with any of your questions. Note: This is a dry campsite. Although, we do offer potable water to fill any water containers up to 10 gallons.
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Potable water
Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

2. Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

97%
(4712)
Virgin, UT · 60 sites · Tents, RVs
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 of Zion National Park and it's surrounding area. Our property features many spaced out sites to choose from with bathrooms onsite. Pets and campfires are also allowed.
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East Zion Basecamp

3. East Zion Basecamp

100%
(1)
Glendale, UT · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
Picturesque camping in the protected hilltops of beautiful Lydia’s Canyon. This camping destination is located on private land and offers a long list of unique and attractive features. Conveniently located just a couple of minutes off Highway 89, it’s the perfect stopover between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Special features, including private fishing ponds, a large pavilion equipped with tables and chairs, fire pits, kayaks, and Wi-Fi, make your stay easy and enjoyable. Campers can also enjoy clean, hot showers and flushing toilets. You will have access to the multi-acre campground, where you can choose your preferred tent or RV site. We DO allow camping vans without hookups in our tent sites. Two of our four new RV sites have full hookups (Sites 3 & 4), while the other two (Sites 1 & 2) have water and electrical hookups only. All RV sites are equipped with 30- and 50-amp service. You will also have access to the large pavilion for gathering, cooking, or shelter from the elements. The clean bathhouse features two shower rooms with on-demand hot water and flushing toilets. As an added bonus, guests have access to the ponds and may use the boat, canoe, or kayaks. Catch-and-release fishing is also permitted if you bring your own fishing equipment. Keeping a fish, including one that is accidentally killed, requires an additional fee. If you are interested in booking a fishing experience, please reach out to us for more details. There are seven available tent sites and four RV sites with hookups. No beds or tents are provided, so please bring your own camping supplies. Common areas, including the pavilion and bathhouse, are shared with all campground guests. Lydia’s Canyon is known for its lush green fields, overflowing freshwater ponds filled with native fish, Canada geese, turkeys, excellent birdwatching, deer, farmland, cows, horses, and, last but not least, kind and welcoming residents who are happy to help make your stay memorable. Wi-Fi is currently unavailable but is expected to be available before September. Please follow the posted speed limit in Lydia’s Canyon. We ask that you do not exceed 15 mph on the gravel roads. No parties, excessive noise, or bright lights are permitted after 10 p.m.
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Full hookups
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

4. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

90%
(94)
National forest in Utah · 2666 sites
2.1 million acres of unique wilderness scenery just begging to be explored.
Pets
Electrical hookup
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Ashley National Forest

5. Ashley National Forest

88%
(13)
National forest in Utah · 1000 sites
Choose some majestic highlights in this mountainous national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Ranchito Feliz

6. Ranchito Feliz

98%
(1017)
Cannonville, UT · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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 three paddocks, a round pen, as well as beautiful places to ride from the ranch. This secluded location has a small town of Cannonville 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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Ruby's Inn RV Park And Campground

7. Ruby's Inn RV Park And Campground

95%
(83)
Bryce Canyon City, UT · 200 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Ruby's Inn RV Park and Campground stands out as the closest outdoor accommodation to Bryce Canyon National Park, located just one mile from the park's entrance. This prime location offers guests the convenience of a seasonal shuttle that stops right at the campground, making it easy to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Bryce Canyon. Nestled in a serene wooded mountain setting, Ruby's Inn RV Park is an ideal base for your adventures in the stunning Southwest National Parks. Our campground features full hookup sites equipped with electricity (30 & 50 amp), water, sewer, and WiFi, along with picnic tables and fire pits for your comfort. Select sites also offer Cable TV and fire pit grills for added convenience. For those seeking a unique experience, we provide authentic Native American Tipis, rustic camping cabins, and traditional tent sites. Our full-service campground includes essential amenities such as laundry facilities, propane dispensing, a camp store, a swimming pool and spa, and a dump station to ensure a hassle-free stay. As part of the Ruby's Inn resort, guests have access to a variety of activities, events, retail options, entertainment, and dining experiences, making your visit to Bryce Canyon National Park truly memorable. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or a relaxing getaway, Ruby's Inn RV Park and Camp
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
The Needles Outpost Campground

8. The Needles Outpost Campground

94%
(1588)
Monticello , UT · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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. Please check with us on fire restrictions, hipcamp is often wrong on their assumptions, we rarely have fire restrictions. 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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Teardrop Arch B&B

9. Teardrop Arch B&B

97%
(174)
UT · 1 site
This is Navajo owned B&B. It is located within the Navajo Reservation. Here the view is unique and the experience is memorable to witness. The Scenery changes at every season, with sunrises, sunsets, with laden stars. Hike up the sandy landscape trail to amazing photographic Teardrop Arch. (It is not bike friendly.)
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Moab Field Office

10. Moab Field Office

94%
(170)
Park in Utah · 572 sites
There’s a pretty solid chance that you’ve heard about Moab, one of Utah’s most happening recreation spots. This gorgeous place gets packed, so do your homework beforehand so you know where to go! The Moab Field Office, administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), takes up 1.8 million acres of gorgeous canyon-riddled lands. Spend your days hunting for natural arches and bridges, exploring mesas, and contemplating how the heck rocks can look so crazy. BLM lands are also fantastic base camps for forays into nearby Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. There are 26 campgrounds, and you can usually find something even on the busiest of weekends (but, if you can swing it, it’s always best to arrive early). River recreation on the Colorado and Green Rivers is another major draw. However you spend your time in Moab, you’ll fall in love with the impressive red rock formations, the deep canyons, and surprising amount of plant life.
Pets
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Potable water
Capitol Reef National Park

11. Capitol Reef National Park

99%
(61)
National park in Utah · 82 sites
Marvel at natural wonders while camping at Capitol Reef National Park.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
Dinosaur National Monument

12. Dinosaur National Monument

100%
(12)
National park in Utah · 84 sites
Jurassic Park lovers, rejoice! Some of the best dinosaur tracks in the world are found here.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
Canyonlands National Park

13. Canyonlands National Park

100%
(78)
National park in Utah · 38 sites
Explore a vast desert, from the river valley below to the red buttes and night skies above.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
Thousand Lakes RV Park

14. Thousand Lakes RV Park

98%
(133)
Torrey, UT · 79 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
At Thousand Lakes RV Park, you will enjoy views of red rock mountains and sagebrush-covered plateaus from every site. Just 6 miles from Capitol Reef National Park, we are convenient to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, spectacular National Scenic Byway 12, Goblin Valley, and Bryce Canyon. Hiking, fishing, mountain biking, 4-wheel-drive back road excursions, and leisurely drives are just minutes away. Because our area is not as well known as other Southern Utah destinations, you won’t find crowds, even in peak season. Thousand Lakes RV Park offers a full range of accommodations, including a full-service RV park with 65-foot pull-thru spaces, shaded tent sites, and deluxe cabins large enough to sleep 6. Groups appreciate our covered pavilion with picnic tables. Everyone enjoys our chargrilled, scratch-made BBQ dinners, fresh morning muffins, clean facilities, pool, playground, basketball court, satellite hook-up, and outstanding views. Our RV Park Jeep Rentals are available from Capital Reef Jeep Rentals conveniently located on our premises. Stop by our office for our personal recommendations to help you enjoy your visit. Unforgettable scenery, endless outdoor activities, a full array of services, and no crowds.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Desert Bloom Campground

15. Desert Bloom Campground

97%
(51)
Kanab, UT · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to the New Desert Bloom Campground – A Hidden Gem Location of Southern Utah. Right off Highway 89, and only 2 miles from the wonderful downtown Kanab. Perfect middle ground between Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon North Rim. We have full hookups for RVs, pull through and back in spots, car camping spots, glamping vans, Geodesic Domes, and more unique accommodations! All on-site: We offer a bathhouse with 4 shower rooms, an on-site cafe serving delicious pastries, coffee and breakfast, hiking trails, art, and community spaces! Desert Bloom aims to bring travelers together while still providing the privacy of individual RV sites and other unique accommodations. Home to the Dinosaur Tracks Trail, a unique public hiking experience located directly on the property. All campground guests get 20% Desert Bloom cafe, just let us know at the register you are staying. Our campground is close to world-famous destinations like Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, plus hidden local gems like Coral Pink Sand Dunes and Buckskin Gulch. Discover a unique desert escape at Desert Bloom Campground, where adventure meets comfort in the heart of Southern Utah’s canyon country. Whether you’re parking your own RV, or booking one of our unique stays like domes, buses, or tiny homes, our property is designed for travelers who crave both the outdoors and convenience. What We Offer: • RV sites with full hookups • Unique stays like domes, buses, and more • On-site café & lounge area • Clean restrooms and hot showers • Easy parking and wide-open desert views Desert Bloom is a community-driven space, perfect for solo travelers, couples, digital nomads, and families. Whether you’re here for an overnight stop or a month-long basecamp, you’ll enjoy our laid-back, welcoming vibe and easy access to all that Kanab has to offer.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Red River Camp - Capitol Reef

16. Red River Camp - Capitol Reef

90%
(247)
Teasdale, UT · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome 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!
Pets
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Picnic table
Cedar Canyon RV Retreat

17. Cedar Canyon RV Retreat

98%
(95)
Cedar City, UT · 28 sites · RVs, Lodging
Cedar Canyon Retreat is the best of both worlds! At Cedar Canyon Retreat, you can be in the mountains, surrounded by woodland, but you are only 5 minutes from the conveniences of Cedar City. We have a 5-bedroom log cabin, 26 RV sites with full hookups, and a cowboy cabin ready to serve your vacation needs! Our woodland community is especially well-suited for reunions and other groups. Come for the Shakespeare Festival, enjoy year-round outdoor adventures on the mountain, or just relax at "home." Our RV Park and Campground is nestled in the woods, a world away from the glorified parking lots you often stay at. It feels like a mountain campground, but with all the amenities you expect: 26 unique RV sites Sizes from 50ft long back-in to 65ft pull-through Full RV hookup: 50/30/20 amp power, water, and sewer Free WiFi Picnic table Fire pit Private restrooms with showers Community gathering & recreation areas Office/convenience store Our 5 Bedroom cabin sleeps 13 and has plenty of room for your family and friends, including a fully renovated kitchen with new appliances, a private yard with a grill and fire pit. Next door is a rec room with a pool table, ping pong table, and air hockey. As you would expect, we have free wi-fi and smart TVs. Our latest addition! A "cowboy cabin" is a simple cabin somewhere between camping and a hotel room. Ours has electricity, heat and AC, a bunk bed that can sleep 3, mini fridge, microwave and wall mounted TV. Like most cowboy cabins, it does not have its own plumbing, but our famously clean private restrooms with showers are just a 50ft walk. This is the perfect get a way to hold your next family reunion or special event! We welcome events on property and for a small fee can rent out our community spaces while you are a guest here. Priced about the same as our RV sites, it's a great option for campers who need a break from your tent! Reservation Booking Fee- A $20 booking fee applies to all reservations at Cedar Canyon RV Retreat, regardless of the booking platform used. If the booking fee is not collected by the third-party platform at the time of reservation, the $20 fee will be added to your reservation balance and collected at check-in or at the time final reservation charges are processed.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Kit Inn Wetrock

18. Kit Inn Wetrock

82%
(14)
Moab, UT · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Wetrock is designed to offer a little something for everyone. For guests who want a more comfortable, glamping-style stay, our premium sites near the spring offer shade, greenery, hot tub access, and breakfast included with every booking. For those who want a more secluded and authentic desert camping experience, the property opens into a private 10-acre canyon behind the sanctuary, where you’ll find greater privacy, deeper quiet, and some of the darkest skies on the property. Whether you’re looking for ease and comfort or solitude and raw desert beauty, Wetrock makes space for both.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Desert Moon Campground and RV Park

19. Desert Moon Campground and RV Park

85%
(704)
Thompson Springs , UT · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Setup your tent and enjoy some respite before and after exploring the beautiful canyons and desert landscapes that surround the Desert Moon and beyond. We have 2 showers, bathrooms, potable water, picnic tables, and wifi on site. There is also a covered seating area for guest use by our Inn. There are 5 campsites total. Please note, the Union Pacific Railroad is right across the street, with trains passing by multiple times a day and night. There will be noise at night. Campsites are relatively close together so you will likely see other campers during your stay. Also, there is not a lot of shade on the property so be prepared. Thompson Springs began as a railroad stop on the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad in the mid to late 1800's. It soon became a shipping point and community center for local farmers, cattle ranchers and sheepherders. It is now a ghost-town with a population of 50 people. The Desert Moon has a true wild western past. The old dancehall on the property, The Cactus Caberet, once served as the town bar and brothel. We are currently in the process renovating the dancehall into a venue for live music and retreats. There are 8-12 staff members living on site in their personal RV's at all times. We are a small community of artists, builders, and adventurers. We are constantly working to improve this property that came under our ownership in July of 2020. Feel free to come say hello and ask us about what we are building here! Thompson Springs is a true "ghost town" with no retail or restaurants except a 7-11 off the I-70 exit. The towns of Moab and Green River are only a half hour drive away and are full of regional and eclectic restaurants and shops. The Desert Moon is located just four miles from the Sego Canyon Rock Art in the Bookcliffs featuring pictograph and petroglyph panels from three different Native American cultures: Barrier, Fremont, and Ute. Be sure to check them out! There are miles of off-road trails accessible from our property. Some require a 4x4 vehicle or dirtbike, but many are well maintained enough for almost any vehicle.
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The Rockin Robbins Ranch

20. The Rockin Robbins Ranch

97%
(143)
Santaquin, UT · 10 sites · RVs, Lodging
Our beautiful ranch is a Family Farm started by Grandpa Dar. We continue to honor the old ways of caring for free roaming chickens, growing food without chemicals, honey bee shelters, sharing our Hearth and Home with family, friends and travelers. Our rose gardens are delightful, and full of birds.. enjoy... We have been planting Hazelnut Trees, Chestnut Trees, Peach Trees, and a grove of old Oak Trees, old apple tree varieties, and of course our Mulberry trees... We have expanded our ranch to a few more acres for our cows to be able to have more room. Our Fire Pit is open to all guests. The wood is provided. There are BBQ Grills, Dutch Ovens, so you can cook out doors. The Outdoor hot water shower offers a place to cool down in summer heat... Water is always hot with our tankless water heater... We plant and tend vegetable gardens for our guests to share in the harvest. We plant Huggle Mounds in the spring... as well as grapes and assorted fruit trees... You are welcome to walk our Labyrinth. You are free to wander the fields, gardens and orchards. When the garden is in bloom, help yourself... Most sites have air conditions or fans, as well as heaters in season. 110 power is at each site... We have a Grumpy Dragon Cafe outside with a help yourself breakfast bar. Picnic tables are provided at tent sites and at the Grumpy Dragon. WIFI is available at the Grumpy Dragon as well as at your camp site... Help your self to muffins, breakfast bars, beverages and fresh fruit. A refrigerator is outside for cold water and frozen water bottles. Coffee, tea and Hot chocolate is always available. WIFI is available at the for an outdoor Cafe... Your devices should be able to pick up a strong signal. 5 G and 2.4...rosesarered is the password. Our Farmhouse on the Ranch has been a Bed and Breakfast since 1991 You can book a guest room inside the Farmhouse...A 5th wheel trailer, our B and B. Country Traveler RV...this year our Bluebell on the Labyrinth and our Blossom. These are stationary and do not leave the property or our outdoor camp sites. Guest parking areas are provided... Area adventures: Santaquin Canyon, Nebo Loop, Young Living Farm, The Red Barn, Hiking trails. Welcome... Host... Lynnellen 801 755-9820
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Electrical hookup
Toilets

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Utah camping guide

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. 

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top regions in and near Utah