Forest camping in Utah with campfires
From lakes to mountains to desert plateaus, Utah’s great outdoors comes in many flavors.
97% (4474 reviews)
- Utah
97% (4474 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Utah
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Dog-friendly getaways
12 top forest campgrounds in Utah with campfires
97%
(3548)
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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Kolob Campground
22 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Kanarraville, 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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Red Desert RV Park
8 sites · RVs, Tents10 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. We are finishing a new bathhouse that will have 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 will have a new office and retail store building to add souvenirs, RV supplies, snacks, drinks, and other necessities for guests. We do not currently have propane fill on site but are trying to add this later this year.
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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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
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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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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High Sage Hogans
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · La Sal, UT
Situated at 7,000 feet, campers are surrounded by the snow covered LaSal Mountains overlooking the deep Canyonlands NP of the Colorado River escarpment, and only 30 minutes from Moab, Utah. Summer temps are much cooler here than in the surrounding canyons and valleys of the Moab area, a very pleasant retreat from the heat! Virtually ALL outdoor sporting adventures are found around here in nearly limitless abundance, including winter sports, snowmobiling, off-roading, dirt-biking, 4-wheeling, and more. Campground has outdoor-potty, free firewood with pits.
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Ravens Nest Utah
5 sites · Tents93 acres · Panguitch, UT
Ravens Nest is
NESTled in the mountains near Panguitch Utah, and is a prime location for camping with a great many places to visit nearby. All 2W Drive. Those being Bryce Canyon 23 miles, Zion Canyon 56 miles, Panguitch Lake 18 miles, Kodachrome Basin 32 miles, Petrified Forest 40 miles, Coral Pink Sand Dunes 63 miles, and many more.
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LZJ Ranch's Hiawatha Hideout!
12 sites · RVs, Tents1000 acres · Huntington, UT
For-the-Outlaw-in-all-of-Us... Welcome!
Better than 1000 acres of Utah high desert located near Utah's spectacular San Rafael National Recreation and Wilderness Areas! The ranch was home originally for prehistoric Fremont Native Americans, Ute Indians and later homesteaded by early Europeans in the late 1880's and early 1920's.
Truly fascinating historic structures, historic 1916-17 rail line, stone brothel, scattered arrow heads and rock bordered walls and farm plots remain untouched on the property. The original Italian Perucci Family homesteaded here and began ranching in the early 1900's.
Learn more about this land:
Camp or hunker down like Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch probably did at the Hiawatha Hideout! We are a cattle ranch and so much more that is strategically located for easy accessibility.
Check out our new and expanded campsites, road improvements, signage and rock solid CURTEOUSY GUEST WIFI INTERNET! You asked for it and now we've got it!
The Ranch is a picturesque, convenient and very well-hidden secret in Utah's east central high desert and that's how we intend to keep it!
Please remember we are not a developed "commercial campground" and we don't ever intend to be... (there are no hot showers, no potable drinking water, no fixed toilet facilities and no sewer hookup -- but we do have a well maintained port-a-potty and non-potable water for washing, cleaning and showering-- located at the main wagon wheel camp area). We are an historic, goat, sheep and cattle ranch exploring the concept of agri-tourism and are sharing our private property with you as guests. If you are into off-grid peace, quiet and solitude we are your deal!
We cater to the independent "do-it-yourselfer-get-away-from-the-crowd" self contained primitive dry camp type of guest and explorer! Please, please be aware that our main priority is managing the ranch, our offsite farms and our animals scattered in between so we might not always be available every minute to show you in person or answer every call every minute about where to park or where to find the port-a-potty etc..
IF YOU PACK IT IN PLEASE PACK IT OUT! WE DO NOT PROVIDE TRASH PICKUP OR RECEPTICALS!
The only rule here? Do at least the first ~250 yards of the 2.5 mile loop trail hike to the sheep camp, pond and stream and historic stone buildings (the trail head is located on the north side of the main wagon wheel camping area right next to the port-a-potty). The trail immediately descends down a rocky steep and scenic dug-way and follows the course of a small stream, gorgeous cottonwood, pinion pines and juniper trees!
Don't forget your camera and be sure to keep an eye on your kids and pets. Watch your step and be on the lookout for steep ledges, drop offs, tree branches, sharp rocks, barbwire, a twisting trail and variety of native animals and birds. Take the full loop and find the hidden and historic stone brothel/dance hall (yup, an honest to goodness house of ill repute... ) located right next to an historic rail line that connected the towns of Price and Hiawatha back in ~1916 & 17!
We are family, individual and large group-friendly self container camping area that provides easy local access to virtually unlimited camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding (subject to availability of our Wranglers and riding stock), photography, wildlife viewing and exploring in and around Utah's (less well-known, yet truly spectacular) northern San Rafael Swell Wilderness and Recreation Areas!
CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOCAL AND EXTENDED SAN RAFAEL SWELL RECREATIONAL AREA WIDE TOURS! (subject to availability of our Wranglers). You'll be riding in an epic Land Rover Defender 110 (seats 8 with integral factory seat belts; see our "experiences" below to check availability!).
Butch and Sundance knew where the off grid good spots were and undoubtedly spent time here... and that's why you should too! Concerned about video teleconferencing or missing your favorite episode of Yellowstone or Longmire? We've got you covered! Our open WIFI guest network provides stable up and download speeds that are unbelievable! The main camp site has excellent strong (3-4+ bars) cell service with all major carriers too!
Park your large RV with towed vehicle, trailer or small SUV and tent at one of multiple camp sites from near commercial camping grade (Sites 1, 5 and 6 have 120 v ac 30 amp service, site 2 has 220 v 50 amp service) to site 10 in your own tent bushwhacking at a remote stream bank isolated hideaway requiring all wheel drive short, narrow wheel base and high clearance vehicles only that may include a difficult stream crossing or just hike in ~1 mile (contact us for the current trail/road conditions).
With over 1000 acres to roam, we can provide almost unlimited over flow camping that is of variable distance from the main wagon wheel camp area. If we are booked send us a message/email and depending on your group size, number and size(s) of vehicle(s) we'll see if we can work out an alternative over flow camp site just for you!
Explore the tranquil seclusion along picturesque Miller Creek as it courses for a mile bisecting the center of the ranch. Cool your feet in the crystal clear water at noon or take a nap in the shade of magnificent riparian cottonwoods. Check out the 1/2 acre hidden pond and spring!
Avoid worrying about full campsites (particularly on weekends and holidays) as you'll find the privacy, safety, and solitude you're seeking among pinion pines, hundreds of years old twisted cedar (juniper) trees and crystal blue clear skies!
Close your eyes, feel the cool breeze and take in the scent of a burning cedar campfire. Bask in splendor while camping on the east slope of the spectacular Manti La Sal National Forest, Star Point and Gentry Mountain!
Relax, avoid the traffic, headache, congestion, and noise of more well known and more heavily visited recreational sites before you head back to civilization! Isn't that what you really intended to do?
Prep the mountain/electric bikes and lace up your favorite hiking boots or jogging shoes. Maybe kick back and enjoy a quiet evening around the large group camp bonfire! Later, take one of the unimproved trails for an off-the-grid reclusive expedition or look for that perfect remote camp site.
Colloquial western folk tales, ghost stories and some incredible western music can be had here as well as horse trail rides and even a motorized tour are available (seasonally dependent, please contact us before booking regarding availability).
Just one more thing... Since the ranch is bordered by public federal BLM and state SITLA lands there are literally thousands of additional acres to explore but only accessible through the ranch main gate. And for Pete's sake don't forget extra fuel, food, clothing and your camera!
Discover the historic stone brothel (that's right including a bar and dance hall built in ~1916). Try to decipher a late 1880's inscription on the back wall!.
Hike, bike, or ride along the bed of the historic Utah Railway line that connected the towns of Price and Hiawatha via a rare early gasoline propelled locomotive back in 1916-17 (lasted only a few years before an historic flood destroyed its trestles). Check out the remains of a 100+ year old relic pump house, spring, and pond that settlers relied on to irrigate cultivated farm plots on the historic homestead.
Keep an eye out for deer, moose, coyotes, rabbits, golden eagles or a lonesome cowboy moving cattle along your path. Wake early and stay up late for a spectacular summer sunrise and sunset at the main group campsite. Corral and rest your horses in one of three enclosures outfitted with automatic waters, feed tubs, and onsite alfalfa/grass 2 string bales (made available on request). And don't forget to take a dip in one of the two solar-powered cattle watering troughs if it gets too hot!
Check out an absolutely gorgeous vintage restored 1920's sheep camp (our favorite) or simply throw out your bed roll under the stars about anywhere!
The Hideout is located ~20 miles as the crow flies south of the infamous "Castle Gate hold up" that was staged on April 21, 1897, at the mouth of Price Canyon in east-central Utah. Located 15 miles (as the crow flies) from the San Rafael Swell's "Wedge Overlook" (aka Little Grand Canyon) and within easy striking distance of the Buckhorn Wash, Cedar Mountain, Tavaputs Plateau, Huntington Reservoir, Electric Lake, Scofield Reservoir, Joe's Valley Reservoir as well as countless other recreational sites in Carbon and Emery County!
In need of a place for this summer's family reunion? This is it! Have a grand ole' shootin' time in an authentically recreated western town with saloon, bank and out buildings at the neighboring world class "North Springs Shooting range" (Single Action Shooter Society--SASS approved) or practice at the modern pistol, rifle, long distance and/or archery range (located just a couple miles north and east of the ranch). ATVs? there are hundreds of miles of public trails/2-tracks on state and federal lands just outside the ranch's boundary to explore in almost any direction surrounding the ranch.
Got a hunter in the family? Because the ranch borders the majestic central Utah Manti La Sal mountain range it is key winter range for a very large number of mule deer, elk and other wildlife. Take your favorite hunter on a mid-winter photography extravaganza and enjoy once in a lifetime monster trophy rutting mule deer bucks that will leave even the most proud hunter in awe!
Check out the petroglyphs and pictographs of nearby Nine Mile Canyon (largest collection on earth) or stay put and visit what's left of the ranch's original homestead, early European settlers' stone buildings, prehistoric Fremont Indian pit houses, pioneer dugouts or simply enjoy the spectacular topography, wildlife and scenery.
Located just 20 miles away from The northern San Rafael Swell of Utah, you're away from the crowds and perfectly situated for exploring! You'll also be just off the well-beaten path to Moab and Hanksville, and a plethora of national parks, monuments, and state parks (including Canyonlands, Capital Reef, Goblin Valley, Horseshoe Canyon, Glen Canyon National Recreational Area and Lake Powell to name just a few).
Gratuities are welcome from our visitors and campers. We appreciate your patronage! We grew up on the “No Trespassing” side of a lot of fences and know what a privilege it can be to visit and be welcome to explore historically off-limits “private property”.
Recognizing just how fortunate we are to own the Ranch makes sharing it with others easy. All we ask is that you admire it, protect it and respect it as much as we do.
We have undertaken a variety of ongoing environmental conservation and agricultural stewardship improvement projects collaborating with state and federal conservation agencies as well as multiple not-for-profit wildlife and habitat organizations who have helped improve the aesthetics, historical recognition/preservation, natural beauty, range carrying capacity and rehabilitation after years of unregulated grazing of riparian zones to help maximize the wilderness health, diversity, beauty and agricultural sustainability of the ranch.
We feel it is a privilege to share it with others of like mindedness. Gratuities are used for further wildlife/conservation improvements, cleanup, toilet facilities and a variety of range land and watershed improvements. Once at the ranch you’ll belong to a select guild of visitors and campers who return year after year who we call "friends" and to whom we will be indebted forever.
We strongly advise all visitors and campers to comply with all local state and federal COVID health recommendations/guidelines. Please message us for more information.
Thanks in advance!
NOTICE: We are not responsible for or liable for any and all accidents, injuries, falls, animal encounters, drownings, deep mud, slippery conditions, fire, lost or stolen items, damages, loose barb wire, fences, broken glass or vehicles left over 7 days or any other physical, emotional or monetary loss and/or injury that may occur traveling to, during or after your visit. Our ranch and camp areas can and do experience severe weather, including, but not limited to, heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds, impassable roads, dislodged rocks, deep snow and freezing temperatures. We do not condone or permit the use of any illegal and/or all hazardous devices, materials or activities on the ranch. Ranch guests are not allowed to use motorized off road vehicles (i.e. motorcycles, ATV or UTVs) within the ranch boundary. The ranch does have a variety of resident and transient farm/ranch animals as well as wild animals that can and frequently do gain access to the campsites, hiking/biking trails and recreational areas, including, but not limited to, cattle, horses, mules, donkeys, coyotes, bears, raccoons, bats, rodents, badgers, eagles/hawks, venomous snakes/reptiles/spiders/scorpions and even mountain lions. Wild and domestic animals may harbor dangerous pathogens, diseases and parasites, including but not limited to ticks, tick borne diseases, rabies, brucellosis, giardiasis and a variety of other infectious and parasitic diseases (i.e. Lyme disease, ring worm, tapeworms, prion disease and infectious diarrhea). There are physically dangerous cliff ledges, drop offs, erosive stream banks, construction/landscaping/agricultural heavy equipment, trenches, holes and other potentially hazardous places and things on the ranch. Plan accordingly, watch your children and pets carefully and continuously and always be attentive to your surroundings and circumstance as your life and/or the lives of your loved ones may depend on it.
All guest camping, visiting, activities, expeditions and "experiences" provided by "The LZJ Ranch" or "The Hiawatha Hideout!" are operated under the management of Hiawatha Hideout, LLC and/or San Rafael Tours, LLC.
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Indian Canyon Ranch
12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Monticello, UT
Joe 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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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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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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Monte Cristo Recreation Mecca
1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Avon, UT
We grew up recreating in this area.
Our family still has the annual tradition of snowmobiling from Monte Cristo, stopping for lunch at Hardware Ranch, and continuing on to Bear Lake.
The trails are endless in these mountains and the solitude abundant.
Our property is smack in the middle between Monte Cristo parking lot and Hardware Ranch.
It is the perfect location to set up camp and be ready hit the trails first thing in the morning.
Learn more about this land:
Private land camping between Hardware Ranch and Monte Cristo with fabulous views and stunning sunsets. This area is a recreation mecca with access to miles and miles of national forest trails less than a mile away! Dirt biking, riding ATVs, horse back riding, and hiking are all very popular and very accessible. You can't beat this location if you love the outdoors, enjoy solitude, and crave backcountry recreation!
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Star Hosts in Utah
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Forest camping in Utah with campfires 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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