Mountainous camping in Utah with campfires
From lakes to mountains to desert plateaus, Utah’s great outdoors comes in many flavors.
95% (6313 reviews)
- Utah
95% (6313 reviews)
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12 top mountainous campgrounds in Utah with campfires
93%
(1280)
Zion Family Ranch Campground and RV
22 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Glendale, UT
Picturesque camping set within the protective hilltops of beautiful Lydia's Canyon. This camping destination is on private land and has long list of unique, attractive features. Conveniently located just a couple minutes off Highway 89, this is the perfect stop over 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 FREE WIFI will make your stay easy and fun! Campers will enjoy clean, HOT showers and flushable toilets.
You will have access to the multi-acre campground where you can choose which tent site or RV site you prefer. We DO allow no hook-up camping vans in our tent sites. Two of our four new RV sites have full hook-ups (sites 3&4), the other two (sites 1&2) have water and power hookups only.
You will have access to the large pavilion for gathering, cooking or shelter from the elements. You also have access to the clean bath house, equipped with two shower rooms (with on-demand hot water) and flushable toilets. As an added bonus, you will have access to the ponds, you may use the boat, canoe or kayaks, you can also catch and release fish if you have your own fishing equipment. (Keep a fish or accidental kill for a fee.) If interested in booking a fishing experience, please reach out to us for more details.
There are seven available tent sites and four available RV sites with hookups. No beds or tents are provided. Please plan to bring your own camping supplies. Common spaces including the pavilion and bath house are shared with all campground guests.
Lydia's Canyon is known for lush green fields, overflowing fresh water ponds full of native fish, Canadian geese, turkeys, exclusive bird-watching, deer, farming, cows, horses, and last but not least . . . kind, welcoming residents who are happy to help you have a memorable experience.
Your super hosts, Jeremy and Betty, live nearby and are available to help when needed.
Connect to the campground FREE WIFI for easy communication needs.
Kindly follow our speed limits here in Lydia's Canyon, we ask that your speed not exceed 15 mph on the gravel roads.
No parties, noise, or bright lights after 10 p.m.
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$49
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97%
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Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp
57 sites · RVs, Tents1200 acres · Virgin, UT
Off Grid eco oriented camp on 1200 acres overlooking Zion National Park. Owned and operated by Bill Wright, a rancher whose family has farmed and ranched the land for several generations. A few minutes from Zion’s backcountry trails in the Kolob Terrace Region and approx. 40 minutes to the main gate of Zion NP. Bill Wright is the father of the legendary "Wright Brothers" the family of Professional Rodeo Saddle Bronc riders. You will often see Bill tending the land and moving cattle and horses from your campsite. This off the grid ranch has some of the most stunning views you'll ever encounter. Want a little adventure during your stay? Reserve a 2-hour horseback ride with Bill. He'll finish your ride with one of the most breathtaking vistas you can find of Zion National Park. Our property features many spaced out sites to choose from with bathrooms onsite. Pets and campfires are also allowed.
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$35
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85%
(559)
Desert Moon Campground and RV Park
5 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Thompson Springs , UT
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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$30
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91%
(1529)
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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$38
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94%
(223)
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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$45
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93%
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Desert Oasis
4 sites · Tents5 acres · Hildale, UT
Best campsites in the area. No matter what experience your after Water Canyon Campgrounds will help make it a great one.
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$50
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97%
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Range RV Campground
64 sites · RVs10 acres · Apple Valley, UT
Range RV is a new RV campground located in Apple Valley, UT. We are 40 mins to Zion National Park, 30 mins to both Coral Pink Sand Dunes and Sand Hollow State Park, 2 hours to Bryce Canyon National Park, and 2 hours to the North Rim- Grand Canyon National Park. Our campground is conveniently close to world-renowned mountain biking trails, Gooseberry Mesa, Little Creek Mesa, and Jem. Come camp with us any time of the year and enjoy access to great trails, scenic views, and dark skies!
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$50
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94%
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Red River Camp - Capitol Reef
6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Teasdale, UT
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!
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$34
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96%
(408)
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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$39
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97%
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Adventure Haven RV
8 sites · RVs1 acre · La Sal, UT
The stream is running with snow melt and site 1,2 and 3 have wonderful brook noise! Please note we are RV's only, and that we do not have restrooms. ALL five sites have FULL hookups and strong WiFi. We are 27 miles south of Moab. Please read to the bottom of this description, we are open about what this place is like and we care about your experience.
What kind of people LIKE the Adventure Haven? Those who like peace and quiet and dark skies. Relaxed full-time RVers, work-at-homes who need strong and fast WiFi, folks on a budget, those who like to support Hipcamp hosts, people looking for inside local information, solo travelers who want to feel safe yet not in a crowded place - like they’re near someone they know, and in a quiet, small town where unusual things are noticed.
What kind of people DON’T like the Adventure Haven? People on high-pressure vacations who did not read the listing and expected a commercial RV resort. People who are uncomfortable with rural eye-sores (old cars, and slow projects). People who like street lights, sidewalks and curb appeal. Party people and special event groups (not allowed here).
Let’s have a pretend conversation to make sure this place is a good fit for you!
James and Linda: Hello Hipcamper, did you read our listing? We are overstating things because we care about your experience and we know your trip is important. We are located in a funky rural subdivision that has a wonderful view of beautiful nearby mountains.
YOU: Yes we did read it and a rural, working class Utah vibe is fine with us. We’re not expecting a RV resort, we just want to be away from the noise and hustle of Moab, and we’re looking for a good value. What a great view of the mountain! (We’ll just ignore that old trailer across the street in the other direction.) The park has so much open space and only five spots! It is really relaxed. Wow - the WiFi is solid! We can work from home here; it is so reliable and fast (fiber optic). Your insider information on the area will be a great help to us; who could put a value on that? You say the night skies are some of the darkest anywhere? We already feel the freedom here. This place is great! The funky neighborhood is just part of the adventure.
James and Linda: Good, we want you to be happy! We like it here, and many other people have grown to love it too; just look at our reviews!
****If you want a long stay and the calendar shows we are full, please contact us because we might be able to work it out!
The Adventure Haven is a five site mini-RV park located in an old and sparsely occupied town with a population of about 300. A uranium boom town in the 1950's, La Sal is now a shadow of past times (and littered with artifact trailers and structures). But we are in beautiful high desert country and we are at the foothills of the La Sal Mountains and the park has a completely unobstructed view of this range!
All sites have water, sewer, WiFi, and 30 amp electric service (two have 50amp). We also have two fire rings with a view to the mountain, and two portable fire pits. All sites have tables. Our park is new, clean and open with a solid road base surface. Sites can accommodate 40 foot plus units, but all require some backing.
The La Sal vibe: as in any rural community, old junk is seen as valuable assets, and "curb appeal" is not in the local vocabulary (actually we don't have curbs or street lights here, and half the town has dirt roads). But it is peaceful here, a refreshing get away. We have some of the darkest skies anywhere, and hours can go by with no traffic at all. Welcome to rural Utah!
We have built a tall privacy fence so you don't have to look at our treasure. Looking north and west, the Adventure Haven feels fairly secluded: houses are mostly obscured or out of sight in these directions. A row of large aspen trees is along one side of the camp with our neighbor obscured (when the trees have leaves), but not far away. Two funky old house trailers are visible to the south (just across the street), but camps face North with unobstructed views to the mountain. We are on the very northwest edge of this old community.
This is not a place for a late night party, but it is a good place for normal gatherings. (You can stay up late and enjoy the night sky and talk, but if you get wild we will talk with you about it.)
People in general find it to be quite nice as well as a good value. The Adventure Haven feels open, public and safe to most people. Funky and rural, in high pristine desert with a sweet view of the mountain is the overall vibe.
The Needles district of Canyonlands is about 1 hour from Camp; Moab and Arches National Park are only 35 minutes away, and there are exciting features to explore right in our neighborhood.
• Looking Glass Arch, Lopez Arch and Wilson Arch are all about 15 minutes away!
• The world-famous motorcycle route, Colorado 90, begins just 12 miles away, with fine scenery all the way.
• Hook and Ladder OHV Trail system is less that five miles from the Adventure Haven, the dirt starting in only 2. The Rim Rocker Trail can be accessed from here as well by driving a few miles on pavement.
• Forest Service access to the La Sal Mountains is less than 7 miles away for an escape into alpine coolness, with fishing at Medicine Lake 15 miles from here.
Note: Only mellow, quiet, and controlled pets are allowed here, and only two per site. Pets must be on a leash and owners must pick up after them. Please tell us about your pet in the booking request.
Please consider that this place may not be suitable for your children. The perimeter is well marked, but is not child proof and there are hazards, such as an irrigation ditch, beyond it (running now). We also lack a play area, but there is a nice one at the elementary school 2.5 miles away. Thanks for reading this!
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$42
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Stoneview Camp
2 sites · RVs33 acres · Bryce Canyon City, UT
Theres no better way to capture the full beauty of the stars at night than out here on Stoneview ranch. close to Bryce Canyon, discount on local country music dinner show. bathroom available
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$40
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Second Chance Ranch
1 site · Tent1 acre · Morgan, UT
My husband Shaun and I fell into rescuing horses quite by accident. We started a non-profit to promote the Rescue, Rehab, Retrain and Rehome method to get horses out of bad situations and into good homes. We are a small rescue and hope to be much bigger one day! Please come visit, enjoy our beautiful property and support an amazing non-profit cause while you are at it! Learn more about this land:We are a non-profit horse rescue situated on one acre. The best description I can give of our property is that it's great for a convenient and quaint "Stop and Sleep". This is because we are located right off of the old main highway and have two neighbors within eyesight from the house. This site is very convenient for quick stays since it is so CLOSE TO THE HIGHWAY this makes it convenient but may not be appropriate for very light sleepers or for extended stays. The camping area is simple, with wild grass and a fire pit, bordered by the river on one side and the horse pasture on the other. You can see and hear the river easily April-July. The river is seasonal and does dry up in mid July-August. Drinkable hose water is available near the house. If you want a ranch-style camping experience with lots of interaction with your hosts and opportunity for adventure then you have chosen the right camping location! You are welcome to join in the daily choring activities or choose to be taken on a scenic trail ride or thrilling guided gallop on beautiful and well-trained rescue horses.PLEASE NOTE: The bathroom is located in our house and has a flushable toilet and shower with hot water. Bathroom hours are 8am-9pm. Parking is located a few hundred feet from the campsite, just off of the road. You must walk a few hundred feet to get to the campsite and you cannot pull your vehicle right up to it. While we do welcome car campers and pop-up trailers, just know you won't be parked at the campsite if you choose to sleep this way. We look forward to having you camp with us!
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$20
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Under $50
Available this weekend
Mountainous 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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