The best desert campgrounds near Mapleton, Utah

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience in the United States. If you're craving a desert adventure near Mapleton, Utah, we've got you covered with over 260 options that match your preferences. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch your tent or a rustic cabin to call home, you'll find it here. And with an average price per night of $35 and options as low as $20, there's something for every budget. Check out our top campsites like Wind Walker Homestead (81 reviews), LZJ Ranch's Hiawatha Hideout! (73 reviews), and Lakeside Cabins and Camping (64 reviews) for some tried-and-true favorites. Enjoy amenities like campfires, cooking equipment, and showers, and get ready to dive into exciting activities such as snow sports, wind sports, and hiking. Let's make your desert camping dreams come true!

98% (169)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience in the United States. If you're craving a desert adventure near Mapleton, Utah, we've got you covered with over 260 options that match your preferences. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch your tent or a rustic cabin to call home, you'll find it here. And with an average price per night of $35 and options as low as $20, there's something for every budget. Check out our top campsites like Wind Walker Homestead (81 reviews), LZJ Ranch's Hiawatha Hideout! (73 reviews), and Lakeside Cabins and Camping (64 reviews) for some tried-and-true favorites. Enjoy amenities like campfires, cooking equipment, and showers, and get ready to dive into exciting activities such as snow sports, wind sports, and hiking. Let's make your desert camping dreams come true!

98% (169)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Hope Acres Glampground

98%

(64)

48mi from Mapleton · 7 sites · Lodging · Tabiona, UT

Looking for a Glamping experience? Hope Acres Glampground is in the tall Pinion Pines at 7800 feet atop of a Mesa in Northern Utah. Just minutes from 2 large Reservoirs, Strawberry and Starvation to include mountain lakes, rivers for fishing, boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, Swimming and other water activities. In the middle of mountainous country, there are many hiking trails as well as off road UTV and ATV trails for riding the back country. If your into sightseeing then this is the place, with many different species of wildlife that roam this beautiful landscape as well as a Birds Eye view of the high terrain that awaits you. Hope Acres has beautiful Bell Tents that are placed on elevated decks with comfortable queen beds and some twins. Each tent boasts air conditioning that provides the comforts of home while enjoying the outdoors. Each camp site is a spacious 50 feet from the next and offers a personal bathroom as well as a shower, picnic table, high speed internet, hammock, BBQ and outdoor sink, amenities for an enjoyable experience. If you are looking for a hideaway then come experience the beauty while relaxing and making memories at Hope Acres, we look forward to seeing you.

2. Wind Walker Homestead

95%

(130)

47mi from Mapleton · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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

3. Camp Sage under the Milky Way

100%

(3)

39mi from Mapleton · 1 site · Tent, RV · Tabiona, UT

Need to make a pit stop or just looking for a short getaway? Camp Sage under the Milky Way is exactly what you get. This is a great rest area tucked away behind a hilly landscape and out of sight of Hwy 40 in Fruitland, Utah. Wake up to the smell of sage where you will feel relaxed, calm yet experience the invigorating sense of earthy goodness. Go to bed under the stars and if you're a late nighter you'll be mesmerized at the sight of the stunning Milky Way. There is a tent pad able to fit up to 6 people, a fire ring and spacious horseshoe driveway for parking multiple vehicles or a small to midsize RV/Camper trailer. This is a no frills campsite where you will need to provide your own water, toilet and firewood (We can provide firewood for an extra fee). There is a rest stop with restrooms just down the road going east on hwy 40 if needed. Pack it in and pack it out.

4. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

90%

(94)

2666 sites · Levan, Utah

2.1 million acres of unique wilderness scenery just begging to be explored.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

5. Ashley National Forest

88%

(13)

1000 sites · Whiterocks, Utah

Choose some majestic highlights in this mountainous national forest.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

6. Strawberry Hideout

100%

(12)

42mi from Mapleton · 1 site · Tent, RV · Tabiona, UT

Come and spend a relaxing weekend out at Strawberry Hideout where you have lakes, rivers, and hundreds of miles of ATV trails to explore Utah, located just east of Heber City! With a massive 10ft x 16ft deck, a picnic table and a smokeless cinderblock firepit you can lounge around to your heart's content! Here are the key features of the surrounding area: Strawberry Reservoir 20 minutes west Gas Station/Convinience Store/Restaurant 4 minutes away (The Big G) Starvation Reservoir 20 minutes east Slot canyons 15 minutes south Hundreds of miles of ATV Trails Outdoor privacy but not too remote (amazing cell reception!) Stargazing Occasional wildlife crossing!

7. Nine Mile Ranch

48mi from Mapleton · 39 sites · Helper, UT

Nine Mile Ranch stands out as a unique destination because it serves as the only campground within the stunning canyon that hosts the world-renowned "Longest Petroglyph Art Gallery." This makes it the ideal base camp for those eager to delve into the rich cultural history and breathtaking natural beauty of the area. At Nine Mile Ranch, you can immerse yourself in a variety of experiences. Join the ranchers for an exciting ride-along, where you can learn about their daily lives and the surrounding landscape. Alternatively, unwind under the pavilion, taking in the serene views that this picturesque backdrop offers. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV sites, or cozy cabins, Nine Mile Ranch has the perfect spot for you. With its proximity to natural features, swimming holes, and outdoor activities, as well as nearby restaurants and shops, your stay promises to be both relaxing and adventurous. Discover the wonders of the canyon while enjoying the privacy and tranquility that Nine Mile Ranch provides.

Public campgrounds near Mapleton

Whiting Campground

2.6mi from Mapleton · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Close to town and perfect escape for a quick overnight camping trip.

Cherry Campground

6.2mi from Mapleton · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Diamond Campground

8.3mi from Mapleton · 68 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Rock Canyon Campground

10mi from Mapleton · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Balsam Campground

11mi from Mapleton · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Maple Bench Campground

12mi from Mapleton · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Maple Lake Campground

13mi from Mapleton · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Spot 008. Plenty of green all around. Noisy as hell. Lots of biting flies.

Hope Campground

13mi from Mapleton · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

83%

(3)

Payson Lakes Campground

14mi from Mapleton · 65 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

100%

(1)

Blackhawk Campground

16mi from Mapleton · 38 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Tinney Flat Campground

17mi from Mapleton · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Theater in the Pines Campground

20mi from Mapleton · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Stories from the community

M

Matthew

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hope Acres Glampground

The directions Matt & Rachel provided were easy to follow, and the property was well-kept. We ended up switching to the Judah tent since another customer had canceled and Isaachar had a broken zipper that hadn't been repaired yet. It was a very peaceful place to spend the night!

A

Adam

July 2025

15 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Strawberry Hideout

Great campsite, plenty of space and amazing location. Daniel was super helpful in giving us recommendations in the area. Campsite was clean. Will definitely be camping here again!

A

Alex

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Hope Acres Glampground

Gorgeous land and yurts! Hosts responded quickly and helped me navigate some scheduling conflicts. Mark was so welcoming and helpful. Would highly recommend

J

Jess

June 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Strawberry Hideout

We absolutely loved this property! The kids had a blast on the deck, and there was plenty of space for them and our dog to run around and play. The firepit was a great touch for cozy evenings, and we really enjoyed exploring some of the nearby trails with our ATV. Communication with the host was excellent, and everything was smooth from start to finish. Highly recommended—we’ll definitely be staying here again! Thank you for a wonderful stay!

S

Sujeili

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Hope Acres Glampground

Loved the tent and spot, has everything you need and the trails near by are Beautiful, would recommend 10/10.

Several great spots to pitch your tents.

W

Wade

May 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Wind Walker Homestead

One of the best. Host is absolutely wonderful. Great accomodations. 🤙

J

Julia

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Sage under the Milky Way

This site was great! Nice and flat for the tent. The solar lights on the path were super helpful. It was quiet and the night sky was amazing! I would definitely stay here again!

T

Tyson

March 2025

28 ft travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Wind Walker Homestead

Great place to spend a couple nights. Good amenities and the hosts are very friendly. Prompt return on all communications.

H

Hayley

February 2025

Weekend Trip to Hope Acres Glampground

We had such a great time! The campground was private but also very easy to find. The yurt was very cute and comfortable. Very clean and all equip worked perfectly. The caretaker is very nice and helpful. The owner is very communicative and professional, they gave very detailed instructions, making the trip very stress free. A perfect little slice of heaven that we see ourselves returning to over and over again!