The best forest campgrounds near Spanish Valley, Utah

In Spanish Valley, forest camping means waking up to juniper and piñon pine, with over 110 campsites set among the trees. Sites here are tailored for those who want shade, wildlife, and a classic forest floor underfoot. Expect prices around $65 a night, with some spots dipping as low as $30. You’ll find toilets at most sites, and campfires are allowed—just check local fire risk before you strike a match. Bring your dog, lace up your boots, and keep your eyes peeled for mule deer and soaring hawks. For the best-rated stays, check out The Views at Gateway (328 reviews), High Sage Hogans (232 reviews), or Red Desert RV Park (168 reviews). Hiking and horseback riding are local staples—trails crisscross the mesas and cottonwood groves. If you want a site near shade, trails, and wildlife, you’ll find plenty of options tucked into the Spanish Valley forest.

95% (829)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Spanish Valley, forest camping means waking up to juniper and piñon pine, with over 110 campsites set among the trees. Sites here are tailored for those who want shade, wildlife, and a classic forest floor underfoot. Expect prices around $65 a night, with some spots dipping as low as $30. You’ll find toilets at most sites, and campfires are allowed—just check local fire risk before you strike a match. Bring your dog, lace up your boots, and keep your eyes peeled for mule deer and soaring hawks. For the best-rated stays, check out The Views at Gateway (328 reviews), High Sage Hogans (232 reviews), or Red Desert RV Park (168 reviews). Hiking and horseback riding are local staples—trails crisscross the mesas and cottonwood groves. If you want a site near shade, trails, and wildlife, you’ll find plenty of options tucked into the Spanish Valley forest.

95% (829)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Red Desert RV Park

91%

(344)

2.1mi from Spanish Valley · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · 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. Our new bathhouse has 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 have a new office and retail store where we sell souvenirs, RV supplies, snacks, drinks, ice, firewood, and other necessities for guests. We do not currently have propane fill on site. 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.

2. High Sage Hogans

96%

(473)

14mi from Spanish Valley · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.

3. The Views at Gateway

96%

(419)

28mi from Spanish Valley · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Gateway, CO

Located on the Dolores river, this property is perfect for hikers, fishing, rafting, or just camping! There is a natural spring just a few miles from the location with drinking water as well. When you stay here you are located right on the river with nothing but places to hike, climb and have fun and there are several options for you to choose from. There is a cabin, an onsite RV, a canvas tent, and BYO tent or RV camping on the land - you can pick whatever suits you best! No matter what, you can fall asleep to the sound of the river after a great night of star gazing! Nearby outdoor points of interest include the Dolores River on property, Hanging Flume which is approx. 20 miles from site, Gateway Canyons Resort Auto museum 7 miles from site, Arches National Park 2 hour drive from site, Colorado national monument 1 hour drive. The Grand Mesa 2 hour drive, Telluride ski resort 2 hour drive! You can find hiking, biking, swimming, paddle board, kayaks, rafting, fishing, tubing, bird watching, star gazing rock climbing, bouldering, all right from the property. All sites are accessible without 4wheel drive. I love where I live and think everyone should be able to experience the peaceful quiet beautiful environment that it is!

4. Manti-La Sal National Forest

100%

(16)

328 sites · Ferron, Utah

Trivia time! Which part of Utah contains the densest black bear and largest elk population? The Manti-La Sal National Forest, of course! How about this one: where does most of the coal mined in Utah come from? Well, 85% of it is mined right here in the Manti-La Sal. This special forest is full of natural surprises, like lofty mountaintops, lush meadows, cavernous sandstone canyons, plus plenty of water. If it sounds like there’s a ton of diversity here, that’s because there truly is! All of this diversity means that there’s a lot to do out here. Near Moab, the forest is home to the La Sal Mountains with their tall peaks and narrow canyons. To the north, on the Wasatch Plateau, you’ll be yearning for your next road trip along the Huntington and Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byways (also called the Energy Loop). And when it comes time to hit the hay at night? You guessed it—there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

5. Grand Mesa National Forest

87%

(23)

316 sites · Cedaredge, Colorado

Escape to a high elevation forest brimming with lakes, trails, and scenic views.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

6. Stephens Ranch

96%

(47)

50mi from Spanish Valley · 1 site · Lodging · Glade Park, CO

Jake Stephens Performance Horses is a working horse ranch. It's located in Glade Park, Colorado, which you have to travel through the Colorado National Monument and a Red Rock Tunnel to get to. The 70-acre ranch is located in the middle of the funnest and most beautiful places on the planet. Activities include horseback riding through the mountains, canoeing on one of the reservoirs, mountain biking one of the numerous trails, hiking to see some of the most awesome wildlife anywhere, or just camping in one of the cabins or tent camping on the side of a beautiful Red Rock canyon. There's not a cooler place to stay. Learn more about this land:Come stay in one of our two Colorado cozy cabins. They both have wood burning stoves, cable TV and microwaves, and are very unique. The larger cabin now has a  finished bathroom complete with a very unique all rock shower,  and kitchen,  We offer a sunset horseback ride in the mountains or a private horse riding lesson in our arena or round pen, or you can go on a mountain bike ride on Red Rock to Rattlesnake Arches (which is the largest collection of arches in the world, besides the Utah delicate arches), above the ranch on a beautiful aspen-covered alpine trail by the reservoirs, or go on a hike anywhere! Or just sleep in! In a very private cabin or a tent on the lower property that you can pitch by a beautiful 100 ft Red Rock canyon and seasonal waterfall!  

7. CampV Colorado

97%

(45)

48mi from Spanish Valley · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Naturita, CO

Inspired Shelter for the Spirited Wanderer CampV was established in 1942 by the Vanadium Corporation to house the engineers who worked in the uranium mines outside of Naturita, Colorado. In 2020, this historic gem was restored by StudioVille Crew to welcome wanderers to a remote and scenic corner of SW Colorado. Discover your Wild without the crowds. Beautiful with a tiny bit of dirt under the fingernails and 120 acres to explore, travelers can sleep well in one of the newly reimagined historic cabins, glamping tents, Jupes, airstreams or river front camping. Through our arts non-profit WEarts, explorers can experience our curated art and support art and creative programming in a rural community. When you’re ready for a mission, check out Planet V, our annual arts and music gathering over Memorial Day and prepare to lift off.

8. Uncompahgre National Forest

85%

(23)

228 sites · Ophir, Colorado

Head to wild western Colorado to truly get away from it all.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Spanish Valley

Masons Draw Campground

7.9mi from Spanish Valley · 5 sites · in Manti-La Sal National Forest

100%

(3)

Oowah Campground

8.4mi from Spanish Valley · 11 sites · in Manti-La Sal National Forest

100%

(2)

Warner Lake Campground

8.4mi from Spanish Valley · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manti-La Sal National Forest

Buckboard Campground

41mi from Spanish Valley · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manti-La Sal National Forest

Dalton Springs Campground

41mi from Spanish Valley · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manti-La Sal National Forest

Divide Forks Campground

42mi from Spanish Valley · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Grand Mesa National Forest

Aspen Leaf Campground

42mi from Spanish Valley · 1 site · in Uncompahgre National Forest

Oak Cabin

42mi from Spanish Valley · 1 site · in Uncompahgre National Forest

Nizhoni Campground

48mi from Spanish Valley · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manti-La Sal National Forest

Stories from the community

T

Ty

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to High Sage Hogans

We had such a great stay! The tipi was a really cool and unique camping experience, close enough to Moab to get to everything easily, but far enough away to avoid the hustle and bustle of town. It was peaceful, quiet, and exactly what we were looking for. Our favorite part of the trip was definitely Ringo, the sweet dog on the property. He “showed us around” and played with our dog the entire stay. Watching them run and explore together was honestly a highlight. Danny was incredibly kind and hospitable. He checked in on us, made sure we were comfortable, and you can tell he genuinely cares about his guests having a good experience. We’ll definitely be back. Highly recommend!

B

Brenda

November 2025

16 ft pop-up camper

With pets

3 nights at Red Desert RV Park

Had a great time! Office and staff were wonderful. Will visit again 😊

G

Gabriel

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to High Sage Hogans

Danny had a very nice spot with water very close and a very friendly dog!

S

Shira

October 2025

22 ft campervan

3 nights at High Sage Hogans

A great spot located about 30 mins of Moab. Had everything we needed. Danny is an awesome host. Would definitely stay again :)

K

Krista

October 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Red Desert RV Park

Friendly staff and wonderful facility. Clean and new restrooms. Would stay again.

S

Sara

October 2025

32 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to Red Desert RV Park

RV park 15 mins south of Moab right off highway. Easy to access many trails and sights with a short drive. Full hook ups were great, and the bathrooms/shower house was clean (and an added bonus). It was a bit loud being right off of the highway, but otherwise we enjoyed our stay here

T

Theresia

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Views at Gateway

It was a beautiful spot, the cabin was nice. However, I was disappointed and left kind of at a disadvantage, because according to the description, there was supposed to be potable water on-site! There was not, There was also supposed to be electricity! There was not, did not see the bathroom pit either. The description indicated there would be a trundle bed, which there was, with one mattress on the upper part, no secondary mattress. The host was supposed to meet us on-site and never showed up. Luckily, we came prepared for some things. Had an air mattress to make up the difference. However, we shortered ourselves on water as we expected to have potable water on-site. Aside from the misrepresentation, it was a beautiful sight. And we did enjoy our stay.

S

Sharlene

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to High Sage Hogans

The set up inside and out of the tipi was so nice and welcoming. Danny was so friendly we really enjoyed visiting with him. And of course who can forget Ringo. Such a great pup. I loved spending time with him.

Kyle

September 2025

15 ft campervan

4 nights at Red Desert RV Park

Great spot nearby Moab if in Van, maybe not if in tent

Lucas

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at High Sage Hogans

Danny was amazing! I love camping and staying at places where hosts put in effort to create a relationship with the people staying. We loved Ringo (the dog) as well and Danny even offered us some fresh veggies from his beautiful garden. I honestly cannot wait to come back to Utah just to hang out and stay a couple nights. 11/10 and 6 stars (out of 5). If you love people, dogs, farm animals, gardens, and watching the sun rise in the Utah desert, this is the place to stay! Thank you Danny. We’ll be back.

B

Beckett

September 2025

Tent

1 night at The Views at Gateway

I really enjoyed tent camping on Jody’s property! It was very pretty and I highly reccommend, just fyi there is no service unless you drive to gateway.

Alexandra

August 2025

35 ft Class C

With pets

3 nights at Red Desert RV Park

Great spot, would go back! Conveniently close to all the spots we wanted to visit.

L

Lisa

August 2025

35 ft fifth wheel

With pets

1 night at Red Desert RV Park

Very clean restrooms and park. Laundry was a surprise though, had to run to town for quarters! We weren't on the road side and use white noise everywhere to sleep so we didn't mind the road noise.

S

Sebastian

August 2025

1 night at High Sage Hogans

Camping in Danny’s Tipi was a great experience! Easy to get there, Danny was very friendly and helpful. Loved the animals on his property as well, would highly recommend trying this spot out for an arches or Utah trip.

A

Annabelle

July 2025

25 ft travel trailer

1 night at Red Desert RV Park

Showers were excellent. Right off the highway, so very accessible. I got there super late so they were kind enough to leave instructions for me taped to the door. Great communication.

Mike

July 2025

21 ft campervan

1 night at The Views at Gateway

Really chill spot right on the river. Pretty easy to find in daylight, but make sure you get directions if you're going to roll up after dark. (It's near mile marker 105, if that helps!) Had some issues finding the place, but once we did, it was awesome! The water is right there on property, coming from a clean spring.

M

Martin

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Red Desert RV Park

The bathhouse here was very clean and one of the nicest I’ve experienced. The staff were accommodating. Biggest drawback to the tent site is that there is very little shade. Under 10 minutes to Moab and under 20 to Arches NP

V

Valerie

June 2025

33 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Red Desert RV Park

Great affordable location for Canyonlands and Arches. Level easy to set up. Everything worked as planned. It is a newer campground and they are adding a bigger newer dog park, which would be excellent.

Kristy

June 2025

Tent

2 nights at High Sage Hogans

We had a wonderful stay and would stay again. We spent nights stargazing with all the amenities we needed. Highly recommend for solo travelers and couples who want to stay off the grid.

B

Bryan

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Red Desert RV Park

Arrived early for check in and reed was accommodating.