Utah

10 Best Utah Campgrounds That You Should Know About

Published

2 years ago

August 20, 2024

Sarosh

Father and Daughter enjoying camping with scenic cloud views

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You’re Missing Out On Utah’s Campgrounds

Utah, also known as the Beehive State, is among the most stunning places to explore. With soaring high peaks, rugged, raw landscapes, sprawling deserts, and scattered wildlife, camping among these gems would be surreal.

Utah has many campgrounds that suit almost all preferences. Whether you’re seeking solitude in remote backcountry sites or prefer the convenience of campgrounds with amenities, Utah has it all. So here are the best campgrounds that you must check out.

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Zion National Park – Watchman Campground

The first one, the list is huge. Located near the entrance of Zion National Park, the Watchman Campground is a beautiful spot to explore one of Utah’s most famous national parks. With 176 campsites, this campground has amazing views of the Watchman Peak and the canyon walls all around.

The spot is also well-equipped with amenities such as toilets, drinking water, and a dump station. Imagine camping here and looking at the night sky lit with stunning stars. Wow!

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Alta Campground – Little Cottonwood Canyon

Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta Campground is a stunning alpine escape and is just a short drive from Salt Lake City. But this charming campground has an elevation of about 8,000 feet, enclosed by lush pine forests with just breathtaking views of the rugged canyon walls.

The campground offers a rustic yet comfortable stay. Its 10 well-maintained campsites feature picnic tables and fire rings. Little Cottonwood Creek’s close proximity adds to its serene atmosphere, making it ideal for hiking, fishing, and taking in the natural beauty.

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Bryce Canyon National Park – North Campground

You’ll definitely love this one. The Bryce Canyon’s North Campground has a quintessential camping experience among the park’s iconic hoodoo formations. The 99 campsites here are perfectly positioned to take in gorgeous views of the mindblogging rock formations.

And with amenities like toilets and drinking water, North Campground is a comfortable stay close to serene views and hiking trails. So plan a short getaway with your loved ones and spend a calming time here.

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Arches National Park – Devils Garden Campground

If you want to explore Arches National Park’s natural arches, Devils Garden Campground is the place to be. This campground, with its 51 sites, is right in the heart of the park, offering strikingly amazing views of the famed arches and rock formations.

The site has towering sandstone that looks outlandishly beautiful with the iconic arches; this campground offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. Why not go a for short camping trip here and enjoy a relaxing time.

Antelope Island State Park with its blue waters in Utah

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Antelope Island State Park – Bridger Bay Campground

Okay, now, if the previous ones didn’t excite you, camping near the Great Salt Lake at Bridger Bap Campground at Antelope Island State Park. Bridger Bay Campground is placed at the shoreline of the Great Salt Lake, providing copybook views and a serene environment.

The campground has 41 sites with various wildlife, including bison, antelope, and myriad bird species, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing and photography. Therefore, don’t forget to take your cameras along with you and click some amazing photos for your gram!

Mesa Arch at sunrise Canyonland National Park

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Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky Campground

And if the lake isn’t your vibe, here’s a campground near the river. Perched on a mesa, Island in the Sky Campground offers panoramic views of the Colorado River and the rugged Canyonlands landscape. With just 12 campsites, this campground has more of an intimate camping experience enclosed in the dramatic scenery.

You’ll find almost all the amenities here, like toilets, picnic tables, etc., so you can have an unforgettable experience. But since there are a limited number of sites, arrive first to secure a spot.

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Bear Lake State Park – Ideal Beach Campground

Okay, this one has magical turquoise waters, and you can camp pretty close to it. Ideal Beach Campground, in the Bear Lake State Park, is near the beach but not precisely too far from the shore and is just everything that fairytales are made up of. Sandy shores, soothing breeze, shimmering waters, and a calming aura are all there to let you soak in every bit of it.

Also, all amenities are available, as this spot is usually popular for its family-friendly atmosphere, sunbathing, chilling, and overall recreational activities. So, why not come here and have some time off from your busy schedule?

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Wasatch Mountain State Park – Pine Creek Campground

Let’s take a break from the water and pick a mountain and forest backdrop for this one. Pine Creek Campground in Wasatch Mountain State Park is a wonderful spot for you if you want a mix of forested and open meadow views. This campground’s scenic beauty, with its vibrant meadows and dense woodlands, creates a welcoming atmosphere for families and adventurous people.

Also, this picturesque campground features 38 well-spaced sites, and you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as scenic hiking trails, excellent fishing spots, and thrilling mountain biking routes.

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve – Red Cliffs Campground

Are you up for a Red Cliffs campground? Red Cliffs Desert Reserve at Red Cliffs Campground has a dramatic and captivating desert landscape that will truly immerse you in the beauty of southern Utah’s red rock country.

This campground is at the base of these majestic red cliffs, and it gives mind-blowing views of the surrounding desert. The red rock formations cast dramatic shadows and create a warm, earthy palette that changes throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky. Plus, its adorned with hardy desert vegetation, like sagebrush, junipers, and resilient wildflowers that add splashes of color to the arid landscape.

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Lava Flow Campground – Black Rock Desert

The last one on the list is a remote camping ground, but it’s worth visiting. The Black Rock Desert has expansive, barren lava fields, which contrast sharply with the desert and distant mountain ranges. But let’s not forget about the black volcanic terrain, which creates an almost alien landscape.

You can just soak in the beauty as a feast for the eyes. The area around the campground is open and flat, with the lava flows offering a fascinating geological backdrop. But maybe some amenities might not be available here so be prepared to if you plan your camping trip here.

People enjoying camping with fairy lights.

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Make Your Campground Trip Go Smoother

Okay, so book your campground ahead of time to make your camping trip go smoothly and enjoyable. Also, be ready for some crazy weather swings; temperatures can drop pretty low at night, even if it’s warm during the day, so pack layers. Don’t forget to bring tons of water and other essentials because some campgrounds, especially the more remote ones, don’t have running water.

Speaking of essentials, keep your food secure to avoid any curious wildlife getting into your stuff. Ensure you know how to get to the campground, too—some spots are easy to reach, but others might be rougher or only accessible in certain seasons.