Best Places To Tent Camp In Utah

The lake is the most spectacular aqua blue color thanks to suspended calcium carbonate particles in the water. That, together with the lake’s delightful sandy shoreline, creates the impression of a seaside resort location even though the area’s elevation is 5,923 feet above sea level. However, you should note that there is a limited supply of water available, and it can get pretty hot out here, so remember to bring plenty of hydration with you. Some of the sites may meet all four criteria, some three or two, some just one. They were all included because they are exceptional in at least one of the criteria. Please note that many of the areas listed require an entrance fee or permit.

Camping here is the best way to explore the state park’s unique geologic features. The 22-site campground is also a prime jumping off point for further exploration of nearby Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. Experience sweeping deserts, breathtaking rock formations, rich farmland, forested mountains, and snowcapped peaks as you camp your way across the Beehive State. Nearby, Lone Mesa is a campground specifically for groups, and group bookings are accepted.

Tent Camping In Utah

Gooseberry Mesa is notable for its private campsites, desert landscape, and star-filled night skies. Head to the end of the road (it’s bumpy) for the most scenic campsites on the rim with views of the canyons and valleys below. My favorite campsites are those located between the turnoff from Highway 89 and Paria Box Trailhead, about 13 miles in.

While it was never designated as such, it was designated as a state park by Utah Parks and Recreation. Off-highway vehicle enthusiasts prefer the area because adjacent to the park there are hundreds of miles of dirt roads to explore. Facilities include a 21-unit campground, modern restrooms, hot showers, and a sanitary disposal station. Is the ideal base from which to explore this district, with miles of trails for hiking and leading to rock climbs close at hand. There are 26 sites, 5 of which are tent only, with toilets, picnic tables and fire rings located within the campground. There are no electric hookups at this campsite, so come prepared with your climbing gear too.

What To Consider Before Camping In Utah

A top-rated campground in Arches National Park, Devils Garden is a full-service campground that is close to hiking trailheads and some incredible scenery. Chances are, these things won’t happen to you on your camping trip, but it’s always smart to stay one step ahead. For these reasons, I recommend camping in Southern Utah during spring or fall. I’ve had the pleasure of traveling Southern Utah extensively, and every time I visit I’m blown away by the incredible scenery and quality of campgrounds. Stansbury Island is a peninsula that extends into the Great Salt Lake, featuring a unique desert landscape with epic sunrises and sunsets.

There is one large group campsite with picnic shelters and a camp-fire circle and six other individual campsites with their own facilities. If the entire camp has not been booked out, the individual sites are available on the first-come-first-served basis. On-site activities include hiking and biking, nature observation and trout fishing in the nearly Beaver River. Minnewaska State Park Preserve has 50 campsites on its 50-acres of top-rated camping facilities, Samuell F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground. Constructed in 2014, this tent-only camp is mere minutes from the climbing cliffs of Mohonk Preserve. Campers enjoy the majestic views of the Shawangunk Mountains while socializing at the pavilion and cooking area.

There’s no overnight camping allowed at the Bonneville Salt Flats Special Recreation Area, but the 30,000-acre recreation area is surrounded by BLM land that permits free camping. The Albion Basin Campground is fairly small, so you’ll enjoy much more seclusion than more-crowded campgrounds like Spruces and Tanners Flat. Campsites include picnic tables and fire rings, and there are a few vault toilets for when nature calls. There are a variety of camping options to choose from at East Canyon State Park.

Goblin Valley is named after an area where soft sandstone has eroded into irregular and interesting patterns, which some think resemble goblins. In some places, these formations are close together and form a maze, which is lots of fun to explore with the family. For thrill-seeking campers, ATV trails weave around this interesting and surreal landscape, where Hollywood movie Galaxy Quest was filmed.

Best Free Camping Inutah

A first aid kit is a no-brainer, they are always necessary as you never know when they’ll be needed, a quick bandage is important to stop any potential spread of infection. High Uintas – Butterfly Lake– This is a truly wonderful, high altitude campground. This campground, about 20 sites, is a first come first serve area. Come prepared with a full tank of gas, a few days’ worth of food and water, and other necessities.

This 696-acre park is rich with history and overflowing with natural beauty. The park is comprised of Laurel and Fuller Lakes, the Appalachian Trail, and is surrounded by Michaux State Forest. Campsites can accommodate up to five persons and pets are allowed at most campsites in the park. The campground has an amphitheater and a swimming beach with concessions in the summer.

Best Tent Camping Near Me: Wyalusing Hardwood Forest, Wisconsin

You won’t find any shade here, but the goblin formations and red rock cliffs are fabulous. MVUM Maps – Both national forest and BLM ranger stations offer paper motor vehicle use maps to visitors. Don’t be afraid to ask rangers for dispersed camping recommendations. Online Maps – Google Maps is a great tool for finding dispersed camping opportunities. I also like FreeRoam.app and Gaia GPS. Both let you turn on national forest and BLM boundaries to help make sure potential campsites are indeed on public land.

Shenandoah National Park offers 200,000-acres of backcountry exploration and five developed campgrounds that open at different points during the season. Mathews Arm Campground boasts nature trails including Overall Run Falls trail that leads to the park’s tallest waterfall. Big Meadows Campground is central to most park facilities, many of the popular hiking trails, and is steps away from three waterfalls. The smallest campground is Lewis Mountain while the biggest one is Loft Mountain Campground. Dundo Group Campground offers three campsites that are suitable for groups of 7-20 people. The park operates a camp store, laundry facilities, and maintains modern restrooms and shower facilities.

Devils Garden Campground Arches National Park

These sites are best on weekdays, as weekends can be extremely loud and crowded. Willow Springs is a great place to camp if you want to walk or bike into the back entrance of Arches National Park; just continue up the road until you reach the sign. Pine Grove Furnace State Park can be found at the north end of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a place called South Mountain.

Most of the spots are located right on the reservoir with fantastic views of the water and beyond. The remote location makes Koosharem Reservoir ideal for star gazing at night. Tents and RVs are welcome with a lot of space to spread out. The area is home to three natural bridges, including the 13th largest in the world.

Best Campgrounds In Bryce Canyon National Park

Escalante Interagency Visitor Center in Escalante, Utah, is open seven days … Camping in Utah state parks means spending time in some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable. With nearly 100,000 acres of state park land to explore, camping in Utah’s state parks is an excellent pastime for both tourists and residents alike. Depending on how you like to camp, there are varying best ways.

These 16 Camping Spots In Utah Are An Absolute Must See

No firewood gathering is allowed, so bring your own wood for campfires. Antelope Island offers an unparalleled Utah tent camping experience. Located in the Great Salt Lake, the island is known for its starkly scenic beauty and abundance of wildlife, including pronghorn, bighorn sheep, bison, and waterfowl. Three primitive campgrounds are available with 52 campsites in total. Campers planning to spend some time exploring the dramatic scenery in the Dead Horse Point State Park have two campsites to choose from.

Dispersed camping in Diamond Fork Canyon is a great option for RV boondockers thanks to the well-maintained road and large, flat campsites. Although the campsites themselves are pleasant, perhaps the best reason to stay here is the easy access to the popular Fifth Water Hot Springs . Watch the sunset – or, better yet, wake up early to take in sunrise. The area is somewhat popular with day use visitors, but it’s easy to find a private campsite for the night.