Camping in Utah: Explore Stunning Landscapes and Epic Trails

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Utah attracts nature lovers from all over with its mix of red rocks, vast deserts, forests, salt flats, and pristine lakes. With over 22 million acres of public land, this state is a camper’s playground, offering rugged backcountry experiences and family-friendly campgrounds with modern amenities.

Explore the best campgrounds in Utah and discover why the state is known for delivering some of the top camping experiences in the United States.

Can I Camp Anywhere in Utah?

Utah provides incredible camping opportunities, but you can’t set up a campsite anywhere you deem fit. The state’s private and public lands come with different rules. Private camping always requires express permission. Dispersed camping is usually allowed in national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands—and some areas like Zion and Arches allow permitted backcountry camping—but campers are still required to follow local restrictions around campfires, stay limits, and waste disposal. National and state parks offer designated campsites for permitted campers to protect the natural environment.

Which Campground Is Best in Utah?

From desert landscapes to mountain retreats, Utah has it all. Here are some of the best places to camp in the beehive state.

Watchman Campground (Zion National Park)

You don’t have to go too deep into Zion National Park to get to Watchman Campground, as it’s located just beyond the park entrance. It’s easy to get to, and once you’re settled in, it’s also easy to access some of Zion’s most famous hikes with jaw-dropping views of sandstone cliffs.

However, it’s one of the most popular campgrounds, so booking early is critical. Choose from tent, RV, and group camping sites to suit your experience. Nearby is the Virgin River, a refreshing oasis to cool off during hot summer camping. If you want to explore all the best of Zion, such as The Narrows, Angels Landing, and Emerald Pools, this is the campground to stay at.

Features: Located in Zion National Park with sunset views over red rock cliffs. Wildlife sightings include bighorn sheep, deer, and wild turkey.
Facilities: Electric hookups are available for RV sites. The restrooms have flush toilets and drinking water but no showers.
Things to Know: Reservations fill up months in advance, so book early. Campfires are not allowed during the summer due to the risk of wildfire.

Devils Garden Campground (Arches National Park)

If you want to camp in Arches National Park, your one and only option is Devils Garden Campground. That’s not to say you’re settling, though. This incredible spot has views of natural arches, sandstone fins, and towering rock formations.

Camping here provides a remote desert experience, ideal for solo campers or those who want to immerse themselves in nature. Just minutes away, you can hike and explore the beauty of Landscape Arch, Delicate Arch, and Double O Arch. Or, go further to discover more of the park’s 2,000+ natural stone arches (the highest concentration worldwide).

Features: Stunning sunrises and sunsets. Access to famous hikes like Broken Arch and Devil’s Garden Trail. This Dark Sky-certified area is excellent for stargazing.
Facilities: 51 campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, and grills. Restrooms are available, but no showers. Drinking water is only available seasonally.
Things to Know: RV hookups are unavailable, and generator use is restricted to certain hours. However, you may be able to bypass this with a quiet-running solar generator like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W). Reservations are required from March to October.

Fruita Campground (Capitol Reef National Park)

In contrast to the desert location of the two previous campgrounds, Fruita Campground in Capitol Reef National Park is surrounded by lush orchards, cliffs, and the Fremont River. It stands out due to its grassy, shaded areas with access to fresh fruit picking (apples, cherries, and peaches) in certain seasons. These orchards date back to the 1880s when Mormon pioneers planted the crops. Capital Reef is a national park that tends to fly under the radar, but it’s one you shouldn’t miss, thanks to its petroglyphs and scenic drives. Even if you’re camping alone, this is a place where you’ll find plenty of things to do.

Features: Shaded campsites with cottonwood trees and plenty of grass. In season, pick fresh fruit from historic orchards. It’s much less crowded than Arches or Zion.
Facilities: 71 campsites available with fire pits and picnic tables. Restrooms feature flush toilets and drinking water. There are no showers, but there’s a visitor’s center with amenities. There are no RV or camper van hookups, but dump stations are nearby.
Things to Know: Temperatures here are much milder than those at desert campgrounds. In the off-season, it’s first-come, first-served, while reservations are required in peak months.

Goblin Valley State Park Campground

Step into what feels like a completely new world at Goblin Valley State Park Campground, a must-visit for its mushroom-shaped rock formations, known as goblins. It creates a surreal effect that makes you feel like you’re on Mars. This area is also famous for rock scrambling, slot canyons, and night photography. It was even the primary filming location for the alien planet scenes in the Galaxy Quest movie. It’s as close as you can get to another planet with both feet remaining firm on the Earth.

Features: Unique hoodoos and goblin-shaped rock formations. Minimal light pollution makes for fantastic stargazing. Rock climbing opportunities abound.
Facilities: Basic campsites available with picnic tables and fire pits. There is limited shade, so bring a shelter or sun canopy.
Things to Know: This area gets extremely hot in the summer, so pack plenty of water and cooling solutions like the EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable Air Conditioner. There are limited stores nearby, so stock up on supplies beforehand. Bring a camera to capture the Milky Way at night.

Mirror Lake Campground (Uinta Mountains)

Take a break from the Utah desert and escape into the Uinta Mountains for a refreshing change at Mirror Lake Campground. Here, you’ll find yourself immersed in dense forests and alpine lakes. It’s a great spot to kayak, fish, or hike. It’s also amazing for the drive itself—the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is one of the state’s most visually stunning drives, passing pristine lakes and large waterfalls.

This mountain range is unique for a few reasons—it has more peaks over 11,000 feet than any other mountain range in Utah, and it’s also one of the few mountain ranges on the continent that run east to west rather than north to south. Note that this part of Utah receives more rain than other areas in the state, so prepare for the potential for rainfall when packing.

Features: Cool temperatures, even in the summer. There’s abundant fishing in Mirror Lake and other streams.
Facilities: Campsites with tables, firepits, and bear-proof storage are available. Vault toilets and drinking water are on-site. There are no showers, so prepare for rustic camping.
Things to Know: The high elevation (10,400 ft) can make breathing harder. Mosquitos can be intense in the summer, so bring bug repellent. Snow is possible in the late spring and early fall, so pack accordingly.

What Should I Pack for a Utah Camping Trip?

Water and filtration – Bring more than you think you need
Power solutions – Pack the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank for phone charging or the more robust EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station for larger devices and camp appliances
Layered clothes – Prepare for large temperature swings with moisture-wicking shirts, a warm jacket, and a waterproof outer layer
Sun protection – Sunscreen, large hat, sunglasses, and UPF clothing
Navigation – Cell service can be spotty, so carry a compass, map, GPS device, or offline downloaded maps
First Aid – Bring a kit with the basics, plus any essential medications
Flash flood safety gear – pack a weather radio, waterproof bag, and emergency whistle
Lighting – Bring a headlamp, flashlight, or lantern along with extra batteries
Bear and animal safety – Use bear-proof storage containers and snake gaiters
Tent and sleeping – Waterproof tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad/air mattress

7 Utah Camping Tips

Know the Land Rules – Utah camping combines national forests, BLM land, and protected parks. Before setting up camp, ensure you know where dispersed camping is allowed.
Prepare for Extreme Temperatures – Utah’s desert can be scorching hot during the day and freezing at night. To stay comfortable, pack layers, sun protection, and an insulated sleeping bag.
Stay Hydrated – The dry climate here will dehydrate you faster than usual. Bring extra water or a water filtration system if you’re camping in remote areas or campgrounds that don’t offer clean drinking water.
Beware of Flash Flooding – Low-lying desert areas and slot canyons are prone to sudden flash floods, which can be dangerous. Don’t camp in washes, and always check the weather forecasts before heading out.
Plan for High Elevation – Some mountain campgrounds, like Mirror Lake, are over 10,000 feet above sea level. Stay hydrated and hike slowly to avoid altitude sickness.
Watch for Wildlife – Utah has a prominent wildlife presence, such as black bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes. Always be aware of your surroundings when hiking, and don’t interact with or feed wild animals.
Check for Fire Restrictions – Campgrounds often have summer fire bans to prevent wildfires, so check for local updates before starting a fire at your campsite.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Camp in Utah?

The price to camp in Utah depends on where you’re camping and what type of camping you’re doing. Some areas, such as BLM Utah-managed lands and national forests, offer free dispersed camping. State and national parks and other campgrounds may charge anywhere from $15-65 per night. Sites with electric hookups usually cost more.

What Is the Best Month To Visit Utah?

The best months to experience Utah are May, September, or October. These months have the most pleasant weather with mild temperatures, avoiding extreme heat and cold. They also avoid the larger mid-summer crowds but allow you to engage in various outdoor activities.

How Many Nights Do You Need in Utah?

There’s so much to explore in Utah, from the desert to the mountains and more. You should plan to spend at least a week there to see the varied landscapes and ecosystems and get the full experience. However, a weekend trip may suffice if you only plan to visit one park.

Final Thoughts

Utah is one of the most visited states for camping due to its awe-inspiring landscapes, which range from natural arches and salt flats to deserts and alpine forests. Its abundance of national and state parks draws campers from around the country, especially during the summer and fall when the weather is best suited for outdoor activities.

Your camping experience will be great no matter where you end up in Utah, but you can ensure it’s even better by packing right. Bring appropriate clothes, prepped food and cooking items, weatherproof shelter, and sleeping items—and don’t forget to bring a power solution such as the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series Portable Power Stations to stay charged the whole trip.