Camping, an outdoor experience for anyone and everyone to explore life from a tent, camper or even under the stars. Giving a chance to enjoy a simple adventure away from the city. By disconnecting you from your daily routine through hiking, cooking over a fire, staring out at the night sky or even just relaxing, camping takes you away from urban life to bring you one with nature.
Utah offers many destinations where you can enjoy camping life, from the marvelous national parks to the hidden gems of Utah. Each spot offers a different and unique glimpse of Utah’s natural beauty. Catering to the various preferences, from rugged wilderness to comfy, amenity-rich experiences.
Note: when planning your camping trip, consider the time of year you are looking to book, as some locations may have limited accessibility during certain times of the year.
Without further ado, here are the top 5 Camping spots, as well as some activities to enjoy near each spot, in Utah for you are your party to explore:
Devils Garden Campground – Arches National Park
Located in Moab, the Devils Garden Campground offers direct access to Arches National Park and its famous red rock fins and sandstone spires. With 51 sites, all campers are able to enjoy the close trails, such as Landscape Arch and Double O Arch.. Note: Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons. With amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, potable water, and flush toilets, this spot will make your camping experience comfortable, as if you were staying at home but an outside version.
With this campground being a direct access to Arches National Park, there are many exciting activities to check out:
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- Hike to Delicate Arch: One of the park’s most iconic landmarks, a 3-mile round-trip hike with an easy elevation gain, while giving you stunning views of the arch perched on the cliffside.
- Explore the Devils Garden Trail: Taking you past Landscape Arch, this trail gives you the option to pick the distance on how far you want to go.
- Drive the Scenic Park Road: This 36-mile round-trip paved road will take you to see all the major viewpoints and trailheads, perfect for those running short on time or wanting an easy sightseeing day.
- Stargaze into the beautiful Utah night sky: Being a certified International Dark Sky Park, Arches offers phenomenal night skies and gives you an unobstructed view of the Milky Way.
- Take Marvelous photos of the sunrise and/or sunset: Capture the glowing red rock formation at the golden hours of the day at some of the most popular spots, Turret Arch, Delicate Arch, and even Park Avenue.
Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp – Near Zion National Park
Sitting on a 1,200-acre working ranch in Virgin, Utah, this campground is not only eco-friendly, but it also provides many panoramic views of Zion National Park. This “Eco-Camp” accommodates the tent campers and those with RVs. Giving you a rustic experience with a clean facility and the unique ambience of the nearby grazing cattle.
Being located near Zion National Park, here are 5 activities to try out nearby:
- Hike Angels Landing: known for being one of the famous and thrilling hikes in the U.S., this steep climb with chains along the narrow ridges rewards you with the most breathtaking views of Zion Canyon. Note: a permit is required.
- Walk The Narrows: Hike the Virgin River through towering canyon walls, giving you the ability to go as far upstream as you would like.
- Take the Scenic Drive through Zion Canyon: Take the park shuttle along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, stopping at landmarks such as Court of the Patriarchs, Big Ben, and Weeping Rock.
- Do the Observation Point Hike: This challenging trail leads to a higher viewpoint than Angels Landing, offering panoramic views without the exposure to heights.
- Try out the Canyon Overlook Trail: This short, family-friendly hike gives stunning views of Zion Canyon.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Located near Bryce Canyon, the Kodachrome Basin is renowned for its colorful rock formations and the unique “sand pipes”. Featuring a spacious and private campsite with full hookups! With these features, this campsite makes it a favorite amongst RV travelers.
As a hidden gem in southern Utah, there are numerous activities to explore. Here are a handful to check out:
- Hike the Angel’s Palace Trail: With the views of the basin and marvelous spires, this 1.5-mile loop is perfect for those looking for a short and easy hike.
- Explore the Shakespeare Arch-Sentinel Trail: Featuring a natural arch, this 1.7-mile loop offers great scenery, such as the rock formations.
- Visit the Sand Pipes: Walk among the park’s famous 67 sandstone spires, or known as sand pipes. They were believed to be ancient geysers that had solidified over time, giving each sand pipe a unique shape and color.
- Try out Mountain Biking: Along with hiking, some of the trails, including the Panorama Trail and the Grand Parade Trail, you can also bike these trails, giving you the opportunity for fun routes through the desert scenery.
- Enjoy the night sky with some Stargazing: With low light pollution, the Kodachrome Basin is perfect for night sky viewing. Tip: bring a telescope to get to see the Milky Way in a more upclose view.
Sand Hollow State Park
Located in Hurricane, this park showcases the vibrant red sand beaches and clear blue waters, similar to a Hawaiian paradise. This park also offers a few lodging options, including yurts, cabins, and well-equipped campsites. Campers are able to engage in many activities, such as ATV riding, boating, and diving.
If you enjoy both water and land adventures, then here are some activities to do in Sand Hollow:
- Boating and Jet Skiing: Sand Hollow’s large, warm-water reservoir is the perfect spot for boating, jet skiing, and tubing. Note: Rentals are available at the marina if you don’t have your own gear.
- ATV and UTV Riding on Sand Mountain: Get the chance to explore miles upon miles of the red sand dunes right next to the reservoir. Sand Hollow is one of Utah’s premier spots for off-roading trails for all skill levels.
- Swimming and Beach Relaxing: Enjoy a picnic by the shore, while getting to swim in the clear blue water with the unique red sand beaches, making it a great spot for families.
- Check out the Fishing Spots: Get the chance to fish from the shore, a boat or the fishing dock. Cast a line for bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.
- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Sand Hollow is one of the few inland spots in Utah, believe it or not, where you can scuba dive! Explore the underwater features, including sunken vehicles and rock formations in the reservoir.
Mirror Lake & Washington Lake – Uinta Mountains
Roughly 75 minutes from Salt Lake City, these lakes offer a serene camping experience of the alpine scenery. These developed campgrounds provide amenities, but campers who stay should be prepared for some cold nights.
Here are 5 activities to enjoy in Mirror Lake:
- Do some Fishing: Mirror Lake is well-known for trout fishing, including brook, rainbow, and tiger trout. Fish from the shore, off the dam, or from a non-motorized boat.
- Hiking Mirror Lake Loop Trail: This 1.5-mile trail circles the lake while offering you peaceful views.
- Try Kayaking and/or Canoeing: If you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or even paddleboating, then Mirror Lake is the perfect spot for you to do so.
- Drive the Scenic Byway (SR-150): Take a drive along Mirror Lake’s Scenic Byway for the breathtaking vistas and the alpine meadows.
- Get Some Beautiful Pictures: While driving the Scenic Byway, enjoy some photo-worthy stops at the lakes, overlooks, and waterfalls along the route.
Washington Lake offers the same style of activities as Mirror Lake.
With the variety of camping spots and the numerous activities you can enjoy, there are so many wonderful and fun memories to be made.
From camping under the stars at the campground in Arches National Park and Zion National Park, exploring trails in Kodachrome Basin, off-roading in Sand Hollow, to enjoying life straight in nature at the campsites in Mirror Lake and Washington Lake, there are many spots for you to explore the camping experience.
If you are looking for some more activities to do while camping in Utah, then Utah Luxury Tours has something for you. Offering private tours, specialty tours, scheduled tours, and even train tours, there is something for everyone! To book one of these tours, visit Utah Luxury Tours, email us at “quoterequest@utahluxurytours.com” or call us at (435) 940-4212 for more inquiries.
