The 5 Best Places to Camp in Utah this Summer

Written by Cindy Rasmussen
Published: September 12, 2022
© silky/Shutterstock.com
Share this post on:

Advertisement


Utah has some of the most beautiful National Parks in the United States with Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Glen Canyon National Parks being some of the most visited. Salt Lake City and Provo are also frequently visited by locals and tourists. If you are looking for some amazing camping, there are many options in Utah. Here are the 5 best places to camp in Utah this summer!

1) Bryce Canyon National Park: North Campground and Sunset Campground

Bryce Canyon National Park - Inspiration Point
One of the best places to camp in Utah this summer is Bryce Canyon National Park. Look at those views!

©Margaret.Wiktor/Shutterstock.com

One of the most famous sites at Bryce Canyon National Park is the “hoodoos” which are unique red rock formations that look like rock spires in rows and rows. There are several hiking trails to hike through the rocks and reach overlooks to see as far as you can see. Look for hawks and bald eagles swooping around at Sunset Point where the sun changes the color of the rocks at sunset. There are arches and natural bridges to walk under and explore.

To spend a few days in the park you can camp at the North Campground or the Sunset Campground. Both have sites for RV’s and Tents with restrooms and water on site. The North Campground takes reservations in the summer, but the Sunset camp is first come first serve. Be prepared for the hot temps and bring lots of water when hiking. A camera or your phone is a must for taking amazing pictures throughout the park.

LocationSouthcentral Utah
Nearest CityBryce
North Campground107 sites, Reservation-based in the summer
Sunset Campground110 sites, First come first serve, closed in the winter
Backcountry campingYes
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, water
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes at the North Campground
What makes it one of the bestCamping alongside the spiked hoodoos!

2) Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell: Bullfrog RV and Campground

Lake Powell
You can see why camping at Glen Canyon and Lake Powell are amazing places to visit.

©Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock.com

On the far southern border of Utah is the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell. Most summers Lake Powell is a thriving recreational lake but due to the long ongoing drought and climate change the lake is at critically low levels. This summer is a good time to visit so you can see the effects of the drought and still enjoy the lake by boating, fishing and paddling, but check the website for updates to see which boat ramps offer the best access.

There are several National Park Service campgrounds in the park, and you can camp along the shores of the Colorado River, but for more modern camping the Bullfrog RV and Campground is a great option. There is a variety of RV and tent sites (some with electric). Rent jet skis nearby to have some fun on the lake or just relax by the shores.

Location288 miles north of Wahweap
Nearest CityLake Powell
RV Park18 pull-through sites, 4 back-ins, electric
Campground80 concrete pad sites for RV or Tents
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, showers, water, camp store
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes, (camping along the shore in Glen Canyon does not require a reservation)
What makes it one of the bestAll the amenities for camping and all the beauty of the canyon.

3) Arches National Park: Devil’s Garden Campground

Arches National Park - Turret Arch
Arches National Park has some of the most unique rock formations. Look for kangaroo rats and ring-tails scurrying around the park.

©anthony heflin/Shutterstock.com

It is hard to describe all the rock formations and arches you will find in Arches National Park but there are more than 2,000 natural stone arches, spikey rock pinnacles and boulders balancing on smaller points. There are wildflowers that are suited to survive in the dry desert weather as well as some animals that prefer to only come out during the cooler nights like kangaroo rats, ring-tails, bobcats and owls.

There is one campground in the park, Devil’s Garden Campground, which has 51 sites that are usually full all summer long. Plan ahead to make your reservation so you can enjoy staying right in the park. The sites are spread out and mixed in with the rock formations, so it really is one of the best places to camp in Utah this summer!

LocationNorth of Moab
Nearest CityMoab
RV/Tent Sites51 total sites
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, pit toilets, water
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes, they usually are booked months in advance so plan ahead
What makes it one of the bestPopular place to camp right in Arches National Park.

4) Zion National Park: Watchman Campground

Zion National Park - Hidden Canyon Trail
Zion has some of the best overlooks in Utah. You can camp right along the Virgin River.

©VIKVAD/Shutterstock.com

There are three campgrounds in Zion National Park: Lava Point, South and Watchman. Watchman is one of the best places to camp in Utah this summer because it is conveniently located right by the visitor center. Some of the campsites are right along the Virgin River, which runs through Zion National Park. Grab your backpack for some of the best hiking trails with trailheads that start right near the visitor center. The views from the campground are beautiful, but just wait until you hike all the way to the overlook at Canyon Junction or Emerald Pools! Keep an eye out for some of the wildlife in the park like rock squirrels, ringtails and mule deer.

The campground has 65 RV only sites and 69 tent only sites spread out with access to restrooms and water. There is an amphitheater for programs and gatherings along the Virgin River. Zion has some of the best camping, hiking and wildlife viewing in the state.

LocationSW corner of Utah
Nearest CitySpringdale
RV only sites65 sites
Tent only sites69 sites
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, water
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes
What makes it one of the bestThe rewarding views after a day of hiking!

5) Salt Lake City KOA Holiday

Great Salt Lake Utah
If you want to float in the Great Salt Lake and check out all there is to see and do in Salt Lake City, then the KOA Holiday is one of the best places to camp in Utah this summer.

©iStock.com/beccarie

With all the unique parks in Utah don’t forget about the camping opportunities close to the cities. For a getaway near downtown Salt Lake City, you can stay at the KOA Holiday. This campground is located right along the Jordan River, in the northern part of the city just north of Hwy 80 and east of Hwy 215. Even though it is in the city, each campsite has large shade trees and access to the Jordan River Parkway Trail along the river. With the KOA as your home base you can visit the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island, Temple Square, Hogle Zoo, and the City Creek Mall.

Back at the campground you will have the option of RV or Tent sites as well as camping cabins and vacation rentals. The RV sites have full hookups, and the tent sites have water and electric. Stop by the camp store for pancakes in the morning, then swing by the pool in the afternoon for a cool swim. This is definitely one of the best places to camp in Utah this summer!

LocationNorth end of Salt Lake City
Nearest CitySalt Lake City
RV sitesYes, with full hookups
Tent sitesYes, with electric and water
Cabins and Vacation RentalsYes, basic cabins and vacation homes fully furnished with kitchen/bath
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, showers, laundry, camp store, swimming pool, hot tub
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes
What makes it one of the bestBest of both worlds: city and country life!

Up Next


Share this post on:
About the Author

I'm a Wildlife Conservation Author and Journalist, raising awareness about conservation by teaching others about the amazing animals we share the planet with. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris with a degree in Elementary Education and I am a former teacher. When I am not writing I love going to my kids' soccer games, watching movies, taking on DIY projects and running with our giant Labradoodle "Tango".

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. National Park Service, Available here: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm
  2. National Park Service, Available here: https://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/camping.htm
  3. National Park Service, Available here: https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm
  4. National Park Service, Available here: https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm
  5. Salt Lake City KOA Holiday, Available here: https://koa.com/campgrounds/salt-lake-city/