Ready to discover the most beautiful places to camp in Utah? You’re in for a treat. Utah is basically nature showing off with red rock arches that seem to defy gravity, canyons that’ll make your jaw drop, and mountain peaks that touch the clouds. From desert camping under starlit skies to alpine escapes in the mountains, Utah’s best camping spots need to be seen to be believed.
Here are the the most incredible camping destinations in Utah that’ll make your Instagram followers seriously jealous (and more importantly, give you memories to last a lifetime).
1. Zion National Park
Let’s start with the crown jewel of Utah camping. Picture this: you unzip your tent in the morning and look up at massive red cliffs that seem to stretch to infinity. That’s camping in Zion for you. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel tiny in the best possible way.
Snag a spot at Watchman or South Campground and you’ll be right in the action. These campgrounds are perfectly positioned for everything you’ll want to do, from tackling the heart-pumping Angels Landing hike to wading through The Narrows (which feels like the coolest natural water park you’ll ever visit).
The best part? You can ditch your car and hop on the free shuttle to explore. Visit in spring or fall to avoid the crowds and catch perfect hiking weather, or brave the summer heat for a chance to cool off in the Virgin River’s refreshing pools.
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
The stone forests of Bryce Canyon create one of the most surreal camping experiences you’ll find anywhere. North and Sunset Campgrounds put you steps away from the most mind-bending rock formations you’ll ever see. They’re called hoodoos, and they look like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss book.
At over 8,000 feet elevation, you’ll find perfect summer temperatures and some seriously epic stargazing. Pro tip: set your alarm for sunrise. Yes, it’s early, but watching the first light hit those orange and pink spires is a show you don’t want to miss.
The night sky here is so dark you’ll see more stars than you thought possible, making this one of Utah’s best camping spots for both daytime and nighttime views.
3. Arches National Park
Devils Garden Campground in Arches feels like camping on another planet. You’re literally surrounded by more than 2,000 natural stone arches, and each one seems cooler than the last.
Grab your camera and head out for sunrise or sunset. That’s when the red rocks really pop and you’ll get those shots that’ll make everyone back home wish they were here. Delicate Arch might be the park’s superstar (and for good reason), but don’t miss Landscape Arch either. It’s so long and thin it seems impossible that it’s still standing.
Pack your headlamp because you’ll want to do some night hiking here. The rocks against the star-filled desert sky create the kind of views that make you question whether you’re still on Earth.
4. Dead Horse Point State Park
The views from Dead Horse Point will stop you in your tracks. The campgrounds here offer some of the most stunning sunrise vistas you’ll ever witness from your tent door.
The Kayenta and Wingate Campgrounds give you front-row seats to views that rival the Grand Canyon (honestly, some people think they’re even better). Plus, you’re just a short drive from Moab when you need to restock supplies or grab a burger.
Mountain biking enthusiasts, you’re in luck. The park’s trail system offers some of the most scenic riding in Utah. And if you’re into photography, the overlooks here will keep you busy for days.
5. Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef might be Utah’s best-kept secret. The Fruita Campground sits in historic orchards where you can actually pick fresh fruit in season (how cool is that?).
Imagine waking up surrounded by massive sandstone domes and white rock monoliths. The park’s remote location gives you some of the darkest night skies in the state, perfect for stargazing after a day of exploring slot canyons and petroglyphs.
Don’t forget to grab a famous pie from the Gifford House. Nothing beats enjoying a slice of locally made fruit pie while watching the sunset paint the castle-like rock formations.
6. Lake Powell and Glen Canyon
Your perfect beach vacation awaits at Lake Powell, but not the kind you might expect. This massive desert lake creates a wonderland of blue water mixed with red rock canyons that’ll blow your mind.
Wahweap and Bullfrog Campgrounds give you the perfect base for exploring this massive lake. Launch your kayak right from your campsite and paddle into narrow slot canyons filled with crystal clear water. The contrast of red rocks against blue water creates scenes that seem almost too perfect to be real.
Summer brings perfect conditions for water sports, while spring and fall offer ideal temperatures for hiking the surrounding canyon country.
7. Goblin Valley State Park
Welcome to nature’s ultimate playground. The rock formations in Goblin Valley look like an army of stone creatures frozen in time, creating one of the most unique camping experiences in Utah.
Kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) love scrambling around the “goblins.” These mushroom-shaped rocks create natural mazes perfect for exploration. Bring your sense of adventure and prepare to feel like you’re in a real-life video game.
The remote location means you’ll get incredible stargazing opportunities. The park often hosts star parties where you can look through telescopes and learn about the night sky.
8. Canyonlands National Park
Prepare to be amazed by the sheer scale of Canyonlands. Three distinct districts offer dramatically different camping experiences, each with its own personality and adventures waiting to be discovered.
Island in the Sky district gives you those classic overlook views, while The Needles lets you camp among towering rock spires. The remote Maze district? That’s for when you really want to get away from it all. Each campground feels like its own national park.
Sunrise here is absolutely magical, especially at Grand View Point. Watch the first light slowly illuminate layer after layer of canyons while you sip your morning coffee.
9. Monument Valley
The iconic towers and buttes of Monument Valley create the backdrop for some of Utah’s most memorable camping. The View Campground delivers exactly what its name promises, with perfect views of the Mittens buttes right from your tent.
This is Navajo Nation land, so you’ll get the chance to learn about the rich cultural history of the area. Take a guided tour to learn about the significance of these magnificent rock formations and the stories they hold.
The sunset here is simply unbeatable. Watching the last light hit those massive sandstone buttes while the desert goes quiet is something you’ll never forget.
10. Moab
Adventure seekers, this is your paradise. Moab serves as the perfect base camp for exploring some of Utah’s most incredible outdoor playgrounds, with camping options ranging from riverside spots to high-desert hideaways.
You’ll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore multiple national parks, epic mountain biking trails, and world-class rock climbing spots. The hardest part? Deciding what to do first.
Pro tip: try Kane Creek Road for camping spots right by the river, or head up into the La Sal Mountains when you need a break from the desert heat.
11. Grand Staircase-Escalante
Stretching across nearly two million acres, Grand Staircase-Escalante offers endless possibilities for camping adventures. From the colorful cliffs of the Escalante River to the remote Hole-in-the-Rock Road, you’ll find your own slice of desert paradise.
Calf Creek Recreation Area provides a developed campground near one of Utah’s most beautiful waterfalls. For the more adventurous, numerous primitive camping spots dot the monument’s vast landscape.
This place is huge, so take your time. Explore slot canyons, chase waterfalls, and discover rock art panels. The best part? You can often find complete solitude, even in peak season.
12. Cedar Breaks National Monument
Perched at over 10,000 feet, Cedar Breaks offers a completely different Utah camping experience. Point Supreme Campground sits on the rim of a natural amphitheater that looks like it was painted by giants.
The wildflower displays in summer are absolutely incredible, with entire meadows bursting with color. Bundle up though, because even summer nights get chilly at this elevation.
The trade-off for those cool temperatures? Some of the clearest, starriest skies you’ll ever see, making this one of Utah’s best camping spots for stargazers.
13. Kodachrome Basin State Park
This hidden gem of Utah’s state park system delivers colors so vibrant they named it after camera film. Basin Campground and Bryce View Campground both offer killer views, and you won’t have to fight the crowds you’ll find at nearby Bryce Canyon.
The park’s quiet atmosphere lets you really soak in the scenery. Unique sand pipes and red rock spires create an otherworldly landscape that’s perfect for photography and hiking.
Don’t miss the Angel’s Palace Trail for sunrise. The morning light on the multicolored rocks shows you exactly why they named this place after Kodachrome.
14. Mount Timpanogos Wilderness
Trading red rocks for alpine meadows, Mount Timpanogos offers a refreshing mountain escape. Several campgrounds in American Fork Canyon give you easy access to trails leading into the wilderness.
Time your visit for wildflower season (usually July and August) and you’ll see why locals rave about this place. The combination of wildflower-filled meadows, crystal clear streams, and towering peaks creates a mountain paradise.
The hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding. Even if you don’t make it to the top, the views along the way will make your camping trip unforgettable.
15. Snow Canyon State Park
Tucked away near St. George, Snow Canyon combines red and white sandstone cliffs with ancient lava flows to create a unique camping landscape. The campground here puts you close to everything: hiking trails, climbing routes, and even sand dunes.
The mix of desert and mountain scenery creates a uniquely beautiful landscape that photographers love. Winter camping here is especially pleasant, with mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities.
Keep your eyes peeled for desert tortoises! These fascinating creatures call the park home, adding another layer of interest to your camping adventure.
16. Valley of the Gods
Solitude seekers will find their paradise in the Valley of the Gods. This less-visited cousin to Monument Valley offers free dispersed camping with views that rival its more famous neighbor.
Pick your spot anywhere among the towering buttes and spires. There are no designated sites, so you can find that perfect view all for yourself. Just remember to bring everything you need, including water.
Sunset and sunrise are magical here, with long shadows creating an ever-changing light show on the red rock formations.
17. High Uintas Wilderness
The magnificent High Uintas stand as Utah’s alpine crown jewels. Mirror Lake and Trial Lake campgrounds give you easy access to fishing, hiking, and mountain views that’ll make you forget you’re in the same state as the desert parks.
Countless lakes, streams, and peaks await exploration. Summer brings perfect temperatures and amazing wildflower displays that carpet the high meadows.
Just remember to pack for any weather, as mountain storms can roll in quickly. The changing conditions just add to the adventure of camping in Utah’s highest range.
18. Natural Bridges National Monument
Three massive natural bridges await at this remote dark sky paradise. The small campground here offers peaceful desert camping with easy access to some of the most impressive rock spans in the world.
The park holds the distinction of being the first International Dark Sky Park ever designated. The night sky here is so dark and clear that you can often see the Milky Way reflected in the canyon below.
Take the Bridge View Drive loop to all three bridges, but save some energy for the short hikes down to view them up close. Each one has its own personality and photo opportunities.
19. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Mother Nature got creative with her color palette at Coral Pink Sand Dunes. The campground sits right next to massive sand dunes that really do have a coral pink hue, creating one of Utah’s most unique camping experiences.
Bring your sandboard or just enjoy watching the sunset turn the dunes into waves of color. ATV enthusiasts can ride right from their campsite onto designated dune areas.
The contrast between the pink sand and blue sky creates some amazing photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
20. Bears Ears National Monument
History and nature blend seamlessly at Bears Ears National Monument. This vast landscape offers dispersed camping near countless archaeological sites and natural wonders.
While you’ll need to be self-sufficient (there are no developed campgrounds), the reward is solitude among some of Utah’s most significant cultural landscapes. Just remember to respect and protect the archaeological sites.
The dark night skies and quiet surroundings make this one of Utah’s best spots for truly getting away from it all.
21. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
A water lover’s paradise awaits at Flaming Gorge. Numerous campgrounds along its massive reservoir offer the perfect mix of water activities and scenic beauty, with red cliffs and forested shores creating a stunning backdrop.
Mustang Ridge and Lucerne Valley campgrounds offer great water access and views. The fishing here is legendary, with huge lake trout and kokanee salmon waiting to be caught.
Summer brings perfect conditions for boating and swimming, while the surrounding hills offer great hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
22. Goosenecks State Park
Dramatic doesn’t begin to describe the views at Goosenecks State Park. The primitive campground sits right on the edge of a canyon where the San Juan River makes tight turns 1,000 feet below.
This is bare-bones camping (bring everything you need), but the views more than make up for it. Watch the sunset paint the canyon walls while turkey vultures soar on thermal updrafts below you.
The remote location means you’ll get some of the darkest night skies in Utah. Just don’t pitch your tent too close to the edge!
23. San Rafael Swell
The vast expanse of the San Rafael Swell holds endless adventures for intrepid campers. This massive area offers free dispersed camping among rock formations that rival any national park.
From the towering San Rafael Reef to hidden slot canyons, you’ll find endless places to explore. Goblin Valley and Little Wild Horse Canyon make perfect day trips from your camp.
Spring and fall offer perfect temperatures for exploring this massive area. Just bring good maps and plenty of water, because this is true desert wilderness.
