Utah is known for many things: its nickname, the Beehive State, world-class skiing, and many winding canyons. But what makes Utah one of the greatest destinations for nature lovers and appreciators, is its diverse landscapes as the point at which three distinct geographical regions meet, the Rocky Mountains, the Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau.
Travel from the northern snow peaks to the magnificent rock formations in the desert and all the way to the forests that sweep across the mountain valleys. There is no shortage of camping and exploring experiences in the great state of Utah. There just might be too many good places to choose and you might be left not knowing which one to visit!
Try narrowing down your choices first by deciding which natural wonders you want to see and sleep under. Consider the following popular Utah campgrounds:
Watchman Campground in Zion National Park
Marvel at the gargantuan sandstone cliffs that almost sparkle cream, pink, and red all the way up to the sky then glow as the sun rises and sets at Zion National Park. With camping sites available all year at $20 a night or $30 a night for an electric site, Watchman Campground sites get booked up quickly and campers are advised to reserve early to guarantee a spot. There’s access to all three hiking trails: The Watchman Trail, the Archeology Trail, and the Pa’rus Trail, the last of which allows dogs!
Devils Garden Campground in Arches National Park
Situated in the heart of Arches National Park, the Devils Garden Campground has 51 campsites among the natural sandstone arches and fins. Arches National Park is home to the highest concentration of natural arch formations where the elevation is about 5200 ft. Utah juniper and pinyon pine trees are spotted across the desert along with the desert wildflowers like yucca and cacti with brightly colored prickly pears flowering that contrasts the red rock desert.
Hike across the many trails including the scenic Broken Arch Trail or the others that range in levels of difficulty. Devils Garden provides paved roads throughout the campground for convenient access for all types of travelers. There are flush toilets and drinking water, but no showers or any RV hookups.
Goblin Valley
A unique ominous state park, Goblin Valley attracts visitors to its geological formations that boggle the mind. Covered in sandstone goblins, explore the Mars-like landscape and camp among rocks eroded over thousands of years to make them into the spectacular shapes they are today. There are 21 campsites, flushable toilets, and showers. Come with lots of water to experience the dry, hot environment.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
You won’t be able to put down your camera when you walk barefoot across the soft, orange red sand dunes that’s spans across 3,000-acres. An outcome from the ever-eroding Navajo sandstone cliffs, appreciate the natural beauty as you walk through the pinion and ponderosa pines and juniper. Go completely off-road and camp overnight among the red cliffs. There are 22 campsites, flushable toilets, showers, and has a resident park ranger.
