Best Camping In Utah

If you’re itching for a new sense of adventure and you’ve grown tired of all your favorite camping spots, it’s time to branch out.

Utah may not be at the top of your list, but nestled in its most rugged wilderness, you can find some of the most breathtaking camping spots imaginable.

If you’re not familiar with Utah, don’t worry – we’ve put together this list of some of our favorite camping spots in the area.

Kick back, relax, and get ready to be inspired as we walk you through some of the best camping spots in all of Utah.

Grandstaff Campground

Just 6 miles from Downtown Moab and the Arches National Park is the Grandstaff Campground. This popular camping hotspot boasts plenty of nearby attractions, and some beautiful views to keep you company.

The Grandstaff has a 24 feet length limit, which means it’s a tent-only camping spot. However, if you’re planning on taking your van with you, you can do so.

Wondering what makes the Grandstaff Campground so popular? Once you pitch up your tent, you’ll be soaking in the views of the Colorado River, with plenty of trees to provide some welcome shade in the summer heat.

There are no amenities here for your luxury, so you’ll have to bring everything yourself – but the Grandstaff Campground provides a very ambient, back-to-basics-style camping experience.

Note: the campground has 17 spaces, all of which are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Valley Of The Gods

The Valley of the Gods certainly lives up to its name. This Red Dead Redemption-esque landscape is perfect for campers who want a unique, western-style landscape to soak in.

The Valley of the Gods is drenched in unique landforms, and its 17-mile dirt road loop will take you on a breathtaking tour of its most unique spots.

The Valley of the Gods isn’t a well-known tourist destination, so you can expect a quieter camping trip compared to some of the more popular alternatives.

You’re free to camp wherever you want, but no campfires are allowed. Expect sandstone sentinels and massive monoliths for miles.

Because this isn’t a designated campsite, you’ll have to bring everything you need yourself. Please remember to treat this incredible landscape with respect and clean up after yourself once you’re finished.

Lake Powell

Next up, we have Lake Powell. If you want to camp by the water, and watch the sunrise over the landforms each morning, this is the place for you.

Lake Powell offers some of the most beautiful views in the whole of Utah – all you need to do is drive onto the beach, pick your spot, and camp up. No reservations, no fuss – Lake Powell is your Oyster.

Although Lake Powell can get pretty busy in the summer, you’ll always find a nice spot to settle down in. While you won’t need to make a reservation, you will need to pay a $10 fee to get on to the beach.

If Lake Powell gets a bit too busy for your liking, you can visit Wahweap Marina (just eight miles south) to get a break from the madness and get stuck into some watersports!

Lake Powell is a beautiful spot, and it’s ideal for solo campers, couples, and familiar alike. Simply turn off Highway 89, go onto Lone Rock Beach Road, and you’ll be there!

Cecret Lake

If beach camping isn’t your thing, and you want to incorporate some hiking into your stay, why not hike up to and camp at Cecret lake?

Cecret Lake can be found in Alta, Utah. If you’re planning on camping during the spring or the summer, you can expect plenty of good weather, mountains of wildflowers, and awe-inspiring views of the Albion Basin.

To get to Cecret Lake, you’ll need to drive to Albion Basin, above the Alta Ski Resort. From here, you’ll hike for just under a mile to the lake – this will only take you about 30 minutes, so don’t worry, it’s not too intense!

Your hike will take you through some of the most glorious spots, laden with wildlife, flowers, and plenty of trees.

Unfortunately, Cecret lake is not so secret. Most locals (and tourists) know about this gem, meaning it can get pretty busy!

Don’t let this deter you from visiting – Cecret lake has so much to offer, and you deserve to see it for yourself!

Zion’s Watchman

Last but definitely not least, we have Zion’s Watchman. Just look at that view!

Zion’s Watchman (also called Watchman Campground) is a popular campground nestled in Zion National Park.

Here, you can set yourself up with your humble tent or an all-electric rig between March and November. There are 176 sites here, and each one has space for a tent/RV, a fire ring, and a picnic table.

If you camp here, you’ll have some of the most gorgeous views of Utah straight from your tent.

With an abundance of sandstone cliffs, unbeatable sunrises and sunsets, and remarkable wildlife, there’s so much to love about this camping spot.

It may not always be quiet, but it’s spacious, well-maintained, and perfect for families or those who don’t want to be as rural.

In the morning, the Watchman cliffs glow red with the sunrise. If you want to explore more viewpoints, you’ll have the Watchman Trail and Canyon Junction Bridge, just a short distance from the campsite.

Whatever way you look, there’s a jaw-dropping site to behold!

The Bottom Line

There are many things to love about Utah, and its jaw-dropping views are just one of them. If you want to make the most of Utah’s well-loved landscapes, make sure your next camping trip is at one of these hotspots.

Whether you want a remote, rural getaway, or a traditional campsite with all amenities included, you’ll find at least one campsite on this list that ticks the box.

So, pack up your gear and get the engine running – Utah’s hottest landscapes await you!