Camping in Southern, Utah
Canyons, hot summer weathers, freezing winters, creepy desert crawlies, monolithic stone spires, sweat, and sand, that’s what makes up Southern Utah. And camping in this exotic terrain can be both challenging and rewarding for the adventurous traveler within.
It’s also important to note the aspiring sunsets in Southern Utah where the sun’s light hits the rock formations perfectly, creating an exquisite array of gold and orange color, complemented by the fiery clouds on the horizon.
The views and scenery in Southern Utah’s campgrounds will definitely leave you jaw-dropping and coming back for a more desert-canyon-packed camping experience. With that said, here are some of the recommended campgrounds to undertake in Southern Utah.
Watchman Campground-Zion National Park
- Campground Entrance Fee: $20-$30 per camper/s
- RV and Car Accessibility: The campground is accessible by vehicles
- Toiletries, Water, and Campsite Facilities: Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Fire Rings, Restrooms, Amphitheater, Dump Station, Fire Wood, Tables, BBQ Grills
- Cellphone Reception: Moderate-Good Signal
- Best Seasons: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October)
For campers planning to travel in Southern Utah, Watchman Campground is the campsite suggested by most trekkers. The campground is located near the park’s south entrance. Those who are near the Visitor’s Center can easily walk towards the site. Watchman Campground has 189 campsites set aside for campers. The campground also allows RV Camping in the area.
There is a free shuttle in the visitor’s area for those who want to view the peak season’s main canyon. Make sure to reserve the campground for your weekend travels ahead of time since they can quickly be flooded by campers in their seasonal months.
Devil’s Garden Campground-Washington County
- Campground Entrance Fee: $25 per camper
- RV and Car Accessibility: The campground is accessible by vehicles
- Toiletries, Water, and Campsite Facilities: Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Picnic Table
- Cell Phone Reception: Moderate-Good Signal
- Best Seasons: Summer (August) and Fall (September-November)
Planning to have an adventure of a lifetime? Then the Devil’s Garden is the campground for you. Devil’s Garden’s view can be breathtaking, and camping there will definitely be worth the trip.
You will find the campground by first heading up to the Arches Visitor Center located in the Arches National Park. From there, head up to the very end of the park road, which is 18 miles north of the center. In the campground entrance, a picnic area can be located just a few distances away.
Angels Landing-Zion National Park
- Campground Entrance Fee: No Fee Campground
- RV and Car Accessibility: The campground is not accessible by vehicles
- Toiletries, Water, and Campsite Facilities: Drinking Water and Restrooms (Grotto)
- Cell Phone Reception: No-Weak Signal
- Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November)
If you are looking for some thrill and danger, then the challenging Angels Landing is the campsite you are looking for. It’s a rare experience to camp on top of a 1000-foot rock formation located in Zion National Park.
What makes Angels Landing a treacherous trip is a steep trail leading to the peak of the rock formation. But it’s definitely guaranteed that reaching the top would be a worthwhile escapade for the thrill-seeker.
Westside Campground-Sand Hollow State Park
- Campground Entrance Fee: $30 per camper
- RV and Car Accessibility: The campground is accessible by vehicles
- Toiletries, Water, and Campsite Facilities: Dump Station, Showers, Tents, Fishing, Electricity (50 AMP), Water, Restrooms, Boat Launch
- Cell Phone Reception: No-Moderate Signal
- Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November)
Camping in the same setting where all you see are rocks and sand can bore even the most enthusiastic camper. So, here’s a more diverse location that would excite your adventure spirits when camping.
Trailers in Southern Utah recommend Westside Campground located in Sand Hollow State Park; it’s a place for campers who want to find camping, sunset, and lakes all in one trip.
The park has a vast landscape, so there’s no need to worry about separating from your vehicle. You can drive them on the sand and park there too.
There are tons of activities to do at the campground. Campers can bring their mountain bikes and ride around the park. Fishing is also a leisure way of enjoying the park’s lake, and for swimmers, it’s recommended that bringing your wetsuits is a plus since the park also accommodates water sports.
Kayenta Campground–Dead Horse Point National Park
- Campground Entrance Fee: $15-$20 per camper
- RV and Car Accessibility: The campground is accessible by vehicles
- Toiletries, Water, and Campsite Facilities: Toilets, Dump Station, Biking Trails, Hiking Trails, Picnic Areas, Visitor Center, Grills, Tent Pads
- Cell Phone Reception: No-Weak Signal
- Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) Summer (June-July)
Given its unusual name, Dead Horse Point holds a stunning view for the eye-catcher. From the park’s unique rock formations, you will also see the famous Canyonlands National Park and not to mention the fantastic sunset in the afternoon that will leave you breathless in the end.
The campground has 20-25 campsites with electrical hookups (50/30/20 AMP) for use. There is no need to worry about parking since the camp can accommodate vehicles and trailers as large as 105 feet. You can check-in at 3:00 pm and check out at 12:00pm.
Cedar Mesa Campground-Capitol Reef National Park
- Campground Entrance Fee: No Fee Campground
- RV and Car Accessibility: The campground is accessible by vehicles
- Toiletries, Water, and Campsite Facilities: Pit Toilet, Picnic Tables, Fire Grates
- Cellphone Reception: No Signal
- Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Summer (June-July)
Cedar Mesa Campground is elevated to 5,500 feet and is located near Notom-Bullfrog Road. It is located in a remote area in Capitol Reef National Park. One of the park’s defining features is the huge sandstones-the site’s main attraction.
The campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. One of the recommended activities to do in the campground is hiking the Red Canyon that leads to a large box canyon.
Cathedral Valley Campground-Capitol Reef National Park
- Campground Entrance fee: No Fee Campground
- RV and Car Accessibility: The campground is not accessible by vehicles
- Toiletries, Water, and Camping Facilities: Toilet Pit, Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Electricity, Showers
- Cell Phone Reception: Weak Signal
- Best Seasons: Spring (March-May)
One of the main attractions of the campground is the sandstone monoliths. The valley holds a rugged terrain landscape that vehicles may not be accessible in certain seasons of the year.
It is best to prepare a few weeks before camping since the campground has not many adequate supplies, and in cases of emergencies, help may take a long time.
Another thing to note about the campground is their weak signal reception, so be sure to prepare some emergency kits.
Goblin Valley Campground-Goblin Valley State Park
- Campground Entrance Fee: $15 per car
- RV and Car Accessibility: The campground is accessible by vehicles
- Toiletries, Water, and Camping Facilities: Yurts, Electricity, Showers, Flush Toilets, Amphitheater
- Cell Phone Reception: No-Weak Signal
- Best Seasons: Summer (June-August) and Fall (September-October)
The Goblin Valley State Park is best for campers who find scenic and out of this world views. Those who plan on bringing their seniors to the campground will get a discounted price.
The name of the park has an explanation for it. The area in the State Park has soft sandstone, and because of erosion and weathering, it has formed weird and eerie-looking rock formations, some resembling the shapes of goblins.
Mule Canyon Ruins and House on Fire-Mule Canyon
- Campground Entrance Fee: No Fee Campground
- RV and Car Accessibility: The campground is accessible by vehicles
- Toiletries, Water, and Campsite Facilities: Shelter, Picnic Tables, Pit Toilet
- Cell Phone Reception: No-Moderate Signal
- Best Seasons: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September)
Mule Canyon Ruins holds a spectacular view of historical backgrounds and figures of the ancient past. The historic sites were said to be inhabited by Native Americans in the past. Today, the old stone houses and the famous “House on Fire” has become a widely known tourist attraction in the area.
The only setback to the site is the weak LTE signals and indefinite accessibility of RVs and other vehicles. *Make sure to look ahead of the trail to be certain of your vehicle’s access and parking.
The Needless Campground-Canyonland National Park
- Campground Entrance Fee: $20 per night
- RV and Car Accessibility: The campground is accessible by vehicles *not more than 28 feet Toiletries, Water, and Campsite Facilities: Toilets, Water (Seasonal), Trash Collection, Amphitheater, Dump Station
- Cellphone Reception: No-Weak Signal
- Best Seasons: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October)
Canyonlands National Park can be found in the Southeastern Part of Utah. One of the most recommended campgrounds in the park is the Needless Campground. The site reserves two sites for PWDs up until 8 pm; after 8 pm, the site is now open for everyone. The road leading to the campground is cemented, which will allow easy access for automobiles and motorcycles.
Fruita Campground-Capitol Reef National Park
- Campground Entrance Fee: $20 per night
- RV and Car Accessibility: The campground is accessible by vehicles
- Toiletries, Water, and Campsite Facilities: Water, Dump Station, Restrooms
- Cell Phone Reception: No Signal
- Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-October)
The Fruita Campground is the only campground to have been fully developed in Capitol Reef National Park. The campground has available parking space for those who intend to bring their RVs and vehicles to the campsite.
There are 70-75 available sites in the Fruita Campground, and each of the sites has an open grate, sewage, tables, and fire rings for those who want some nice cooked barbecue at night.
Lava Point Campground-Zion National Park
- Campground Entrance Fee: No Fee Campground
- RV and Car Accessibility: The campground is accessible by vehicles *not more than 20 feet
- Toiletries, Water, and Campsite Facilities: Dump Station, Restrooms, Trash, Picnic Table, Fire Ring
- Cell Phone Reception: No-Weak Signal
- Best Seasons: Summer (June-August) and Fall (September-October)
The Campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, and there are 6 primitive campsites available for campers. The campground is accessible by vehicles no longer than 20 feet. When you plan to embark on Lava Point Campground, make sure to bring plenty of water since there is no available water in the campground.
Author
Yasha
Evangel Ross Espedido is a nature lover, traveler, and food enthusiast. At a young age, he has been exposed to the beauty of mother nature. His passion for writing and traveling has always been his forte ever since. Other than traveling, he also goes scuba diving as a hobby. His motto when traveling places is, “Take nothing but photos-Leave nothing but footprints.”
