5 Must Visit Utah National Park Campgrounds
Utah is a great location for all the outdoorsy folk. As the home of 5 national parks all with beautiful campgrounds. There are endless options for those wishing to camp in Utah. Each park is practicing social distancing and upholding the mask mandate. Camping at any of Utah’s gorgeous national parks is a safe and fun experience for the entire family. There are many campgrounds available in and around the parks but it is recommended to plan ahead as they can fill quickly. Below are some of the many options available:
Arches National Park – Devils Garden Campground
The only campground inside Arches National Park is Devils Garden Campground. They offer reservations for standard ($25/night) campground up to 6 months in advance for March 1 to October 31. The site is first-come first-serve from November 1 to February 28. When offered it is highly recommended to make reservations or you may have to look at other campgrounds. Drinking water, picnic tables, grills, firepits, and flush toilets are available at the facilities.
Zion National Park – Watchman Campground
Watchman Campground is one of the three campsites available at Zion National Park. There are many campsites within the Watchman Campground, each with varying dates for reservations. Whether you are tent ($20/night) or RV ($30/night) camping, there are sites available to you. They even have wheelchair accessible sites and 6 group sites. With so many options available you are sure to find what you need. There are so many things to do a Zion National Park such as backpacking and hiking. Here are a few hiking essentials.
Capitol Reef National Park – Fruita Campground
Fruita Campground is the only developed campground at Capitol Reef National Park. Described as an oasis within the desert, this camp is sure to wow. There are picnic tables, firepits, and restrooms with running water and flush toilets. Busy season (March 1-October 31) has a 100% reservation system. For $20 per night and discounts available for pass holders.
Bryce Canyon National Park – Sunset Campground
Sunset Campground is located west of Sunset Point, with both RV ($30/night) and tent ($20/night) sites. A shuttle stop is available at the entrance for easy transport between the camp and Sunset Point. Reservations available during the busy season and closed in the winter. Various amenities available including a camp store. Bathrooms and water are portable.
Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground
Near the spectacular Green River Outlook, Island in the Sky Campground is a beautiful place to camp. Open year-round, first-come first-serve with no group sites. The nightly camping fee is $15 per night with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Spring through fall sites fill quickly but other campgrounds are available in and outside of the park.
Whether you camp within the grounds of Utah’s 5 beautiful National Parks or outside you are sure to find what you need. Hikes, outlooks, and more are located in abundance within each park. For further details on costs, amenities, reservations and more you can visit nps.gov.
For some additional fun while in Southern Utah National Parks stay the night for some stargazing!
