Desert camping in Utah with swimming
From lakes to mountains to desert plateaus, Utah’s great outdoors comes in many flavors.
97% (4482 reviews)
- Utah
97% (4482 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Utah
Available this weekend
Under $50
12 top desert campgrounds in Utah with swimming
97%
(3743)
Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp
57 sites · RVs, Tents1200 acres · Virgin, UT
Off Grid eco oriented camp on 1200 acres overlooking Zion National Park. Owned and operated by Bill Wright, a rancher whose family has farmed and ranched the land for several generations. A few minutes from Zion’s backcountry trails in the Kolob Terrace Region and approx. 40 minutes to the main gate of Zion NP. Bill Wright is the father of the legendary "Wright Brothers" the family of Professional Rodeo Saddle Bronc riders. You will often see Bill tending the land and moving cattle and horses from your campsite. This off the grid ranch has some of the most stunning views you'll ever encounter. Want a little adventure during your stay? Reserve a 2-hour horseback ride with Bill. He'll finish your ride with one of the most breathtaking vistas you can find of Zion National Park. Our property features many spaced out sites to choose from with bathrooms onsite. Pets and campfires are also allowed.
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$35
/ night
92%
(291)
Sandy Beach
46 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres · Scipio, UT
17 RV sites available for reservations. Easy to access 55 foot long sites. Each site has incredible lake views. Access to private sandy beach with jet ski, kayak, and paddle board rentals available. Fishing, water sports, views, and star gazing. Just a short distance from I-15 but worlds away from the hustle an bustle.
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$30
/ night
94%
(251)
Red Desert RV Park
8 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Moab, UT
Red Desert RV Park has expanded to 55 full hookup RV sites along with 14 cabins. We are geared towards outdoor adventurists and sightseers wanting a cost-effective stay while taking advantage of everything Moab has to offer!
We are locally owned by a family of 8 and love calling Moab our home. We understand the corporate overtaking that Moab has had in the last 5 years and plan to keep our campground affordably priced and locally owned. We have upgraded the old site plan from 7 RV sites to 55 Full Service RV sites this year. Most sites are pull through but we will have some back-ins. Our new bathhouse has a laundry, women's bathrooms and showers, men's bathrooms and showers, and an ADA compliant family style bathroom.
In addition to the new bathhouse, we have a new office and retail store where we sell souvenirs, RV supplies, snacks, drinks, ice, firewood, and other necessities for guests. We do not currently have propane fill on site.
We know that there are many options to choose from when it comes to staying in Moab. We urge people to support locally owned businesses that help Moab grow and solve problems that exist in our community. Moab is a recreation mecca with something for everyone and our little campground on the south end of the valley puts you within minutes of town, the mountains, and the red deserts around Moab.
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$45
/ night
96%
(232)
Mexican Hat Rocks
40 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Mexican Hat, UT
No need to reserve ahead of time! Camp spots are not marked but are obvious, choose site when you arrive, refer to map. Please respect No Trespassing signs!
Two (2) miles north of Mexican Hat, UT on Hwy 163, turn East, find your spot! Bigger Rigs: Keep to the right at the 'Y' as the road to the San Juan River is steep and a little bumpy!
Next to the Bears Ears National Monument, between Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley along the San Juan River is Mexican Hat where you can camp on private property...as this is NOT on the Navajo Reservation, alcohol is allowed.
So many things to see! Goosenecks State Park, Natural Bridges, Moki Dugway, Cedar Mesa!
Camp on this private estate that was founded in the 1890's by gold and oil prospectors and where John Wayne later crossed the river in several western movies! The night skies are unbeatable as is the quiet solitude that is sadly disappearing in other areas. Mexican Hat Rock and this portion of the San Juan River are accessible only through this estate that is open for your enjoyment, however, if you wish to camp we now ask for a small fee so we can keep it clean, maintain roads and continue our conservation efforts so all can enjoy it forever! Portable toilets are required!!! And please pick up after yourself, dogs and horses. Pack it in, pack it out. Respect your fellow campers and stay on obvious trails and roads, do know that part of this property is marked as 'No Trespassing', please respect signage. No fee is required for day trips to 'The Hat'.
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$18
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96%
(507)
Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
10 sites · RVs, Tents19 acres · Blanding, UT
Watch the sun come up over the Sleeping Ute Mountain in Colorado and enjoy a gorgeous sunset as the sun sets over the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. We are off the grid and have no electricity or water. Our graveled camping sites are easy to access. We are located next to a paved road. You do not need high clearance vehicles or 4-wheel drive.
Camp in a natural high desert environment consisting of cedar and pinion trees, Brigham tea, sagebrush, etc. Great views of the night sky. An ancient Indian mound is on site. The Five Kiva Ruin and Nations Natural Bridge are within hiking distance. Minutes away is the town of Blanding with restaurants, hospital, gas stations and a dump station.
Its only a short drive to five different National Monuments: Bears Ears, Natural Bridges, Rainbow Bridge, Hovenweep, and Canyon of The Ancients. Take a scenic drive over the Blue Mountain and Elk Ridge.
Southeastern Utah is full of archeology history to hike and explore.
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$25
/ night
95%
(54)
Paria River Ranch
29 sites · RVs, Tents26 acres · Kanab, UT
Paria River Ranch is a working ranch that offers access to world class trails and some of the most unique riding in the Paria Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. We offer a limited number of 30 AMP Hookups and have an RV dump. Please come visit us at this magical place.
Check out our other site accommodations to find the best stay for what you are looking for! We offer dry camping and also RV camping options. Look for our other sites to book!
Bring your horses and mules and enjoy the beautiful trails. We offer 12x12 pipe corrals and have some larger corrals for 2 or 3 horses/mules. You provide everything. We will pick up manure outside of your corral once a day.
*Horses and Mules have an additional charge of $15 per animal*
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$40
/ night
96%
(39)
Mountainous Creek Canyon
2 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Fruitland, UT
Hello, campers! This is an amazing place to camp and relax, away from busy city life, full of tall sage and pine. both campsites have access to the peninsula, where you can enjoy a beautiful 23' wide by 4' deep creek perfect for tubing and fishing! This is a great place to bring ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, etc. to explore down the main road for site seeing! There is easy access to the other side of the creek over a walking bridge that opens up the larger portion of the acreage. Fire pits are available at each campsite (please keep fire in the pit at all times and fully extinguish after use). Close by you will find both Strawberry and Starvation Reservoirs just 10-20 mins away, both offer a variety of winter and summer sports. During the winter there is snowboard paragliding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing! During the summer amazing canyon hiking access just yards from your campsite, swimming, tubing, fishing, and boating! Wildlife watching can be amazing and regularly spotted throughout the property.
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$55
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100%
(10)
Fryer’s Ranch
1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · New Harmony, UT
Nestled 5 beautiful acres in a spread out horse neighborhood. This property sits where you can see amazing Mountain views on one side, and red rock plateaus and lava rock on the other.
Set in Dark Sky Community, it has amazing stargazing. 5 minute drive to the entrance of Zions National Park, Kolob side, and a short drive to many other amazing hiking areas like Kanarraville Falls,
Red Rock Canyon, and Zions and Bryce Canyon.
Quiet, secluded, and safe. Easy access from the neighborhood to BLM land, and endless trails. Dry stream bed down the road to explore by foot, horse, or ATV. (Street legal ATV/UTV’s can drive on the roads here, so you can take off right from the camp spot).
There is now an porta-potty available on the property! Please “leave no trace” principles. Thanks!
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$25
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100%
(24)
Hope Acres
3 sites · Lodging5 acres · Tabiona, UT
Looking for a Glamping experience? Hope Acres is in the tall Pinion Pines at 7800 feet atop of a Mesa in Northern Utah. Just minutes from 2 large Reservoirs, Strawberry and Starvation to include mountain lakes, rivers for fishing, boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, Swimming and other water activities. While the property lies in the middle of mountainous country there are many hiking trails as well as off road UTV and ATV trails for riding the back country. If your into sightseeing then this is the place, with many different species of wildlife that roam this beautiful landscape as well as a Birds Eye view of the high terrain that awaits you. Hope Acres has beautiful Bell Tents that are placed on elevated decks with comfortable queen beds and some twins. Each tent boasts air conditioning that provides the comforts of home while enjoying the outdoors. Each camp site offers a personal bathroom as well as a shower, picnic table, high speed internet, hammock, BBQ and outdoor sink, amenities for an enjoyable experience. If you are looking for a hideaway then come experience the beauty while relaxing and making memories at Hope Acres, we look forward to seeing you.
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$85
/ night
97%
(118)
Wind Walker Homestead
9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents170 acres · Spring City, UT
Wind Walker Homestead has been a destination resort for decades, but is now family owned and being updated and marketed for groups, couples, families, reunions, weddings, retreats or just a camping weekend away from the hussle of city life.
Elk, deer and many other species of wildlife are present at different times. With 170 acres, there is plenty of room to hike, bike and let the kids explore. Utah juniper and Cedar are the species of trees on this high desert landscape at 6000 foot elevation.
A newly renovated pool summer 2022 and new bathrooms, showers and laundry room added (in a 14 foot grain silo) by the pool spring 2022. We just added a basketball area and sand volleyball is summer 2022. Pickleball going in summer 2023.
8 new full hookup RV pads also going in summer 2023 and are now available with 30/50 amp service. Far enough away from the lights of surrounding towns of Spring City, Mt. Pleasant and Ephraim, the Milky Way and stars will amaze. Come and visit for a night or a week.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
- Cindy, Bob, Joe and Natalie
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$45
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97%
(565)
Adventure Haven RV
8 sites · RVs1 acre · La Sal, UT
Hello! Please note we are RV's only, and that we do not have restrooms. ALL five sites have FULL hookups and strong WiFi. We are 27 miles south of Moab. Please read to the bottom of this description, we are open about what this place is like and we care about your experience.
What kind of people LIKE the Adventure Haven? Those who like peace and quiet and dark skies. Relaxed full-time RVers, work-at-homes who need strong and fast WiFi, folks on a budget, those who like to support Hipcamp hosts, people looking for inside local information, solo travelers who want to feel safe yet not in a crowded place - like they’re near someone they know, and in a quiet, small town where unusual things are noticed.
What kind of people DON’T like the Adventure Haven? People on high-pressure vacations who did not read the listing and expected a commercial RV resort. People who are uncomfortable with rural eye-sores (old cars, and slow projects). People who like street lights, sidewalks and curb appeal. Party people and special event groups (not allowed here).
Let’s have a pretend conversation to make sure this place is a good fit for you!
James and Linda: Hello Hipcamper, did you read our listing? We are overstating things because we care about your experience and we know your trip is important. We are located in a funky rural subdivision that has a wonderful view of beautiful nearby mountains.
YOU: Yes we did read it and a rural, working class Utah vibe is fine with us. We’re not expecting a RV resort, we just want to be away from the noise and hustle of Moab, and we’re looking for a good value. What a great view of the mountain! (We’ll just ignore that old trailer across the street in the other direction.) The park has so much open space and only five spots! It is really relaxed. Wow - the WiFi is solid! We can work from home here; it is so reliable and fast (fiber optic). Your insider information on the area will be a great help to us; who could put a value on that? You say the night skies are some of the darkest anywhere? We already feel the freedom here. This place is great! The funky neighborhood is just part of the adventure.
James and Linda: Good, we want you to be happy! We like it here, and many other people have grown to love it too; just look at our reviews!
****If you want a long stay and the calendar shows we are full, please contact us because we might be able to work it out!
The Adventure Haven is a five site mini-RV park located in an old and sparsely occupied town with a population of about 300. A uranium boom town in the 1950's, La Sal is now a shadow of past times (and littered with artifact trailers and structures). But we are in beautiful high desert country and we are at the foothills of the La Sal Mountains and the park has a completely unobstructed view of this range!
All sites have water, sewer, WiFi, and 30 amp electric service (two have 50amp). We also have two fire rings with a view to the mountain, and two portable fire pits. All sites have tables. Our park is new, clean and open with a solid road base surface. Sites can accommodate 40 foot plus units, but all require some backing.
The La Sal vibe: as in any rural community, old junk is seen as valuable assets, and "curb appeal" is not in the local vocabulary (actually we don't have curbs or street lights here, and half the town has dirt roads). But it is peaceful here, a refreshing get away. We have some of the darkest skies anywhere, and hours can go by with no traffic at all. Welcome to rural Utah!
We have built a tall privacy fence so you don't have to look at our treasure. Looking north and west, the Adventure Haven feels fairly secluded: houses are mostly obscured or out of sight in these directions. A row of large aspen trees is along one side of the camp with our neighbor obscured (when the trees have leaves), but not far away. Two funky old house trailers are visible to the south (just across the street), but camps face North with unobstructed views to the mountain. We are on the very northwest edge of this old community.
This is not a place for a late night party, but it is a good place for normal gatherings. (You can stay up late and enjoy the night sky and talk, but if you get wild we will talk with you about it.)
People in general find it to be quite nice as well as a good value. The Adventure Haven feels open, public and safe to most people. Funky and rural, in high pristine desert with a sweet view of the mountain is the overall vibe.
The Needles district of Canyonlands is about 1 hour from Camp; Moab and Arches National Park are only 35 minutes away, and there are exciting features to explore right in our neighborhood.
• Looking Glass Arch, Lopez Arch and Wilson Arch are all about 15 minutes away!
• The world-famous motorcycle route, Colorado 90, begins just 12 miles away, with fine scenery all the way.
• Hook and Ladder OHV Trail system is less that five miles from the Adventure Haven, the dirt starting in only 2. The Rim Rocker Trail can be accessed from here as well by driving a few miles on pavement.
• Forest Service access to the La Sal Mountains is less than 7 miles away for an escape into alpine coolness, with fishing at Medicine Lake 15 miles from here.
Note: Only mellow, quiet, and controlled pets are allowed here, and only two per site. Pets must be on a leash and owners must pick up after them. Please tell us about your pet in the booking request.
Please consider that this place may not be suitable for your children. The perimeter is well marked, but is not child proof and there are hazards, such as an irrigation ditch, beyond it (running now). We also lack a play area, but there is a nice one at the elementary school 2.5 miles away. Thanks for reading this!
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$42
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95%
(188)
Canyons of Escalante RV Park
53 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Escalante, UT
Welcome to Canyons of Escalante RV Park! We are so excited for the opportunity to host you and share in the unique beauty of Southern Utah.
We are a family owned and operated RV Park that has RV Sites, Cabins, Tent spaces, and immaculate Shower/Laundry facilities. We are located directly on the Main Street of Escalante, Utah and are nestled against the Escalante Grand Staircase. We are not only the perfect basecamp for exploration of the Staircase but so much more!
We are ideally situated between Bryce NP, Capital Reef NP, Dixie National Forest, Petrified Forest State Park, Glen Canyon Recreation Area and within walking distance to the Dining, Pubs and Groceries that Escalante has to offer.
Canyons of Escalante RV Park is conveniently located on Main Street of Escalante, UT. Within walking distance to local eateries and shopping. Our Standard sites are pull through, accommodating RVs up to 28' in length. Full hookups with 30 amp service, Wi-Fi, shower and laundry facility nearby. Perfect for smaller motor homes, tent trailers, pods, vans, truck campers, etc. We are also pet friendly, have bathroom facilities and hot showers!
Our cabins are away from the RV sites in a secluded area surrounded by beautiful gardens and walkways. Fire rings are at each cabin as well as 2 shared pavilions equipped with charcoal grills and picnic tables.
Your adventure awaits! Let us help make the most of it.
Look forward to seeing you soon. Happy Trails!
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$26
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Desert camping in Utah with swimming guide
Overview
With a wide variety of terrains ranging from dense forest to arid plateaus, Utah has been attracting campers, backpackers, and hikers for generations. It's home to five national parks, plus dozens of state parks and national forests and monuments (not to mention plenty of BLM land), making it easy to find a Utah camping experience that suits you best. While the southern and eastern parts of the state attract lovers of the great outdoors with their massive rock formations and abundance of recreation activities, you’ll also find plenty to do up in the north, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to getting out on one of the region’s many lakes and reservoirs come summer.
Where to go
Northwest Utah
Northern Utah is where you'll find some of the state's lushest areas, with plenty of lakes and mountains, a stark contrast to the rockier, arid regions to the south. Salt Lake City is one of the region's biggest draws, and its easy access to outdoor recreation areas, such as Antelope Island State Park on the Great Salt Lake, makes it a reasonable base for those wanting to explore the region. Camping areas abound in this region—the tent-only Cottonwood Campground at Bear Lake State Park is a particularly good choice.
Eastern Utah
Eastern Utah offers some of the best opportunities for outdoor recreation in the state, and that's not just because two of Utah’s five national parks—Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park—are here, a short drive from Moab. Spots worth visiting include Dead Horse Point State Park (popular for mountain biking) and Natural Bridges National Monument, where you’ll see three natural bridge formations carved from the earth millennia ago. This area is also great for archaeology fans. Hovenweep National Monument is a great place to check out the ruins of 13th-century pueblos, while Bear Ears National Monument is full of beautifully preserved ancient cave art.
South-Central and Southern Utah
South Central Utah offers a mix of high desert and dense forest, with plenty of spots to go out and play. You can hike through the slot canyons of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, explore the fairytale-like hoodoos at Goblin Valley State Park, or try your hand at canyoning at Capitol Reef National Park. This region is also home to Lake Powell, on the Colorado River, right on the border with Arizona.
Southwest Utah
Home to both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, southwest Utah offers fantastic hiking and camping options, with a mix of beautiful rock formations, vast forests, and desert sand dunes. While the national parks are the main draw, this region offers plenty to do, from ATV/OHV riding on the massive golden dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park to checking out the red rock formations at Kodachrome Basin State Park. You'll find some of Utah's best camping spots and hiking trails all through the region, and the lack of light pollution makes this area ideal for stargazing under the night skies.
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