Forest camping in Utah with swimming
From lakes to mountains to desert plateaus, Utah’s great outdoors comes in many flavors.
97% (3739 reviews)
- Utah
97% (3739 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Utah
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top forest 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
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91%
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Kolob Campground
23 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Kanarraville, UT
The perfect way to escape the heat of summer, and the crowds of Zion National Park. Kolob Campground, Kolob Terrace Road, and Kolob Reservoir is a quiet location nestled between the main canyons of Zion National Park and the remote Kolob Finger Canyons Complex at Zion National Park. With quick access to West Rim Trail, Subway Canyon, Hop Valley Trail, and Wildcat Canyon Trail, this area of Greater Zion is not to be missed. Located in a private gated area on the shores of Kolob Reservoir, Kolob Campground is the premiere location for camping on Kolob Mountain in the Greater Zion National Park area. Kolob Campground is located adjacent to the Kolob Reservoir boat ramp and dock, including four acres of private shoreline. Just a few feet from the paved road, nestled in tall aspen, oak, and pine trees. Access to potable water is available adjacent to camp, and public restrooms (vault toilets) are only a short walk from camp.WiFi access is available nearby at Kolob Adventure Rentals/Adventure Beach (3 minute walk). WiFi location and password provided by host upon request. This is an exclusive benefit available to our guests, and the only WiFi available to campers in the area.Canoe, kayak and SUP rentals, snacks and beverages are also located nearby. LP(propane) fires are allowed and LP fire bowls can be provided through the camp host. LP fuel is also available for purchase. Wood burning, charcoal, and smoking currently not allowed due to area restriction.
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$38
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94%
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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
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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
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98%
(45)
Mountain View Tent Sites(2)
1 site · Tent1 acre · Morgan, UT
Learn more about this land:
This tent site is right in a little scrub oak forest, nestled in the foothills below Snowbasin. Beautiful views of Morgan Valley, Snowbasin Ski resort, and a gateway to fun. We are semi-rural, so expect wild turkeys randomly visiting, along with our neighbor's chickens, and a rooster crowing. Maybe even a deer or moose, if lucky. A starry sky, because we don't have much light pollution.
The site itself is tucked behind a hill, perfect for privacy, and is surrounded by scrub oak trees. Campers are welcome to use the fire pit area chairs and our portable propane fire place.There are some plug in bistro lights for camping ambiance and a power strip. There is drinkable water at the faucet by our front porch. Cooking with a propane camp stove is ok. There is a screened compost toilet, power strip for charging needs, and a picnic table at each site, Because of Utah's extreme drought, no smoking is permitted. Generally no dogs except service, but perhaps negotiable. The sites are a short walk down a trail, so not wheelchair accessible. The parking spot is level, & could work for a rooftop tent or camper van, but it is in partial view of my neighbor's house, which the camp sites are not.
Things to do:
You can hike right from the site to Strawberry Creek (about 3 mile trail)
10 minutes from Snowbasin (skiing, hiking, mountain biking)
15 minutes from Morgan ( ATV rentals, Horseback riding, burgers and bars)
15 minutes from Ogden ( you would never notice)
15 minutes from tubing the Weber river
20 minutes from Boating or swimming at Pineview in Eden, or in East Canyon
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$30
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100%
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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
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91%
(16)
Camp Joy at Kolob Reservoir
6 sites · RVs3 acres · Kanarraville, UT
A secluded hill top camping spot with PRISTINE views of the lake and access to all that Kolob Reservoir and Zion National Park have to offer.
The LARGEST and most secluded camping spot for MILES.
After parking your trailer or pitching your tent, walk down to the lake with your fishing poles and kayaks or take a bike ride down Kolob Terrace road.
It is the perfect home base for the all the adventures to be had at Kolob and the surrounding areas around Zion National Park.
Camp Joy is the highest point around Kolob Reservoir so you will be afforded the best sunset views in all four directions. You will never experience another “golden hour” like the one you experience while at Camp Joy. Our mission is to share the “Joy” of making unforgettable memories in the mountains with friends and family.
Happy Travels!
Camp Joy at Kolob
FAMOUS HIKES AND TRAILHEADS LOCATED BY CAMP JOY:
The "Kolob Terrace" is a lesser-traveled section of Zion, accessible via the Kolob Terrace Road that heads north from the town of Virgin. The drive through the Terrace up to Lava Point offers a good sampling of wondrous views, from golden valleys to the majestic North and South Guardian Angels high in distance. The Kolob Terrace is home to one of the most popular canyons in Zion: the Left Fork of North Creek, aka. "the Subway."
WEST RIM TRAIL
NORTHGATE PEAKS TRAIL
THE SUBWAY
WILDCAT CANYON TRAILHEAD
HOP VALLEY TRAILHEAD
THE CONNECTOR TRAIL
HOODOO CITY
GRAPEVINE TRAIL
LANGSTON CANYON AND LANGSTON MOUNTAIN
Brief history of Camp Joy:
Camp Joy is a small parcel of land given to my grandmother and her sisters by my paternal great grandfather. It was part of a larger, 2,500 acre parcel that has been used for grazing sheep the last 100 or so years. As was common in those days, the male heir inherited the larger portion to continue the family business of sheep, and the three females inherited 1 acre each. My paternal grandmother fondly recalls spending her summers exploring the flora and fauna and staying overnight in a small cabin that they called “Camp Joy.” My father, also used to visit this area during his youth and has many fond memories of when the family would “Hie to Kolob.” My grandmother, being too old to enjoy the place herself, wanted to sell her portion to someone who would be able to enjoy it in this life. She didn’t believe in restricting access to the wonderful and uniquely awe inducing land surrounding Zion National park. She knew humans are just mere stewards , temporarily living off the land that Mother Nature has so generously provided for. My father and mother also shared this vision so (with his sisters/cousins permission) he purchased her share and the two adjoining lots that were owned by his aunts and combined them so we could have a place to park our trailers in the summertime. The advent of the internet and the resurgence of people wanting to go somewhere with their families to experience the peace and tranquility one can only find in the wilds, led us to feel that sharing this slice of heaven was not only economical but the right thing to do. So much of Kolob and the surrounding areas are marked off by private property, owners who aren’t even there to enjoy it 99% of the time. So we felt divinely called to offer our humble slice of heaven to likeminded individuals, seeking tranquility and peace but for some cosmic reason didn’t stand to inherit private property in the middle of one of the most beautiful places on earth. So welcome friend. We only ask, as you leave this place, to please bring with you this spirit of abundance and joy to wherever you call home.
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$55
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97%
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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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98%
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Swell Retreat in San Rafael Swell
13 sites · RVs, Tents208 acres · Castle Dale, UT
A Swell Oasis in the desert of the San Rafael Swell: Swell Retreat. A pine tree farm was active prior to us purchasing the land, so lots of beautiful trees. A couple ponds stocked with large mouth bass. Zipline, WIBIT, water slide, etc.
A field of hay, and continued improvements to make it into a Swell Retreat!!!
We are a great spot to stay and have onsite a zip line into Lake Elevate, water slide into the pond, adventure island, zipline, kayaking, paddle boarding,
catch and release fishing, and close to all fun in the San Rafael Swell.
20 min or so from three reservoirs for additional fishing,
swimming and motor boating, 30 minutes from the Little Grand Canyon for breathtaking views, hiking and mountain biking, petroglyphs and the San Rafael Swell river to float on, 60 minutes from Goblin Valley, within 60 minutes to multiple slot canyons: Little Wild Horse Canyon, Muddy Creek, The Chute (similar to Zion National Park), Baptist Draw, to name a few.
Mountain fun for rock climbing just up the road in Joe's Valley, hiking, biking, fishing, etc. We would love to have you stay on our little farm while you enjoy the fun of the San Rafael Swell adventures.
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$72
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96%
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Indian Canyon Ranch
12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Monticello, UT
Please be advised, that during heavy rain four-wheel drive may be necessary. Units are not heated. Please plan to show up before dark for the best experience and ease of finding the location.
Indian Canyon Ranch is proud to be an independent, off grid property with limited solar power and water available. There are no RV hook ups available but there is limited solar power in the rental units and in the communal area but not in the primitive campsites. Campsites are primitive camping only. Showers in the main communal area are solar powered and only hot with the sun and for an hour or so after sunset
Joe purchased this property in 2008. At that time, it was 8 acres, and it is now at 20 acres continuous property. The ranch is situated 2 miles off the highway down a bumpy dirt road on the edge of the national forest, this gives you a feeling of being in the wilderness. The south and east sides are boarded by canyons and ruins. All other private properties in the area are 10 acres or more so are well spread out and sparsely populated.
All the structures on site were brought here piece by piece and were salvaged from construction projects in Yosemite and Grand Canyon national parks. Water is manually hauled in and the power in the kitchen area is solar generated so please be conscious of water and power use.
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$25
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Booked 10 times
Mike's Place on the "Boulder"
2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Duchesne, UT
This is a very natural place with awesome rock formations, abundant wildlife etc. I did find an ancient axe head years ago in one of the crevices. Up above camp is a rock formation I have always called "Mike Rushmore".
Learn more about this land:
This is a really cool place and I get a lot of compliments from those that have been here or have seen it. It's a hikers paradise with lots of rock features, sandy areas, tons of trees, wildlife and all the beautiful plant life of a high desert. The lake is close by for Fishing, kayaking, boating, or just a good ole swim about 10 minutes away.
So, here is what you get on my 15 acres.
Me, as your host to show you around and let you pick from several spots available where you would like to camp on the upper 5 acres for RV, truck, tent,, etc. I can accomidate whatever.
For those that want the natural experience I suggest down below. So cool. There is no one right next to me to the north, south, east, or west. Very private. It is off grid.. However, potable water and generator can be available if needed for and extra fee. This place is absolutely amazing.
Your host:
Mike
It's my place so I can do what I want.
I'll show you around, hook you up so you have a nice stay. Contact me if interested in a more natural place to stay. Let me know how I can help or if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Mike
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Strawberry RV Camping
6 sites · RVs10 acres · Fruitland, UT
Learn more about this land:We're excited to host you! We have 10 acres with awesome views and are not far from strawberry reservoir, starvation state park or red creek wildlife! There are always lots of things to do in the area and this campsite provides great access and privacy.
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Available this weekend
Star Hosts in Utah
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Forest 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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