Discover the best river, stream, or creek campgrounds in Utah

United States
—
Utah

93% (2790 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Utah

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in Utah

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.

RIVER BEND CAMP GROUND

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Morgan, UT

We are currently in summer mode and with the river we can get mosquitoes, so bring your protection. The river level has dropped and water activities will be allowed. We have ten acres that our home sit on but about 9 acres and consist of dry farm grass. We use 1 acre for camping and parking. The Weber river runs across the back of our property where we have a campground with tables and firepits. This is a family campground and we do not have Electrical or Water hookups. We have added 4 wooden porta potty enclosed in small tents which we service every day or as needed. Unfortunately Morgan County is now under a complete fire ban. We do not have potable water at our sites but we can and will provide water from our home if you provide your own container. Site selection is determined by type of sleeping accommodations. **We allow 2 adults per site and/or 2 adults and minor children per site. (Exceptions must be approved and additional fees paid) We are not a public campground and only list through Hipcamp and so our property is posted with NO TRESPASSING SIGNS. It is very important to let us know your approximate arrival time so that we can guide you down to the campgrounds and show you the best spot base on your type of camping. Sleeping in trailers versus tent campers) One draw back to our property is that we are within 1/2 mile of a well use highway (US 84) and railroad track. We have only had one camper who was concerned about the noise. Here at the house we don't notice it and maybe we are just use to it. Limited swimming and use of paddle board based on river conditions. Fishing is limited because we are on private property and the river is not stocked by the Utah fish and game. So, we are dependent on normal reproduction of the fish. Fly fishing being the best however you can use lures but not bait of any kind . We would prefer catch and release. ALL UTAH FISHING REGULATION APPLY. WE HAVE INDICATED WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE. THE WHOLE AREA IS BASICLLY LEVEL AND GRASS AND BARK COVERED.

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.

12 top wheelchair-accessible river, stream, or creek campgrounds in Utah

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.

Echo Island

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents41 acres · Coalville, UT

Echo Island features RV sites, NEW Glamping tents, and cabins. Resort amenities include WiFi hot spots, modern restrooms, swimming pools, and hot tubs. Also on site are volleyball, and basketball courts. From sunny days to snow days, every season is a stunner at Echo Island. On the banks of the Weber River and located so close to Echo and Rockport Reservoirs, within an hour of Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo. Want a sophisticated night or day out? Drive just 30 minutes to Park City. Bring the kids and swim, or head out for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, boating, and horseback riding in the Wasatch Back. We are a pet friendly campground.

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.

RIVER BEND CAMP GROUND

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Morgan, UT

We are currently in summer mode and with the river we can get mosquitoes, so bring your protection. The river level has dropped and water activities will be allowed. We have ten acres that our home sit on but about 9 acres and consist of dry farm grass. We use 1 acre for camping and parking. The Weber river runs across the back of our property where we have a campground with tables and firepits. This is a family campground and we do not have Electrical or Water hookups. We have added 4 wooden porta potty enclosed in small tents which we service every day or as needed. Unfortunately Morgan County is now under a complete fire ban. We do not have potable water at our sites but we can and will provide water from our home if you provide your own container. Site selection is determined by type of sleeping accommodations. **We allow 2 adults per site and/or 2 adults and minor children per site. (Exceptions must be approved and additional fees paid) We are not a public campground and only list through Hipcamp and so our property is posted with NO TRESPASSING SIGNS. It is very important to let us know your approximate arrival time so that we can guide you down to the campgrounds and show you the best spot base on your type of camping. Sleeping in trailers versus tent campers) One draw back to our property is that we are within 1/2 mile of a well use highway (US 84) and railroad track. We have only had one camper who was concerned about the noise. Here at the house we don't notice it and maybe we are just use to it. Limited swimming and use of paddle board based on river conditions. Fishing is limited because we are on private property and the river is not stocked by the Utah fish and game. So, we are dependent on normal reproduction of the fish. Fly fishing being the best however you can use lures but not bait of any kind . We would prefer catch and release. ALL UTAH FISHING REGULATION APPLY. WE HAVE INDICATED WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE. THE WHOLE AREA IS BASICLLY LEVEL AND GRASS AND BARK COVERED.

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.

91%

(70)

Enclosed Provo River Property

5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Provo, UT

This is a beautiful area! We plan to build our dream home on this lot but in the meantime, we want to share the amazingness with campers! Learn more about this land: ***Please read this entire listing! We want you to have a great time and for this to be a great fit for you!*** DO NOT BOOK UNTIL YOU'VE READ EVERYTHING! It serves no one if you don't have a great stay.

90%

(62)

Zion Glamping Adventures

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents26 acres · Hurricane, UT

Located in a spectacular spot in Hildale, Utah, just an hour drive from Zion National Park. Escape the crowds and indulge in this extraordinary retreat! Accommodations > 20 units of Glamping Tents > 2 units of Rock Cave > 7 sites for the RV Park The campsite has five fully operational bathrooms equipped with running water, hot showers, and flush toilets. Basic toiletries are provided for your convenience. There is a common kitchen area where you'll find a fridge, microwave and propane grills. Every morning, our host expertly prepares a delectable breakfast consisting of steaming cups of coffee and mouthwatering pancakes, ensuring that all guests can savor a delightful start to their day. In the evening, the host creates a spacious campfire that invites all guests to gather together and forge connections. It's an opportunity to engage with fellow campers, share captivating tales, and indulge in the delightful combination of s'mores. Make sure not to overlook our highly sought-after array of activities, including exhilarating side by side tours, captivating guided hikes, memorable horseback rides, scenic wagon rides, creative paint and wine sessions, and rejuvenating yoga classes!

100%

(3)

Moose Meadow

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Brighton, UT

This is a private driveway in a great location in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The driveway is long and surrounded by aspen, abutting the "old" unused house on my property, so it is private. Although near the main road, the site feels private. You are less than 1 minute walk to Big Cottonwood Creek, and there is hiking out the door in multiple directions, as well as easy biking to Solitude Resort. As a bonus, you are 1/4 mile from Silver Fork Lodge if you get a hankering for a prepared meal. Please note that there are NO DOGS allowed in Big or Little Cottonwood canyons. There is a high fine if so. So this is not an appropriate spot to bring your four-legged friends unfortunately.

75%

(4)

Carter Family Property

2 sites · RVs4 acres · Jensen, UT

Ever wanted to camp on the Green River? Well we invite you to come stay on our property and do just that. Come injoy white sandy beaches nestled in around trees right on the green river where the only sounds you'll hear, are the sounds of nature. Enjoy fishing, tubing or kayaking down the river or even 4-wheeling (depending on the time of year)

100%

(3)

Tenting at Juniper Meadows Ranch

4 sites · Tents150 acres · Newcastle, UT

Learn more about this land:--Camping in Cedar trees--Hills, pastures, and a small creek--Down the road from historic Old Iron Town ruins--Across the highway from historical iron mines--Fishing at New Castle Reservoir, 15 minutes away--Bouldering and repelling 10 miles away--Close access to OTV trails--20 minutes from Cedar City, Utah--No utilities--Bordered by U.S. Forest Service on three sides--Wildlife watching (keep an eye out for coyote, deer, lizards, birds, and roaming cows!)

100%

(1)

Ranch camping with seasonal stream

5 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Wallsburg, UT

Learn more about this land:Wildlife watchings, typically deer, hawks, eagles, wild turkeys, raccoons at times, songbirds. Creek is seasonal, this is surrounded by farms but this unique property has many tall cottonwood trees, a firepit, well water that is delicious and amazing views.

Celestial Skies RV & Tent Camping

1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Duchesne, UT

Welcome to our tranquil 15-acre retreat nestled amidst the lush pinon pines and juniper trees among the massive BOULDER backdrop, of Utah's stunning countryside. Our spacious lots at this time is RAW land, but perfect for self efficient RVs and Tent Campers for your outdoor adventures and very close to Starvation Reservoir, a great place for all your water toys recreation venue. Enjoy the night skies and look for the Milky Way. It is definitely private area and peaceful, for those seeking a more rustic experience, campsites nestled amongst the trees, as well as for a unique overnight stay. You can choose your own space. We are LOTS 12-H 12-I 12-J Left Side. SEE USA FLAGS one at each lot, which are all together 15 acres. Do be aware of small flat Cactus in ground when you are walking the area; those will be removed when possible. We do plan RV Pads and Mini Homes in future plan with all amenities. You may inquire about owning your own RV Pad and/or Mini Home with RV Pad, your choice, as we are taking reservations for private ownership and development. Upon reservation we can provide a Map to the Lots from Highway 40 it is at Roman Nose Road and Mossback Drive. You will see the Water Utility Station from HWY 40 turn there and make Right turn, go short way, make Left Bend Turn. County Road keep going straight until you see dirt road in front of you, keep going then see Real Estate Signs at Corner, Make Right Turn there, then look for Roman Nose Rd, Turn Right. Then keep going till you see white signs left side saying #12 for all 3 lots. There is no number address provided by county until I start build. Not sure Google would work. Explore the natural wonders of the area with visits to the nearby dinosaur museum, convenient access to recreational venues like Starvation Reservoir and fun filled events in town of Duchesne like Rodeos and Festivals. Spend your evenings stargazing from atop our huge boulder area, where the Milky Way stretches across the night sky for an up-close view of the cosmos. Located just a short drive from the charming country town of Duchesne, our 15 acres offers peace in abundance. Venture further North highway 40 to discover the delights of Heber City, Park City, and Midway Homestead Hot Mineral Cave, Golf Courses all within easy drive; getting around is a breeze, allowing you to focus on making the most of your Utah adventure. Whether you're seeking outdoor excitement, relaxation, or a bit of both, our land has everything you need for an unforgettable getaway. Welcome to your home away from home in the heart of Utah's countryside.

Available this weekend

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.

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.

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.

Echo Island

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents41 acres · Coalville, UT

Echo Island features RV sites, NEW Glamping tents, and cabins. Resort amenities include WiFi hot spots, modern restrooms, swimming pools, and hot tubs. Also on site are volleyball, and basketball courts. From sunny days to snow days, every season is a stunner at Echo Island. On the banks of the Weber River and located so close to Echo and Rockport Reservoirs, within an hour of Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo. Want a sophisticated night or day out? Drive just 30 minutes to Park City. Bring the kids and swim, or head out for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, boating, and horseback riding in the Wasatch Back. We are a pet friendly campground.

Enclosed Provo River Property

5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Provo, UT

This is a beautiful area! We plan to build our dream home on this lot but in the meantime, we want to share the amazingness with campers! Learn more about this land: ***Please read this entire listing! We want you to have a great time and for this to be a great fit for you!*** DO NOT BOOK UNTIL YOU'VE READ EVERYTHING! It serves no one if you don't have a great stay.

Under $50

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.

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.

Moose Meadow

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Brighton, UT

This is a private driveway in a great location in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The driveway is long and surrounded by aspen, abutting the "old" unused house on my property, so it is private. Although near the main road, the site feels private. You are less than 1 minute walk to Big Cottonwood Creek, and there is hiking out the door in multiple directions, as well as easy biking to Solitude Resort. As a bonus, you are 1/4 mile from Silver Fork Lodge if you get a hankering for a prepared meal. Please note that there are NO DOGS allowed in Big or Little Cottonwood canyons. There is a high fine if so. So this is not an appropriate spot to bring your four-legged friends unfortunately.

RIVER BEND CAMP GROUND

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Morgan, UT

We are currently in summer mode and with the river we can get mosquitoes, so bring your protection. The river level has dropped and water activities will be allowed. We have ten acres that our home sit on but about 9 acres and consist of dry farm grass. We use 1 acre for camping and parking. The Weber river runs across the back of our property where we have a campground with tables and firepits. This is a family campground and we do not have Electrical or Water hookups. We have added 4 wooden porta potty enclosed in small tents which we service every day or as needed. Unfortunately Morgan County is now under a complete fire ban. We do not have potable water at our sites but we can and will provide water from our home if you provide your own container. Site selection is determined by type of sleeping accommodations. **We allow 2 adults per site and/or 2 adults and minor children per site. (Exceptions must be approved and additional fees paid) We are not a public campground and only list through Hipcamp and so our property is posted with NO TRESPASSING SIGNS. It is very important to let us know your approximate arrival time so that we can guide you down to the campgrounds and show you the best spot base on your type of camping. Sleeping in trailers versus tent campers) One draw back to our property is that we are within 1/2 mile of a well use highway (US 84) and railroad track. We have only had one camper who was concerned about the noise. Here at the house we don't notice it and maybe we are just use to it. Limited swimming and use of paddle board based on river conditions. Fishing is limited because we are on private property and the river is not stocked by the Utah fish and game. So, we are dependent on normal reproduction of the fish. Fly fishing being the best however you can use lures but not bait of any kind . We would prefer catch and release. ALL UTAH FISHING REGULATION APPLY. WE HAVE INDICATED WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE. THE WHOLE AREA IS BASICLLY LEVEL AND GRASS AND BARK COVERED.

Enclosed Provo River Property

5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Provo, UT

This is a beautiful area! We plan to build our dream home on this lot but in the meantime, we want to share the amazingness with campers! Learn more about this land: ***Please read this entire listing! We want you to have a great time and for this to be a great fit for you!*** DO NOT BOOK UNTIL YOU'VE READ EVERYTHING! It serves no one if you don't have a great stay.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(17)

Dead Horse Point State Park

Moab, Utah

100%

(9)

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Escalante, Utah

Rent a kayak or paddleboard near the campground and tour the lake. Row to the northernmost part for some shade, but keep in mind: Years of silt have made the lake bottom soft and murky - you may sink up to your ankles, possibly lose a shoe!

100%

(3)

Quail Creek State Park

Hurricane, Utah

100%

(2)

East Canyon State Park

Henefer, Utah

100%

(2)

Fremont Indian State Park

Wasatch Mountain State Park

Interlaken, Utah

River, stream, or creek camping in Utah 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.