Tent Camping in Utah: 10 Must-Visit Spots Under the Stars

When it comes to camping in the United States, there’s no state quite as otherworldly as Utah. Outdoor lovers travel far and wide from across the globe to pitch their camping tents amidst the state’s unique landscapes and picturesque views. But with so many great destinations to choose from, it can be a challenge to pick where you’ll set up camp first. Today, we’ll narrow down the choices and outline the top 10 must-visit places, complete with the activities you can’t miss at each destination. So without further ado, here’s where you should go camping in Utah on your next outdoor adventure!

1. Bear Lake State Park

If you find yourself in Northern Utah craving a lakeside adventure, look no further than Bear Lake State Park. With vibrant blue waters and sandy beaches, Bear Lake truly offers a classic camping experience next to one of the state’s most beautiful bodies of water. 

What Bear Lake Is Great For

Campgrounds are dotted around the lake’s perimeter, making accessing the shore right from your campsite convenient. Enjoy traditional lake activities, including beach picnicking, swimming, floating, fishing, kayaking, and boating. Since many of the campsites offered at Bear Lake are steps from the sandy beaches and fresh water, be sure to bring the appropriate camping tent accessories, like waterproof poly tarps to protect your tent from the elements. 

2. Bonneville Salt Flats

Traveling to Utah can easily feel like stepping foot on another planet, and no destination transports you quite like the Bonneville Salt Flats. Located in Northwestern Utah, this location features a densely packed salt pan left behind from a paleolake that existed millions of years ago.  

What the Bonneville Salt Flats Are Great For

While the waters of the once magnificent lake are long gone, there’s still plenty to do at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Most visitors come with their cameras in hand, thanks to the brilliant photo opportunities in the area. If you happen to camp during Bonneville Speed Week, typically held in August of each year, you’ll get the chance to watch world-class speed racing. Keep in mind that you can’t camp directly on the salt flats, but there are plenty of public and private campgrounds nearby. 

3. Arches National Park

The first National Park in Utah’s “Mighty 5,” Arches National Park, is a stunning landscape of red rocks located to the north of Moab. 

What Arches Is Great For

Campers staying in Arches come to see the unique red rock formations, whether that’s through hiking or scenic drives through the park. Delicate Arch is the crown jewel of the park and is worth a visit for a memorable photo-op. Arches is also full of geological wonders and cultural history, making it a great place for geology enthusiasts and history buffs.

4. Dinosaur National Monument

A national reserve on the border of Utah and Colorado, Dinosaur National Monument is a unique destination for campers looking to be transported back in time by their surroundings.

What Dinosaur National Monument Is Great For

As the name suggests, Dinosaur National Monument is one of the top places in the country to see and learn about dinosaur fossils. Aside from the well-preserved prehistoric wildlife, visitors can also see petroglyphs from early human civilizations throughout the monument. Needless to say, if you’re at all fascinated by the history of our world, pitching your canvas camping tent at Dinosaur National Monument is the way to go for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. 

5. Lake Powell

Another destination Utah shares with a bordering state, this time, Arizona, is Lake Powell. A reservoir on the Colorado River, this lake is a must-see for anyone passing through the southern part of the state.

What Lake Powell Is Great For

The rock formations and colorful canyons surrounding the lake make for spectacular views in every direction. Outside of taking in the scenery, campers can participate in a variety of water sports, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and even boating. Boats can be rented by the day, or campers can sign up for scenic boat tours.

6. Capitol Reef National Park

If you want to camp among the red rocks and canyons of Utah without the crowds that more popular parks draw in, Capitol Reef National Park is the place to be. Located in south-central Utah, this is another one of the state’s world-renowned “Mighty 5.” 

What Capitol Reef Is Great For

The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile monocline (sometimes called a “wrinkle in the Earth”), is the park’s main attraction. Take a scenic drive through the park to beat the heat outside of camp, or hike one of the park’s many trails to see the red rocks and canyon formations up close and personal. Capitol Reef is also a phenomenal place to catch wildlife in their natural habitats! Southern Utah can get hot in the summer, so be sure to equip your campsite with a sunshade tarp to stay cool when you’re back at camp.

7. Big Cottonwood Canyon

Back up north, outside of Salt Lake City, is Big Cottonwood Canyon. Boasting 15 miles worth of canyon and mountain peaks from the Wasatch Range, Big Cottonwood Canyon has plenty for campers to experience while enjoying its scenic views. 

What Big Cottonwood Canyon Is Great For

Campers at Big Cottonwood Canyon can participate in a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and rock climbing. Silver Lake, a local alpine lake, is a popular place for campers to picnic, too. In the winter, campers can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts. 

8. Bryce Canyon National Park

Situated in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon is the next of the state’s “Mighty 5” parks you can’t miss.

What Bryce Canyon Is Great For

Bryce Canyon is special thanks to its one-of-a-kind rock formations called hoodoos. These are tall, thin red rock spires that create a stunning landscape throughout the park. Scenic drives and hikes are must-dos to take in Bryce Canyon’s spectacular views. Back at camp, be sure to spend a night stargazing, since this park has a Dark Sky designation and is one of the best places for astronomy in the country.

9. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

If you’re looking for a more remote wilderness experience in the mountains of Utah, travel to the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in the Northeast of the state.

What Uinta-Wasatch-Cache Is Great For

With over 2 million acres, this national forest has everything you could want in terms of outdoor recreation. Set up camp and head off into the wilderness to hike, bike, fish, hunt, and even ride horses. There are several notable waterfalls in the area, too, including Donut Falls Trail and Stewart Falls. 

10. Zion National Park

Arguably the most well-known destination on this list, Zion National Park is the first national park in Utah and a world-famous destination for outdoor lovers. 

What Zion Is Great For

Zion has many notable sites, most of which are best experienced on a hike. The Narrows, Emerald Pools, The Subway, and Angels Landing are all must-do trails. Visitors can also take in the views through scenic drives, bike rides, or even aboard the park’s shuttle system.

Wrapping It Up

Boasting some of the most unique landscapes in the country, Utah is packed full of must-see destinations for outdoor enthusiasts around the world. From the alpine lakes and mountains in the north to the otherworldly red rocks and canyons of the south, there’s no shortage of stunning camping spots throughout the state. Whether you’re looking to spend your camping vacation lounging by a lake or immersed in geological and cultural history, you’re sure to find exactly what you need in Utah!