Camping in Utah: 10 Best Family-Friendly Campgrounds in Utah in 2024 (2024)

Site Types

• Cabins
• RV Parks
• Tent Campgrounds

Park Features

• Boat Launches
• Family-Friendly
• Fishing
• Pet-Friendly
• Swimming Pools
• Waterparks

• Best Tent CampgroundsCampspot Awards2023 WinnerSun Outdoors Moab DowntownMoab, UT4.2120 Verified ReviewsOffering some of the best camping near Canyonlands National Park, Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown boasts breathtaking views and incredible amenities. Swim next to the red rocks in the gated pool area, or simply hike around the property and take in the sights. The onsite general store and gas station keep you stocked with supplies, perfect for when you host events in the covered picnic pavilion. Whether'23PlaygroundPoolDog ParkCable TVHorseshoesBathroomsShowersInternet AccessGeneral StoreDump StationGarbageLaundryPavilion
• Best for Spontaneous CampersCampspot Awards2023 WinnerSun Outdoors Arches GatewayMoab, UT4.784 Verified ReviewsBoasting incredible camping near Arches National Park, Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway is just steps away from the nation’s most scenic sights. Whether lounging in the hot tub or perfecting your swing on the putting green, you’ll have stunning views. Stay at one of the RV sites, tent sites, or vacation rentals, including a vintage Airstream trailer. Arches Gateway is one of the best Moab, Utah campgro'23PlaygroundPoolHot Tub / SaunaDog ParkBike RentalCable TVMini-GolfBathroomsShowersInternet AccessGeneral StoreDump StationGarbageLaundryPavilion
• Best Tent CampgroundsCampspot Awards2023 WinnerSun Outdoors North MoabMoab, UT4.496 Verified ReviewsCome to Sun Outdoors North Moab and experience the convenience of staying minutes away from some of Utah’s greatest attractions. They are within walking, or a biking distance of the Colorado River and downtown Moab, offering an array of unique shops and fantastic restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and more. Just ten miles from the entrance at Slickrock, you’ll find the public entrance of Arches'23PlaygroundPoolHot Tub / SaunaDog ParkCable TVBathroomsShowersInternet AccessGeneral StoreDump StationGarbageLaundryPavilion
• Portal RV Resort and CampgroundMoab, UT4.648 Verified ReviewsWelcome to the relaxing and scenic Portal RV Resort and Campground in Moab, Utah. Portal RV Resort is a full-service luxury RV Resort offering the largest RV sites in Moab. Conveniently located just minutes from down town Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the Colorado River.PlaygroundPoolHikingDog ParkCable TVBathroomsShowersInternet AccessDump StationLaundry
• Sun Outdoors Canyonlands GatewayMoab, UT4.163 Verified ReviewsFind a western retreat at Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway! Boasting the best camping near Arches National Park, Canyonlands Gateway is set amidst Utah’s red rock country. Cool off at the pool and splash pad, or let the kids loose on the playground. An old western church is located onsite, and you can stay at tent sites, RV sites, casitas, and more. Hike, bike or take it off-road and explore the aPlaygroundWaterparkPoolAlcohol AvailableHikingDog ParkCable TVBathroomsShowersGeneral StoreGarbageLaundry
• Sun Outdoors Salt Lake CityNorth Salt Lake, UT4.033 Verified ReviewsOne of the best campgrounds near Salt Lake City, Sun Outdoors Salt Lake City is minutes away from the Great Salt Lake and downtown Salt Lake City. Enjoy the outdoor adventure and have access to restaurants, shopping, hiking, and more. Travel around the area using one of the Surrey bike rentals, or stay onsite and enjoy the pool, life-size board games, general store, and their community BBQ grills.PlaygroundWaterfrontPoolHikingDog ParkBike RentalCable TVArcadeBasketballHorseshoesBathroomsShowersInternet AccessGeneral StoreGarbageLaundry
• Sun Outdoors Garden CityGarden City, UT3.914 Verified ReviewsWhen you stay at Sun Outdoors Garden City Utah, you are embarking on a true Utah adventure. With this outstanding location, you'll have rental access to your favorite recreational water-crafts for nonstop fun out on the water. Whether you're looking to bring your RV and stay on a spacious site or cozy up in a furnished cabin, Sun Outdoors Garden City Utah has something for you. Stay on-site to swiPlaygroundCanoeing / KayakingBeachWaterfrontPoolBoat LaunchBasketballBathroomsShowersInternet AccessDump StationLaundry
• Nine Mile RanchWellington, UT4.836 Verified ReviewsKnown as the base camp or gateway to the “Longest Petroglyph Art Gallery” in the world, Nine Mile Ranch is the perfect place to stay while exploring the amazing cultural history of the canyon, matter of fact, it's the only place you can stay in the canyon. If you're looking for an experience unlike any other, Nine Mile Ranch is your place to be. Go on a ride-along with the ranchers, relax under thPlaygroundHorseshoesBathroomsShowersInternet AccessGeneral StoreDump StationPavilionSpecial Events
• Provo River ResortProvo, UT4.640 Verified ReviewsThe thrill of the outdoors, the beauty of nature, the serenity of being unplugged. Provo River Resort offers you all of these experiences and exclusive access to one-of-a-kind adventures.PlaygroundCanoeing / KayakingWaterfrontFishingBasketballGarbage
• Bear Lake Venture ParkGarden City, UT4.515 Verified ReviewsBear Lake Venture Park is your next vacation destination in the beautiful Garden City, Utah! Enjoy waterfront RV and tent sites along the charming Bear Lake. Head out on the water for boating and watersports fun or stay back and partake in camp activities. Onsite fun includes pickleball, basketball, horseshoes, and the popular Farmer Blake's Petting Zoo! Escape into nature at the Limber Pine NaturPlaygroundWaterfrontBasketballSports FieldVolleyballHorseshoesBathroomsShowersInternet AccessGeneral StoreLaundry

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• Canyonlands National Park7 Campgrounds
• Dead Horse Point State Park6 Campgrounds
• Arches National Park6 Campgrounds

Camping in Utah is one of those quintessential experiences on any good outdoor adventure bucket list. The Beehive State (yep, that’s its nickname) is one of the best states for outdoor pursuits. This place is filled with such outdoor prowess that its state parks could be national parks in half the country. If you haven’t already been here, it’s time to visit!

Utah is home to the famous Mighty Five. These five national parks are some of the best in the country, so you shouldn’t rush through them. Take your time and give each of them a few days. It’s a great excuse to go camping in Utah multiple times anyway!

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Canyonlands National Park

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We have the Colorado River to thank for some of the most spectacular scenery in southeastern Utah. The canyons in Canyonlands National Park are a maze of reds, oranges, and other incredible desertscape colors. Best of all, you’ll have fewer visitors to contend with as Canyonlands tends to see the lowest visitation numbers of Utah’s Mighty Five.

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Zion National Park

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Routinely one of the best-known and most popular parks in the country, Zion is the park to see if you’re in Utah and short on time. While they’re all beautiful, Zion is the crown jewel of the highly competitive Mighty Five. This is one of the most competitive spots for camping in Utah, so get your reservation well in advance.

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While you should absolutely hike the Narrows, be discerning about Angels Landing. It’s an incredible hike, but it should be reserved for experienced hikers as help can take time to reach you. If you don’t have that much hiking experience under your belt, come back after you’re a bit more seasoned and ready to properly enjoy the hike.

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Bryce Canyon National Park

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It’s clear that Zion is the most popular park in Utah, but it’s a bit less straightforward from there. While Bryce Canyon tends to be the second-most popular (Arches is a close third), it’s really hard to say. If you have the time, head to them all and see which you like best! Just make sure to get some photos of the hoodoos while you’re there.

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Arches National Park

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Challenging Bryce Canyon for second place is the aptly-named Arches National Park. With more than 2,000 arches in the park, it feels like you’ve left Utah and ended up in another world. The rock formations here are something everyone should see at least once, so bring your camera and plenty of free time.

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Capitol Reef National Park

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If you see one thing at Capitol Reef National Park, make it the Waterpocket Fold. This unique geological formation holds beautiful layers of sandstone and is one of the most incredible sights in the Desert Southwest.

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There’s only one campground here with 71 sites, so get your reservation early. If you can’t get a site, don’t worry. With almost half the state run by the Bureau of Land Management, free camping in Utah is abundant.

Antelope Island State Park

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As the name suggests, you will actually find antelope that still live in this park. Antelope Island State Park is home to many large animal species besides the antelope as well, including bison and bighorn sheep. This popular park is one of the best options for group-camping in Utah, though standard sites are also plentiful.

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Sand Hollow State Park

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Visitors to St. George, Utah, should make a day trip (at least) to Sand Hollow State Park. This beautiful park boasts sandy beaches and a hefty amount of popularity. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to make friends, but you’ll have to go in the off-season if you want more space to yourself. If you go during peak season, the Sand Hollow Reservoir that the park surrounds is also a fantastic summer day trip.

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Dead Horse Point State Park

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Highly-recommended Moab has enough going for it already, but here’s yet one more reason to visit. While not a particularly appealing name, Dead Horse Point is one of the most picturesque spots in Moab. The beauty doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, either. Recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, you’ll get some of the best stargazing in all of Utah here.

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Snow Canyon State Park

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Though the name might suggest it, Snow Canyon State Park actually receives very little snow. Named for a pair of early Utah leaders, Lorenzo and Erastus Snow, this park is featured in several famous Western movies. It’s easy to imagine why once you visit; the imposing canyon walls echo with the history of years past.

Moab

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Even if you aren’t an avid off-roader, Moab is worth the visit. With plenty of tour companies, it’s easy to get off road, even if you didn’t bring your own rig. If you do have a 4×4, you already had this place on your list, and no further convincing is required.

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Bonneville Salt Flats

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The salt flats here are already ecological marvels and worth the stop. However, if the name Bonneville rings a bell, it’s likely due to its racing pedigree. While the entire flats area is beautiful and worth visiting, a section of the salt flats is reserved for high-level racing, which all racing enthusiasts should check out.

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Gilgal Sculpture Garden

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This small park features a dozen sculptures as well as 70 engraved pieces of stone in a section of Salt Lake City. If you’re already in Salt Lake City, the Gilgal Sculpture Garden is worth adding to the list as a relaxing afternoon walk.

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Natural History Museum of Utah

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Utah’s Natural History Museum features exhibits that tell the story of Utah and its section of the Mountain West, from ancient environments to the more recent First People’s exhibits. This museum can be appreciated as a day trip, but if you’re short on time, you can see the highlights in just a couple of hours.

Riverhorse on Main – Park City

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Riverhorse on Main features food as good as the skiing in Park City. That’s to say, it’s high-level fine dining. Riverhorse is an experience all its own and will be appreciated by anyone looking for the highest-level menu in the area.

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Sabaku Sushi – Moab

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Who says you shouldn’t order sushi in the desert? Most people, and they’re usually right. Not here, though! Sabaku is a fun Southwestern take on sushi that caters to all sorts of dietary needs, making it easy to take the whole group out.

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Red Iguana – Salt Lake City

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There’s a pair of Red Iguana spots, but you want to stop at the original. Yes, Red Iguana 2 is also great, but the original always has a little extra flair. This buzzy family-owned Mexican spot is a perfect stop for lunch or dinner, even if you’re just passing through.

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Mozz Artisan Pizza – Provo

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This isn’t just any pizza joint. Mozz doesn’t add “artisan” to the name for flair. It really backs it up! Ingredients here are locally sourced from nearby farmers, and you taste the quality. Even if you’re just in Provo for the day, you need to make a stop at Mozz.

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Utah is one of the best states for all things outdoors, and the happiness rankings of its citizens routinely reflect that. Even if you aren’t packing up and moving to the Beehive State, camping in Utah allows you to experience the adventure and excitement of the Desert Southwest.