1) Bryce Canyon National Park: North Campground and Sunset Campground
One of the most famous sites at Bryce Canyon National Park is the “hoodoos” which are unique red rock formations that look like rock spires in rows and rows. There are several hiking trails to hike through the rocks and reach overlooks to see as far as you can see. Look for hawks and bald eagles swooping around at Sunset Point where the sun changes the color of the rocks at sunset. There are arches and natural bridges to walk under and explore. To spend a few days in the park you can camp at the North Campground or the Sunset Campground. Both have sites for RV’s and Tents with restrooms and water on site. The North Campground takes reservations in the summer, but the Sunset camp is first come first serve. Be prepared for the hot temps and bring lots of water when hiking. A camera or your phone is a must for taking amazing pictures throughout the park.
2) Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell: Bullfrog RV and Campground
On the far southern border of Utah is the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell. Most summers Lake Powell is a thriving recreational lake but due to the long ongoing drought and climate change the lake is at critically low levels. This summer is a good time to visit so you can see the effects of the drought and still enjoy the lake by boating, fishing and paddling, but check the website for updates to see which boat ramps offer the best access. There are several National Park Service campgrounds in the park, and you can camp along the shores of the Colorado River, but for more modern camping the Bullfrog RV and Campground is a great option. There is a variety of RV and tent sites (some with electric). Rent jet skis nearby to have some fun on the lake or just relax by the shores.
3) Arches National Park: Devil’s Garden Campground
It is hard to describe all the rock formations and arches you will find in Arches National Park but there are more than 2,000 natural stone arches, spikey rock pinnacles and boulders balancing on smaller points. There are wildflowers that are suited to survive in the dry desert weather as well as some animals that prefer to only come out during the cooler nights like kangaroo rats, ring-tails, bobcats and owls. There is one campground in the park, Devil’s Garden Campground, which has 51 sites that are usually full all summer long. Plan ahead to make your reservation so you can enjoy staying right in the park. The sites are spread out and mixed in with the rock formations, so it really is one of the best places to camp in Utah this summer!
4) Zion National Park: Watchman Campground
There are three campgrounds in Zion National Park: Lava Point, South and Watchman. Watchman is one of the best places to camp in Utah this summer because it is conveniently located right by the visitor center. Some of the campsites are right along the Virgin River, which runs through Zion National Park. Grab your backpack for some of the best hiking trails with trailheads that start right near the visitor center. The views from the campground are beautiful, but just wait until you hike all the way to the overlook at Canyon Junction or Emerald Pools! Keep an eye out for some of the wildlife in the park like rock squirrels, ringtails and mule deer. The campground has 65 RV only sites and 69 tent only sites spread out with access to restrooms and water. There is an amphitheater for programs and gatherings along the Virgin River. Zion has some of the best camping, hiking and wildlife viewing in the state.
5) Salt Lake City KOA Holiday
With all the unique parks in Utah don’t forget about the camping opportunities close to the cities. For a getaway near downtown Salt Lake City, you can stay at the KOA Holiday. This campground is located right along the Jordan River, in the northern part of the city just north of Hwy 80 and east of Hwy 215. Even though it is in the city, each campsite has large shade trees and access to the Jordan River Parkway Trail along the river. With the KOA as your home base you can visit the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island, Temple Square, Hogle Zoo, and the City Creek Mall. Back at the campground you will have the option of RV or Tent sites as well as camping cabins and vacation rentals. The RV sites have full hookups, and the tent sites have water and electric. Stop by the camp store for pancakes in the morning, then swing by the pool in the afternoon for a cool swim. This is definitely one of the best places to camp in Utah this summer!
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