Hiking Campgrounds in Utah

Hiking Campgrounds in Utah

Discover the best hiking campgrounds across Utah. Experience the best of both worlds with camping that puts you right at the heart of incredible hiking opportunities. Direct trail access and stunning mountain vistas.

11+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Late Spring through Fall (May-October)
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Devils Garden Campground
Star
4.7
(627)
Devils Garden Campground
Moab
Arches National Park

Step directly from your tent onto the Broken Arch Trail, while dozens of other routes—from gentle loops around Balanced Rock to the challenging scramble up Delicate Arch—fan out within minutes of camp.

Tents
RVs
2
Albion Basin
Star
4.8
(96)
Albion Basin
Alta
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Trailheads to Cecret Lake, Catherine Pass, and Sunset Peak begin steps from your campsite, delivering morning solitude where you'll have alpine lakes entirely to yourself before crowds arrive.

Tents
RVs
3
Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
Star
4.7
(305)
Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
Moab
Canyonlands National Park

Trailheads radiate directly from camp, leading hikers through sculpted red rock formations to destinations like the towering Druid Arch and the remarkable Cave Springs route.

Tents
RVs

About Hiking Campgrounds in Utah

Hiking camping Utah offers an unparalleled adventure through some of America's most dramatic and diverse landscapes, from the crimson arches of Moab to the alpine wildflower meadows of the Wasatch Mountains. Utah's unique geology creates a hiking paradise where desert slot canyons, towering red rock formations, and snow-capped peaks provide endless trail options for every skill level.

Best Time

Utah's diverse elevations create distinct hiking seasons across different regions, requiring strategic timing for optimal experiences. Desert campgrounds near Moab, including Devils Garden and Canyonlands Needles, shine during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures range from 60-80°F, perfect for all-day hiking without extreme heat.

Activity Highlights

  • Direct trail access
  • Mountain and forest settings
  • Backpacking base camps
  • Scenic wilderness views

Campground Locations

Showing top 11 campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in Utah

Map of campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in Utah
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Map Key
1
Devils Garden Campground
2
Albion Basin
3
Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
4
Timpooneke
5
Snow Canyon State Park
6
Stateline Campground
7
Point Supreme Campground
8
Watchman Campground
9
Altamont
10
South Campground (Ut)
11
Pine Valley Recreation Area
View all 377 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Day hiking on trails ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous summit climbsBackpacking multi-day routes through slot canyons and alpine wildernessWildflower viewing in mountain meadows during July and AugustPhotography of iconic red rock formations, arches, and desert landscapesWildlife watching for mule deer, bighorn sheep, and diverse bird speciesStargazing in dark sky areas with minimal light pollution

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve popular campgrounds like Devils Garden and Watchman six months in advance through Recreation.gov, as they fill immediately upon availability.
  • 2For spontaneous trips, arrive at first-come, first-served sites like Albion Basin by Thursday afternoon for weekend availability.
  • 3Carry significantly more water than typical camping trips—desert hiking requires one gallon per person per day minimum, and many campgrounds lack water sources.
  • 4Pack layered clothing regardless of season, as temperature swings of 40°F between day and night are common, especially at higher elevations.
11 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Hiking Campgrounds in Utah

Hiking Campgrounds in Utah FAQ

We've ranked 11+ hiking campgrounds in Utah based on trail access, hiking variety, scenery, and user reviews. Top options are near national forests, state parks, and wilderness areas.
Permit requirements vary by location in Utah. Many wilderness areas and popular trails require day-use or backcountry permits. Check with the managing agency (National Forest, National Park, or State Park) before your trip.
Late Spring through Fall (May-October) is generally best for hiking camping in Utah. High-elevation trails may have shorter seasons due to snow. Always check current trail conditions before heading out.
Availability Alerts

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