Desert Camping in Utah
Discover the best desert camping across Utah. Discover the magic of desert camping. Dramatic landscapes, star-filled skies, and serene solitude.
Desert Camping in Other States
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Devils Garden Campground
Juniper-shaded campsites immerse you in Arches National Park's sandstone wonderland, where prickly pear and yucca thrive among sculpted red rock fins that glow crimson at sunset.
Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
Towering sandstone spires and 300-million-year-old rock formations create a geological amphitheater where ancient junipers shelter your desert basecamp. Miles from city lights, the night sky explodes with stars above spring wildflowers that transform red rock canyons into an unexpected garden.
Goblin Valley State Park
Thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone hoodoos rise from the rust-colored valley floor, creating an otherworldly maze where visitors can wander freely among these whimsical geological sculptures.
About Desert Camping in Utah
Desert camping Utah offers some of the most spectacular and otherworldly landscapes in North America, where ancient sandstone formations, towering red rock spires, and vast canyon systems create an unforgettable outdoor experience. From the iconic arches and fins near Moab to the remote wilderness of Canyonlands and the colorful hoodoos of Goblin Valley, Utah's desert campgrounds provide access to geological wonders found nowhere else on Earth.
Best Time
Spring from mid-March through May and fall from September through October offer the best desert camping conditions in Utah, with daytime temperatures in the comfortable 60-80°F range and cool nights perfect for campfires and stargazing. Summer months from June through August bring intense heat with temperatures often exceeding 100°F in lower elevation areas, though higher elevation campgrounds remain more comfortable and early morning or evening activities are still enjoyable.
Scenery Highlights
- Unique desert landscapes
- World-class stargazing
- Mild winter temperatures
- Solitude and wide-open spaces
Explore Desert Camping in Utah
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve campsites well in advance for popular locations like Devils Garden, Dead Horse Point, and Snow Canyon, as these fill up months ahead during peak spring and fall seasons, while more remote campgrounds like Needles District and Goblin Valley may have better last-minute availability.
- 2Bring all the water you'll need plus extra, as desert conditions cause rapid dehydration and water sources are limited or nonexistent at most campgrounds, with a minimum of one gallon per person per day recommended for drinking, cooking, and washing.
- 3Pack layers for dramatic temperature swings between day and night, including warm sleeping bags rated to at least 20°F for spring and fall camping, as desert nights can be surprisingly cold even when days are warm.
- 4Protect yourself from intense sun exposure with high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective clothing, and plan strenuous activities for early morning or evening hours to avoid midday heat.
Desert Camping in Utah FAQ
We've ranked 20+ desert campgrounds in Utah based on scenery, stargazing conditions, and accessibility. Top options offer dramatic landscapes and incredible night skies.
Desert camping in Utah is best from October through April when temperatures are moderate. Winter offers mild daytime temps and cold nights perfect for campfires.
For desert camping in Utah, bring extra water (at least 1 gallon per person per day), sun protection, layers for cold nights, and sturdy tent stakes for sandy or rocky ground.
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Devils Garden Campground
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