Winter Camping in Utah
Discover the best winter camping across Utah. Experience the serene beauty of winter camping. From snow-covered forests to mild desert escapes.
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Fishlake National Forest
Snow blankets this historic 1908 cabin at 10,000 feet, creating an alpine playground for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing through Fishlake National Forest's pristine backcountry.
Ashley National Forest
Snowmobilers discover a cozy refuge at 9,800 feet where powder-filled forests meet pristine alpine wilderness in Ashley National Forest. The yurt serves as your base camp for carving through deep snow on historic mountain trails, then warming up beneath brilliant stars in thin mountain air.
Arches National Park
Snow dusts the red sandstone arches in a dramatic contrast, creating photographer's dreams while winter temperatures hover in the comfortable 40s—cold enough for campfires, mild enough for daytime hikes to Landscape Arch.
About Winter Camping in Utah
Winter camping Utah offers an extraordinary blend of snow-covered alpine wilderness and surprisingly accessible desert landscapes that transform the state into a winter wonderland unlike any other. From the towering peaks of the Uinta Mountains where historic guard stations like Big Flat Guard Station provide cozy refuge at 10,000 feet, to the iconic red rock formations of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks where milder desert winters create ideal camping conditions, Utah's diverse terrain caters to every winter camping style.
Best Time
The optimal window for winter camping Utah spans December through March, with each month offering distinct advantages depending on your destination and preferred activities. December and January bring the deepest snow to mountain locations, creating prime conditions for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, though these months also feature the coldest temperatures and shortest daylight hours.
Season Highlights
- Year-round open campgrounds
- Snow and winter activities
- Mild climate destinations
- Ultimate solitude and peace
Campground Locations
Showing top 20 campgrounds near Winter Camping in Utah
Plan Your Trips
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Winter camping in Utah demands serious preparation and respect for rapidly changing conditions regardless of whether you're heading to snowy mountains or seemingly mild desert locations.
- 2Essential gear includes a four-season tent rated for winter conditions, a sleeping bag rated to at least 0°F (preferably lower for mountain camping), insulated sleeping pad with high R-value, and layered clothing systems that can adapt to temperature swings of 40+ degrees between day and night.
- 3For mountain destinations, bring snowshoes or cross-country skis for access, avalanche safety equipment if traveling in backcountry terrain, and emergency supplies including extra food, fire-starting materials, and communication devices as cell service is often nonexistent.
- 4Desert winter camping requires equally careful planning despite milder temperatures—bring all water you'll need (facilities are typically shut off), prepare for freezing nighttime temperatures even when days are pleasant, and pack traction devices for icy trails and roads.
Winter Camping in Utah FAQ
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