Utah is a state known for its diverse, breathtaking scenery and being an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Whether you love gazing at desert cliffs, exploring slot canyons, ATV riding on sand dunes, ice fishing, hiking, or biking – you can do it all and more in Utah. Below are six state campgrounds – two in the northern, central, and southern parts of the state – that make for outstanding camping trips in Utah. Plan a quick weekend or an extended getaway, you cannot miss one of these camping trips in Utah.
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1. Northern Utah: Hyrum Lake State Park
Why We Love It: Largest freshwater lake in Utah and campsites with lake views
Tucked away in Cache County alongside the state’s largest freshwater lake, Hyrum State Park is beloved for its many recreation opportunities, especially water recreation. Go fishing for yellow perch, rainbow trout, bluegill, or largemouth bass. Or, hit up the lake for days of boating, waterskiing, and swimming. Located at 4,700 feet, the park is open year round for all-season adventures. Stay in one of 35 sites, including two cabins, surrounded by tall, shady trees with views of the lake and plenty of privacy.
2. Central Utah: Huntington State Park
Why We Love It: A scenic desert oasis with a small warm-water reservoir
Many Utahns know that among the best camping trips in Utah is a visit to Huntington State Park. Located about an hour and a half south of Provo, Huntington State Park is a peaceful and naturally stunning destination. Cinnamon-colored buttes peppered by the evergreen colors of Juniper and pinyon trees provide the backdrop for this serene desert oasis with a small warm-water reservoir. The park is popular for waterskiing, fishing, and crawdad catching. Facilities include 25 campsites with hookups, numerous scenic picnic spots, modern restrooms, showers, sewage disposal station, a boat launch, and a large covered pavilion.
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3. Southern Utah: Fremont Indian State Park
Why We Love It: Fremont Indian artifacts and hiking, biking, and ATV trails
One thousand years ago the valleys near Sevier in southern Utah were home to the Fremont Indians. Their rock art and structures can be seen to this day in the canyons intersecting Fremont Indian State Park. Besides viewing these spectacular artifacts for yourself, you can also learn more about the Fremont people at the park’s museum through hands-on activities, rock art tours, exhibits, and more. The park is also an off-roading favorite thanks to the expansive Paiute ATV Trail. There are also 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, and two campgrounds with a total of 42 campsites, including two cabins and two teepees.
4. Northern Utah: East Canyon State Park
Why We Love It: Open year-round for water enthusiasts and anglers.
Nestled in the mountains of northeastern Utah, East Canyon State Park is among the favorite camping trips in Utah. This park is a beautiful destination with outstanding water recreation close to the city – with Salt Lake City being just a 40-minute drive away. Visitors come in warm months for boating, fishing, paddling, water skiing, and swimming. In the winter, the lake is a fantastic spot for ice fishing. The area is also rich in pioneer history being close to the Mormon Pioneer Trail, the route taken by Mormons traveling more than 1,300 miles from Illinois to Utah. Campers can stay in one of 59 sites, including two cabins and four yurts.
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5. Central Utah: Millsite State Park
Why We Love It: Year-round fishing and outstanding off-highway vehicle (OHV) and mountain biking
Millsite State Park offers year-round fishing on the reservoir, and excellent OHV and mountain bike riding opportunities. The park is also adjacent to one of the state’s most majestic golf courses, the Millsite golf course. There are only 22 campsites, affording privacy and relaxation. Campers can kick back and take in the picturesque desert views and magnificent waterfall that flows into the reservoir.
6. Southern Country: Sand Hollow State Park
Why We Love It: Beautiful desert scenery with a reservoir and dunes for OHV riders
Situated near the Arizona border and about a twenty minute’s drive east of St. George, Sand Hollow State Park is the state’s newest park, but is quickly becoming among the top camping trips in Utah. Characterized by a reservoir with wide blue waters set amidst the red sandstone landscape, the park is defined by rugged beauty. Visitors come to boat and fish on the water or explore the dunes of Sand Mountain on an OHV. In fact, the park has become a preferred destination for OHV enthusiasts thanks to the 15,000 acres of perfectly sculpted dunes open for riding. There are 96 campsites, including a full hookup westside campground or sites in the new sandpit campground in the dunes.
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Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!