The Best Camping in Utah
Looking for the best camping in Utah? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Utah. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top camping spots in and near Utah
-
Sandy, Utah
White Pine Lake
4.59.97 mi / 2917 ft gainJust about 5 miles (2-2.5 hrs) from the trailhead, you will find the beautiful White Pine Lake where the water is an intense blue color. It's an amazing place for photos and just hanging out on a summer or fall afternoon. Along the way you will have great views of mountains of all colors, beautif...Read more -
Provo, Utah
Backpack to Silver Lake
4.44.1 mi / 1500 ft gainThe trail is 4.1 miles roundtrip gaining almost 1,500 feet for the duration of the adventure. Some parts are exposed, so you can get a fair amount of sun.When you're on the trail, you'll get amazing views as you’re hiking to the lake of Mount Timpanogos and American Fork Canyon. This is followed ...Read more -
Sandy, Utah
Red Pine Lake Trail
5.06.94 mi / 1995 ft gainRed Pine Lake, located in Red Pine Fork of the Wasatch Mountains, is one of the premier hiking and backpacking destinations in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Red Pine Fork is sandwiched in between White Pine Fork and Maybird Gulch to the east and west, respectively. All three are accessed via the Whit...Read more -
Kane County, Utah
Reflection Canyon
5.015.24 mi / 1368 ft gainBackpacking Reflection Canyon is not for the faint of heart. It's an intense, challenging hike that takes you through slot canyons, climbing up and down shifty sandstones and traversing rugged terrains and ravines. Although the elevation gain is almost nothing, the up and down climbs from one rav...Read more -
Salt Lake City, Utah
Backpack Lake Catherine and Bag Sunset Peak
3.53 mi / 1200 ft gainAny chance to get into the backcountry of the Wasatch Mountains is worth it. Many people day hike in the area, but not very many backpack in. The trail meets up with the Great Western Trail and overlooks Lake Catherine. The best place to camp is in the woods next to the lake. Hike down to the lak...Read more -
Salt Lake City, Utah
Camp at Willow Lake
4.62.41 mi / 659 ft gainThe trailhead to Willow Lake is about 11 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and is on the north side of the road right after the passing lane begins. It can be easy to miss, and is only marked with a plaque on a rock (40.630302, -111.604639). As you hike a little in from the road you will see the tra...Read more -
Sandy, Utah
Summit the Pfeifferhorn
5.09 mi / 3700 ft gainStarting at the White Pine Trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT, hike southwest until reaching the junction to Red Pine Canyon. Take the trail that crosses the stream and continues west around the ridge. The trail will quickly turn south and begin to gain elevation. Continue west as you pass...Read more -
Provo, Utah
Mount Timpanogos via Timpanogos Trail #053
4.815.72 mi / 4970 ft gainThe Timpooneke trailhead is located in American Fork Canyon, next to the Timpooneke Campground. There is a $6 fee to enter the canyon, unless you have a National Park Pass with which you get in free. On the weekends, it may be difficult to find parking at the Timpooneke Campground, so arrive earl...Read more -
Salt Lake County, Utah
Willow Lake
4.52.41 mi / 659 ft gainThe Trail: Follow the marked trail and you'll hike less than a mile up to the edge of Willow Lake. Moose like to hang out in the thick willows there, so make lots of noise to warn them that you're coming and you won't startle any. Standing on the shoreline, you'll have a great view of Solitude ...Read more -
Hurricane, Utah
Red Cliffs Recreation Nature Trail
4.51.39 mi / 266 ft gainHike along streams that run through red sandstone - the blue water makes a fun contrast against the red rocks and sand. To get to the trailhead, drive to the Red Cliffs Campground about 20 minutes north of St. George. There is a small fee to park or camp at the campground. This trail starts in ...Read more -
Millard County, Utah
Take a Dip in the Meadow Hot Springs
3.8These hot springs are located on private property but the owner allows anyone to come and take a dip. You can camp overnight and also have fires in the several pits near the pools. He just asks all the visitors to keep it cleaner than they found it and Leave No Trace of course. There are 3 differ...Read more -
Hurricane, Utah
Camp Under Zion's Watchman
4.3Watchman Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds at Zion National Park. With a prime location only a ¼ mile away from the South entrance and gorgeous scenery right outside of your tent, including the tall sandstone cliffs that surround it, it’s easy to see why this campground is everyon...Read more -
Alta, Utah
Cecret Lake
4.41.78 mi / 509 ft gainCecret Lake is reached by driving up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Albion Basin above Alta Ski Resort. The hike is just under 1 mile to the lake and should take about 30 minutes. The hike goes through fields full of wildflowers and wildlife is abundant. Moose, deer, and various wildlife can be s...Read more -
Provo, Utah
Hike to Buckley's Abandoned Mine
4.63 mi / 200 ft gainOnce you reach the mine it's gated but you can slide in. Follow the main tunnel a hundred or so feet back and climb the 75 foot ladder up to the second level. You can then make your way back out to the cliff face where there is another gate to the outside. That gate is a little trickier to squeez...Read more -
Evanston, Utah
Red Castle and Red Castle Lakes
4.623.13 mi / 2149 ft gainThe Red Castle is a stunning formation of crumbling red rock that rises around several small lakes, high in the Uinta Mountains. The trail begins at the China Meadows Trailhead. From there, it heads south for about 8 miles, winding through lodgepole pine forests and skirting vast alpine meadows, ...Read more -
Kanab, Utah
Hike Buckskin Gulch, Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness
4.715 miBuckskin Gulch is a natural wonder. At 15 miles long it is the longest slot canyon in the world. It sometimes is as narrow as 2ft. Because of the nature of this canyon and Utah topography this canyon is subject to deadly flash flood if it rains anywhere along the headwaters. Be sure to check in w...Read more
Quick links
- The best hiking trails in Utah
- The best backpacking in Utah
- The best camping in Utah
- Top adventures in Utah
