The Beehive State has a lot of camping possibilities. With a number of national parks, littered with free camping sites, dispersed camping and establish campgrounds, there’s plenty of choice. From southern Utah to the salt lakes, the popular Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. This blog will cover what you need to know about camping in Utah
Where to camp in Utah
Utah has some amazing backcountry locations as well as popular campsites. The popular places to camp are Utah’s state parks, these include Bryce Canyon national park, Capitol Reed national park, Snow Canyon state park, Goblin Valley state park, Bear Lake state park, Antelope Island state park, Wasatch Mountain state park. Some more dispersed areas include Lake Powell, Great Salk Lake, Dixie National Forest, Goblin Valley and Snow Canyon. These areas of national forest and bodies of water have many campgrounds and campsites worth checking out.
What to pack for camping in Utah
Depending on the style of camping you wish to experience, your inventory will differ, however there are essentials that all campers must pack to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. For those who enjoy hiking or backpacking, travelling on a path and pitching up for a night here and there, you’d require a lightweight tent. The Tentsile UNA 1-person Tree Tent is perfect for that use, as they are incredibly light, quick to set up, and provide a comfortable night’s sleep. As well as have may applications and are incredibly versatile, allowing you to camp almost anywhere over any terrain as long as you have the trees. If you are a hiker or backpacker but don’t plan on staying overnight and instead prefer to pitch up a rest spot, then the T-mini 2-person Double Camping Hammock will be the perfect hangout for you. Like the UNA, an incredibly lightweight and quick to setup bit of kit, as well as very versatile and comfortable.
If you are a backcountry camper or wild camper, needing something that will give you a hub for your base camp, then something heavier and more durable will be needed. The Tentsile Safari Connect 2-Person Tree Tent will withstand all weather conditions and can take a lot more that it seems. Made of the most durable materials possible.
An essential bit of kit that all campers must carry is a sleeping bag, preferably a 7-season bag to get you through the coldest nights. A portable phone charger is a great decision as mobile phones are the modern gps, and a first port of call when help is needed. Sunglasses are often forgotten but are important to maintain the health of your eyes even in the winter when the sun is low and bright. A first aid kit is a no-brainer, they are always necessary as you never know when they’ll be needed, a quick bandage is important to stop any potential spread of infection. Finally, bring plenty of food and water.
What to consider before camping in Utah
There are plenty of options for camping in Utah, but each area will have its own rules and regulations, much like how each state has theirs. Get familiar with these rules before you head to your desired location, and ensure you know what is allowed and what isn’t. Maximum stays – knowing how long you’re allowed to camp in a spot, is important information to know. Fire – whether you’re allowed to set them, and how large they can be. Camping permits – extremely important to learn, check online for the area you want to camp in to see what permits are needed. https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/backcountrypermits.html
Ensuring your safety is paramount, if fires are allowed then ensure it’s not large, learn to build a fire pit to keep it contained. Wild areas of Utah are home to many animals, some can be dangerous, check before you head to your area on the types of animals that are in the ecosystem and see what you can pack/do to protect yourself. When camping in popular campsites, the possibility of theft is always there, so either keep your valuables at home or keep them out of site/on your person at all times.
Check the area of amenities to maintain your hygiene, such as showers and washing machines, these will aid in your comfort and overall enjoyment of your experience.
Utah Camping Tips
As mentioned, getting familiar with the rules of the place you are travelling to will aid in your experience. Make bookings far in advance and research the available amenities in the place you wish to camp. Depending on the time of year you wish to embark on your experience, consider the crowds and the season, if you prefer to have a quitter camp then the trade off for winter from summer may be the better option. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as that can determine what to pack, such as anoraks or raincoats. Remember to have fun and try new things!
FAQ
Where can you camp in Utah?
Utah has many options for camping, depending on your preferred style of camping you will lean more toward some places than others. If you enjoy camping primitively then a dispersed campground will be for you. For those who enjoy the company of others, established campgrounds are great for social campers.
Where is best to camp in Utah?
Depending on how you like to camp, there are varying best ways. For the solo campers, a dispersed campground may be to your liking for a more primitive way of camping. For the groups, an establish campground in a state park would be great fun as you can interact and work with the other campers there.
When does the camping season start in Utah?
Mid-June to July is the start of the summer, this is when people will tend to go camping as the weather starts to turn to the sunny!
