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Stays|Camping

This State Park Campground In Utah Is One Of The State’s Most Incredible Desert Base Camps

Published Jun 21, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

Snow Canyon State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Utah and for good reason. Tucked away in southern Utah, this 7,400-acre state park features lava flows, desert landscapes, and sandstone cliffs. It is a hiker's paradise with nearly 40 miles of trails to explore. But one of our favorite places to visit is Snow Canyon Campground. In fact, this is one of the best campgrounds in Utah and one of our favorite places to spend the night.

Snow Canyon Campground is quite unique. Not only is this one of the few year-round campgrounds in Utah but it is surrounded by red sandstone and black lava rock.

A wooden bridge leads to a picnic area surrounded by rocky terrain and greenery.
Simple Meets Adventure/Google

This campground features 17 multi-use campgrounds and 14 RV sites with both water and electrical hookups. This means you can either snuggle up in a tent or enjoy more modern conveniences by bringing your RV.

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A picnic area with a stone table and benches, surrounded by red rock formations and desert vegetation.
Nicholas Anderson/Google

Keep in mind that campsites one through 14 are quite narrow and you may not be able to use slide-outs or awnings if in an RV.

Each campsite has all of the amenities you need for a fabulous stay including a fire pit, grill, and table. There is also drinking water and a dump station.

Aerial view of a desert landscape with rocky terrain, sparse vegetation, and a winding road in the background.
Nicholas Anderson/Google

Due to the hot desert weather, spring, early summer, and fall are the best times to visit this state park and stay in the campground. If visiting in the summer, you’ll definitely want to bring plenty of shade to beat the heat.

A scenic view of red rock formations and green shrubs under a colorful sky, with a tree in the foreground.
David Nurse/Google

And while the campsites are certainly beautiful and hard to leave, spend some time exploring Snow Canyon State Park. If you are in the mood to hike, check out the Lava Flow Trail or the Jenny’s Canyon Trail.

Narrow canyon with textured red rock walls and sandy ground, illuminated by sunlight from above.
Ryan Mihoky/AllTrails

If you just want a more relaxing adventure in this southern Utah desert, take the short drive up to Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook. It’s gorgeous.

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A panoramic view of rugged, colorful rock formations and a vast valley under a cloudy sky.
bgrigg88/Google

Snow Canyon Campground is one of our favorite campgrounds for setting up your base camp in southern Utah. The campground is beautiful, year-round, and close to many attractions. It’s one of the best camping spots in Utah.

A dog relaxes on a cozy bed near a campfire, with a stunning sunset and mountains in the background.
Eric/Google

Reservations are strongly encouraged for this campground. You can learn more on the Utah State Parks website.

Do you agree that Snow Canyon Campground is one of the best camping spots in Utah? What are some of your favorite campgrounds in Utah? Let us know in the comments. And, if you need new camping gear, we have you covered. Visit REI or Backcountry for all of your needs.

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Stays|Camping

The Small Utah Campground Right Next To A Sandy Beach Belongs On Your Bucket List

For a great escape into nature, head to Swaseys Beach Campground near the Green River.

Published Aug 28, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

When I need to disconnect and enjoy some nature therapy, I hate to be surrounded by crowds. I want to be someplace quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. One place that offers all of this and much more is Swaseys Beach Campground near Green River. This campground isn’t large and it sits right along the Green River. It’s perfect for some time in Utah’s desert and you may even consider it one of the best campgrounds in Utah.

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Located along Hastings Road, approximately eight miles north of Green River, is Swaseys Beach Campground. This may not be the largest or the fanciest campground in Utah but it’s perfect for some outdoors.

Sign for Swasey's Beach Campground, surrounded by rocky terrain and desert vegetation, with a clear sky above.
The Swell Utah/Google

Here, you will find both a campground and a day-use area. The day-use area features picnic tables, metal fire rings, and a beach area where you can happily play in the water and put your toes in the sand.

A serene riverside scene with a picnic table under trees, overlooking a sandy beach and a distant rocky formation.
George Dawson/Google

I recommend you stay for a while but make sure you come early in the day. This campground only features 12 campsites. The majority of these sites are quite large and can easily accommodate large groups or families.

A picnic table sits in a dry, sandy area surrounded by bare trees and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky.
Nathan Strain/Google

Keep in mind that all campsites are based on a first-come, first-serve basis and the campground can fill up on the weekends. There are no water services and cell phone reception is poor.

The campsites feature picnic tables and fire rings. Several of these campsites are also shaded with cottonwood trees.

A barren campsite surrounded by rocky terrain and sparse trees under a clear blue sky.
Nathan Strain/Google

And, of course, the proximity to the water is just one more thing to enjoy about this campground. Swim or play on the beach — it’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.

People kayaking in a river surrounded by rocky cliffs and greenery on a sunny day.
Sally Valencia/Google

Approximately eight miles north of Swaseys Beach is the Nefertiti Boat Ramp, which is a popular place to put in the water for a lazy-day float trip along the Green River.

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I love the scenery of the area. The tall canyon walls, river, and desert views are simply majestic.

A serene river flows through a canyon landscape, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs under a blue sky.
Marcus Sibley/Google

Swaseys Beach is truly a great escape.

A sunlit landscape featuring a sandy riverbank, a large log, and a distant rock formation surrounded by autumn trees.
Allen Sproul/Google

For more information on Swaseys Beach Campground near Green River, visit the Bureau of Land Management website.

Have you ever visited Swaseys Beach? Did you camp here? What do you consider the best campgrounds in Utah? Let us know in the comments. If you need any camping or beach supplies for your upcoming adventure, make sure to check out REI or Backcountry.

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Stays|Camping

The 3 Utah Campgrounds In A Popular State Park That Belong On Your Bucket List

Published Jul 24, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

Located in northern Utah is the beautiful Willard Bay State Park. This is one of the most popular parks in the area and is an excellent destination for all types of recreational activities including boating, swimming, and fishing. It is also home to three bucket-list-worthy campgrounds, resulting in more than 100 camping spots for you to choose from. And no matter which one you choose, it’s a delightful escape into nature — it’s perfect for some time away.

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Willard Bay is a 9,900-acre freshwater reservoir that draws individuals from all around the state. It is located approximately 12 miles northwest of Ogden.

Sign for Willard Bay State Park, featuring "South Marina" with mountains and blue sky in the background.
Willard Bay State Park/Facebook

One of the most popular activities at this Utah state park is time on the water. Boating is excellent here as well as year-round fishing. If you throw in a line, you may be lucky enough to catch crappie, catfish, and walleye.

A serene lake view with mountains in the background, featuring clear blue skies and scattered clouds.
Willard Bay State Park/Facebook

Camping is another popular activity and it’s no surprise as this state park is home to some of the best camping sites in Utah.

A quiet park scene with trees lining a paved road, picnic tables, and a distant mountain backdrop under a clear sky.
EL Diablo AKA Berto & Nika/Google

Willard Bay is home to three campgrounds: Willow Campground, Cottonwood Campground, and South Marina Campground. Between the three campgrounds, there are more than 120 campsites.

Camping sites vary in size and amenities with several offering full hookups and others providing partial hookups. All campsites come with picnic tables and fire rings.

A parked RV with an awning, a picnic area, and a ladder nearby, surrounded by trees and clear blue skies.
Russ Lovell/Google

However, you will want to check on all fire regulations before you go as it isn't uncommon for fire restrictions to be in place during the summer months.

To help you have a comfortable visit, there are amenities like drinking water, restrooms, and more.

A quiet park area with cabins, a shelter, and a winding path under a cloudy sky, surrounded by bare trees.
Willard Bay State Park/Facebook

The campgrounds are also just a short walk from the lake, creating the ultimate outdoor playground.

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And depending on the campsite you choose, you may be blessed with trees and pavilions to keep you cool on those hot summer days.

A campsite with a picnic table under a gazebo, an Airstream trailer parked nearby, surrounded by trees.
chuck renfroe/Google

Reservations are strongly encouraged for all campgrounds at Willard Bay State Park. You will want to plan ahead if you choose to stay at this lovely campground in Utah.

For more information on Willard Bay State Park and its campgrounds, visit the Utah State Parks website.

Have you spent time at Willard Bay State Park? What are some of your favorite things to do here? Have you stayed at one of the campgrounds? Let us know in the comments.

If you plan to stay in one of the best camping spots in Utah, you need the right gear for your adventure. Visit REI or Backcountry for everything you need.

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