It's no secret that Utah is chock full of gorgeous sights and natural wonders. Camping is one of the best ways to surround yourself with Utah's natural beauty, and there's almost no end to the number of gorgeous campgrounds around the state. But contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of places to choose from even outside our iconic national parks, including state parks and beyond. Here are some of our favorite campgrounds in Utah.

1. Alta Campground, Little Cottonwood Canyon

This gorgeous spot is located inside the Alta Ski Area, in the Albion Basin. You’ll be surrounded by pines in the clean, crisp air at this site. While some sites are first-come, first-served, you’ll want to make advanced reservations with the U.S. Forest Service.

2. American Fork Canyon

You’ll find two campgrounds in American Fork Canyon: Little Mill, with 66 campsites; and Granite Flat with 64 sites. Both are very scenic spots, but the Granite Flat sites are more spacious and offer some of the prettiest camping spots in Utah.

3. Antelope Island

You’ll find three campgrounds on Antelope Island with 52 campsites in total. The scenery is amazing, but the sites are pretty primitive with just pit toilets. If you want to shower, you can always head over to the day-use area.

4. Bear Lake State Park

Camp in one of two areas at Bear Lake State Park. Rendezvous Beach, on the south shore, has three campgrounds with modern restrooms and showers. Reserve these well in advance. Eastside campgrounds are primitive, and most are first come, first serve.

5. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park offers campers two sites: North Campground and Sunset Campground. The North site is near the visitor center; Sunset is located near Bryce Lodge. Both are nice campgrounds with plenty of ponderosa pines to provide shade. They fill up by early afternoon, especially during the summer months.

6. Calf Creek Campground

The Calf Creek Campground is located near the trailhead to Lower Calf Creek Falls in the Calf Creek Recreation Area. You’ll find just 14 sites here, so arrive early. This is one of the best places to camp in Utah.

7. Dead Horse Point State Park

Camp atop the mesa, 2,000 feet above the valley below. You’ll wake up to a killer sunrise view in the morning. You'll also find some yurts available to rent as well.

8. Devils Garden Campground, Arches National Park

You'll find plenty of desert flora at this campground, along with natural arches and fins. Reserve one of the 51 campsites at Arches National Park in advance. With all there is to explore here, this has to be one of the most fun places to camp in Utah.

Want to learn more about Arches National Park? Take a look at this video by @OnlyInYourState:

9. Fruita Campground, Capitol Reef National Park

This is the view from the Fruita Campground at Capitol Reef National Monument, which offers 71 sites with picnic tables and fire pits. The campground has flush toilets and running water. Sites are first-come, first-served.

10. Goblin Valley State Park

Spring is the best time to visit Goblin Valley State Park - before it gets too hot. The campground offers 24 sites, modern restrooms, and showers. You won’t find any shade here, but the goblin formations and red rock cliffs are fabulous.

11. Goosenecks State Park

There's no shade here, but just look at this view! Gooseneck State Park's eight primitive sites are first-come, first-served.

12. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway Campgrounds

The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway has numerous campgrounds, many with little lakes. The snow melts pretty late this high up, so plan your trip for later this summer.

13. Natural Bridges National Monument

Get to Natural Bridges early to snag one of the 13 campsites. Each has a grill and picnic table, and vault toilets are available. You can get up to 5 gallons of water per person at the nearby Visitor Center.

14. Spruces Campground, Big Cottonwood Canyon

When you camp at Spruces, just 10 minutes from Salt Lake City, you'll feel like you entered another world. It sits at an elevation of 7,500 feet. Book well in advance - these tree-covered sites go fast.

15. Watchman Campground, Zion National Park

Camp in the shadow of the Watchman at Zion National Park. This large campground offers 176 sites, but you'll want to book early.

16. Wasatch Mountain State Park Campground

Wasatch Mountain State Park offers tons of recreation opportunities and a large, 127-site campground with hookups, showers, and amenities.

What do you think are the prettiest campgrounds in Utah? Let us know!

Not all of the best campgrounds in Utah are just for tents and RVs. Utah has plenty of glamping options as well!

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