This Year-Round Campground In Utah Is Part Of An Incredible Dark Sky Park
By Courtnie Erickson|Published December 13, 2021
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Did you know that Utah has the most dark sky parks and communities than any other state in America? While there are many breathtaking places to go around the Beehive State to admire the beauty of the night sky, Wingate Campground at Dead Horse Point State Park must be on your bucket list. This year-round campground in Utah is part of Dead Horse Point State Park, one of the most incredible dark sky parks in the state.
Located near Canyonlands National Park and approximately 40 miles from Moab, Dead Horse Point State Park is quite the experience.
This state park is filled with desert landscapes and hiking trails for all skill levels. This is also where you will find some of the most breathtaking views of the Colorado River.
However, during the nighttime hours is when this area truly shines. Dead Horse Point State Park was recognized as an International Dark Sky Park in 2016. During the day, the landscape at this state park will mesmerize you but at night, it will leave you speechless.
To truly experience the magnificence of the night sky at this state park, you'll want to stay in one of the local campgrounds. Wingate Campground, located inside Dead Horse Point State Park, is a year-round campground in Utah that will give you views of the sky without traveling too far.
This campground features 31 campsites. Twenty of these campsites are available for both RVs and tent campers. The other 11 campsites are hike-in, tent-only campsites.
The hike-in, tent-only campsites are closed from December to the middle of February due to harsh winter elements
You’ll find many amenities to ensure your camping experience is wonderful at Wingate Campground including fire pits, bathrooms, dishwashing sinks, shade shelters, and picnic tables.
These yurts are excellent for families or larger groups as they come complete with a bunk bed, futon bed, tables, and more. You can also reserve the Moenkopi Yurts in this state park as well if those at Wingate Campground are occupied.
However, no matter if you stay in a tent or a yurt, try not to rush your stay at this year-round campground in Utah. This is the perfect place to just enjoy the gorgeous night sky and relax.
Reservations to Wingate Campground can be made in advance and the remaining sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, don’t fret if you aren’t able to spend the night at Wingate Campground as the Kayenta campground, also located in the state park, is nearby and features a long list of amenities.
There are 21 campsites at the Kayenta Campground and each is equipped with RV electrical hookups, shade structures, picnic tables, cement pads, and fire rings. However, this campground is closed between December 1 to the middle of February each year due to snow and winter weather.
Are you ready for a wonderful night under the stars? To learn more about Dead Horse Point State Park and its campgrounds, click here.
Have you ever spent the night at this year-round campground in Utah? Did you stare at the night sky during your stay? We’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments!
Do you love to visit dark sky parks? Here are 15 of Utah’s dark sky parks that have stunning scenery by day and stargazing at night.
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