Utah Outdoor Guide: Campgrounds, Trails, Beaches & RV Spots
Key Takeaways
- Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef — give this state more short, spectacular family hikes than almost anywhere else in this guide
- Bear Lake’s turquoise color comes from actual calcium carbonate particles reflecting light — it’s genuinely as striking in person as in photos
- Devils Garden Campground in Arches is the only campground in the park — reserve up to six months ahead
- Angels Landing requires a permit and involves exposed chains — this is strictly for older, sure-footed families, not a casual hike
Five National Parks in One State
Utah supports one of the deepest lists in this entire series thanks to its five national parks — each one delivers genuinely short, spectacular hikes that work well for families, not just serious backcountry trips.
Campgrounds
Watchman Campground — Zion National Park (Springdale)
Zion’s main reservable campground, walkable to the visitor center and shuttle. Electric sites available. Books up months ahead — plan early.
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Devils Garden Campground — Arches National Park (Moab)
The only campground in the park, set in a genuinely stunning slickrock landscape. No hookups. Reserve up to six months ahead.
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Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park (Torrey)
A green oasis among historic orchards where you can actually pick fruit in season — a beloved, genuinely unique family campground.
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North & Sunset Campgrounds — Bryce Canyon National Park
Ponderosa-shaded rim campgrounds minutes from the amphitheater, with some first-come sites available.
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Snow Canyon State Park Campground — St. George
27 sites with varying hookups in a genuinely gorgeous red-rock canyon. Reviewers consistently praise how clean and well-maintained it stays.
Learn moreHiking Trails
Riverside Walk — Zion National Park
Paved, flat, and stroller-friendly, leading to the start of the Narrows — a top easy family hike in the park.
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Watchman Trail — Zion National Park
An easy roughly 3-mile out-and-back with about 400 feet of gain — kid-friendly and doable in regular sneakers.
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Navajo Loop / Queen’s Garden combo — Bryce Canyon National Park
A roughly 3-mile descent among hoodoos followed by a climb back out — the best family loop in the park. Wear real hiking boots for the loose gravel.
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Delicate Arch — Arches National Park
A 3-mile round trip, moderate, across exposed slickrock to Utah’s most famous arch — worth the effort for the payoff.
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Mesa Arch — Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky)
A short half-mile loop to a cliff-edge arch framing sweeping Canyonlands views — a genuine sunrise favorite, and easy enough for the whole family.
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Angels Landing — Zion National Park
Iconic but strenuous, with exposed chains on the final approach. Requires a permit. This is for older, sure-footed families only — not a casual family hike.
Learn moreLakes & Swimming Areas
Bear Lake — Garden City
Nicknamed the “Caribbean of the Rockies” — the striking turquoise color comes from actual calcium carbonate particles in the water reflecting light back to the surface, not a filter effect. Sandy beaches and shallow water at Rendezvous Beach make this genuinely ideal for children.
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Sand Hollow Reservoir — Hurricane
Warm blue water against red rock, with beach camping and boating — close to St. George.
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Quail Creek State Park — near St. George
Blue water good for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with a sandy beach and changing rooms — about 30 minutes from Zion, making it a good pairing.
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Jordanelle Reservoir — near Park City
A sandy beach with a genuine mountain backdrop, good for swimming and paddleboarding.
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Flaming Gorge Reservoir — northeastern Utah
Dramatic red cliffs against deep blue water, with two designated swim beaches. Water stays cold, so plan accordingly.
Learn moreRV Spots
Sun Outdoors Moab (multiple locations)
A well-reviewed Moab cluster — clean, dog-friendly, with praised staff and premier full-hookup pull-throughs.
Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground — Bryce Canyon City
Spacious sites right at the Bryce gateway with real resort amenities.
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Sun Outdoors Garden City — Bear Lake
Waterfront full hookups right at the lake — a strong pick if swimming is your priority alongside the parks.
Learn morePlanning Your Trip
Pick which national park anchors your trip based on your family’s hiking appetite — Zion and Bryce Canyon offer the best mix of easy and moderate family trails, while Arches and Canyonlands lean toward shorter, big-payoff walks. Bear Lake is worth a dedicated stop for swimming specifically — it’s genuinely one of the most striking lakes in this whole guide series, not just a scenic photo opportunity.