Students at the University of Utah are treated to some of the best camping in the country. With breathtaking landscapes only a short drive away, Utah’s outdoor adventures are something all students should get to experience. Whether you’re seeking a quick weekend getaway or an extended backcountry trek, Utah’s diverse deserts, mountains, and forests offer the perfect escape for nature lovers of all experience levels.
Northern Utah Adventures
While southern Utah’s iconic national parks often steal the spotlight, northern Utah has plenty to offer as well. Since the University is located in the northern part of the state, the trips below are perfect for students looking to stay close to home while still enjoying a great outdoor adventure.
Just 30 minutes from campus, Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon offer well-maintained campsites with flat tent spots, fire pits and bathrooms with running water. Ideal for a convenient escape, these canyons are most popular among students in the fall.
About an hour and a half from campus, the Uintas feature stunning alpine lakes, dense forests, and meadows. Campgrounds such as Mirror Lake and Trial Lake provide flat tent spots, fire rings and vault toilets. A 4×4 is useful for more remote sites.
Located over an hour south along the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, Payson Lakes offers easy access and beautiful mountain views. The campground features flat tent spots, picnic tables, fire pits and vault toilets, making it perfect for a relaxed lake-side getaway.
Southern Utah’s National Parks
While northern Utah offers its own incredible outdoor experiences, the national parks in southern Utah are truly iconic for camping. With stunning red rock formations, unique landscapes and dark skies perfect for stargazing, these parks provide unforgettable adventures. Though a bit further from campus, the trips below are ideal for students willing to venture south for a truly epic outdoor experience.
With its towering cliffs and vibrant canyons, Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Popular trails include the Narrows, Angels Landing and the Watchman.
Arches National Park is famous for its unique sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Popular camping spots include Devils Garden Campground and the primitive backcountry campsites.
Bryce Canyon National Park, known for its otherworldly hoodoos, is a must-see for any visitor to Utah. Popular trails include the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden.
Getting Into Camping in Utah
Discovering how you enjoy camping is a key part of making the most of your outdoor experiences. Taking the time to explore different styles of camping — whether it’s setting up camp in a well-equipped site, trying out backcountry camping or enjoying a weekend at a national park — helps you find what resonates with you. Whether you’re drawn to the peacefulness of a quiet campsite or the thrill of a challenging hike, finding your camping style ensures that each adventure is both rewarding and memorable.
Alta Fairbourne, a senior student and active member of the Utah Rivers Council, grew up immersed in the outdoors. Raised near Hobble Creek Canyon, she has spent much of her life enjoying nature and is an experienced camper.
For Alta, the key to a perfect camping experience is finding a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. She particularly recommends camping on Bureau of Land Management land, which offers serene, less-traveled spots that align perfectly with her desire for solitude and tranquility in nature.
“I recommend that new campers find a really cool national park in Southern Utah and camp on BLM land,” Fairbourne said. “I usually don’t like to pay for my camping spots, so it’s kind of my favorite thing to set up camp there. It offers a much more wilderness feel compared to many campgrounds that don’t really feel like the wilderness.”
Fairbourne’s experience can guide you on the essential gear to bring for both new and experienced campers. Here’s her advice on the must-have items to make your camping trips more comfortable and enjoyable.
“I recommend starting with the basics like a good tent, sleeping bag and cooking equipment,” she said. “If you are experienced, I definitely recommend canyoneering in southern Utah.”
Some of the gear she recommends for canyoneering is “ropes, ATC — which are like belay devices — harnesses, a good pair of shoes, a backpack with water and definitely a good pair of pants that won’t tear on a down-climb.”
From the convenient and well-maintained campsites in northern Utah’s Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood Canyons to the tranquil beauty of Payson Lakes and the iconic wonders of southern Utah’s national parks, there’s an adventure waiting just a short drive away. By exploring different camping styles and finding what resonates with you, you’ll ensure each trip is uniquely rewarding.
m.valva@dailyutahchronicle.com
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