With over 7,000 improved campsites and virtually unlimited primitive camping, few states can compete with the variety of camping opportunities found in Utah. Highlights include alpine camping in the Uinta highlands or one of the many other high mountain ranges; desert camping among the cacti and Manzanita brush of Utah's red rock country; boat camping on Lake Powell, Flaming Gorge, or one of the many other lakes and reservoirs; primitive camping in a wilderness area, or a more civilized put-in at one of the state's national parks, national forests or state parks.
So many choices
With so many camping opportunities available, one of the most difficult aspects of Utah camping can be deciding where to go. The easiest way to narrow your selection is to first determine what you want to do there: fish, hike, mountain bike, boat, raft, etc. Some areas, like the national parks, lend themselves more to hiking than fishing. Other camping areas offer both. Many of the camping areas require that you make a reservation or buy a permit to camp there. Limits on length of stay may vary as well, so make sure you inquire when you look into reservations. Next, determine what amenities you want in your preferred campsite. Amenities will vary from campground to campground. Do you want an improved campsite with barbecue grills, running water and toilets? Or would you prefer an unimproved campground with only a fire pit. (Beware: Some campgrounds don't allow open pit fires.) Some facilities may even include hot showers and full utility hookups. The Regional Campground Directory later in this book lists the amenities available at each campground.