2023 Best Places to Camp in the Mountain Region
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COMING SOON
JULY 2022
Credit: Carrie C
Location: Green River, UT
What makes it great:
Goblin Valley State Park’s main attraction is the labyrinth of hoodoos, or "goblins," which are rock formations that have been formed over millions of years by erosion. These hoodoos are scattered throughout the park, and they create an otherworldly landscape that makes Goblin Valley State Park one of the most picturesque places to camp in the United States.
The park has traditional campsites, yurts and RV sites. These accommodations provide a comfortable and convenient base from which visitors can explore the park's many hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. Goblin Valley State Park is great for hiking, mountain biking, stargazing and wildlife viewing. Furthermore, the park's location is ideal for day trips to nearby attractions such as Capitol Reef National Park and the San Rafael Swell.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“This place is so cool! Truly never seen anything like it. Tent sights are great and nestled in the rocks.” — Alyssa L
“Goblin Valley is like you’re visiting another planet!” — Leslie M
“Words cannot do this place justice. It's a bit off the main highway and mostly locals know about it. You can climb all over the hoodoos. There's even a disc golf course!” — Jordan R
Campground Details
Price: $45
Number of sites: 25
RV sites: N
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
1. Goblin Valley State Park — Utah
Credit: Tarah W
Location: Browning, MT
What makes it great:
Located in the heart of Glacier National Park, this campground is surrounded by majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes and pristine forests. Its scenic setting provides campers with endless opportunities for hiking, fishing and photography. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats and bighorn sheep, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
Many Glacier Campground offers both tent and RV sites, as well as rustic cabins for those who prefer a more comfortable camping experience. It is also well equipped with modern amenities, such as running water, restrooms and picnic areas. The campground offers easy access to many of the park's popular attractions, including the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead and the Many Glacier Hotel. Whether you are an experienced camper or a first-time visitor, Many Glacier Campground is a special place to experience one of America's most beautiful national parks.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Many Glacier is an essential stop when visiting Glacier, and this campground made a great home base.” — Austin C
“This spot is incredibly beautiful, surrounded by picturesque mountainscapes with glaciers visible from the campsites. The campground has a spacious and friendly vibe.” — Stephanie V
“When you stay at Many Glacier you are situated in the heart of the best hiking and wildlife viewing in the park.” — Chris R
Campground Details
Price: $23
Number of sites: 109
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
2. Many Glacier Campground — Montana
Credit: Lonecamper C
Location: North Rim, AZ
What makes it great:
North Rim Campground is an excellent place to camp due to its secluded location, peaceful atmosphere and stunning views. The campground is located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which offers a more serene camping experience than the more popular South Rim.
North Rim provides campers with unparalleled views of the Grand Canyon, including both sunrises and sunsets that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your campsite. It’s surrounded by forest, providing shade for a variety of activities. In addition to hiking and exploring the Grand Canyon, visitors can enjoy bird watching, stargazing and ranger-led activities.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“For years I've said "If you don't believe in a higher being you have to visit the South Island of New Zealand." Little did I know there's a place much closer to home.....This is IT!!!!” — Ralph
“North Rim is the best and this campground makes it better.” — Jim S
“Take some time to visit the North Rim, we only had 3 days and I wished we had much much more!” — Brittany S
Campground Details
Price: $6-$50
Number of sites: 90
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
3. North Rim Campground — Arizona
Credit: Jason P
Location: Springdale, UT / Zion National Park
What makes it great:
Watchman Campground is located within Zion National Park, one of the most popular and iconic national parks in the United States. Watchman provides easy access to the park's many hiking trails, scenic viewpoints and outdoor recreation opportunities. The campground itself is situated along the Virgin River, which provides a beautiful and peaceful setting for campers to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
The campsite offers tent sites, RV sites and cabins, all of which are equipped with modern amenities such as running water, picnic tables, and fire pits. Visitors can enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding and ranger-led activities. The campground is also conveniently located near the park's shuttle system, which provides easy access to many of the park's popular attractions, including Angel's Landing and the Narrows. Situated near the town of Springdale, restaurants, shops and museums aren’t too far away.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Waking up with the mountain ranges of Zion and seeing deers graze on grass, what more can you ask for?” — kenny T
“What else can be said about Watchman Campground in Zion National Park except "Wow"! The sites are super nice and the views are out of this world.” — Sam S
“The Watchman Campground was the ideal way to experience all that Zion has to offer. It felt cozy with everything you need just a short walk away (including a brewery!!!) yet you feel immersed in the canyon.” — Jacki C
Campground Details
Price: $50-$90
Number of sites: 175
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
4. Watchman Campground — Utah
Credit: Shari G
Location: Almo, ID
What makes it great:
City of Rocks National Reserve Campground is surrounded by unique and breathtaking geological features in southern Idaho. It’s a remarkable landscape of granite spires and boulders that have been naturally sculpted over millions of years. This backdrop creates an otherworldly camping experience.
City of Rocks offers a variety of recreational options, including hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks that take visitors to the top of the granite spires, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The campground is also popular among rock climbers. Additionally, the park is home to a range of wildlife, including mule deer and pronghorn antelope, making it an ideal destination for wildlife viewing.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“This is a great campground. All the 65 sites are spread out throughout the park. So you will have some sort of awesome rocks near your site. I felt like a kid in a huge playground.” — Eric G
“This place is unreal. We entered through the Western entrance and didn’t see a single soul the entire stay until we were driving out. The campsites are huge, and every one is unique.” — North Idaho N
“Each campsite is thoughtfully placed within the park and most appear to have a perfect amount of privacy. It’s probably been 20 years since we enjoyed such a great campground experience. Can’t recommend more highly.” — Joel R
Campground Details
Price: $14
Number of sites: 65
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
5. City of Rocks National Reserve Campground — Idaho
Credit: Lauren S
Location: Elk, WY
What makes it great:
Upper Teton View Dispersed camping is a fantastic destination for those who enjoy primitive camping and stunning natural scenery. The campsite is located on the west side of the Teton Range in Wyoming, offering a remote and peaceful camping experience with breathtaking views of the Teton Range. The campground is located in a dispersed camping area, but the lack of amenities is more than made up for by the feeling of being immersed in nature.
The Teton Range offers hiking trails, mountain biking routes and fishing opportunities. Visitors can also explore nearby Yellowstone National Park, which is home to a wide range of wildlife, including bison, elk and grizzly bears. Additionally, the campsite is located near several hot springs and natural swimming areas, providing a refreshing and unique way to cool off after a long day of outdoor activities.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“It was a spectacular stay with my pup, we loved the views and how many animals we saw!” — Sonny S
“This boondocking location was amazing. It had one of the best views on our trip so far and we have been everywhere!” — Marie B
“We spent four nights here and enjoyed every bit of it. Unbelievable views of Grand Teton and the surrounding area from virtually every site in this spot.” — Connor N
Campground Details
Price: Free
Number of sites: 27
RV sites: N
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
6. Upper Teton View Dispersed — Wyoming
Credit: Mar H
Location: Blair, UT
What makes it great:
Volcano Peak Campground is dispersed camping at its finest. It’s located in the Silver Island Mountains in northwestern Utah near the Bonneville Salt Flats. Instead of trying to set a new land speed record on the Bonneville Speedway, set up camp and let the tranquility wash over you.
This secluded area makes it a perfect environment for everything from lizards and birds to bighorn sheep and coyotes. If you’re the adventurous type — and if you end up here there’s a good chance you probably are — it’s a steep climb to the summit of Volcano Peak, but the reward is worth it.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Perfect spot. Far enough off the interstate you can’t hear it, but close enough it doesn’t add to your trip. 4 bars of reception, and no one within sight for five nights.” — Devin L
“You can’t camp on the salt flats but this is the next best thing. Unpaved road but very reasonable for even 2WD. There are plenty of sites along the road here and more private ones further in if you have 4WD and high clearance.” — Rich P
Campground Details
Price: Free
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: N
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
7. Volcano Peak Campground — Utah
Credit: Krista R
Location: Overton, NV / Valley of Fire State Park
What makes it great:
Atlatl Rock Campground in Valley of Fire State Park is a fantastic destination for those looking for a desert camping experience. The park is located in the Mojave Desert and is known for its 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops nestled in gray and tan limestone. Don’t forget to check out the petroglyphs and ancient rock art. The visitor center has exhibits on the geology, ecology, prehistory and history of the park and nearby region.
All the typical state park activities like hiking and rock climbing are in abundance, but the park also hosts an annual Atlatl Competition in which participants test their skills with replicas of ancient spears. Campsites are equipped with grills, shaded tables and water.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“If you like camping this is a must-go-to spot. Landscape is unlike any other, millions of years of erosion to create a breathtaking environment.” — Angel T
“This campground exceeded our expectations by a bunch. Very popular, but the sites are situated in a way as to make you feel like you are living in a cave.” — Trevor M
Campground Details
Price: $25-$35
Number of sites: 44
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
8. Atlatl Rock Campgrounds — Nevada
Credit: Elizabeth A
Location: Palisade, CO
What makes it great:
Palisade Basecamp RV Resort offers cabins, RV sites and riverside tent camping nestled between fruit orchards and wine vineyards along the Colorado River. The 14-acre resort is conveniently located just one mile from historic downtown Palisade.
Palisade Basecamp is aptly named, as it has great proximity to world-renowned mountain bike trails, wineries, orchards and the festivals of western Colorado. Bonus points if you snag a site up on the bluff overlooking the river and surrounding peach orchards.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“This RV park had a great shower/ bathroom and laundry facility. Our spot overlooked the Colorado River and had great scenic views.” — Derek H
“Can’t say enough about this camp spot. Wow!! Pull-throughs ... back ends available. Fabulous service from the owners. We planned on staying 2 nights but ended up staying a few more days.” — Cheryl F
“Great find... vineyards all around, a local brewery, tent sites on the Colorado River. The winery next door is awesome. Small, family owned, great atmosphere. A truly amazing stop on our way east.” — Matt O
Campground Details
Price: $39-$94
Number of sites: 100
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
9. Palisade Basecamp RV Resort — Colorado
Credit: Mark
Location: Ruidoso, NM — Lincoln National Forest
What makes it great:
Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park is located in the beautiful Lincoln National Forest and also offers tent sites and cabins, providing visitors with a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. The campsites are well appointed and offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forest.
There’s convenient access to hiking, mountain biking and fishing and visitors can also explore nearby attractions, including the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino, the Hubbard Museum of the American West, and the historic Village of Lincoln. It’s an ideal destination for families and groups with Ruidoso offering a solid selection of restaurants, shops and attractions.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“This place is absolutely great. Super clean. Gas grill available & charcoal. Super clean restrooms with large private showers. Great hiking & super quiet. Wi-Fi is included if that’s what you need.” — marge Z.
“One of the best appointed RV parks we’ve seen! Sites are close to each other but it actually provides a cozy atmosphere on the grounds. A disco/star lamp at night lit up the trees. Charming! Walkable to town. Full of art and crafts from the owners. Would love to return.” — N P
Campground Details
Price: $45-$70
Number of sites: 28
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: N
Pets allowed: Y
View the 2023 Best Places To Camp Regional Awards winners by region.
10. Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park — New Mexico
2023 Best Places to Camp in the Mountain Region
The Mountain Region provides the setting for arguably the most picturesque places to camp in America, courtesy of the Rockies. And if you’re unfamiliar with the state and national parks in Utah, you could wake up there one morning and feel like you’re on another planet.
That’s certainly true for the top spot on our list of the 2023 Best Places to Camp in the Mountain Region: Goblin Valley State Park. Its thousands of hoodoo rock formations truly seem out of this world. Many Glacier Campground, in Montana’s Glacier National Park, is No. 2 on the list and also visually staggering with its foggy peaks and alpine lakes.
Check out these and the rest of this year’s Best Places to Camp Regional Award winners in the Mountain Region, which are based on reviews and ratings from The Dyrt’s vast community of campers.