2022 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the Mountain West

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You don’t need us to tell you how rad camping in the Mountain West can be. From hanging with bighorn sheep to watching the sun rise over vanishing glaciers, this region offers up epic adventures and experiences that are hard to beat. Explore miles and miles of dispersed camping in a beautiful forest outside Bryce Canyon National Park. Wake up to a view of the Teton Range that you’ll remember forever. Or opt for something a little more cozy and bring your RV to a bells-and-whistles resort just outside Zion National Park and take a shuttle into the park to hike. We could go on and on about the places you have to see and stay, but with the help of our vast community of campers, we’ve picked 10 of the best experiences to get you going.

 

See all of the Region Top 10 Lists

1. Many Glacier Campground — Montana

Set up camp in the shade of Douglas fir trees, just steps away from Swiftcurrent Lake, which is surrounded by five of Glacier National Park’s iconic peaks. The glacial views from this campground are unrivaled. Many Glacier Campground books up fast, and it’s no wonder why. The campground offers all the adventure of Glacier without sacrificing comforts. World-renowned hiking and backpacking trails can be easily accessed from camp, as well as amenities like groceries, showers and potable water. The campground offers peace and quiet, especially in the early mornings as you watch the sunrise over the glaciers.

Many Glacier is also a spectacular place for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for moose, bears and other critters around the camp and nearby trails. Camp hosts will be on-site to inform you about bear safety precautions.

Campground Details:

• Price: $23
• Number of sites: 110
• RV sites: yes
• Fires allowed: yes
• Pets allowed: yes

2. White Star Campground — Colorado

The list of activities available in or near White Star Campground is unbeatable: mountain biking, sailing, water skiing, hiking, mountaineering, fishing and more. At the base of Colorado’s tallest 14er, Mount Elbert, and within walking distance to Twin Lakes Reservoir, White Star offers 65 idyllic campsites that are filled with the fragrance of the area’s many ponderosa pines. The campground facility has been called pristine, and there is plenty of space between every campsite for privacy and peace.

Several sites have access to the water and can be hard to book — but not impossible! Individual campsites become bookable on a six-month rolling basis.

Campground Details:

• Price: $24
• Number of sites: 65
• RV sites: no
• Fires allowed: yes
• Pets allowed: yes

3. Shadow Mountain — Wyoming

Unlike many free, dispersed campgrounds, Shadow Mountain offers bathrooms and camp hosts on-site. Most importantly, though, the campground offers jaw-dropping views of the Tetons. Waking up to your own view of golden light pouring over Wyoming’s famed mountain range is pretty darn hard to beat. This is the perfect campground for those wanting to get away from the busyness of Grand Teton National Park, but finding a spot can be tricky. As camper Greg N. put it, finding a campground here “felt like winning the lottery.”

Pro tip: In the summer months, you can catch the wildflower blooms for a truly breathtaking view of the mountain landscape.

Campground Details:

• Price: free
• Number of sites: 50
• RV sites: yes
• Fires allowed: yes
• Pets allowed: yes

4. Zion River Resort — Utah

RVers will be hard-pressed to find a better base camp for exploring some of the Southwest’s most popular destinations, like Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks as well as the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. Located just outside Zion NP, this campground offers shady RV and tent sites with full hookups and free Wi-Fi and cable. When you’re not exploring the nearby parks, there’s plenty to keep everyone busy at camp, including a playground, heated swimming pool, ice cream shop, game room and more. A shuttle bus that runs between March and October makes it easy to trek over to Zion for the day.

Tent campers are welcome, but Zion River Resort really caters to RVers, most of whom seem to enjoy their stay here. The Dyrt camper Robert F. sings especially high praises: “In my view, the best RV park in the Zion Corridor near Virgin Utah.”

Campground Details:

• Price: $43-76
• Number of sites: n/a
• RV sites: yes
• Fires allowed: yes
• Pets allowed: yes

5. Bogan Flats Campground — Colorado

Nestled in the aspen groves along Colorado’s Crystal River, this campground in the White River National Forest is renowned for its fly fishing because of the many species of trout that inhabit the river. With access to seemingly endless miles of trails and proximity to Mount Sopris, Bogan Flats Campground is more than just a fly fishing paradise. This campground is popular for adventure seekers and those looking for rest and relaxation alike.

Be sure and book one of the campsites that are situated right along the river so you can fall asleep to the sound of a rushing mountain stream. Is there anything better?

Campground Details:

• Price: $23-125
• Number of sites: 37
• RV sites: yes
• Fires allowed: yes
• Pets allowed: yes

6. Bowman Lake Campground — Montana

This first-come, first-served campground is Glacier National Park’s hidden gem. Set up camp just steps from the pristine, mountain-surrounded waters of Bowman Lake. Many campsites even offer a view of the crystal blue waters right from camp! Kayaking, canoeing and fishing are popular activities on Bowman Lake, and while motorized boats are allowed, they must be under 10 horsepower.

Whether it’s hiking, fishing, kayaking or just camping with a view — Bowman Lake Campground is a top destination for anyone looking for some outdoor adventure!

Campground Details:

• Price: $10-15
• Number of sites: 46
• RV sites: not recommended
• Fires allowed: yes
• Pets allowed: yes

7. Jenny Lake Campground — Wyoming

With views of the towering Teewinot Mountain and Mount Saint John, this tent-only campground is bucket-list material. Hike the Jenny Lake Loop Trail for stunning alpine lake views, or hitch a ride on the campground’s water taxi to many of Grand Teton National Park’s other trails and iconic viewing points. Camp hosts are on-site to answer questions and let you know when wildlife might be passing through the campground.

It’s no wonder The Dyrt legend Tara S. called this the “best campground in Grand Teton National Park.” and it was named the Top Campground in the U.S. last year.

Campground Details:

• Price: $13-41
• Number of sites: 59
• RV sites: no
• Fires allowed: yes
• Pets allowed: yes

8. Tom Best Spring Road FR117 — Utah

Looking for some peace and quiet near Utah’s best outdoor areas? Look no further! This dispersed camping area in Dixie National Forest has plenty of room for you whether you prefer tent camping or spending the night in your big rig. Cozy up by the fire and watch a spectacular sunset right from your campsite. There are plenty of trees for privacy, shade and protection from the wind, which can really get whipping here, so choose your campsite carefully.

Not far from Bryce Canyon National Park, there is no better place to pitch your tent after a full day of adventure. Did we mention that it’s free?

Campground Details:

• Price: free
• Number of sites: dispersed
• RV sites: yes
• Fires allowed: yes
• Pets allowed: yes

9. Devils Garden Campground — Utah

Devils Garden Campground is, ironically, pure heaven. The only campground located within Arches National Park, Devils Garden features views of sandstone arches and red-rock valleys that are iconic to southern Utah. Take it from The Dyrt camper Dan G.: “Wow, what a place to stay. Being in one of the most popular national parks in the country, you really felt like you had the place to your own. My site was right behind Skyline Arch, which I could walk to without the crowds near me.”

There are also many other exciting destinations nearby. Moab, Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park are all within 45 minutes.

Campground Details:

Price: $25
Number of sites: 51
RV sites: yes
Fires allowed: yes
Pets allowed: yes

10. Moraine Park Campground — Colorado

Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park, Moraine Park Campground is the ultimate base camp for your next outdoor adventure. Go for a hike to enjoy RMNP’s 355 miles of hiking trails or hang around the campsite for a view of the wildlife — elk and bighorn sheep are frequent visitors! Shuttles run from this campground to give you access to many parts of the park without having to hop in your car.

Moraine Park Campground tends to fill up fast, so be sure to book your trip ahead of time.

Campground Details:

• Price: $30
• Number of sites: 225
• RV sites: yes
• Fires allowed: yes
• Pets allowed: yes

 

See all of the Region Top 10 Lists

 

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