Exploring Southwestern Utah with Harvest Hosts

Utah as a whole is a unique place to visit. The entire state encompasses three major geographical regions: the Rocky Mountains, the Basin and Ridge Region, and the Colorado Plateau, each with their own landscapes. Southern Utah falls into the Colorado Plateau region, which is dotted with mountains, canyons, deserts, valleys, waterways, and more. There are numerous places to explore and plenty of unique adventures just waiting for you. Grab your map, some sunscreen, and your Harvest Hosts membership, and let’s explore what Southwestern Utah has to offer. ![Bryce Canyon National Parks is one of the most incredible places to visit in Southern Utah.

Places to See

Because of its unique and scenic landscape, many regions and areas of Southwestern Utah have been designated for protection as national parks, national monuments, and state parks. Despite having a smaller local population, many of these parks and areas tend to stay busy with tourists and outdoors enthusiasts throughout the year. Still, there are many potential campgrounds to choose from, as well as plenty of free camping on public lands. The below listed parks and monuments are some of the area’s favorites, although further research may take you to even more incredible places to choose from.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of the Utah Mighty Five Parks, the nickname given to the stretch of five stunning national parks that span the southern regions of the state. With popular hikes such as Angel’s Landing and The Narrows, Zion is iconic as an American national park, providing millions with beautiful views and opportunities for recreation each year. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, river trips, climbing, canyoneering, stargazing, and more. RV campers can stay in either South Campground or Watchman Campground, located in the main area of the park. South Campground has no hookups but offers potable water and a dump station to campground users. Watchman Campground has a variety of electric campsites and no hookups campsites, with a dump station and potable water also available for use by campers.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is the second of Utah’s Mighty Five parks, located just over an hour northeast of Zion. In this park, tall spires (called “hoodoos”) stand inside a deep canyon, with several hiking trails available for those who want to climb into the canyon and explore the area more closely. There is also a scenic drive that takes visitors throughout the park, stopping at all of the best views. The park’s two campgrounds, North Campground and Sunset Campground, are both RV-friendly, and North Campground remains open throughout the year. Both options have potable water and a dump station available for camper use.

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is the third of the Utah Mighty Five and the least visited national park in Utah. Despite being less popular than the other parks, Capitol Reef is truly spectacular. Here, visitors can find canyons, domes, bridges, cliffs, and other unique desert structures around every turn. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, canyoneering, climbing, camping, and more. Fruita Campground is the only developed campground within the park, and it operates by reservation only from March through November. There are no hookups, but each site has a fire ring and a picnic table available for camper use. There is also a dump station and potable water. Those who do not secure a reservation can choose from many boondocking and dry camping options on the public lands surrounding the park.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

This national monument spans across nearly one million acres. Visitors can expect to see  stunning monoliths, slot canyons, waterfalls, natural bridges, and arches. Most parts of this area are infrequently visited, making scenic drives or hikes a rare treat. Within the park, Deer Creek Campground and Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground are the only developed campground options, while there are also plenty of boondocking options nearby to choose from.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Tucked into the mountains above Cedar City, Cedar Breaks National Monument visitors can find excellent hiking trails, ancient trees, and stunning views, all at 10,000 feet in elevation. Point Supreme Campground allows tent camping and even RV camping. In the winter months, visitors can partake in skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. 

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

The dunes found in this park are estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 years old. The dunes form when wind funnels through the Moquith and Moccasin mountains, slowly carrying loose grains of sandstone to add to the dunes. Activities in this park include riding ATVs on the dunes, hiking, and sledding down the dunes. The campground within the park can accommodate tent campers and RV campers.

Harvest Hosts

Southwestern Utah roadtrippers will be pleased to find that there are several Harvest Hosts camping options available. There are currently two locations available in Southeastern Utah and two available in Southwestern Utah. When booking, don’t forget to use our new “Request a Stay” feature wherever it is available!

Southwestern Utah

There are two locations on the Southwestern side of the state, closer to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Either would make an excellent stopping grounds on the way to or from any of the above listed parks.

Parowan Gap Farm

Parowan Gap Farm was established in 2015 and grows a variety of fresh produce on their five acres, including peaches, apples, pears, vegetables, and plums. Their small-sized operation allows them to focus on quality, growing only the best products. The farm also has a small heritage museum available, as well as a shop selling wall hangings, crafts, hats, produce, and fresh eggs. They offer an electrical hookup for a fee and remain open to Harvest Hosts guests from early April through the end of May and from the beginning of August until mid-October. This Harvest Hosts location has one pet-friendly space available for an RV under forty-four feet in length.

Canyon Breeze Golf Course

Located in Beaver, Utah, Canyon Breeze Golf Course is a nine-hole course with water hazards and a few other obstacles that come into play throughout the course. The layout presents some challenges and plenty of fun. There is a snack bar, offering excellent food options, and a pro shop for all your golfing accessory needs. Be aware that members must have the upgraded golf membership in order to stay here. They currently offer four pet-friendly, reservable spaces for RVs of any size.

Southeastern Utah

There are two Harvest Hosts locations on the southeastern side of the state, closer to Four Corners National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. These aren’t particularly close to any of the areas above, but they are still excellent choices for those visiting Utah and needing a safe and comfortable place to stop on the way to or from their destination.

The Dinosaur Museum

Kids and adults alike will enjoy this incredible museum that presents a complete history of the age of the dinosaurs. It includes skeletons, fossilized skin, footprints, eggs, graphics, displays, exhibits, and realistic sculptures. Entry costs are reasonable, and there is also a gift shop, a butterfly garden, and a movie presenting additional dinosaur information. They offer four reservable spaces for RVs of any size.

Canyon Country Discovery Center

Canyon Country Discovery Center is located just a bit north of the Dinosaur Museum. The center offers an informative museum with incredible exhibits, as well as plenty of hiking trails, where visitors can learn about the area’s geology, ancient ruins, and rock art. In addition, the center features a bouldering wall, frequent dark sky events, and a gift shop. Be sure to check this one out on your way to or from Utah. They offer two pet-friendly spaces for RVs under forty-four feet in length.

As you can see, RV camping in Utah is the total package, complete with beautiful landscapes and scenery, making this an excellent destination for your next family vacation. Be sure to consider any of these areas and Harvest Hosts locations on your next pass through the region.

Have you visited Southwestern Utah? How did you like it? Which place sounds the most interesting to you? Do you have any other destinations you would recommend? Feel free to share in the comments below!