Oct 29
2021

The 5 Best Places To Roam in Utah

THE 5 BEST PLACES TO ROAM IN UTAH

CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR FAVORITE PLACES TO ROAM IN UTAH

The red-rock landscape of Utah is nothing short of incredible. It’s also an overlander’s dream, with accessible but challenging off roading terrain and unbeatable views of steep canyons, vortexes, spires, and star-filled skies. The perfect place to pitch your ROAM Roof Top Tent.

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We've compiled a list of some of our favorite places to ROAM in Utah accompanied by some great camping spots.

1) ZION NATIONAL PARK

Zion National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Utah, and for a good reason. Zion boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows.

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But if you’re looking for a place to rest your weary feet after your adventures, most tourists are out of luck with only two local campgrounds to choose from, which are often extremely full. But, if you have a roof top tent like us, just 16 miles outside the park, you can find dispersed camping.

Directions to Zion Scenic Byway Dispersed From Zion National Park:

From the park head northwest towards UT-9 W
Turn left onto UT-9 W for 7.5 miles
Turn Right into Zion Scenic Byway Dispersed

2) MOAB DISPERSED CAMPING

The town of MOAB sits just west of the Colorado border and is in nearby proximity to some of Utah’s most intimidating off-road trails, scenic hikes, and breathtaking views. With more than two dozen BLM campgrounds surrounding the MOAB area, there are plenty of first-come-first-served campgrounds to choose from. For those that are wanting to explore this breathtaking region’s best offerings, Moab is the place to set up your rig for a few nights. You can climb iconic towers, visit two national parks (Canyonlands and Arches) or a state park (Dead Horse Point), and explore all that MOAB has to offer.

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If you are looking to stay in a designated camp area, make note that each campground varies in terms of what type of vehicles they can accommodate. Plan ahead and check out what campsites can accommodate your rig first, Moab can get packed with visitors. Each site is $20 per night and includes public toilets, picnic table, tent area, a fire ring, and parking area.

Find out more about dispersed camping by checking out our article on Top 5 Places to ROAM in Moab.

3) MULLEY POINT

One of the finest car-camping sites in North America, with incomparable views of the San Juan River Canyon, Goosenecks State Park and Monument Valley. Mulley Point should be at the top of any Utah camp spot list with its peaceful location, not often visited, and easy access to drive off roof top camping terrain. Not to mention, it’s one of the best free camping places in Utah. The very end of the road enters the Glen Canyon NRA. Within Glen Canyon there are numerous attractions including the famous Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.

Aside from Glen Canyon NRA, there are a couple of other tracks heading further west, leading to a deep tributary of the San Juan River named Johns Canyon. Johns Canyon is a large, branched drainage that defines the west edge of the southernmost part of Cedar Mesa; the east side slopes steeply down to the Valley of the Gods. The lower end of the canyon is over 1,500 feet deep.

Directions to Mulley Point:

From Mexican Hat, head towards Goosenecks State Park on State Road 261.
Then continue on up the Moki Dugway. Take it slow, while well-maintained, this three-mile gravel road gains 1,200 feet of elevation before topping out on Cedar Mesa.
Turn left on Mulley Point Road towards the edge of the mesa, where you’ll find countless sites along the mesa’s edge.

4) HIGH UINTAS - CHRISTMAS MEADOWS

The High Uinta range has so many recreational opportunities to offer and Christmas Meadows sits atop our list in this region. Christmas Meadows Campground is located just a few miles off the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. It sits above the Stillwater Fork of the Bear River within eyeshot of a beautiful meadow.

The campground is dotted with lodgepole pine, aspen trees, and beautiful wildflowers in Summer. Stunning views of Ostler Peak and the surrounding meadow are also part of the allure of this location. There are tons of activities to fully gain the experience including fly-fishing, canoeing, and of course, hiking. If you are in the market for fly-fishing, check out our Rugged Cases which store all your gear by compartment for easy access.

Directions to Christmas Meadows:

From the nearest town Evanston, Wyoming, take Highway 150 south for 32 miles.
Turn east on Christmas Meadows Road and travel 4 miles to the end of the road and the campground.

5) GOBLIN VALLEY

The actual state park is pretty small compared to the rest of Utah’s national parks, but you can see the majority of it in just a few hours. It offers paid drive-in campsites as well as a “glamping” option – staying in your own yurt! If you’ve never visited Goblin Valley, it’s a must stop on a road trip or Utah journey. There is nothing quite like seeing drooping sand castle figures perfectly distanced apart.

Those of us who enjoy a more rugged adventure the BLM land that surrounds the park has the same geological features (goblins), and is a quick 5 minute drive to the entrance of the park. The dirt road is bumpy, but nothing your rig can’t handle!

Directions To BLM Land:

From the park itself, head West on Wild Horse Road.
Follow this road and you’ll see the large hills on the left with many hidden inlets and alleys at the base. All of this is BLM land!

THAT'S A WRAP

Well, you have heard about some of our favorite places to roam in Utah. Let's hear about yours, but don't give away the secret spots. Keep those for yourself to enjoy with your ROAM roof top tent and ROAM gear.