Winter Camping in Utah National Parks

Here’s all the information you need to know about winter camping in Utah National Parks.

This Utah National Parks guide details the campground facilities available and reservation information for winter camping in all five parks.

In case you can’t get a spot in the parks, we’ll list campgrounds and RV parks near the parks that are open in the winter.

When visiting Utah National Parks in the winter, you’ll want to know what to expect: weather, services available, what to pack, and things to do.

You’ll find everything you need to know to plan for winter camping at all five Utah National Parks!

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A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks

Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!

Utah National Parks Weather in the Winter

The weather at all five Utah National Parks in the winter will be cold:

During the winter you need to be prepared for rain and snow. You will definitely want to pack winter clothing and dress in layers. We recommend you have waterproof hiking shoes, winter coat, fleece jacket, winter hat and gloves when visiting Utah National Parks in the winter.

The park roads might be closed after a snowfall for several hours for plowing. For road conditions around the parks, check the Utah Road Weather Forecast or call 1-866-511-UTAH (8824). Park roads, parking lots, and pullouts can still be icy, especially in shaded areas. Check at the visitor center for the latest information on road conditions.

Winter Activities at Utah National Parks:

Winter Camping at Utah National Parks

Here’s the list of winter camping options for all five Utah National Parks. There are campgrounds available at all five parks, as well as RV Parks and BLM campgrounds near each park.

When camping in the winter, you may want to find public showers in the area around you like at RV Parks, Truck Stops, or Rec Centers.

Winter Camping at Arches National Park

There is only one small campground at Arches National Park: The Devil’s Garden Campground.

In the winter between November 1 and February 28, all camping sites at Arches are first-come, first served. (Arches camping reservations are required from March 1 to October 31.)

Here’s a list of RV parks near Arches National Park open in the winter if you’re looking for a campground with more amenities than Devil’s Garden Campground in the park.

You’ll find good winter camping at BLM Campgrounds near Arches. Most individual campsites are first-come, first-served (no reservations available). Be prepared to pay at the campground with exact cash or check.

Some campgrounds are closed seasonally from the end of November to mid-February so be sure to check updated information!

Here’s a list of some of the campgrounds near Arches National Park that are open in the winter:

Winter Camping at Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon winter camping inside the park is limited but well worth exploring.

Only loop A of North Campground is open in the winter months. It is first come, first serve. Due to the cold temperatures there are times you could find yourself with the campground all to yourself.

Winter can create challenging conditions especially at high elevations and the inexperienced camper should be cautious.

It is not uncommon for people to visit Bryce Canyon during the winter. Here are alternative lodging options if you don’t want to camp:

Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
Bryce Canyon Hotels
Vacation Rentals Near Bryce Canyon
Best Western Ruby’s Inn – easy access right outside the park
Best Western Plus – also right outside the park

Winter Camping at Canyonlands National Park

The only option for Canyonlands winter camping at Island in the Sky.

Willow Flat Campground is a small campground with only 12 sites. It’s fully operational all-year-round. The campground has pit toilets, several picnic tables, and fire rings.

There is no potable water, so make sure you pack water for your stay. The campground also allows pets.

The site has a “first come, first served” policy. You can stay for a maximum of seven days.

At Needles Canyonlands, there are fourteen campsites in Loop A that are “first come, first served” year-round.

There is NO potable water in the winter at Needles. Camp sites have toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and trash cans.

The 3 BLM Campgrounds in the Moab area near Canyonlands Island in the Sky:

Lone Mesa Group Sites (seasonal closures)
Horsetheif Campground (seasonal closures)
Cowboy Campground

Here’s a list of RV Parks near Canyonlands National Park open in the winter:

Winter Camping at Capitol Reef National Park

The Fruita Campground is open year-round, and is the only developed campground in the park.

For Capitol Reef winter camping from November 1 – February 28, all campsites are first come, first served.

It has 71 sites, and each site has a picnic table and firepit and/or above ground grill, but no individual water, sewage, or electrical hookups. There is an RV dump and potable water fill station. Restrooms have running water and flush toilets, but no showers. Accessible sites are located next to the restrooms.

There are Capitol Reef primitive campsites open year-round, but bad weather will make the roads to access these site inaccessible. Check road conditions with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center (or call the information line) prior to planning an overnight stay.

There are only two RV parks near Capitol Reef National Park that are open in the winter. They will offer more amenities than the Fruita Campground in the park.

Winter Camping at Zion National Park

For winter camping at Zion, there is the only campground open year-round, but has reduced availability in the winter.

All campsites at Watchman Campground require reservations, which may be made six months prior to your arrival date.

You’ll find several area campgrounds just a short drive from the park, but always call in advance to make sure they are open in the winter.

Camping Near Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon
BLM Camping Near Zion – south of Highway 9
BLM Camping Near Zion – north of Highway 9
Zion Canyon Visitors Bureau
East Zion Tourism Council
St. George Area Visitor Bureau
BLM, St. George Field Office
Kane County, Utah (including Kanab)

There are quite a few RV parks near Zion National Park as well:

RV Parks Close to Zion Canyon:

RV Parks Near the Zion East Entrance:

Zion Crest Campground & RV Park

RV Parks Near Mt. Carmel Junction to Bryce Canyon