USA / Utah
Rent a Camper in Utah Five National Parks, One Road Trip
Utah has five national parks crammed into one state. Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion — plus Monument Valley, Goblin Valley and Dead Horse Point. It's the most park-dense state in the country and arguably the single best state for a camper road trip.
Utah Rental Pricing
| Platform | Pricing | UT Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoorsy | $80-$300/night | Strong SLC inventory, some Moab-based listings |
| RVshare | $75-$275/night | Good trailer and motorhome selection |
| Cruise America | $100-$250/night | Salt Lake City depot |
| Escape Campervans | $85-$165/night | Salt Lake City location |
Salt Lake City as a Starting Point
SLC is the natural starting point for Utah camping. Direct flights from most major US airports. All four platforms have good inventory. Moab (4 hours southeast) has some Outdoorsy listings too — useful if you want to start in the parks instead of driving from SLC.
Las Vegas also works as a starting point for the southern parks. Zion is 2.5 hours from Vegas, and you can loop north through Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands before returning.
The Mighty Five Road Trip
This is the route. 7-10 days to see all five parks. Here's the most efficient order from Salt Lake City:
1. Arches National Park
4 hours from SLC. Delicate Arch at sunset is the iconic shot. Devils Garden campground has RV sites — 30-foot limit, no hookups. Timed entry reservation required March through October. 1-2 days here. Moab is the base town with restaurants, gas and grocery.
2. Canyonlands National Park
30 minutes from Arches. Three separate districts — Island in the Sky is the most accessible. Willow Flat campground has 12 sites (no hookups, first-come first-served). Mesa Arch at sunrise is worth the early alarm. 1-2 days. Dead Horse Point State Park campground nearby has hookups and equally stunning views.
3. Capitol Reef National Park
2.5 hours west of Moab via Highway 24. The least visited of the Mighty Five — which makes it the most peaceful. Fruita Campground sits in a historic orchard where you can pick cherries and apples in season. 71 sites, RV-friendly. Scenic Drive is the must-do. 1-2 days.
4. Bryce Canyon National Park
3 hours south of Capitol Reef. The hoodoos are unlike anything else on Earth. North and Sunset campgrounds have RV sites. Sunrise Point at actual sunrise is the classic view. Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop trails are the must-hike combo. At 8,000 feet, it's the coolest park on the circuit — nights get cold even in summer.
5. Zion National Park
1.5 hours from Bryce. The most popular Utah park — 4+ million visitors a year. South and Watchman campgrounds book 6 months ahead. The Narrows and Angels Landing are the signature hikes (permits required for Angels Landing now). Springdale has overflow camping options. Private vehicles restricted on the scenic drive April through October — use the park shuttle. 2-3 days minimum.
Utah-Specific Tips
- → Shoulder seasons are everything. April-May and September-October have the best weather and smaller crowds. Summer is too hot in the southern parks. Winter brings snow to Bryce and Capitol Reef.
- → Water is scarce. Southern Utah is desert. Carry at least 1 gallon of water per person per day. Fill up at every opportunity. Some campgrounds have no potable water.
- → BLM camping is everywhere. Free dispersed camping on BLM land near Moab, Capitol Reef and between the parks. Willow Springs Road outside Moab is a popular free camping area.
- → Gas prices outside SLC are high. Fill up in towns. Rural gas stations charge a premium. Moab gas is notably expensive due to tourist demand.
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