Outdoors

Fall is Ideal for Camping in Utah

November 5, 2018COMtnMom

Before winterizing our camper, we went on one last camping adventure last weekend. It was the end of October, so camping at high altitudes could prove sketchy with cold temps and snow. We decided to try Utah, as living in Western Colorado we are already close. Plus Utah is AMAZING and GORGEOUS… but can be very desert-y and hot in the summer months. So Fall is ideal for camping in Utah!

We did not have reservations, and were heading to a popular red rock area near Moab, Utah. My husband had researched Onion Creek, and learned there were two available first-come-first-served campgrounds there. Although public land, they do ask that you camp in an actual campground (not “off the grid” as we sometimes get to do.)

Always a little nervewracking to pull your camper out of state, on a weekend, with no guarantee of finding a spot! But it worked out fabulously, and I highly recommend both the Onion Creek camping in Utah, and the time of year.

Lower Onion Creek Campground in Utah

There’s both an Upper and Lower Onion Creek Campground, about 1 mile from each other. Both have stunning, 360 degree views. Again, it was the last week in October and we weren’t able to arrive until midday on a Saturday.

The Upper Onion Creek Campground was full. They have both walk-in tent sites, and can also accommodate RVs. Camping is $20 per night at a self-pay station (I believe that’s the lower, “off season” rate). There’s also a group site you can rent, which looks like it would be really fun with some friends. Individual spots include a camping pad, fire ring, picnic table, and place to drop your garbage.

Camping in Utah Lower Onion Creek Campground spot — Lower Onion Creek Campground. We had the joint to ourselves!

We actually preferred the Lower Onion Creek Campground, and it was deserted!? This location is nestled right down along the Colorado River, which made it just that much more fun for exploring and walking the dogs. Still had the same 360 degree red rock formation views, but also had some brilliant gold Cottonwood trees. What a breathtaking combo!

Camping in Utah Onion Creek La Sal Mountains — Snowy La Sal Mountains in the background.

There were literally only two other families camping there, and they both swung by to meet us and chat awhile. It was like the friendlies campground ever. I was thrilled to even find a campsite, let alone have the joint to ourselves. We will definitely try this again in late Fall.

Great Location – Close to Moab

The Onion Creek campgrounds are located along Highway 128, which connects in a windy, scenic fashion Interstate 70 and Moab, Utah. So you’re really only like 22 miles from Moab, which is a fun outfitter town near both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

We drove to Moab one night to eat, and it took around 30 minutes. There are additional campgrounds right along the road as you get closer to Moab. But they are *right* along the road. They do have some short tree cover and are wedged between the river and the highway. Looked kindof neat, and are a good backup option. We preferred the wide open vistas of Onion Creek.

Awesome Hiking Trail – Fisher Towers

https://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm — The Fisher Towers hike wraps around the right side of that red mountain.

Another perk of camping Onion Creek is that it’s 1 mile from Fisher Towers hiking trail. This trail was so incredibly fun, that my kids hiked 3 hours without a single complaint. Actually, that’s not true. They complained when we decided it was time to turn around and head back!

Hiking Fisher Towers Utah — Along the Fisher Towers trail.

I believe the destination is 2.2 miles away. We almost made it, but came across a metal ladder you need to climb down, in order to cross a crevice. Very cool. But not super dog friendly, and we had our two pooches with us. We later heard there’s a way you can hike around and bypass the ladder, if you have dogs. But for us, our water was running low and we had visitors heading to our campsite, so it was time to wrap it up.

Highly recommend this hike! It’s likely VERY hot in the warmer months. We hiked on a sunny day, with a temperature of 69. Between the sun and red rocks… it felt like 80! Bring LOTS of water, we are good about this and still went through more than we planned. The dogs drank a ton.

Happy Dirty Dogs

Speaking of which, I’ll conclude with a lil’ shout out to our dogs. Our Golden Retriever Daisy already knows camping is the Best Thing in Life… but this was our Australian Shepherd puppy Ella’s first time camping. Between all that glorious, soft red dirt and being close to the Colorado River… it was like Disney World for Dogs!

Boy did they get dirty. But boy, were they happy. 🙂