If camping isn’t your thing (or you just want a hot shower and a good meal after a long day), these small towns in Utah make the perfect base camps. They offer easy access to major attractions, plus the comforts that make your trip smoother.

As an Amazon affiliate, when you click on some of the links on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you! By using our affiliate links, you’ll find our favorite picks and support us at the same time. And we really appreciate your support!

Here are the best Utah base camp towns for exploring the state’s most iconic landscapes.

Moab: The Ultimate Adventure Base Camp in Utah

If you want a place that blends outdoor adventure with great food and amenities, Moab is hard to beat.

With dozens of restaurants, coffee shops, gear outfitters, and lodging options, from budget motels to upscale resorts, Moab is one of the most convenient and lively base camps in Utah.

Nearby Must-See Parks & Attractions

Arches National Park

Home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, dramatic rock fins, and balanced rocks. It’s also an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing.

Learn More: 18 Dark Sky Parks in the United States for Unforgettable Stargazing

Canyonlands National Park

A rugged landscape carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers, filled with canyons, mesas, and sweeping overlooks. Canyonlands is divided into four districts, with the most accessible being Island in the Sky. No roads join the districts together. Check the NPS website to help plan this trip.

Dead Horse Point State Park

One of the most photographed views in Utah. The park towers 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, where the overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands’ sculpted pinnacles and buttes.  

Utahraptor State Park

A newer park featuring one of North America’s largest dinosaur bone beds.

While in Moab ride the rapids in the Colorado, take an off-road tour with an experienced guide at the Sand Flats Recreation Area and do an astronomy tour in Arches or Canyonlands which have some of the best dark skies in the country.

Pro Tip: Be sure to carry plenty of water with you. You’ll be in the desert where it’s very arid and dehydration can set in quickly.

Torrey: The Best Base Camp for Capitol Reef National Park

Small, quiet, and incredibly scenic, Torrey is the closest town to Capitol Reef National Park, just 15 minutes away. The downside is that hotels book quickly, so book early.

Torrey has a variety of accommodations within all budgets, so you can find something that works best for you. Despite its size, Torrey has everything you need: local restaurants, a grocery store, and a range of lodging options. And it’s a designated Dark Sky Community.  Stop by the Torrey Trading Post for some unusual finds.

Pro Tip: If you plan on visiting a few National Parks, Forests, or Monuments consider getting the America the Beautiful Pass, it will save you some money.

Learn More: Unlocking America’s Best: The Ultimate Guide to the America the Beautiful Pass

Nearby Highlights

Capitol Reef National Park

 You’ll find yourself in the heart of red rock country, where there is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges. The Fruita Historic District offers history and petroglyphs, Waterpocket district is more remote, but you can drive through it while Cathedral Valley needs high 4-wheel clearance to visit.

Goblin Valley State Park

This park is often referred to as “Mars-like” It is covered with sandstone goblins and formations that are surreal.

Pro Tip: Be sure to have a good camera with you to save your memories. You’ll want pictures of all the amazing colors and formations that you’ll find in Utah. If you need a new camera, we recommend the ProPix from Kodak. It takes great pictures and really good videos.

Bentonite Hills at Mars Desert Research Station

 The striped rocks near the Mars Desert Research Station are beautiful. They are best viewed at sunrise and sunset to get the best colors.

Henry Mountains

 The Henry Mountain Range is one of the few places in the country where a buffalo herd roams free and is also rich in geologic resources. The Henry Mountains is a well-known point of reference in southeast Utah, reaching almost 12,000 feet at the top of Mt. Ellen.

Pro Tip: Don’t get too close to the buffalo when trying to get a picture. They may be somewhat accustomed to people, but they are still wild. Best bet is to get binoculars with a camera. We like these digital binoculars because they have 8x zoom.

Read More: How to Safely View Wildlife in National and State Parks (And Still Get Amazing Photos)

Kanab: A Hidden Gem Base Camp Near Zion & Bryce Canyon

Located near the Arizona border, Kanab is one of the most underrated base camps in southern Utah. Kanab is the gateway to three national parks and much more. Surrounded by sandstone cliffs and sagebrush you’ll find this is a great place to lay your head.

Downtown has a walkable main street that runs past the Little Hollywood Museum, the Heritage House and the Kanab Visitor Center. Abandoned film sets near town have become tourist attractions. From fast food to sit down restaurants you’ll find something you love and there’s plenty of accommodation where you can unwind and get your sleep.

Nearby National Parks

Zion National Park

Utah’s first National Park. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into the sky. Experience the tall, stretching walls of a narrow slot canyon.  Stay after sunset for amazing stargazing. Zion is rated as an International Dark Sky Park.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Situated along a high plateau at the top of the Grand Staircase, you’ll find the highest concentration of hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) here. It offers epic sunrise views and is perfect for star gazing. It also is an International Dark Sky Park.

Pro Tip: One of the things we love most when gazing at stars, is our portable telescope by Gskyer. You can also use it for pictures with the Iphone adapter.

More Things to Do Around Kanab

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

 Just 30 minutes east of Zion, this state park offers rolling sand dunes tinted with a soft, warm coral color, especially striking in morning or late-afternoon light. It’s an easy, peaceful place to wander for a few minutes or walk a short distance into the dunes for wide-open desert views.  You can also rent sand sleds to ride the dunes.

Dixie National Forest

In just a short drive, you can visit this forest that covers 170 miles across southern Utah. Red Canyon, one of the most spectacular colored cliff canyons in southern Utah, is in the heart of the Dixie Forest. Visitors may also enjoy a hike in Pine Valley, see scenic Navajo Lake, fish at Panguitch Lake, and visit Tropic Reservoir.

Kodachrome Basin State Park

 67 monolithic stone spires, accentuate multi-hued sandstone layers that reveal 180 million years of geologic time here.  The color and beauty found here prompted a National Geographic Society expedition to name the area Kodachrome, after the popular color film, in 1948.

Peek-A-Boo Canyon

 Peek-A-Boo Canyon is an easy, short hike (0.7 miles round trip) into one of the most beautiful slot canyons in the area. The stunning orange, sandstone walls make an amazing backdrop for photographs. In the canyon, you will find ancient Moqui Steps climbing the canyon wall as well as logs balanced between the canyon walls above you. Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon is about nine miles north of Kanab along Highway 89.

Escalante: Remote Beauty & Access to Grand Staircase

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, Escalante is a fantastic base camp. Located between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, It sits right on the edge of one of Utah’s most rugged landscapes.

A handful of down-home cafes and diners, along with several cozy inns and motels, serve the visitors who come through or use the town as a base camp for extended exploration.

Nearby Attractions

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

 This National Monument is a vast area located in southern Utah, covering nearly 1.9 million acres of diverse landscapes, including cliffs, canyons, plateaus, and badlands. It is laid out in three distinct districts, so check the NPS website to help you plan your trip.

Escalante Petrified Forest Park

While not Petrified Forest National Park, you’ll still find plenty of petrified wood here. Two short, linked loop trails wind past many of the fossilized specimens, the area is also noted for Fremont Indian relics, 1,000-year-old petroglyphs and fossilized dinosaur bones.

Anasazi State Park Museum

 The Ancestral Puebloans who inhabited this region over 1,000 years ago are often referred to as Anasazi. The highlight is the Puebloan remains of Coombs Village. Outside the museum, there’s a completely reconstructed six-room replica of the ancient dwelling.

100 Hands Pictograph

 Between Boulder and Escalante, you’ll find the Pictographs on a rock overlooking the Escalante River.

Escalante is quieter than Moab or Kanab, making it ideal for travelers who want peace, solitude, and wide-open landscapes.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Utah Base Camp

Utah’s landscapes are some of the most dramatic in the country, but where you stay can make or break your trip.

Choosing the right base camp means: less driving time, more time to explore, and easier access to food, lodging and supplies. If you’re planning a road trip and need some ideas, check roadtrippers.com. They have ideas for places to stop, stay, and eat. Use code BTR5QTP to save $5.

The truth is you really can’t go wrong. Each of these towns offers its own version of Utah magic; red rock views, star-filled skies, and easy access to unforgettable adventures. Pick your base, unpack once, and spend your days chasing some of the best scenery in the American West.

We love to share tips and information we learn along the way to help you plan your trip. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.

The post Best Small Towns in Utah for Base Camps (Near National Parks & Scenic Adventures) appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.

As an Amazon affiliate, when you click on some of the links on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you! By using our affiliate links, you’ll find our favorite picks and support us at the same time. And we really appreciate your support!

Vehicle Safety: Dirt Road Travel Starts with a Solid Ride

Before you bounce off the beaten path, do a full vehicle check. You don’t want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere with no cell service and a coyote judging your life choices.

 Vehicle Inspection Checklist:

Fluids: Top off engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Bring extras just in case.

Air Filter: Clean out dust and debris. Your engine needs good airflow, especially in hot and dusty climates.

Belts, Hoses & Brake Pads: Inspect for wear and tear. Replace them if necessary, don’t risk it.

Tires: Use all-terrain tires with solid tread. Check the pressure and know how to air up or down based on terrain. Always pack a full-size spare, jack, and lug wrench—and know how to use them.

Lights: Make sure headlights, taillights, and brake lights work. Dirt roads at night are no joke.

Off-Road Recovery Gear: Because Getting Stuck Happens. You don’t plan to get stuck. But the trail has other ideas. Be ready and carry this with you.

Winch (or portable winch): Even a less powerful one can make a big difference.

Recovery Boards (traction boards): Great in mud or sand.

Recovery Straps: Choose based on your vehicle’s weight and trip type.

Tire Repair Kit: Handy for quick patch-ups.

Tool Kit: Wrenches, screwdrivers, socket sets; the usual suspects. We bring this Roadside emergency kit which has tools and other things you may need for an emergency.

Flashlight + Extra Batteries: Obvious but don’t forget.

Jumper Cables or Jump Pack: For you or the next guy.

Shovel & Air Compressor: May not use them, but you’ll be glad you have them when you need them. It may seem like a lot, but better safe, than sorry. We have this Airmoto air compressor for our tires, we even use it at home.

*Pro Tip: Keep this gear packed in a grab-and-go bin so you’re always ready for your next dirt road trip. Replenish anything you use as soon as you get home, so you don’t forget to do it.

Personal Safety & Essentials: Pack Like a Pro

You might just be taking a “quick” drive to a hot spring… until something goes sideways. Be sure to pack these, they are must haves:

First Aid Kit: Customize yours with extra-large bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, and whatever else you think you might need.

Water: One gallon per person per day, minimum. For longer trips or in case of emergencies, bring a multi-gallon water jug with you. You can never have too much water.

Food: Pack high energy, non-perishable snacks, and more than you think you’ll need.

Essentials: Trash bags, toilet paper, sunscreen, bug spray, ChapStick, and a good hat.

Clothing for All Conditions: Even if it’s hot, bring layers, gloves, and extra socks. Weather has a way of drastically changing in minutes and you don’t want to be caught off guard.

Communication: Don’t rely on cell service. A satellite communicator is a smart investment for remote trips.

Navigation: Always carry a paper map and printed topo maps. GPS apps can glitch, especially in the backcountry. Topographical maps can usually be downloaded and printed for free. Grab your map at a gas station near the area you’re exploring.

Fuel: Top off your tank before leaving pavement. Bring extra gas in a five-gallon can, just in case. Gas stations may be few and far between, better to have the extra than be stranded. We recommend this Eagle 5 Gallon can because of the safety features and its metal. The plastic ones aren’t as safe in the extreme heat of the desert.

Backroad Driving Etiquette & Safety: Don’t Be That Driver

Knowing how to handle yourself on unpaved roads isn’t just about survival, it’s about being respectful and smart.

Golden Rules of Dirt Road Driving:

Slow Down: You’re not racing the Baja 1000. Loose gravel, mud and sketchy curves make speed dangerous. You’ll probably have more than one animal run in front of you and you don’t want to have to slam on the brakes.

Keep Your Distance: Avoid tailgating. It’s rude, dusty, and dangerous. Let faster drivers pass, and hope others return the favor.

Stay Right: Even on one-lane roads. Especially on blind curves and hills. Even if you haven’t seen anyone in hours, there is still a chance you’ll meet someone, and you don’t want to be surprised and possibly cause a wreck.

Watch for Wildlife: Deer, cows, burros, they’re not looking both ways. Remember you’re visiting their home, and they don’t expect you. “Open Range” means they roam freely. Be aware that cows don’t really move for you and when they do, it’s at their own pace. Don’t expect an animal or bird to move for you, there’s a good chance they won’t. Always be aware of your surroundings for your safety and the wildlife.

Respect Private Property: “No Trespassing” means exactly that. Turn around and live to explore another day.

Leave What You Find: Old bottles, rusted tools, or mining relics? Take pictures, not souvenirs. It’s illegal to remove artifacts. It also ruins it for the next person. Always keep Leave No Trace in mind.

Stay Out of Old Mines & Buildings: They’re dangerous. That Instagram pic isn’t worth your life. Floors break, roofs cave in, and you never know what kind of poisonous gases are still hanging around. It’s not worth getting sick or worse, fatally hurt.

Don’t Tear Up Roads: If it’s too muddy or rutted get out and walk. Preserve the trail for others. Get out, stretch your legs and enjoy nature.

*Pro Tip: Plan to stop before sunset. Driving dirt roads at night is not only risky, but it’s also boring. Sunset is a perfect time to kick back and enjoy where you’ve landed.

Final Thoughts: Adventure Awaits: Just Be Ready

Exploring backroads and dirt trails is one of the best ways to experience the raw, wild beauty of the country.  But these epic adventures can quickly turn into disasters if you hit the trail unprepared. Whether you’re cruising through the desert, driving on the beach, exploring ghost towns or exploring mountains and canyons, make safety and preparation your top priority. Because in Nevada, and anywhere with dirt roads, being prepared isn’t just smart. It’s survival.

Not only do we love to travel, but we love to give you information and tips we learn along the way to help make your trips and planning easier and better informed. If you need more help in planning your road trip, check roadtrippers.com. They have lots of tools to help you plan your best trip. Use code BTR5QTP to save $5. We hope to inspire you to find your adventure, have fun and make lots of happy memories.

The post Ultimate Guide to Dirt Road Travel: How to Prepare for Backroads and Beyond appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.