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Utah:

Published: Tuesday, July 31, 2007

It is best-known for being the home of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or what is more popularly referred to as the Mormons. Yet, Utah has more to offer than just its religious orientation. RV-boarded travelers will find this state another outdoor haven as it is a vast geological wonderland with its gargantuan mountains, low gorges, and rugged canyons, not to mention the more modern wonders like state parks, golf courses, and ski resorts.

Visiting the Regions

Utah, which also goes by the nickname, the "Beehive State", is divided into nine different regions. These include the Golden Spike Empire, the Bridgerland Region, the Great Salt Lake Country, the Dinosaurland, the Mountainland, the Panoramaland, the Castle Country Region, the Color Country Region, and the Canyonlands.

The Golden Spike Empire

Encompassing the northwestern edge of Utah, the region typically boasts of several state parks, wilderness areas, and national forests, but what will likely draw the attention of RVers to this area are the many developed campgrounds set up in many places. These modern campgrounds should make it easy for many RVers to engage in the many outdoor activities available in these parts including hiking, swimming, fishing, and mountain biking.

Two regional cities should be taken into consideration by RVers when visiting Northwestern Utah, and these are Brigham City and Ogden. The latter is especially notable because it features two resident attractions that RVers will find quite engaging. One is the Eccles Dinosaur Park, an eight-acre land where dinosaur bones have been painstakingly restructured. The other is the Ogden River Parkway, a certified outdoor paradise with its offerings of hiking trails, grassy fields for holding games, and a sparkling stream where water-based activities can be enjoyed.

For a suitable RV campground, RVers can head off to the western end of Ogden. Century RV Park Campground lies waiting with its resident swimming pool and fully hooked-up RV sites.

The Bridgerland Region

Named after a prominent Utah mountain man, Jim Bridger, the region lies northeast near the border of two other American states namely Wyoming and Idaho. A place full of hiking, fishing, skiing, biking, and mountain climbing opportunities, among its chief attraction is the Cache Valley where many of the outdoor activities can be enjoyed, the reason why RV-boarded travelers should not be surprised if Bridgerland is sometimes called the Cache Valley Region.

One other prominent attraction here is the Bear Lake State Park, which houses the famed Bear Lake found on the eastern side of the Utah mountains. Ostensibly, fishing is a common activity here, with RVers finding a wide range of species to choose from like whitefish, mackinaw, and cutthroat.

When it comes to RV parks, Bridgerland is not wanting. In fact, RV riders can choose from over 383 campgrounds settled in the Cache Valley alone although Logan City comes highly recommended with over ten RV parks found in its midst. Of these ten, RVers may want to try checking in at Bridger Campground as it is set at the Logan River banks near the lower region of Logan Canyon where more outdoor exploration can be done.

The Great Salt Lake Country Region

The most prominent feature of this region set in Western Utah is the state capital, Salt Lake City. Within this great and historic city lies the mighty Wasatch Mountain Range which falls under the jurisdiction of the Uinta National Forest.

Quite obviously, outdoor recreation is practically boundless in these parts, particularly along the mountains. RVers will have a grand time choosing from hiking, fishing, and biking endeavors during summer and skiing, snowmobiling, and ice-skating ventures when winter comes around. For more of the said exciting activities, RV-boarded travelers should feel free checking out the features being offered by Salt Lake City KOA, an RV park found near Great Salt Lake and from where one can reach a popular state park with its mile-long trails suitable both for hiking and biking pursuits.

The Dinosaurland Region

So-named because of the numerous dinosaur remains found on the eastern slopes of the Uinta Mountains, the region boasts of two state parks where RVers can visit these paleontologic discoveries unearthed in recent decades.

Aside from the Jurassic attractions, Dinosaurland also offers several other areas where outdoor recreation is literally overflowing. The Uintas Wilderness Area and the Ashley National Forest both have mountain-based outdoor attractions while Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is highlighted by a colorful canyon where both land-based and water-based pursuits can be enjoyed.

In Hanna City, RVers should try looking for Defa's Dude Ranch, when they come to see Dinosaurland. Here, they will find their vehicles most welcome with an option to retire in one of its many rustic cabins in case sleeping in the RV becomes generally uncomfortable. More importantly, however, this particular campground is near several prominent regional attractions like the Ashley National Forest with its "heart" attraction. The feature involves several aspens which come together during autumn to create the so-called heart-shaped attraction.

The Mountainland Region

It comes quite obvious that towering mountains occupy a great portion of this region. Specifically, the eastern side of the mighty Wasatch Mountains is found here along with a large portion of the Uinta Mountains as well as the hills that comprise the Weber River Valley. The Uinta Mountains, in particular, serve as the gateway down into a vast roadless place called the High Uintas Wilderness Area.

With the amazing landscapes that these regional mountains carry, there is undoubtedly a wealth of recreational activities that RV-boarded travelers can pursue here including mountain biking, boating, swimming, hiking, spelunking, backpacking, and camping during summer. As winter begins, one can try skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and ice fishing.

When visiting the Mountainland Region, RVers may want to see Mt. Timpanogos in Pleasant Grove and explore the outdoor possibilities that lie therein. RV parking need not be a problem since there is nearby Timpooneke Campground to head off to with its direct access to the mountain.

The Panoramaland Region

Little is known as to why the region has been referred to as Panoramaland although the logical explanation is that there is literally a myriad of outdoor attractions available in these parts that they have virtually become panoramic in scope. RVers can choose from museums, state parks, Indian reservations, ski resorts, historic sites, wildlife refuges and whatever outdoor fancy they may have and most likely, there will be one available here.

Of course, for many RVers, preference is almost always on camping, an activity that they will find most abundant in the Panoramaland, particularly at Yuba State Park. The park has one particular area, the Oasis Campground, a fully-developed camping site where ostensibly, RV parking is available. From here, RV-boarded travelers can embark on an extensive exploration of Yuba State Park where the opportunities for outdoor enjoyment is seemingly endless.

Boating is likewise popular at Yuba State Park, with two ramps available for use. Other endeavors that RVers can try in these parts are bird-watching, hiking, waterfowl hunting, and mountain biking. Additionally, since camping is welcome here, RV-boarded travelers will not have any problems as to RV parking. A total of 47 RV-friendly sites are settled here, each one equipped with a pavilion, a disposal station, restrooms, and drinking water.

The Castle Country Region

The region boasts of several museums, state parks, mountains, and canyons but what is remarkable about the area is Castle Dale, a small Emery County town from where the region derived its name. The town was established sometime in 1875 by Orange Seely, a pioneer cattleman.

Other than Castle Dale, several other regional attractions await RVers who plan on visiting Castle Country. Among this is Goblin Valley State Park, renowned for its orange-colored gnomes and several land formations that resemble goblins, creating an eerily wonderful scenery. The setting, in itself, is an outdoor haven, as visitors can take landscape photo shots, but RV-boarded travelers can do so much more here. For example, long stretches of dirt paths lying next to the state park are ideal venues for holding off-road vehicle explorations.

Within this vast 3,014-acre wide state park lies 21 units of RV-friendly camping areas complete with an observation shelter, modern restrooms, and a disposal station. This should augur well for many RVers since they need not have to waste time trying to find a suitable RV park once they visit Castle Country

The Color Country Region

Set in Southwestern Utah, the main regional attraction is the Cedar Breaks National Monument found in Cedar City. It features a large natural amphitheater surrounded by numerous limestone formations of various hues, complimented by a lush vegetation of alpine trees, creating a virtual techni-colored attraction. Hence, the term color country region.

Apart from the canyon, RV-boarded tourists visiting Color Country for the first time should expect to see at least three national parks namely Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion where collectively, one can be a swimmer, an angler, a hiker, a biker, even a cross-country skier.

As for a place to park in the RV, travelers need only to visit Bryce Canyon National Park found northeast of another prominent Utah national park, Zion. The park hosts Sunset Campground, a day-use camping area where trailers are welcome. Meanwhile, for those planning on staying overnight, they can try nearby Ruby's Inn which offers free parking area.

The Canyonlands Region

Bordered on the west by the Green River, the region carries several naturally-formed canyons that came about as a result of the endless meetings between the smaller Green River and the mightier Colorado River. These canyons are now preserved at the Canyonlands National Park, considered as among the more major regional attractions, followed by several other regional landmarks that RVers will definitely want to explore because of the wide range of outdoor enjoyment that can be availed of from its midst. These include the mountains of Abajo and La Sal where hikers, campers, and mountain climbers are a common lot and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area where rock climbing and canyoneering are quite popular especially the area surrounding Lake Powell as there are smaller canyons found there, many facing the lake.

Moab is the one regional city that RVers should keep in mind while exploring the wonders of Canyonland. This is because, aside from having its own set of attractions, Moab has several RV parks under its fold. One such park, OK RV Park and Canyonlands Stables, is situated near Manti La Sal Forest apart from several other interesting places like the Moab Golf Course.

Cities to See in Utah

Salt Lake City is unquestionably the most prominent city of Utah not only due to its rich historic past but also because of its many features that RVers find truly amazing. Yet, there are many other cities in the "Beehive State" that offer equally attractive outdoor destinations, providing sparks to the passion of many RV-boarded tourists.

St. George

Nestled in Southwest Utah, St. George is the biggest city of the Washington County of the "Beehive State" and boasts of the famous Mormon Temple as its central feature. The city was a favorite vacation spot of Mormon founder Brigham Young as he spent many winters here. RVers thinking of seeing his famous temple can try checking in at McArthur's Temple View RV Resort situated just four blocks away.

Yet, apart from Young and his Mormon Temple, there are many other St. George attractions that RVers will find to be truly endearing once they get to see them. There are about three golf courses here rated as among the best by Golf Digest, complimented by a mild, desert-like climate, and an overall picturesque atmosphere. Additionally, the city has the advantage of being near several prominent Utah attractions that RV-boarded visitors can conveniently have access to by way of McArthur's Temple View RV Resort. From this RV park, Rvers need only a brief drive to reach such places as the Grand Canyon National Park, the Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park apart from several Utah cities like Kanab and Cedar City.

Provo

On the southern side of Salt Lake City lies a town renowned for being highly industrialized and yet, is set under the natural protection of high mountains. The town is Provo, nestled between two other Utah cities namely Springville and Orem and famous for holding the largest missionary training complex of the Mormon Church.

The third biggest Utah city, Provo was previously called Fort Utah following its foundation by about 33 Mormon groups who settled in the area around 1849. It comes as no surprise then that Brigham Young University, named after the celebrated Mormon leader, should come to be established here and be counted as among its prime attractions.

Apart from the mystery being offered by the Mormons, RVers will also find in Provo a host of other attractions that they will definitely want to explore. For example, they can ski their way down the slopes of the Sundance Resort during winter. The resort, owned by film actor Robert Redford, is also a good place for summer activities like hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

For RVers who find these Provo attractions interesting, there is one RV park that should provide them ample parking and quick access to the above-mentioned Provo offerings. Theatre in the Pines Campground is ideally situated on the eastern slope of Mt. Timpanogos aside from being in great proximity to the Sundance Ski Resort, making it the most logical RV campground to settle into when one gets to see Provo.

The Time to See the "Beehive State"

Generally, Utah weather is dependent on the terrain. The mountain areas, for example, are typically cool even during summer although storms do take place here, often altering a usually sunny day quite drastically. A visit in these parts should ideally be accompanied by layers of thick clothing.

Another point to consider when visiting Utah are the places that one wishes to see. Ski resorts, for instance, are to be avoided during the Yuletide season because they are definitely crowded during this particular period. State parks, for their part, are best visited either in spring or in autumn, when the summer crowds have all gone away.

Moab Rim RV Campark and Cabins

For RV-boarded travelers who simply cannot get enough of the outdoors, there is one campground in Utah where they can get their fill of outdoor enjoyment. Moab Rim RV Campark and Cabins, nestled about two miles away from Moab, lies in great proximity to two popular city attractions where outdoor excitement is at its best. One is the Slickrock Bike Trail, renowned worldwide for its biking paths set on the eastern end of Moab along Sand Flats Road. The other is the La Sal Mountain Loop Road where RVers get the opportunity to embark on a scenic drive where they get a view of the beautiful Moab landscape. The drive, lasting for two hours, begins in Southern Moab along Highway 191 and ends along Highway 128, more commonly called the Colorado River Road.

Meanwhile, within the vast expanse of the RV campground, one can park in the RV at any of the open sites with the nearby La Sal Mountains offering spectacular views along with the famous Spanish Valley. To satisfy a grumbling stomach, various food items can be easily purchased nearby while the newly-built restrooms with showers should provide a refreshing feeling to weary spirits.

For RV concerns, the sites come in full hook-ups and pull-through types and powered by 30 to 50 electric power supply. A resident dump station is likewise available for use by interested RVers.

Kanab RV Corral

For an RV campground that provides convenient access to some of the more popular tourist attractions in Utah, nothing comes close to Kanab RV Corral. Located on the eastern fringes of the city, the RV park is within a hundred miles from such places as Cedar Breaks, the Grand Staircase Escalante, national parks Zion and Bryce, and even the Grand Canyon.

Meanwhile, for attractions other than state parks, the campground offers Coral Cliffs, a beautifully-designed golf course that features a nine-hole setting. Access to the course from Kanab RV Corral can be done in minutes.

As for campground facilities, those available at Kanab RV Coral are rather typical although they have the advantage of being clean and well-maintained. A rather engaging activity is a fun time with friends and families at the park poolside where ostensibly, family bonds can be strengthened, which is actually among the nobler aims of camping.

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