Utah's National Parks
Five incredible national parks, one perfect place to land. Settler’s Junction is one of the best places to camp near Utah National Parks.
Visit Utah’s National Parks
If you’re looking for places to stay near Utah National Parks, choose Settler’s Junction RV Resort. It just doesn’t get any better than this.
Settler’s Junction RV Park in Toquerville is the perfect base for exploring Utah’s famous national parks, often referred to as the Mighty 5. Whether you’re seeking towering sandstone cliffs, unique rock formations, or picturesque canyons, you’ll find it all just a short drive from our park.
Read on to learn about the best places to visit, how to plan your RV camping adventure, and what makes Settler’s Junction the ideal spot to rest between your visits to Utah’s national parks.
The Mighty 5: Utah’s National Treasure
Utah is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the U.S. Each one offers unique landscapes and outdoor adventures, making them a must-see for anyone with a spirit of adventure. The best part? Settler’s Junction RV Park is conveniently located near all of them.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is famous for its towering sandstone cliffs, some of which reach over 2,000 feet. While Zion’s narrow canyon roads and limited parking can pose challenges for RVs, it’s definitely worth the drive through to witness the park’s grandeur.
Distance from SJ-RV: 19 miles (30 km), 30 min via UT-17 and UT-9.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is unlike any other of the state’s national parks, featuring a series of natural amphitheaters carved into a high plateau, filled with irregular rock spires known as hoodoos.
For RV campers, shuttle buses make it simple to park and visit the main viewpoints without worrying about the steep roads.
Distance from SJ-RV: 140 miles (225 km), ~3 hrs via I-15 and UT-12.
Capitol Reef National Park
For RV travelers, Capitol Reef offers the opportunity to explore remote backcountry by 4-wheeling, or take a leisurely hike along Grand Wash or Cassidy Arch trails.
Be aware that trailheads might have limited parking, so using RV-designated spots or unhooking your towed vehicle will help you get the most out of your visit.
Distance from SJ-RV: 185–190 miles (300 km), ~3 hrs 15 min.
Arches National Park
Arches is a red-rock wonderland with over 2,000 natural stone arches. The park is famous for its giant balanced rocks, intricate rock fins, and breathtaking formations like Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch.
The park’s scenic drives lead to popular trailheads, but parking lots can fill up quickly, so be sure to arrive early to catch the best views or reserve a timed-entry ticket during peak season.
Distance from SJ-RV: 320–330 miles (515 km), ~4½ hrs.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is a wilderness of countless canyons, buttes, and rock formations, carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves.
While large RVs can access Island in the Sky via paved roads, the Needles district offers a more rugged adventure with limited paved roads and smaller parking areas.
Distance from SJ-RV: 340 miles (550 km), ~5½–6 hrs.
Rv-Friendly Tips for Your Utah National Parks Trip
Setting out on an RV adventure through Utah’s iconic national parks is the ultimate way to experience the state’s breathtaking beauty and diverse landscapes. However, navigating these stunning parks in an RV comes with its own set of challenges. To make the most of your journey, here are some RV-friendly tips that will help you plan ahead, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure a smooth, unforgettable adventure.
From booking campsites to knowing when to leave the RV behind and explore by shuttle, these tips will guide you every step of the way. Let’s get you ready for the ultimate national park road trip!
Book Your Campsite Early!
While national park campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially from late spring to early fall, Settler’s Junction ensures you’re never far from the action. Zion’s Watchman Campground may sell out months in advance, but with Settler’s Junction just a short drive away, you’ll always have a comfortable spot to park and explore the Mighty 5 National Parks in Utah.
But don’t wait! Our RV spots fill up quickly during peak season!
Take advantage of park shuttles
Zion and Bryce run shuttle systems to reduce vehicle congestion. We recommend parking your RV at the visitor center lot or nearby town and riding the shuttle to trailheads and viewpoints. This saves fuel and stress on narrow canyon roads.
plan for limited services in the park
Some national parks, including Canyonlands and Capitol Reef, have very limited food, fuel and water within park boundaries. Carry extra water, avoid overloading your RV on steep grades, and refuel in Toquerville, Moab, Torrey, or Hanksville before entering remote areas.
Not sure what to expect? Stop by our front desk and we’ll give you some expert tips on ways to make your excursion comfortable and amazing!
Respect size restrictions
Some Utah national park roads (e.g., the unpaved Capitol Gorge or Cathedral Valley roads in Capitol Reef, Shafer Trail in Canyonlands) are not suitable for large RVs. Check each park’s road conditions and vehicle‑length restrictions before venturing beyond paved roads.
leave no trace
Pack out all trash and respect campground rules. Many Utah National Parks have fragile cryptobiotic soil; staying on trails preserves these unique ecosystems.
where to stay for best access for Utah’s national parks
Settler’s Junction RV Park is your gateway to the Mighty 5. Conveniently located between St. George and Zion, we provide an ideal place to rest, recharge, and prepare for your next adventure. With amenities like full hookups, spacious sites, and easy access to all the major parks, we are the perfect base camp for your Utah road trip.
Book your stay now!