Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks

Utah's Mighty 5 refers to the five stunning national parks in Utah, each offering unique desert landscapes, canyons, and rock formations. These parks make for an unforgettable RV road trip loop—popular among adventurers, photographers, and families alike.

Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks (in travel loop order) 1. Zion National Park

• Location: Southwest Utah (near Springdale)
• Highlights: Zion Canyon, Angel's Landing, The Narrows, Emerald Pools
• RV Tips:
  • Stay at Watchman Campground (has electric hookups, inside the park)
  • Shuttle system runs through the canyon—no RVs allowed past certain points
  • Book early during spring and fall seasons

2. Bryce Canyon National Park

• Location: About 85 miles northeast of Zion
• Highlights: Hoodoos, Bryce Amphitheater, Sunrise & Sunset Points
• RV Tips:
  • North Campground allows RVs and is open year-round
  • Be prepared for cooler temperatures even in summer (high elevation)
  • Great for stargazing—certified Dark Sky Park

3. Capitol Reef National Park

• Location: Central Utah (Torrey is the closest town)
• Highlights: Fruita Historic District, Waterpocket Fold, Hickman Bridge
• RV Tips:
  • Fruita Campground has limited sites with hookups
  • Fresh fruit from historic orchards is often free to pick in season
  • Fewer crowds than Zion or Arches—great for solitude

4. Arches National Park

• Location: Just outside Moab
• Highlights: Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Double Arch
• RV Tips:
  • No hookups inside the park—Devils Garden Campground is the main site
  • Book several months in advance
  • Stay in Moab for full-service RV parks and easy access

5. Canyonlands National Park

• Location: Also near Moab, split into three districts
• Highlights: Island in the Sky (most accessible), The Needles, The Maze
• RV Tips:
  • No hookups; Willow Flat Campground is primitive but scenic
  • Explore Mesa Arch at sunrise for iconic views
  • The Needles area has its own campground (Squaw Flat)

RV Trip Planning Tips for the Mighty 5

• Best Time to Visit: April–May and September–October (mild weather, fewer crowds)
• Total Driving Loop: ~800–1,000 miles depending on route
• Fuel Up Often: Services can be limited between parks
• Road Grades: Some roads have steep climbs—check your rig's capabilities

Suggested RV Loop Itinerary (7–10 Days)

1. Day 1–2: Zion NP (Hike The Narrows, visit Canyon Overlook)
2. Day 3: Bryce Canyon NP (Sunset Point, Queen's Garden Trail)
3. Day 4–5: Capitol Reef NP (Scenic drive, pick orchard fruit)
4. Day 6–7: Arches NP (Delicate Arch hike, drive to viewpoints)
5. Day 8–9: Canyonlands NP (Island in the Sky district)
6. Optional Day 10: Rest and enjoy Moab or detour to Goblin Valley State Park