On average, the red rock desert in southern Utah sees 255 sunny days per year, which attracts both snowbirds and winter lovers.
In addition, Southern Utah’s cryptobiotic soil, sandstone arches, and vast, uninterrupted desert terrain make it an ideal destination for a family camping trip filled with outdoor pursuits. And maybe the desert will grow on you, too.
Are the Campgrounds Open Year-Round?
Many campgrounds in southern Utah are open all year because of the mild climate, making it an ideal starting point for a pleasant winter excursion.
However, the temperature in certain places may drop below freezing as the sun goes down, so it’s important to check the forecast before making any reservations.
These campgrounds include:
- Sand Hollow State Park — near Zion National Park
- Red Cliffs Campground — Red Cliffs Conservation Area
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park — near Kanab, UT
- Devils Garden — Arches National Park
- North Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park — near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
- Sunset Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park
- Watchman Campground — Zion National Park
- Zion River Resort — near Zion National Park
- Fruita — Capitol Reef National Park
How Cold is Utah in March?
The typical March high in Salt Lake City is only 55 degrees, but the state of Utah sees a wide range of weather from snow and freezing to pleasant and sunny. It rains on average seven days in March, and lows hover around 38 degrees.
How Cold is Too Cold for Camping?
Tent campers who are untrained or who do not have the appropriate equipment should avoid camping at temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 and -4 degrees Celsius). These temperatures can be hazardous.
Are the Roads Passable in March?
Most areas in Utah have very little chance of snow in the month of March, but it does happen. However, there will be no trouble with the roads unless there is some kind of snowstorm.
Locations You Should Pick for Camping in March
As listed earlier, there are some great all-year camping grounds that are a great choice for camping in March.
Sand Hollow State Park
One of the newest additions to Utah’s State Park system provides a haven for off-road vehicle (ORV) fans, anglers, hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers about 15 miles northeast of St.George.
Depending on your needs and preferences, you can pay anywhere from $38 for a full hookup at Westside Campground to $95 for a group site at Sandpit Campground, both located on BLM land. Finally, there is $25/night rustic camping in the area.
North Campground, Bryce Canyon National Park
Campers at North Campground in Bryce Canyon National Park have convenient access to the park’s hiking trails, visitor center, and restrooms. In the peak seasons of winter and summer, most of the sites here are first-come, first-serve.
Arrive early in the day to guarantee a spot, and then hike The Rim Trail, which begins right outside the campground.
Watchman Campground, Zion National Park
It’s common knowledge that campers in southern Utah have to compete for sites in the region’s popular national parks. Even though sites can be reserved up to four months in advance, the first hour of site availability is a frenzied race.
Sites at Watchman are first-come, first-served from November through February, so getting up an hour earlier on Friday morning may not only help you beat the hordes on the trail but may also guarantee you the last available campsite.
Enjoy spectacular scenery, spotless restrooms, and quick access to the park’s main gate and the shuttle that will take you to the park’s most popular attractions, all from the comfort of your tent at Watchman.
Final Thoughts on Is It Too Cold To Camp In Utah In March
So, is it too cold to camp in Utah in March? Well, not really. It will get cold once the sun goes down, but there are much colder places in North America in March.
As well as not being too cold to camp in Utah in March, there are some great options of campgrounds to choose from that are open all year.
Not only that, the roads are safe as long as there isn’t a big snowstorm. However, that isn’t very likely to happen in Utah during the month of March.
As long as you have all the necessary equipment for camping on a chilly night, you should have no issues enjoying the great outdoors of Utah in March.