4 awesome places to go winter camping in Utah

4 awesome places to go winter camping in Utah

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — The powder is still settling after Utah's first big snow dump of the year. Thousands of people are getting their skis or snowboards ready to hit the slopes. While the ski resorts fill up with people, another often-overlooked winter activity becomes available — camping.

Winter camping may seem crazy at first, but we've previously given tips on how you can stay warm and dry to ensure an enjoyable experience. Now it's time to tackle the places you should go.

Most of these places are accessible by car, but a few may require four-wheel drive or snowmobiles to access. Regardless, all are places that are family-friendly with the right planning, and will allow you to create lasting memories.

Highway 31, Sanpete County

Popular with snow machine enthusiasts, Highway 31 spans Sanpete and Emery counties, though the Sanpete side offers more areas to camp. Both Huntington and Cleveland Reservoirs offer either undeveloped or developed campgrounds, though the gate on Miller's Flat Road is often closed during the winter due to snow conditions.

It gets cold in this part of Utah, but few places can match the beauty of the Manti- La Sal Mountains during winter.

Getting there: Take south I-15 to Spanish Fork and take the exit for U.S. Highway 6. Follow the road until the Manti turnoff into Thistle Canyon. Stay on that road until you reach the town of Fairview, and turn left before the Chevron gas station. Head up Highway 31, passing the turnoff to Scofield. Drive until you reach Huntington and Cleveland Reservoirs.

Strawberry Reservoir, Wasatch County

Strawberry Reservoir is one of the state's most popular fisheries, and it's also a popular snowmobiling and ice fishing destination. While the temperatures at Strawberry regularly dip below zero during the winter, proper preparation and tent heating will get you through the night comfortably. From catching big cutthroat and rainbow trout through the ice to riding machines through giant snow drifts, Strawberry has something for everyone.

Getting there: Take Highway 40 east out of Heber. Strawberry is about a 40-minute drive from Heber City.

Fish Lake, Sevier County

Another great area for ice fishing, Fish Lake is also home to solitude for those looking for a camping getaway. Whether you want to camp on the ice, just off the road, or take your snowmobiles up Gooseberry Road or down to Zedds Meadow on FR036, you'll find plenty of places to escape the crowds and take in the unique beauty of this part of Utah.

Getting there: Take State Highway 24 south from Salina and drive past the turnoff for the town of Koosharem. The turnoff for Fish Lake is a few miles down the road, on the left.

Straight Canyon, Emery County

In the warmer months, this out-of-the-way canyon is crawling with rock climbers. During the winter, those crowds disperse and you're left with a classic high-Utah desert winter experience. Joe's Valley Reservoir is at the end of Straight Canyon and is home to trophy splake and tiger trout. Ice fishing there is tricky, however, due to the warm spring in Seely Cove.

If you're looking for a truly remote winter camping destination, Straight Canyon may be your best bet.

Getting there: Take Highway 10 south from Price until you reach the turnoff for Orangeville. Drive into Orangeville and take a right on State Highway 29. After a few miles, you'll leave the ranch land and arrive in the canyon.

Winter camping is a fun activity, but it's important to always make sure you know what you're doing when spending extended periods of time in the snow. Do your research, always tell others where you're going and don't forget the handwarmers!

Have you been to any of these places or do you have a favorite winter camping spot of your own? Let us know in the comments below.


![Spencer Durrant](http://img.ksl.com/slc/2583/258385/25838585\.jpg?filter=ksl/65x65)
About the Author: Spencer Durrant \---------------------------------

Spencer is an outdoors columnist and novelist from Utah. His debut novel, Learning to Fly, was an Amazon bestseller. Connect with him on Twitter @Spencer_Durrant or on Facebook.

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