THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Need another excuse to go camping — or eat another s’more — before the summer ends? Friday is National S’mores Day, so take your friends or family and head to one of Utah’s beautiful campgrounds this weekend.

While the most popular campsites (like Timpooneke or Little Mill along the Alpine Loop in Utah Valley) have been booked for weeks, here are a few options in Utah that still have some availability, at least as of Wednesday. Jump fast before they’re booked!

Note: Most Utah campgrounds are under strict fire restrictions, so check restrictions at your campground before lighting fires to roast your marshmallows.

Payson Lakes (Payson)

Camp, swim, fish, picnic and hike around these three beautiful lakes — McClelland, Box and Big East — in southern Utah County along the Nebo Scenic Road.

Directions: Take Exit 250 off I-15 and head south on Main Street. Turn left on 100 North, and then turn right on 600 East. That road eventually turns into the Nebo Loop Road. Follow that road for about 11.5 miles, and the campground will be on the right side of the road.

Salamander Flat (American Fork Canyon/Alpine Loop)

With all the developed campgrounds around the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway booked for this weekend, a nice alternative is the first-come, first-served Salamander Flat Campground in American Fork Canyon. While you’ll have to bring your own water, its close proximity to all the popular trails (including Mountain Timpanogos,) its beautiful views and the low cost (free with a national parks pass), make this a popular campsite for locals and tourists alike.

However, be aware that if you don't have a pass, it costs $6 to visit the canyon.

Directions: Take I-15 to state Route 92 and travel toward American Fork Canyon. Beginning at the information station, travel about 9 miles up the canyon. Then turn left at Forest Road 210 when you see the sign for Salamander Flat.

Nunn’s Park (Provo)

Another first-come, first-served overnight camping option, Nunn’s Park also offers picnicking, fishing, biking and jogging trails among a grove of trees along the Provo River.

Directions: Take Exit 272/800 North off I-15 to Orem and travel east toward Provo Canyon. Keep traveling onto U.S. Highway 189 and travel .6 miles northeast of mile marker 10.

Antelope Island State Park (Syracuse)

Three campgrounds offer a total of 52 campsites on the largest island in the Great Salt Lake. It’s home to a herd of bison, antelope, deer, coyotes, bighorn sheep, waterfowl and some of the best views of sunsets over the Great Salt Lake.

Directions: Take I-15 to Exit 332 (Syracuse/Freeport Center). Turn west onto Antelope Drive and drive 7 miles to the entrance gate. A two-lane causeway spans from the mainland to island.

Contact: 801-773-2941

Dead Horse Point State Park (near Moab)

If you’re ready for a longer trip, Dead Horse Point State Park provides incredible panoramas of the sculptured pinnacles and buttes of Canyonlands National Park, along with many hiking and mountain bike trails. All campers must fill water storage tanks and containers before coming to the park as the nearest services (including showers) are 35 miles from the park in Moab.

Directions: Dead Horse Point is on state Route 313, 18 miles off Highway 191 near Moab.

Contact: 435-259-2614

East Canyon State Park (Morgan)

In the mountains of northeastern Utah, the East Canyon Reservoir is popular for boating, fishing and offers camping in yurts, cabins or hammocks. The nearby Mormon Pioneer Trail follows the route first taken by the Donner-Reed Party on their way to California, as well as early Mormon pioneers traveling to Utah.

Directions: Take eastbound I-80 for 6 miles, and then take the Emigration/East Canyon Exit. Then drive 21 miles northeast on state Road 65, then a mile west on state Road 66 which takes you to the north end of the reservoir. The Big Rock Campground is located at mile marker 15 on state Road 65.

Contact: 801-829-6866

Green River State Park (Green River)

Green River State Park is a popular embarkation point for kayakers, river rafters and anyone canoeing through the Green River's Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons. While there are water and electric hookups for most campsites and modern restrooms with showers, campers can also choose to stay in the rustic cabins with heat and air conditioning.

Directions: Approximately 182 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, just off I-70 in the town of Green River.

Contact: 435-564-3633

Jordanelle - Rock Cliff area (Heber City)

Located along the Provo River 2 miles west of Francis, Summit County, on state Route 32, the Rock Cliff area is a walk-in only campsite with abundant wildlife. The nearby Ross Creek Trailhead provides nonmotorized day-use access to the reservoir and the perimeter trail.

Directions: Take I-80 east to U.S. 40, then take state Road 32 east, before you take the Rock Cliff Exit.

Contact: 435-649-9540

Red Fleet State Park (Vernal)

Located 10 miles north of Vernal, Red Fleet State Park is a great base for exploring the dinosaur tracks around Dinosaur National Monument, as well as boating and fishing on Red Fleet Reservoir and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

Directions: Take I-80 east to state Road 40 toward Heber. Travel through Heber on this highway and continue past Duchesne and Roosevelt and on to Vernal. In Vernal, drive on state Road 40 (Main Street) to Vernal Avenue (state Road 191). Turn left at Vernal Avenue. The park is located 13 miles north of Vernal off state Road 191.

Contact: 435-789-4432

Yuba Lake State Park (Levan)

Campgrounds abound within Yuba Lake State Park including Oasis — first-come, first-served beach camping on the north beach and west beach areas; Painted Rocks on the Levan side of Yuba Reservoir; Eagle View on the east side of the lake; and cabins near the Oasis group campsite.

Directions: Take I-15 to Exit 202/ Yuba Lake. Follow the access road approximately 5 miles to the park entrance.

Contact: 435-758-2611

Born and raised in Utah, Joel Racker enjoys traveling with his wife and four children in Utah and beyond. He has served as the president/CEO of Explore Utah Valley since 2003. Contact him at joel@utahvalley.com.

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