Photo of Monument Valley on the Arizona-Utah border in the Southwest United States
Salt Lake City
With five national parks and seven national monuments, the best way to see the Beehive State is via a camper van rental in Salt Lake City! Beyond the city are quaint towns, endless outdoor recreational opportunities, and out-of-this-world landscapes. Your trip will be one for the books! All GoCamp camper vans are road trip ready. You just need to pack the groceries, your favorite travel clothes, and a sense of adventure. We handle the rest!
We pride ourselves on taking good care of our renters, making sure you have all the resources you need for a successful road trip. In addition to renting fully equipped vans, we create travel guides full of tips about where to go and what to do while in your camper van. For example, we’ve got one for you on Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks.
Below you’ll find all the information you need to plan an epic Utah road trip from Salt Lake City. You’ll find destinations, hiking, lodging, and of course recommendations for the best camper van rentals in Salt Lake City. Don’t be surprised if you start daydreaming about Utah!
Pro Tip: Slow down. Once you cross the city limits heading south, you’ll be transported to a dreamy desert landscape. When you feel inclined to stop and marvel, do it. It’s easy to get caught up in seeing the sights and checking them off the list. But southern Utah is a land for dreamers and wanderers. Don’t be afraid to ditch the itinerary and live in the moment.
Featured Salt Lake City Camper Van Rental
If you’re looking for a house on wheels, Starsky is the van for you! This custom-built, 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has it all. Drink your morning coffee at the dining room table. Freshen up in the shower with indoor privacy or in the great outdoors. Cuddle up with a movie at night. And have all the comforts of home when nature calls!
Starsky seats and sleeps two so you can bring along your co-star or hit the road solo! Got some extra baggage? No, not that kind of baggage. We mean extra gear, outfits for that Insta-worthy pic, or whatever else you need to make your trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Well, good thing Starsky has your back with plenty of storage right at your fingertips!
If you’re ready to hop in and go to sleep under the stars, book your trip in Starsky today!
Unforgettable Memories
“Had a great trip through Utah. Amazing views and unforgettable memories!! Pickup and return of the vehicle was easy and straightforward. Perfect van for two adults, highly recommended.”
Chris May 2022
natural red rock arch in Arches National Park with canyon view
Six Road Trip Destinations from Salt Lake City
RENT A CAMPER VAN IN SALT LAKE CITY AND EXPLORE THE MIGHTY FIVE!
Grab your national parks pass and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! When you pick up your camper van in Salt Lake City, you can start with the Mighty 5 Parks. National Parks not your thing? Meander through the desert roads to drink in the iconic desert landscapes of Utah. The choice is yours!
Did you know that with a camper van rental you are covered no matter the weather or terrain? It’s true! For example, Starsky’s 4×4 capabilities make tackling those desert roads a breeze. And you can sleep off-grid with this van’s incredible energy system! Visit all five Utah national parks or take a road trip to Moab, and don’t forget to tell us all about it in your post-trip review!
Arches National Park
You’ve seen them on Instagram, now check them out in person! This park features over 2,000 stone arches and archeological sites that never disappoint. After a quick 3.5-hour drive, you can drive the 18-mile scenic road through the park to take in the landscape. Next, hit up the town of Moab which is just 30 minutes away for some R&R after a long, hot day. With local restaurants, outdoor excursions, and stellar campsites, Moab is always a good choice.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Arches National Park for recommended hikes, lodging, best times to visit, and more.
Interested in a one-way trip to Moab? Check out another great Mercedes-Benz Sprinter named Snowbird and message us today to inquire about its availability!
Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef National Park will knock your socks off with its stunning natural features of cliffs, canyons, gorgeous starry nights, and domes. With only a 3.5-hour drive ahead of you, you can set out from Salt Lake City in the van of your choice, and start creating memories to last a lifetime!
Ever seen a Waterpocket Fold? Well, now you can! Known as a “wrinkle in the earth,” this incredible structure extends 100 miles across the park right in the heart of red rock country! While you’re there, don’t miss the luscious peaches, apples, and plums in the orchards of Fruita. Imagine biting into ripe, juicy fruit after a trek across the desert. Is your mouth watering yet?
Last, but not least, is the Grand Staircase-Escalante national monument! This incredible natural area is a short drive from Capitol Reef and spans nearly 1.87 million acres of America’s public lands in southern Utah! What does that mean for you? Parking your van will be a breeze, and you can rest easy on this protected public land for all!
Bryce Canyon
Hoo-doo! No, that wasn’t a sneeze. Bryce Canyon National Park boasts the largest concentration found anywhere on Earth (seriously!). And it’s right outside the Grand Staircase! Nestled in an incredible natural amphitheater, you cannot skip this iconic sight.
If you’re worried about missing any of Bryce Canyon’s slot canyons, windows, and fins, be sure to download the NPS app to get all the resources you’ll need to make the most of your time in a GoCamp camper van!
Canyonlands National Park
If you’re lucky enough to book one of our 4×4 vans out of Salt Lake City (hint: Goose, Rosie, Susie, Starsky, and Tyvannosaurus Rex), then you can navigate Canyonlands National Park with ease. To simplify planning, we put together the Ultimate Guide to an Epic Canyonlands National Park Trip.
Forget “Islands in the Stream,” Island in the Sky is THE spot to see some of the most spectacular sights in all of Canyonlands National Park. After a short, paved drive to the overlook, you can spot The Needles with the whole family without even breaking a sweat! Check out the breathtaking mesas, rivers, and wildlife all at once from this lookout and take in that crispy desert air.
Ready to use that four-wheel drive? Head on over to The Maze and The Rivers District, which are only accessible by one of our beastly 4×4 vans or by boat. Hike around, pack a lunch, or just sit back and enjoy the view. Most importantly, be sure to reignite that sparkly sense of adventure!
Zion National Park
If you’re like us, then Zion National Park is an absolute must-see for van rentals out of Salt Lake City! Hit the road for a 4.5-hour drive to reach the steepest canyons and reddest cliffs you ever laid your eyes on, not to mention some of the most famous sites in the U.S. Be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Trip to Zion National Park.
Reminiscent of the hanging gardens of Babylon, Weeping Rock is the place to see the most fascinating hanging gardens in all of Zion National Park. If you’re up for the challenge, park your vehicle and hit the trail for a short and steep trail up a rocky hillside. (Pro tip: Don’t forget snacks and water!). Watch the water ooze from the canyons above to make a hanging oasis in the giant rock formations, and be sure to watch your step!
Speaking of a challenge, Angels Landing is also a must-see in Zion, but beware! This isn’t a climb for the faint of heart. With steep cliffs, rocky terrain, and a trail shooting straight up, those that are afraid of heights might want to sit this one out. If you’re the group adrenaline junky ready for the climb ahead, don’t forget to get your permit beforehand!
For your last stop in Zion, The Narrows is basically a requirement. Known as the narrowest section in all of Zion, The Narrows is one of the premier hikes in the park. If you’re an intermediate hiker, be sure to stick with the 3.6-mile, bottom-up hike starting at the Temple of Sinawava. If you’re an avid hiker with a heart for adventure, then hit up the 16-mile, top-down hike from Chamberlain’s Ranch before meeting back up with your group at the Temple.
P.S. If you want to start your trip in Zion instead to see Utah’s sights, then check out the van named The Desert Rose!
Park City
If you’re a winter sports fanatic, then Park City is the destination for you. Whether you like to snowboard, ski, snow bike, or split board, then you have to add Park City to your itinerary. Plus, it’s just a short one-hour drive away from Salt Lake City! Taking your trip in the warm months? No worries! Park City also offers mountain biking, hiking, rafting, fly fishing, and more. This destination is for everyone!
P.S. Did you know that most of our Salt Lake City vans are cold weather beasts? It’s true! Reserve any of our Salt Lake City-based camper vans and you’ll be ready to hit the road no matter the season.
rear view of van in canyon with open doors and person