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Escalante Petrified Forest State Park Utah (UT) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is an ideal spot for RV camping, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The park’s name comes from the vast deposits of petrified wood found throughout the area, which date back millions of years. These ancient trees were buried and fossilized, creating the colorful and intricate patterns that can be seen today.

The park is also rich in Native American history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 10,000 years. Visitors can learn about the cultural significance of the area by visiting the park’s visitor center, which features interpretive exhibits and educational programs.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park.

Camping Accommodations

37

'

Max RV length

37

'

Max trailer Length

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Generator use

Food storage

Sewer hookup

Dogs & cats

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Transportation

  • Driving/Transportation

When it comes to transportation options for visiting Escalante Petrified Forest State Park private vehicles are the most convenient and popular choice. The park is located off Highway 12 which is a scenic and well-maintained road. Visitors can access the park from either the east or west entrances both of which offer ample parking for RVs and trailers.

It’s important to note that there are some restrictions on rig sizes so RV renters should check with the park before setting out. The maximum length for RVs is 40 feet and there are some tight turns and steep grades on the park’s roads that may be challenging for larger vehicles. However with careful planning and preparation RV renters can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Escalante Petrified Forest State Park.

  • Parking area

Recreational vehicles are welcome at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park with designated parking areas available throughout the park. However overnight parking is restricted to designated campsites only. RV camping can be a great way to explore the park and using alternative transportation methods is highly recommended to reduce environmental impact.

  • Public Transportation

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park offers several transportation options for visitors. Shuttle buses are not available but there are walking paths that provide access to various points of interest within the park. These paths offer a convenient way to explore the park’s natural beauty and unique geological features.

Top Campsites in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

  • Reservations camping

The most popular campsites near Escalante Petrified Forest State Park that require reservations are

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park Campground

This is the closest campground to the park and offers 22 sites with RV hookups picnic tables fire pits and modern restrooms. The campground is open year-round and is pet-friendly. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails fishing and exploring the park’s petrified forest.

Kodachrome Basin State Park Campground

Located just 25 miles east of Escalante Petrified Forest State Park this campground offers 30 sites with RV hookups picnic tables fire pits and modern restrooms. The campground is open year-round and is pet-friendly. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails scenic drives and stargazing.

Cannonville / Bryce Valley KOA

This campground is located 30 miles west of Escalante Petrified Forest State Park and offers 80 sites with RV hookups picnic tables fire pits and modern restrooms. The campground is open from April to October and is pet-friendly. RVs and trailers up to 60 feet are permitted. Visitors can enjoy a swimming pool hot tub mini-golf and a playground.

Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground

This campground is located 80 miles north of Escalante Petrified Forest State Park and offers 300 sites with RV hookups picnic tables fire pits and modern restrooms. The campground is open year-round and is pet-friendly. RVs and trailers up to 60 feet are permitted. Visitors can enjoy a swimming pool hot tub playground and a convenience store.

  • First-come first-served

If you’re looking for first-come-first-served campgrounds near Escalante Petrified Forest State Park here are a few options

Wide Hollow Campground

Located within Escalante Petrified Forest State Park this campground offers 25 sites with picnic tables and fire pits. The campground is open year-round and is pet-friendly. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are permitted.

Calf Creek Campground

This campground is located 15 miles east of Escalante and offers 13 sites with picnic tables and fire pits. The campground is open year-round and is pet-friendly. RVs and trailers up to 24 feet are permitted.

Deer Creek Campground

This campground is located 20 miles west of Escalante and offers 10 sites with picnic tables and fire pits. The campground is open year-round and is pet-friendly. RVs and trailers up to 20 feet are permitted.

  • Alternate camping

If the campsites inside Escalante Petrified Forest State Park are full here are some alternative camping options nearby

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds in the area including the Escalante Outfitters RV Park the Escalante Yurts and the Escalante Cabins and RV Park. These campgrounds offer RV hookups modern restrooms and additional amenities like laundry facilities and Wi-Fi.

Backcountry Camping

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park offers backcountry camping in designated areas. Visitors can obtain a free permit from the park’s visitor center. Backcountry camping is a great option for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the park’s natural beauty.

BLM Land

There are several Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas near Escalante Petrified Forest State Park where dispersed camping is allowed. These areas offer free camping with no amenities so visitors should be prepared to bring their own water food and supplies.

  • General activities

Hiking the Petrified Forest Trail

The Petrified Forest Trail is a popular hiking destination for RV campers visiting Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. This trail offers stunning views of the petrified wood scattered throughout the park. The trail is easy to moderate in difficulty and is a 1-mile loop. Hikers can start at the visitor center and follow the marked trail through the forest of petrified wood. Along the way hikers can also see the Wide Hollow Reservoir and the beautiful landscape of the park.

Biking the Wide Hollow Loop Trail

For RV campers who prefer to explore the park on two wheels the Wide Hollow Loop Trail is a great option. This trail is a 3.5-mile loop that winds through the park and offers beautiful views of the petrified wood and the surrounding landscape. The trail is suitable for all skill levels and is an excellent way to see the park’s scenery.

Fishing at Wide Hollow Reservoir

Wide Hollow Reservoir is a popular fishing spot for RV campers visiting Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. The reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout largemouth bass and bluegill making it an excellent spot for anglers of all skill levels. The reservoir is also a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the park.

Exploring the Petrified Forest Museum

The Petrified Forest Museum is a must-visit destination for RV campers interested in learning about the park’s history and geology. The museum features a large collection of petrified wood as well as exhibits on the park’s fossils minerals and Native American artifacts. Visitors can also learn about the park’s history and the importance of preserving its natural resources.

Camping at the Wide Hollow Campground

The Wide Hollow Campground is a popular destination for RV campers visiting Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. The campground offers 31 campsites each with a picnic table fire ring and access to potable water. The campground is located near the Wide Hollow Reservoir making it a great spot for fishing hiking and other outdoor activities.

  • Alternative activities

Alternative Recreational Activities

For RV campers who prefer more leisurely activities Escalante Petrified Forest State Park offers several options. Sightseeing is a popular activity with many scenic overlooks and viewpoints throughout the park. Visitors can also enjoy nature watching with opportunities to see wildlife such as deer elk and birds.

The park is also home to several instagram-worthy photo opportunity spots such as the Rainbow Forest which features a colorful landscape of petrified wood. The park’s visitor center also offers exhibits and educational programs making it a great place to learn about the park’s history and natural resources.

One popular alternative activity is stargazing. The park’s remote location and dark skies make it an excellent spot for stargazing. Visitors can enjoy a guided stargazing tour or simply set up a telescope and explore the night sky on their own.

Finally RV campers can also enjoy a leisurely picnic in one of the park’s many picnic areas. These areas offer beautiful views of the park’s landscape and are a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.

Season-specific experiences in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

  • Spring activities

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Escalante Petrified Forest State Park especially for RV campers. Here are five recreational activities and landmarks that attract visitors during this season

Hiking the Petrified Forest Trail

This 1-mile trail takes you through a stunning landscape of colorful petrified wood which is over 100 million years old. The trailhead is located near the park’s visitor center.

Fishing at Wide Hollow Reservoir

This reservoir is a popular spot for fishing in the spring as the water is still cool and the fish are biting. You can catch rainbow trout largemouth bass and bluegill here.

Visiting the Petrified Forest Museum

This museum is located in the park’s visitor center and features exhibits on the history and geology of the area as well as a large collection of petrified wood.

Exploring the Devil’s Garden

This unique area of the park features unusual rock formations including hoodoos and balanced rocks. It’s a great spot for photography and exploring.

Taking a scenic drive

The park is located near several scenic byways including the Burr Trail and Highway 12 which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Summer activities

Summer is peak season at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park and for good reason. Here are five recreational activities and landmarks that attract RV campers during this season

Swimming at Wide Hollow Reservoir

The reservoir is a popular spot for swimming in the summer as the water warms up and the beaches are perfect for relaxing.

Hiking the Sleeping Rainbows Trail

This 2.5-mile trail takes you through a beautiful canyon filled with colorful petrified wood. The trailhead is located near the park’s campground.

Visiting the Escalante Petrified Forest

This area of the park features some of the most stunning petrified wood formations in the world. You can take a self-guided tour and learn about the history and geology of the area.

Exploring the Chinle Formation

This area of the park is home to the Chinle Formation which is famous for its fossils and petrified wood. You can take a guided tour and see the fossils up close.

Taking a scenic drive

The park is located near several scenic byways including the Burr Trail and Highway 12 which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The summer is a great time to take a drive and explore the area.

  • Fall activities

Fall in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is a magical time for RV campers. One popular activity is hiking the Petrified Forest Trail where visitors can see vibrant fall foliage and colorful petrified wood. The trailhead is located near the campground. Another must-see is the Wide Hollow Reservoir which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding red rock formations and is perfect for fishing and kayaking. The reservoir is located just a short drive from the park. For history buffs the Escalante Heritage Center is a must-visit showcasing the area’s rich pioneer and Native American history. The center is located in the nearby town of Escalante. Lastly don’t miss the opportunity to take a scenic drive along Highway 12 which offers stunning views of the park and surrounding landscape. The highway runs directly through the park.

  • Winter activities

Winter in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park offers a unique and peaceful experience for RV campers. One popular activity is cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the Petrified Forest Trail where visitors can see the park’s petrified wood and red rock formations covered in a blanket of snow. The trailhead is located near the campground. Another must-see is the Wide Hollow Reservoir which offers ice fishing and breathtaking views of the surrounding red rock formations. The reservoir is located just a short drive from the park. For those interested in photography the winter landscapes of the park offer a stunning backdrop for photos. Lastly don’t miss the opportunity to take a scenic drive along Highway 12 which offers a completely different and equally beautiful view of the park in the winter. The highway runs directly through the park.

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