Living In A Camper: Exploring Utah's Unique Lifestyle

Utah is a popular destination for campervan trips, with its five major national parks attracting casual visitors and hikers alike. While sleeping in a van is a common way to get around the state, there are some considerations to keep in mind. For example, while you are generally allowed to sleep in a van at a campsite, different rules apply to sleeping in your car, and local laws often prohibit sleeping in your car on city streets. Additionally, national parks, state parks, and privately managed campgrounds will have their own guidelines, and some sites have restrictions based on vehicle type or size. When it comes to renting a spot on private property for a camper trailer, this may depend on local laws and regulations, and it's important to check with the relevant local authorities.

Camper registration and requirements

Camper Definition

According to the Utah DMV, a camper is defined as:

> "Any structure designed, used, and maintained primarily to be mounted on or affixed to a motor vehicle that contains a floor and is designed to provide a mobile dwelling, sleeping place, commercial space, or facilities for human habitation or for camping."

Registration Requirements

There is no fee for registering a camper in Utah. However, property fees must be paid as part of the registration transaction. Campers with a model year of 2015 or newer require a title to be issued. The following forms are required for titling:

• Form TC-656, Utah Title Application
• Form TC-661, Certificate of Inspection. (New campers sold by a Utah dealer are exempt from this form.)

Campsite Rules

While each campsite in Utah has its own regulations, many of them allow camper vans for both short and long-term stays. Here are some general rules and guidelines to follow when camping in Utah:

• Respect the ancient ruins and delicate grounds: Avoid trampling wildflowers and fragile ecosystems. Leave artifacts and natural surroundings undisturbed.
• Quiet time: After 10 pm and before 7 am is considered quiet time at campgrounds. Keep noise levels down, especially from vehicles, music, and generators.
• Pet etiquette: Keep pets on a leash and pick up after them. Do not let pets roam freely or intrude on other campsites.
• Child supervision: Ensure children are supervised and do not disturb other campers or wander into restricted areas.
• Fire safety: Build fires only in designated areas and ensure they are completely extinguished before leaving them unattended.
• Waste disposal: Practice proper waste disposal, including human waste, trash, and toilet paper. Use portable toilet systems if necessary.
• Light pollution: Be mindful of light pollution, especially in dark sky national parks. Embrace the darkness and minimize the use of bright lights.
• Speed limits: Obey posted speed limits within campgrounds to ensure the safety of pedestrians, wildlife, and other campers.

By following these registration requirements and campsite rules, you can enjoy a safe and responsible camping experience in Utah while respecting the natural environment and other campers.

Camper parking on private property

In Utah, you can park a recreational vehicle (RV) or travel trailer on private property with the permission of the property owner or their representative. This is permitted for an indefinite period, provided it does not violate any other laws or ordinances.

General Guidelines

• Street/Highway Parking: RVs and travel trailers can be parked on public streets for up to 24 consecutive hours.
• Private Property Parking: Permission from the property owner or representative is required for parking on private property.

Best Practices for Van Camping

• Book Early: Popular campsites in Utah, such as Zion, Arches, and Bryce Canyon National Park, tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
• Choose a Level Spot: Parking on flat ground is essential for a good night's sleep and safety.
• Clean Up: Follow the "Leave No Trace" principle by cleaning up your campsite before leaving to maintain environmental responsibility and courtesy to future campers.

Other Considerations

It's worth noting that different rules and legal considerations apply when sleeping in your car. While it's generally legal to sleep in your car at rest areas, large store parking lots, and public lands near campsites, local laws in Utah often prohibit sleeping in vehicles on city streets. Always ensure your vehicle is off, and all doors and windows are locked for safety.

Camper van rentals

Utah is a popular destination for campervan travel, with its five national parks offering a range of outdoor adventures. The state's diverse landscapes, from the iconic red sandstone formations of the "Mighty 5" to the alpine forests of the Wasatch and Uinta mountains, provide a unique experience for campers.

There are several companies offering campervan rentals in Utah, particularly in Salt Lake City, which is conveniently located near many of the state's top attractions. Here are some options for campervan rentals and what you need to know:

Escape Camper Van

Escape Camper Van, located in Salt Lake City, offers a range of campervans for rent. They provide tips and resources for travellers, including advice on where to camp and how to stay informed about legal considerations. They emphasise the convenience and comfort of their campervans, which include amenities such as restrooms and refrigeration.

Native Campervans

Native Campervans, also based in Salt Lake City, provides fully-stocked campervans for exploring Utah's national parks. They offer suggestions for nearby destinations, including the famous "Mighty 5" national parks, as well as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in neighbouring states. Native Campervans also provides recommendations for campgrounds, restaurants, and outdoor gear shops in the Salt Lake City area.

Wandervans

Wandervans in Salt Lake City offers a diverse fleet of campervans to suit various travel needs. They provide a user-friendly online booking system, as well as a booking assistant for personalised assistance. Wandervans' vehicles are modern and well-equipped, featuring cosy sleeping quarters, kitchen amenities, and ample storage space. They emphasise the freedom their campervans provide to explore Utah's iconic destinations and hidden gems.

Outdoorsy

Outdoorsy is another option for campervan rentals in Salt Lake City. They offer a range of vehicles, including pet-friendly and festival-friendly options, with features such as stealth conversion and off-grid capabilities. Outdoorsy provides a straightforward booking process, allowing users to filter search results by vehicle type, date, price, and amenities.

When renting a campervan in Utah, it's important to keep in mind the different rules and regulations that may apply, especially when it comes to camping on public lands or within national and state parks. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the guidelines of your chosen campsites and destinations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Campsite rules and etiquette

General Behaviour

• Respect the ancient ruins and delicate grounds. Do not climb over or into ancient ruins, and do not remove any artefacts.
• Do not pick or trample wildflowers. It takes years for the ground to be the right condition for them to grow.
• Do not stomp in poppy fields or other Instagram-like spots.
• Do not harvest live trees. Use dead sagebrush plants or dead limbs instead.
• Do not stab things into trees, as this can damage the way the tree grows.
• Do not bring your own firewood from out of state, as this can cause pine beetle infestations, which kill trees and create kindling for wildfires.
• Do not leave a fire unattended, especially at night. Ensure that campfires are completely extinguished before leaving them.
• Do not light a fire without a proper, deep fire ring.
• Do not play loud music. If you want to listen to music, use headphones.
• Embrace dark skies. Be mindful of how your RV lighting impacts your neighbours.
• Pick up your trash.
• Do not speed in campgrounds. Obey posted campground speed limits.

Pets

• Keep pets on a maximum 6-foot leash at all times and do not leave them unattended.
• Do not let your dog run into someone else's campsite.
• Pick up after your pets, especially dog poop.
• Do not leave pets unattended in campsites, designated cabins, or vehicles.
• Do not let your pets pee on a fellow camper's supplies, car, camper, or RV.

Children

• Keep an eye on your children.
• Set boundaries for your campsite, such as where the 'bathroom' is and isn't, and when screaming or squealing is not permitted.
• Ensure your children are not entering someone else's campsite or playing hide-and-seek in someone else's car.

Vehicles

• Park only in designated areas.
• Shut your vehicle doors gently, especially at night in crowded campsites or RV parks.
• Do not rev ATVs or motorcycle engines near campsites.
• Do not drink and drive an ATV.
• Do not pee by a stream. Bury your faeces at least 6 inches deep and pack out your toilet paper.
• Do not leave trash or toilet paper out in the open.

Alcohol

Do not get drunk and disorderly.

Firearms

• Do not discharge firearms from an automobile or other vehicles, roads, public utility facilities, campsites, park buildings, picnic sites, overlooks, golf courses, boat ramps, or developed beaches.
• Do not discharge firearms within 600 feet of a house, dwelling, or other buildings.

Camper waste disposal

• Choose campsites with waste disposal facilities: When selecting a campsite, look for those that provide dump stations or waste disposal amenities. This way, you can conveniently dispose of waste without having to travel far.
• Practice proper waste segregation: Separate recyclable materials, such as plastic, glass, and metal, from general waste. This helps reduce landfill waste and promotes recycling.
• Use biodegradable products: Opt for biodegradable soaps, shampoos, and other camping products. These products are environmentally friendly and won't harm the natural surroundings when disposed of properly.
• Dispose of waste responsibly: Always use designated waste disposal areas and never leave trash unattended or in inappropriate places. If you're camping in remote areas, consider carrying waste bags or portable toilets that can be disposed of at designated dump stations.
• Follow "Leave No Trace" principles: Adhere to the "Leave No Trace" principles, which encourage campers to leave their campsite as they found it. This means properly disposing of all waste, including food scraps and hygiene products, and ensuring the site is clean for future campers.
• Utilize public restrooms: When available, use public restrooms at campsites or rest areas. This helps reduce waste accumulation in your camper and minimizes the impact on the environment.
• Consider waste disposal services: If you're camping for an extended period or have a significant amount of waste, consider contacting waste disposal services or junk removal companies. They can provide large bins or haul away waste for a fee, ensuring proper disposal.

By following these guidelines, you can help maintain the beauty and cleanliness of Utah's natural spaces while enjoying your time camping in a camper. Remember always to respect the environment and leave no trace of your presence.

Frequently asked questions