Best UTV or ATV Friendly Campgrounds for Families
What could be better than a family vacation that combines the classic joys of group camping—stargazing, nature walks, etc.—with a good old-fashioned weekend of off-roading or overlanding? Here at Polaris, we love seeing riders of all ages enjoying the up-for-anything capabilities of our ATVs and side-by-sides: the perfect vehicles for family adventure, whether in a well-developed, close-to-home recreation park or the deep backcountry.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the basics of UTV and ATV trail riding vacations, plus a roundup of some of the top off-road vehicle (ORV) resorts and campsites in the country!
WHAT MAKES A GOOD OFF-ROAD VEHICLE CAMPSITE FOR FAMILIES?
It’s hard to generalize the components of a prime ATV or UTV family campsite, because there are all kinds of families out there. If you’ve got very young kids in tow, you may want a home base that’s a bit more accessible, with a fair amount of amenities and services at hand. If you’ve got older kids, or a family crew well-versed in roughing it, you may prefer seeking out more off-the-beaten-path destinations and do just fine overnighting at more primitive campsites beyond the trailhead.
Choosing a UTV or ATV for Your Family
A side-by-side (SxS)—often called a UTV—makes a fantastic off-road vehicle for family adventures. They offer multiple seats for 2+ riders, a wide base for stability and a roll bar or cage for added protection. They also offer plenty of cargo space to haul coolers, picnic supplies and camping gear. There are plenty of options to choose from including our RZR and GENERAL lineups, plus our all-new Polaris XPEDITION lineup boasting the longest range of any vehicle we've made. Of course, if you prefer a single seat experience, Sportsman ATVs are the way to go. They are nimble and can navigate in tighter spaces to get to those hard to reach spots. Although you'll need a few of them to take a family.
Choosing a UTV or ATV for Your Family
A side-by-side (SxS)—often called a UTV—makes a fantastic off-road vehicle for family adventures. They offer multiple seats for 2+ riders, a wide base for stability and a roll bar or cage for added protection. They also offer plenty of cargo space to haul coolers, picnic supplies and camping gear. There are plenty of options to choose from including our RZR and GENERAL lineups, plus our all-new Polaris XPEDITION lineup boasting the longest range of any vehicle we've made. Of course, if you prefer a single seat experience, Sportsman ATVs are the way to go. They are nimble and can navigate in tighter spaces to get to those hard to reach spots. Although you'll need a few of them to take a family.
Pick a Campground With UTV or ATV Rentals
If you’re not a current SxS or ATV owner, it’s quite easy to rent one for your next family camping trip. Many resorts that offer off-roading activities also provide on-site rentals—an affordable option that allows you to ride without having to transport an off-road vehicle long distance. You can also check out Polaris Adventures, which gives you easy access to over 200+ Adventure Outfitters across the country.
Pick a Campground With UTV or ATV Rentals
If you’re not a current SxS or ATV owner, it’s quite easy to rent one for your next family camping trip. Many resorts that offer off-roading activities also provide on-site rentals—an affordable option that allows you to ride without having to transport an off-road vehicle long distance. You can also check out Polaris Adventures, which gives you easy access to over 200+ Adventure Outfitters across the country.
Things To Do at an Off-Road Friendly Campground
Exploring the trails, whether they’re actually on the campground property or simply nearby, is a great centerpiece to your off-road family camping trip—but it’s not the only thing to do. Depending on your specific destination, you’ll likely have other activities to enjoy such as hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking and more. Some larger campgrounds or resorts often include swimming pools, arcades, sports facilities and other amenities.
Things To Do at an Off-Road Friendly Campground
Exploring the trails, whether they’re actually on the campground property or simply nearby, is a great centerpiece to your off-road family camping trip—but it’s not the only thing to do. Depending on your specific destination, you’ll likely have other activities to enjoy such as hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking and more. Some larger campgrounds or resorts often include swimming pools, arcades, sports facilities and other amenities.
Consider Camping Essentials You Need for Your UTV/ATV Vacation
There are many joys to more primitive camping, whether at an off-roading resort that offers bare-bones sites or a remote and lightly developed campground on public land. But if you want more amenities readily at hand during your camping trip, there’s nothing wrong with that. A laundromat can certainly be a welcomed resource on a four-wheeling vacation, given the beating everybody’s clothes are likely to take out on the trails. A resort or campground with a general store of some kind also helps when it comes to keeping all those hungry riders well fed, not to mention for grabbing firewood, first aid supplies and all the other essentials you forgot back at home. Having a gas station nearby to fill up your machine is a must as well.
Consider Camping Essentials You Need for Your UTV/ATV Vacation
There are many joys to more primitive camping, whether at an off-roading resort that offers bare-bones sites or a remote and lightly developed campground on public land. But if you want more amenities readily at hand during your camping trip, there’s nothing wrong with that. A laundromat can certainly be a welcomed resource on a four-wheeling vacation, given the beating everybody’s clothes are likely to take out on the trails. A resort or campground with a general store of some kind also helps when it comes to keeping all those hungry riders well fed, not to mention for grabbing firewood, first aid supplies and all the other essentials you forgot back at home. Having a gas station nearby to fill up your machine is a must as well.
The Top Places to Vacation With UTVs and ATVs
Polaris Adventures is a premium network of nationwide Outfitter locations that provide off- and on-road powersports experiences. From the Appalachian highlands to the California desert, these UTV- and ATV-friendly vacation destinations certainly hit all the marks. Any one of these spots can deliver an unforgettable family trail riding getaway.
Blue Diamond Adventures
Huntsville, TN
Polaris Adventures Premiere Certified Outfitter
Located in the scenic mountains of east Tennessee, Blue Diamond Adventures provides the ultimate adventure experience deep in the heart of Appalachia. The campground offers direct access to over 300 miles of ATV trails with scenic overlooks and culture exploration points of interest. Open 365 days a year, this riverfront location also provides opportunities for hiking, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. ATVs and UTVs are available for rent, and guides stand at the ready for those who’d like a little help along the way.
Silverton Rock Pirates
Silverton, CO
Polaris Adventures Premiere Certified Outfitter
Enjoy full-service campers at Silverton Rock Pirates while exploring southern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Families will enjoy some of Colorado’s most loved mountain passes while off-roading in RZR side-by-sides with panoramic views of wildlife, wildflowers and the vestiges of western expansion. Explore Animas Forks Ghost Town, a deserted mining community with log cabins that date back to 1873. Take the Alpine Loop and ride over the California Pass before grabbing a bite to eat at Eureka Station.
Silverton is one of the highest alpine communities in the U.S., a recreational paradise with some of the most breathtaking views in Colorado that make for the trip of a lifetime.
Trailhead Adventures
Bluefield, VA
Polaris Adventures Premiere Certified Outfitter
Nestled in the heart of southwestern Virginia, Trailhead Adventures offers the perfect friends and family lodging location for ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts with a selection of cabins, cottages and RV/tent sites. Trailhead Adventures provides the unique combination of a top-quality campground and proximity to two premiere trail systems: the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System and the Spearhead Trails System. Choose family-friendly green trails or dare to be challenged on black trails. Enjoy vistas, wildlife and endless miles of canopied forests throughout our remote, rugged terrain. Split the mud holes or take the high road. This mountain challenge awaits you.
Spearfish Canyon Lodge
Lead, SD
Polaris Adventures Premiere Certified Outfitter
The Black Hills rise from the foot of the Great Plains with jagged points covered in ponderosa pines. Spearfish Canyon, situated in the northwestern corner of the Black Hills, features a scenic 20-mile by-way built on an old railbed formerly used by early pioneers. The canyon runs south from Spearfish into the northwestern corner of the million acre Black Hills National Forest. Every year, the canyon draws thousands of visitors for outdoor adventure and enjoyment of idyllic scenery, both natural and man-made.
At Spearfish Canyon Lodge, you’ll have access to over 350 miles of groomed trails for UTVs or snowmobiles, depending on the season. This resort also offers motorless adventures with mountain bikes, fishing gear or snowshoes. After hitting the trails, you can head back to the lodge to enjoy fine dining at the Latchstring Restaurant, relax by the fireplace and rest in the suites. Anyone seeking peace of mind or an adrenaline rush in the Black Hills will find it at Spearfish Canyon.
Rose Ranch Resort
Marysvale, UT
Polaris Adventures Premiere Certified Outfitter
Whether you’re looking for camping, cabins or RV space, Rose Ranch Resort has it. The resort has two campgrounds nestled in the trees along Beaver Creek. Each campground is secluded and private, perfect for youth groups or family reunions. With restrooms, showers, fire pits and picnic tables, you’ll have all the luxuries of home in an ATV/UTV rooftop tent or your RV.
All Rose Ranch cabins are two bedroom, one bathroom, and sleep up to four people comfortably. Each cabin has a kitchenette which includes a bar sink, microwave and mini fridge. With cable, heat, A/C and trail riding, there’s not much more to wish for.
Near the Fremont Indian State Park, the ranch sits in the middle of the Paiute ATV Trail, with access for rented four wheelers or side-by-sides right out the back door.
In addition to ATV rentals, Rose Ranch Resort boasts the longest whitewater rafting trip on the Sevier River for the ultimate thrill. For a more relaxing ride, tubes are also available. Hike or ride the trails and fish in Beaver Creek. Whether going alone, with friends, as a couple or for a family reunion, the trip will be one to remember.
The Resort at Paws Up
Greenough, MT
Polaris Adventures Verified Outfitter
Paws Up is a luxury Montana mountain resort situated on a sprawling 37,000-acre authentic working cattle ranch in western Montana. 100 miles of trails and 10 miles of the Blackfoot River combine to make for the ultimate outdoor playground for adults and kids alike. You can kick up dust on an ATV or UTV tour scaling mountains like molehills, slicing through streams, powering through brush and cruising through a ghost town.
If you’re into glamping, then the Resort at Paws Up might be for you. You have the option to choose a luxury home or cabin, or sleep in a safari-style luxury tent in one of the six campsites that cater to families, couples and groups. There’s nothing like sleeping under the stars, listening to nature and calling your butler when you need an extra pillow.
Spend an hour, a day or a week on horseback, cast a fly in sparkling waters to eager trout, explore the land Lewis and Clark swooned over or lose yourself in a world-class spa. You’ll sleep on the finest sheets, eat world-class cuisine and receive impassioned personalized service. And if that doesn’t satisfy your adventure appetite, there’s also boating, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, paintball, rafting, rappelling, swimming and more. When it comes to outdoor dude ranch activities in the Montana wilderness, Paws Up is an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Other Top Locations to Consider:
Gilbert, WV
Outfitter: Ashland Resort
Outfitter: Trailhead ATV Resort
Marble Falls, TX
Outfitter: Hidden Falls Adventure Park
North Bend, OR
Outfitter: Spinreel
Again, the above list of UTV trails is in no way exhaustive—there’s plenty more all across the country—but it should give you some ideas on locations to check out this summer. Find a trail close to home, or a destination trail to pack up and hit with family and friends. Or even try your hand at a weekend of overlanding. It all means plenty of opportunities to strut your stuff with a best-in-class Polaris off-road vehicle.