Beaver KOA

Just a short drive north of the KOA is the Fishlake National Forest in Richfield, Utah. This oasis in the desert centers around Fish Lake and the life-giving water it provides the surrounding area. Rich, thick aspen forests have sprouted up around the lake, creating a little haven from the summer heat. In the winter, people flock to Fishlake to partake in various winter sports and recreational options, such as sledding, cross-country skiing, and even snowmobiling. If you’re traveling in the warmer months, you can instead make use of the 20 different hiking trails that wind through the forest and around the lake. The park also welcomes SCUBA diving within some of the waterways.

The largest national forest in Utah, Dixie National Forest is in Cedar City, Utah. A perfect blend of the American western desert and lush, undisturbed forests that often dominate the Rockies, Dixie is sure to capture the heart of any adventurer. You can visit the wilderness areas, such as the Ashdown Gorge or the Pine Valley Mountain area and get to see the natural state of the wild lands that make up the American West. With more than two million acres to explore in this stunning and breathtaking park, Dixie invites visitors to enjoy its trails, fishing, climbing, and boating opportunities.

The quintessential Utah natural zone is Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah. Just a short drive away from the RV campgrounds, Zion is known for its massive and imposing sandstone cliffs in all shades of red and orange. These striking cliffs and mountains soar up towards the heavens and dominate the landscape. You will feel transported to another world as you hike through the canyons and along the bluffs. If you have the time, plan for a scenic drive through the Kolob Canyons. While this is a popular spot and you may run into a little bit of traffic, you are guaranteed to see some dramatic orange and pink sandstone cliffs towering up above you.

Just a little bit south of Beaver KOA is the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum in Cedar City. This museum showcases the early history of this pioneer state. You’ll learn about the early Native Americans, the Paiute, and how they worked with the land. You can also look at artifacts from the early pioneer days and even see work done by local artists. The museum is also often hosting a variety of events, so chances are, your travel plans may just line up with a festival or party.

Those looking to escape the desert heat for a little bit can spend a day at the Southern Utah Museum of Art. On the Southern Utah University campus, this striking art museum showcases work done by some of the greats, such as Renoir and Dali, and also showcases local artists as well as student and faculty artists. The museum is home to 2,000 works of art that are often cycled through.

Fans of the history of lawlessness that often unfolded in the American West will be delighted to know that the Butch Cassidy Childhood Home is just a short drive away when camping at Beaver KOA. Nicknamed the “Robin Hood of the West,” Cassidy was known for robbing banks and trains with his gang the “Wild Bunch.” While much of his life is not known due to the countless stories told about him both during his life, and since, the childhood home of one of the West’s most notorious bandits is sure to be a highlight.

After your days of hiking and learning about the history of the Wild West, reward yourself with a regional classic, the Utah scone. A pioneer take on the Mexican sopapilla, the deep-fried dough is covered with honey butter, making for a sweet end to your beautiful day.