THE GREAT OUTDOORS — The days are longer, the weather is getting warmer and many Utahns are itching to get out and enjoy the great outdoors the Beehive State has to offer.

Camping is one of the more popular outdoor activities in the state and with the recent warm weather, it seems like a good idea. But with many Forest Service campgrounds still closed, where can you go to get a taste of spring camping in Utah?

Here are some places you can go camping now to get ready for summer.

Watchman Campground ===================

If you're up for a drive to Utah's most-visited national park, the Watchman Campground in Zion National Park is a great place to camp this spring.

Located just a quarter-mile from the south entrance of the park, Watchman Campground offers a lot of camping spots for everything from tents to trailers and RVs. The best part is that the famous Watchman Hike (2 miles round trip) is right outside the campground.

You can make reservations on the Zion National Park website.

Straight Canyon ===============

If formal campgrounds aren't your thing, Straight Canyon is a great place to get a taste of Utah's spring weather.

Nights and early mornings are cold here, so you'll want to bring warm clothing. But this little canyon just west of Orangeville, Emery County, is home to some of the state's most popular bouldering routes.

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4 ideas for spring camping destinations in Utah

Camping in Utah is a year-round recreation for many, but warmer spring temperatures bring out a renewed popularity for heading to the hills.

Whether you just want to camp or try your hand at bouldering, the scenery and seclusion of Straight Canyon are hard to beat.

Natural Bridges Campground ==========================

Natural Bridges National Monument is a great destination if you want to see the scenery of Moab without the crowds.

This is one of the best spots for stargazing enthusiasts since Natural Bridges is part of the International Dark Sky Association. The campground is free and open year-round, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Gooseneck State Park ====================

If you haven't heard of Gooseneck State Park, you're not alone. Located between the small southeastern towns of Bluff and Mexican Hat, Gooseneck State Park overlooks the San Juan River as it journeys to meet the Colorado right above Lake Powell.

The state park is located on the edge of a bluff overlooking the valley that the San Juan River carved over the years, and it makes for striking scenery. It's a great place to stop if you're in between Moab and Lake Powell or if you want to see a lesser-known side of Utah.

Fruita Campground =================

Capitol Reef National Park might be one of the most underutilized pieces of public lands in the state, if only because of how remote it is.

Fruita Campground is the park's developed campground, and it's one of the most lush, scenic spots in all of Capitol Reef. Camping is available year-round and on a first-come, first-served basis. The nightly fee is $20, a bit more than other campsites on this list.

Have you been to any of these campgrounds? Or do you have a favorite local place to go camping in the spring? Let us know in the comments.

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