6 Utah parks make top 100

Utahns have long known that when it comes to campgrounds, the state has its share of hidden gems.

Now it appears others agree.

The list of America's "Top 100 Family Campgrounds" includes six Utah parks — Antelope Island, Bear Lake, Dead Horse Point, Red Fleet, Wasatch Mountain and Willard Bay.

The list is put together by ReserveAmerica, the largest reservation management group in the country. According to the release, the list was compiled from information gathered from park rangers, regional park managers and campers who took the time to write in testimonials and ratings.

Nearly 3,000 parks were reviewed. Selection to the elite list was based on "family-friendly criteria" ranging from educational programs, visitor centers, camping amenities and overall beauty and scenery.

The quality and availability of hot showers, laundry facilities, hiking trails, family beaches, radio-free zones, visitor centers, educational programs, children's events and location were also considered.

"Though we think all 41 state parks should have made the list, these six parks show the incredible diversity of our state and its resources," said Mary Tullius, interim director of the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation.

"All six parks offer special events for families or Junior Ranger programs for children and aren't limited to summer activities. These are parks that offer year-round recreation."

ReserveAmerica handles reservations for more than 170,000 state and federal camping and day-use areas throughout the United States, including those in Utah.

According to the release, to better understand the needs of the camping public, ReserveAmerica conducted an online survey of more than 100,000 campers. Some of the key findings include:

• 59.6 percent believe "park amenities and detailed campsite descriptions" are the most important items when reserving a camping trip.

• 58.2 percent plan to camp three or more times throughout the year.

• 87.4 percent agree that "family bonding, fresh air and beautiful surroundings" are the most enjoyable part of camping.

• 45 percent selected "sitting by the campfire" as their favorite activity while camping.

The six Utah parks are: