I’ve always wanted to be a camping family, but unfortunately, we are more of a hotel family. Until now. We experienced glamping at Whispering Pines for the first time, and now we are hooked!
S’mores around a campfire, building forts in the woods, sleeping under a crisp starry sky. All the things I love about camping, but with the added bonus of comfortable beds, electric blankets, clean bathrooms and even a hot chocolate station in our room!
We’re excited to share our Utah glamping adventure with you, I have a feeling it’s an experience everyone in your family will love!
Utah Glamping at Whispering Pines
Table of Contents
- Accommodations and Amenities at Whispering Pines
- Activities at Whispering Pines
- The Barrick Family
- What to Pack
- Things to Do Near Whispering Pines
Accommodations and Amenities at Whispering Pines
The Mormon pioneers were the early settlers of Utah and crossed the plains from Illinois using handcarts and covered wagons.
Being able to experience sleeping in a covered wagon in the same region where the pioneers trekked was such a unique and special experience.
However, the amenities we experienced were much more luxurious than those of the pioneers!
The campground consists of four Conestoga wagons. Historically, Conestoga wagons were used to haul freight, and I was surprised to see just how spacious the wagons were.
Three of the wagons sleep four people with a king bed and a set of single bunk beds. The last wagon sleeps six with a king bed and two sets of bunk beds.
Each wagon is outfitted with all the modern creature comforts such as a gas heater, air conditioning unit, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, phone chargers, and my favorite…electric blankets on each bed.
Outside of each wagon, you’ll find a barbecue grill, picnic table, fire ring, hammock, Adirondack chairs, and solar-powered lanterns lighting the path.
The boys loved collecting firewood and roasting hot dogs and s’mores over an open fire for dinner that evening.
It was the quintessential summer experience, and helped solidify Whispering Pine’s spot on our list of the Top 9 Most Unique Places to Stay in Utah.
The beds and pillows are very comfortable. The wagons are also immaculately clean and tastefully decorated with a warm rustic charm.
I was also impressed that each unit has a private bathroom. It’s the small things, like not having to haul your toiletry bag back and forth every morning and night!
And my boys were equally impressed that they were real flushing toilets and not pit toilets like other campgrounds we’ve stayed at.
Laundry facilities are also on-site, which comes in handy after spending a day playing in the dirt!
Activities at Whispering Pines
I was road-tripping through Utah with three active boys, so I appreciated all the outdoor activities that were available to get their energy out!
Guests have access to a basketball hoop, trampoline, horseshoe pit, volleyball net, swing, and tomahawk throwing. My boys were in heaven!
But our favorite activity was horseback riding!
Trail rides are available in the surrounding woods and it was such a peaceful and serene experience. The horses are mild-mannered and the knowledgeable guides made it such a wonderful experience.
I would highly recommend inquiring about availability and pricing while you are there!
I also loved the unexpected details that made the campground feel special. Like the trail leading to the fairy tree.
And a kitchen set hidden among a cluster of trees.
If you watch at night, you’ll also see a strand of firefly lights twinkling in the trees.
The grounds are beautifully landscaped with a large grassy area and a small waterfall and freshwater stream.
It was so relaxing to sit in the hammock listening to the trickling water and watching the kids play.
The boys also loved playing with their dog, Harley. He is such a friendly dog and helps keep the campground clear of predatory animals.
The Barrick Family
What truly made our experience at Whispering Pines memorable was the hospitality of the Barrick family.
Rob and Christy have overcome many obstacles and put their entire hearts (not to mention hard work, blood, sweat, and tears) into creating this beautiful sanctuary in the woods. And it shows.
You can see the love in every thoughtful detail and you can feel of their genuine care for their guests.
The night we were there they put on the cutest performance highlighting the history of the area. I was blown away by their musical talent and their adorable kids, complete with pioneer costumes!
We ended the evening with campfire songs, Christy’s homemade chocolate chip cookies and marshmallow roasting.
Sitting around a crackling fire, singing John Denver’s Annie’s Song was one of my favorite memories of the entire summer.
If you’re interested in the performance and campfire sing-along, then please mention it to the Barrick’s when booking your stay, and as long as they’re available, they will be happy to make it happen!
That night, we all snuggled into our cozy wagon. The soft glow of the outside lights illuminated the canvas, and I could just make out the profile of my boy sleeping soundly next to me after a long day of playing outdoors.
I went to bed grateful for the experience and the wonderful memories we created that day.
If you’re looking for more unique places to stay in Utah, check out The View Cabins at Monument Valley and the Goblin Valley Yurts!
What to Pack
Before we left, I ran to the store to pick up the usual camping essentials like shampoo, towels, flashlight, and roasting sticks. Upon arrival, realized they already had all the essentials covered!
Included essentials:
- flashlight
- lighter
- towels
- roasting sticks
- shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- soap
- laundry detergent
- firewood can be gathered on the hillside
- propane
- grilling utensils
- coffee and hot chocolate
Extras to pack:
- Be sure to pick up groceries before coming. I would recommend getting them from a larger town like Kanab, Cedar City or Panguitch. Orderville is about 15 minutes south and has a small grocery store, but prices are more expensive. There is also a gas station a few minutes north that has basic supplies.
- Mugs are available for coffee and hot chocolate, but be sure to bring paper goods and utensils for your meals.
- I picked up a fire starter log and it was helpful getting a fire started quickly. We just gathered other sticks and logs around the campground to keep the fire going.
- With limited cell reception, it provides the perfect opportunity to be completely unplugged. Pack some card games or board games for some family fun in the evenings. Just be sure to be respectful of the 10 pm quiet time.
Things to Do Near Whispering Pines
Whispering Pines campground is nestled among towering ponderosa pines in Seaman’s Canyon along the scenic Highway 89 in Southern Utah. It is a great jumping-off point for several significant locations such as:
If you’re traveling through Southern Utah, I highly recommend spending a night or two glamping at Whispering Pines! And if you’re heading up north, be sure to check out our guide for family-friendly activities in Utah County!
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Oh my gosh thank you so much for posting this! We are set to stay at Whispering Pines next week and I had so many questions and you just answered all of them. Thank you, thank you!
I’m so glad it was helpful! I hope you enjoy your stay, it really is such a special place!