Sleep Under The Stars At This Unique Utah Campsite Offering One-Of-A-Kind Accommodations

When it comes to stargazing, rural Utah is one of the best states in the U.S. to find a open sky. For better and worse, Utah's climate is generally dry with some of the lowest average precipitation in the country, so you can bet on a clear sky almost any night of the year. The cities are scattered, with wide-open deserts and grasslands in between, meaning very little light pollution. Indeed, Utah has an unusual number of certified "Dark Sky Parks," making the Beehive State one of the best places in the world to observe the Milky Way in its full splendor.

This is one reason people love Mystic Hot Springs, a campground and spa located just outside the small town of Monroe. The closest large metro is Salt Lake City, nearly three hours away by car. Here at the foot of the Sevier Plateau, there is little artificial light to ruin your view. You could easily add it to your list of top-ranked U.S. campsites for views of star-lit skies, but there are a lot of other reasons to make the trek to Mystic as well. 

True to its name, Mystic is built on top of natural springs, which are thermally heated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The land was first settled in 1886 and soon became known as the Monroe Hot Springs, named after the town and nearby mountain. The remote outpost evolved over time, until the current owner — "Mystic" Mike Ginsburg — discovered the place on the way back from a Grateful Dead concert and remodeled the grounds with hippie flourishes.

Today, Mystic Hot Springs boasts outdoor pools and cast-iron tubs, which vary in temperature from 100-111 degrees. Visitors can purchase a two-hour "soaking pass," which should be reserved in advance. Each tub affords a spectacular view of the desert terrain, and many are situated next to each other for easy socializing. One of the most stirring features is an "arch waterfall," a trunk-like structure that whose girth has rapidly expanded thanks to an accumulation of minerals. This alone would make Mystic a worthy spot on a "Mighty Five" road trip through Utah.

To enjoy those dark, clear skies, you'll have to stay the night, and Mystic Hot Springs has a spectrum of accommodations. Seasoned campers can bring their own tents and set up in the grass; responsible campfires are welcome, as are pets. You can also hook an up RV measuring up to 40 feet in length anytime between May and October. This place gets popular in the summer high season, so you should make reservations in advance. For a regular roof over your head, try the cozy Old Pine Cabin.

If you're looking for something a little funkier, you might try sleeping in one of Mystic's converted buses. These vehicles come in all different models and smile-inducing names, such as "Ben Bus," "Althea Bus," and "The Other One Bus." The interiors are rustic but comfortable, with modern furniture and running water. (Note that pets are not permitted in the buses.) Finally, there's the "Gypsy Wagon," a wood-fashioned prairie schooner built for two with electric lights and a heater. This combination of vintage tubs and repurposed mass transit makes Mystic a contender for one of the most unusual hotels in the world. Just remember to master the "long exposure" feature on your camera.