Silver Island Mountains Dry Lake In Wendover
Coordinates: 40.8028, -114.0058
About: The downside is theres no shade. The good news is youre right next to the salt flats and have incredible views day and night. Some use the word otherworldly to describe the desolate beauty of this unique desert area. Its just off the Silver Island Mountains Backcountry Byway west of Salt Lake City. They dont allow dispersed camping directly on the salt flats, but youre free to explore them during the day. You may run across a herd of pronghorn.
Toms Best Spring Road
Location: Dixie National Forest, near Bryce Canyon National Park
For convenient boondocking and dispersed camping near Bryce Canyon, look no further than Toms Best Spring Road.
Also known as Forest Road 117, Toms Best Spring Road is lined with countless campsites, many ideal for even the biggest RVs and trailers.
Luckily, the gravel road is almost always in decent condition. RVs and trailers as well as passenger vehicles will be fine here. Although several flat, spacious campsites are located just off the highway, I recommend driving a bit further in to find something more private.
RVs and trailers should probably stick to one of the campsites off of Toms Best Spring Road itself but I do encourage other campers to explore the various spur forest service roads to find a little more privacy.
Dixie National Forest is absolutely stunning. And the abundance of trees coupled with the higher elevation means its usually much cooler here than many other top Utah dispersed camping areas.
One quick gripe it does get busy here. Its also very dry during the summer. Dust can be an issue if youre parked just off the main road. Youll likely also hear the hum of RV generators at all hours, unless you venture in deep on a back road.
What I Like:
What I Dont Like:
More Info:
Toms Best Spring Road is part of Dixie National Forest.
Call the Powell Ranger District for more information: 676-9300
Blm 144 Dispersed Camping In Crescent Junction
Coordinates: 38.8788, -109.8083
About: Theres plenty of room to roam here, and youre almost at the edge of Arches National Park. Its hard to believe its not always jam-packed, but thats one of the fantastic things about boondocking. Watch out for cows and cactus thorns as you scout for your perfect spot. Hopefully, its one where you can catch the sunrise and sunset just by turning your head. Another plus is that this site is very convenient to I-70.
Also Check: Gold Head State Park Camping
Goblin Valley State Park Ut
Dare I say Ive lived in Utah for almost 4 years and never visited Goblin Valley? Until last weekend this was true!
Goblin Valley, a secluded valley in central Utah, is filled with hundreds of unique sandstone formations known as Hoodoos. These Hoodoos take many forms, most looking like overgrown mushrooms, nobs and spires.
The most unique aspect of Goblin Valley is the run anywhere form of the park. I expected to arrive, be ushered on to a designated trail and told to keep my hands off everything. Sometimes the take only pictures, leave only footprints rule is a bit of a bummer for families.
And while I agree with the principle of respecting natural habitats, I also love letting my kids experience nature first hand through all their senses. Goblin Valley is a hands on park. A hands, feet, and bodies on sort of place which also makes it a fantastic place for kids!
I like to call this a nature-made playground. Run, climb, scurry, and jump all you like. Just dont topple the Hoodoos or youll find yourself in a mess of disgrace.
There is camping in the park, but we chose to go the free route and hit up the immense amount of BLM land just minutes outside the park. You can snatch some amazing sites along the road to Little Wild Horse Canyon Trailhead. If you are headed there on a fall weekend, expect to join many others looking for sites. We arrived on a Thursday night and were thankful for friends who got there early Thursday to get a great site.
Tip Jar:
Joshua Tree Blm Camping
Since camping in Joshua Tree National Park is immensely popular, it can be difficult to score a campsite in the park on weekends. Especially during peak season from October through May. Thankfully, there is free dispersed camping on public lands just outside the north and south entrances of the park. Keep in mind, there are no toilet facilities or water, and all trash must be packed out.
Read Also: Where’s The Closest Camping World
Camping At Goblin Valley
The campground at Goblin Valley State Park consists of 25 sites and two yurts. The campsites are divided into ten walk-in tent pads, fourteen RV spaces, and one group site able to accommodate up to 40 people. All sites contain a picnic table, a metal fire ring, and shade shelter. There are no electrical hookups in Goblin Valley State Park.
The camping charge per night is $35.00, which includes the parks entry fee. An extra vehicle may be brought in for an additional $20.00 per night. While not located in the Valley of Goblins itself, the campground is nonetheless surrounded by interesting rock formations that invite exploration of their own.
- Campground Entrance
- Northern end of the loop
- RV Sites
- Group Site
For those wishing to stay in a higher level of comfort, consider one of the parks two yurts modeled after traditional nomadic tent dwellings of Central Asia. Constructed in 2011, the yurts at Goblin Valley were the first of their kind in the Utah State Parks, and their popularity has since caught on elsewhere.
Each is furnished identically and is equipped with both heat and air conditioning. Sleeping arrangements include a single bed bunked on top of a double bed, as well as a futon couch. A table with four chairs is provided inside, and reclining deck chairs are available for outdoor relaxation. For cooking, an outdoor grill is available along with propane free of charge. Pets are not allowed in the yurts.
- Yurt Entryway
Lone Mesa Dispersed Camping In Moab
Coordinates: 38.6442, -109.8196
About:Hows this for a location? Its just outside Moab and about halfway between two national parks, Arches and Canyonlands. Youll see a sign for developed campgrounds for dispersed camping in Utah, but keep driving to an open space high on a ridge. If youre lucky, youll have the place to yourself, but you may find yourself joining a small community. There are five large spaces, each with a fire pit, terrific views, and decent cell service.
Recommended Reading: Best Camping In West Virginia
Hikes Near Goblin Valley
We woke up early in the morning and continued another half mile or so on Wild Horse road to the trailhead of Little Wild Horse/Bell Canyon Loop trail. The whole loop is a moderate 8 mile loop, but if youre looking to see the slot canyons like we were, just take the Wild Horse section and turn around after mile 2.
The slot canyons are really spectacular, and honestly pretty comparable to the over-crowded Lower Antelope Canyon in Page, which we had visited a week prior. We hiked in relatively early to Wild Horse/Bell Canyon, and didnt see anyone else until we had turned around. Be sure to bring water, and feel free to bring your furry friends on a leash !
Utah Dispersed Camping Rules And Regulations
Utah is an incredibly special place and you must treat it as such.
Please, please, please always follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles and leave your dispersed campsite even cleaner than it was when you arrived.
Always pack out all your trash and always properly dispose of human waste .
Follow all other area rules, regulations, and restrictions, such as campfire restrictions, camping stay limits , and closed areas.
The goal is to limit human impact on Utahs natural areas as much as possible. Failure to respect our public lands can lead to shutdowns. No one wants that!
Don’t Miss: Tent Camping In My Area
Its More Than Ok To Follow The Rules
For BLM, every field office has similar and different rules and its a necessity for you and the longevity of our public lands to familiarize yourself with them before you camp. For example, on lands managed by the BLMs Vernal Field Office, you can drive 300 feet off of a main road for dispersed camping. Managed lands in other areas have different rules.
Heres a few rules/best practices that are universal and should be applied in addition to each field offices individual rules.
Practice Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! – Wildlife is more present and ecosystems are often more delicate in the backcountry, so its particularly important to practice Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! principles. These principles include planning ahead, packing out your trash, being careful with fire, traveling or camping on durable surfaces, respecting cultural sites, wildlife, and other visitors and more.
Bathrooms – Some areas may have toilets nearby, if not, its not okay to just pop a squat anywhere. There are repercussions to our waste. Watch this video to be prepared for when nature calls. And now that youre super-duper excited for your next outdoor pooper-tunity, here are some additional bathroom tips.
Temple Mountain Campground San Rafael Swell Utah
Temple Mountain Campground in the southeastern section of the San Rafael Swell, Utah is a great option to consider if youre looking for camping alternatives near Goblin Valley State Park. Camping here also puts you in a great position for exploring the southern section of the Swell.
The entire San Rafael Swell lies on BLM land where free dispersed camping is allowed , but that generally translates to no amenities, including the most basic things like water, trash collection, and of course, toilets. Whats rare about the Temple Mountain Campground is that this is a free BLM campground WITH toilets.
Moreover, this is the edge of the San Rafael Swell, so the area is easily accessible as long as the access road isnt in a bad shape due to flooding. Read about what to expect when you arrive, and what you shouldnt miss while staying here!
Recommended Reading: American Fork Canyon Camping Free
Hole In The Rock Road
Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, near Escalante
An abundance of free camping is available just east of the town of Escalante south of Highway 12.
These dispersed campsites are located on BLM land within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. A good place to start your search is near Hole in the Rock Wayside and down Hole in the Rock Road.
Also known as BLM 200, the road is unpaved and somewhat rocky but well-maintained . Several campsites, especially the large meadow less than a half mile after the turnoff, are perfect for RVs and trailers of all sizes.
Car and tent campers should drive in a little further to find a more peaceful campsite. There is a huge variety of campsites here many private, some with shade, and almost all with outstanding desert views.
This area is filled to the brim with awesome hiking opportunities, such as Zebra Slot, Peek-a-Boo Gulch, and Coyote Gulch to name just a few. Definitely give yourself enough time for one or two hikes.
Capitol Reef National Park is only about an hour and a half away from Hole in the Rock Road. And the drive there along Scenic Byway 12 is among the most scenic in all of Utah.
Unlike most BLM dispersed camping, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument does require a permit for all overnight campers. Pick one up at the visitor center in Escalante.
What I Like:
What I Dont Like:
More Info:
Hole in the Rock Road is part of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Is Dispersed Camping Inon Blm Land Safe
Sometimes theres a fine line between adventure and danger, so it pays to always be vigilant. The roads arent in the best shape in some of these areas, so play it safe. Turn around and go somewhere else if you have to. Wild animals are another concern, and so is the weather. Because of the elevation, some of these areas can get bitterly cold. They dont get a lot of rain, but there can be sudden flooding when they do. So be sure to keep a close eye on weather reports and plan accordingly.
With the popularity of RVing these days, theres a good chance that youre not going to be alone at these spots. However, its always a good idea to let someone know where youll be and how long you plan to be there.
Read Also: Bradbury Mountain State Park Camping
All Blm Group Campgrounds Are Reserved Through Recreationgov
Blm camping near me. The most popular BLM camping areas in the San Rafael Swell are along Temple Mountain Road and Wild Horse Road near Goblin Valley State Park. Cost for these LTVAs is based on length of stay requested. FreeRoam App FreeRoam is an app for Android and Apple mobile devices though it also has a web browser version at httpsfreeroamapp.
Map ViewerInteractive Map – This interactive online map system helps you easily find view and create maps by turning on or off layers. Campers may not stay for longer than 14 days within a consecutive 28 day period. To get there take Highway 24 south from Interstate 70 to Temple Mountain Road.
Many campers use Map Layers by finding a road they want to explore packing up and hitting the road. The BLM administers public lands that encompass roughly 18 of the total land mass of the US. BLM land is one of the best places to go camping if you want to get away from the crowds.
You can disperse camp for up to 14 days at a time for free but must move your site on. Cedar Roughs Wilderness Area. BLM Camping Moab.
Camping is generally allowed on BLM lands but with certain exceptions see BLM Camping for Free for details. You will find a ton of BLM campgrounds around town all of which are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Free Camping in Oregon in Public Lands.
Dispersed Camping Family Camping In Colorado Camping Colorado Camping Camping Area
How To Find Free Camping Near Me In 2020 Free Camping Travel Usa Free Campgrounds
Have A Blast Camping In Utah
Theres something truly special about Utah whether youre visiting Salt Lake City, its five national parks, or any of its other natural areas.
And, in my opinion, the absolute best way to enjoy all of its beauty is by dispersed camping off the beaten path in a quiet, remote, and uniquely beautiful free campsite.
If youre on a larger camping road trip, or just want to check out free campsites in other states, our other free camping state guides are well worth a look.
You May Like: Grandfather Mountain State Park Camping
Zion Scenic Byway Dispersed Camping In Mount Carmel
Coordinates: 37.254, -112.769
About: This is another large place where you can spread out and find some privacy. Its just 15 minutes from the east entrance of Zion National Park, so the location is excellent. The roads a bit rough and rutty, though, with some sections of pavement missing. Depending on what kind of rig you have, you may want to scout the area in your tow vehicle. If its not too hot, youll enjoy the big rock fire pits.
Camping Near You Find A Free Campsite
Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we’ve got you covered. You can simply use your smart phone’s GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast.
Our community provides the best free camping information available. Free campgrounds can be hard to find. Freecampsites.net makes it easy. We give you a simple, map based search engine to find free and cheap camping areas. Community reviews and ratings provide you with up to date information and help you select the best camp site for your next camping trip.
This is a platform for sharing campgrounds and camp sites you have discovered. We are community driven, and while we will be adding many free camping spots, we hope that you will add some of your favorite camping places as well. By sharing camping information freely, we can all spend less time researching campgrounds, spend less money, and more time camping. If everyone contributes a few campsites, we’ll all have more places to go camping.
Please come back and let us know what you find!
We are not actively seeking Wal-Marts, truckstops or other parking lots and will not be adding very many of these. There are enough Wal-Mart and truck stop directories out there already. However, if a member of the community finds one of these locations to be useful for overnight RV parking and creates an entry, we may approve the listing.
Please come back and let us know what you find!
You May Like: Camping Near Cherokee National Forest
Camping: Goblin Valley Area
Goblin Valley State Park has beautiful facilities and friendly rangers. There are heaters in the public restrooms and shaded picnic tables available to the public. The campsites follow the pattern of the public spaces by being manicured and well maintained. That’s the good of it. The bad? You are about as close to your fellow campers as can be. There are no trees to offer a natural barrier between you and the Smith family.
8 miles down the road to be exact. From Goblin valley Road, take a left down Wild Horse Road. You will see dirt roads that stem off towards the hoodoos. These are all Public Land camping options for you to enjoy. When we arrived at 10pm on a Friday all of these were taken, but we wanted to be closer to the trailhead for Little Wild Horse Canyon so we didn’t mind driving a bit further. We parked about 2 miles from the trailhead and found our home.
Each dirt road turn out will yield a unique camping site, but the photos below will give you an idea of the area. This wasn’t the most stunning scenery we have camped in, but it was pretty freaking gorgeous. The sunset was unbelievable and we had all the privacy we could ever need. Sing-A-Longs ensued.
Mad scientist cooking up breakfast
A view of a Jasper and our campsite. On the other side of the ridge we set up our cook table and chairs to relax away from the road, not that there was much traffic.
View to the West