Gateway Recreation Area Dispersed, near Gateway, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a quiet and remote camping experience. This location is all about simplicity, offering a true escape into nature without the distractions of modern amenities.

The area is known for its stunning canyon views and peaceful surroundings, making it perfect for relaxation and stargazing at night. Visitors have raved about the beauty of the landscape, with one camper noting, “The drive up through Unaweep alone is worth it, maybe the most surprisingly beautiful place I've ever seen.” 

While there are no bathrooms or running water, the lack of amenities is part of the charm for many. Campers appreciate the freedom to choose their own spots, with some finding ideal locations along the creek. As one reviewer put it, “This place is a true gem if you are all about primitive.” 

For those who enjoy outdoor cooking, the area allows campfires, so you can grill up a feast while soaking in the breathtaking views. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as there’s no trash service. If you’re looking for a serene getaway where you can unwind and connect with nature, Gateway Recreation Area is definitely worth a visit.

Gateway Recreation Area Dispersed, BLM

Searching for the best camping near Castle Valley, UT? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Utah camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Castle Valley and user-submitted reviews.

Castle Valley

The Best Camping Near Castle Valley, Utah

This place is a true gem if you are all about primitive. There are no amenities, unless you get in the very first site as you come in. That one has a picnic table. Beyond that you are on your own for where you sit.

I wasn't sure I was going to find a spot, as this is BLM land, you can camp anywhere. I try to pick spots that resemble a location other people have stayed at so that I am a little nicer to the environment. I saw three spots that looked like they have been slightly developed. The first one just as you come in and that is the one with the picnic table. It was quite large and probably could accommodate some slightly larger vehicles. There was a truck with a topper on hit when we drove in. The second site we saw, also occupied was fairly large. Another truck with a topper was in that one, they looked like they may have been set up for hunting. Then we found our spot, along the creek, it wasn't very big, but had two established fire pits. There were lots of cattle up that way. Now, we did drive beyond this point as well and found the road narrowed pretty good and there weren't too many spots to even turn around. We have a larger truck so we had to choose wisely where we would turn around. I believe if you continue down the road you get to Moab, however, I have seen pictures that appear to have a much larger river crossing so maybe research before going up there.

We arrived, set up camp and then were greeted by the lady and her pup from the very first site. She was really friendly, passing through recreationally. It was nice to chat for a few and then move on to dinner. Temps were about 55 when we arrived and we work to about 42 degrees. It felt cold overnight but not intolerable. We put our tent behind our truck, well next to it, there were a ton of cattle and I just felt like tucking it in a bit. We had our own camp chairs and firewood so we made a fire to warm up, then used our jetboil to boil water for our mountain house meals. My boys loved the area, they loved seeing the cows, even though we have plenty where we live. They loved the space to run around without really bothering anyone else. The fire pit was surrounded by rocks so they enjoyed hanging out by the fire on the rocks as well. It was chilly, which is why we started the fire, to warm up.

It gets really really dark out there, you are surrounded on all sides by rock faces so there really isn't any light pollution. Which is nice for a peaceful night. There also wasn't any noise pollution. We couldn't hear any cars, only cows, so I guess there was a little noise pollution but of the natural variety. If you don't like cows, maybe don't go, it's open range there. But cars are really what I dislike while sleeping and we did not hear a single one. We may have heard an elk calling back to the cows but we were still in our tent so can't be too sure.

Now, there are no bathrooms, so you want to be responsible with your personal needs. We took along a Travel John and it worked really well, our first time using one but made those needs simpler where there was nothing, now if you have no problem peeing in the woods, you'll be just fine.

Overall, it's peaceful, scenic and a nice place to set up camp and enjoy nature's surroundings.

Truly primitive camping - BLM - Dispersed Camping

Quiet and secluded. The previous reviewer did a great job talking about details and she and I were in slightly different locations. I'll let her words stand. For me a sense of tranquility washed over me as I sat by the river for hours sipping on a few well-earned beers. I wish I had spent more than one night here but I was on a bike headed to Monticello, Utah.

Leave no trace.

This is what I'm talking about. 

I arrived in Grand Junction with intentions of seeing a buddy, but when he was not there I had to find a place to camp out in a hurry. Luckily I found this place thanks to The Dyrt! 

There is a long pavement road that takes you down further than I wanted to travel. There were numerous locations that I passed up, first there was a narrow area surrounded by cliff face and some trees, further on down there was canyon land. Many of the spots in the canyon area were already taken by other campers, some of the locations they had seem to have spectacular views. 

A couple miles into the canyon land I decided to pull off to the right and set up shop there. This place gets completely dark at night and the stars will come out and shine if the sky is clear. It does tend to get a little windy if you are near the canyon edge. 

There is no bathroom or even running water that I've seen. There seems to have been a creek a long time ago but the water has since dried up and is no longer flowing. Not much snow in the area. 4x4 is not necessary. I had decent connection (AT&amp;T) which was spotty at times, and my handheld radio picked up several stations as well. 

Overall I would definitely return again next time I am visiting Grand Junction or the National Monument. 

Managed to get Lucky! 

I stayed here at the beginning of June before it got too hot. I will say it was in the mid 90s when I arrived, but nights cooled down considerably and were into the 60s. I had one of the bigger campsites, and was surprised to find that even during memorial day weekend there wasn’t a lot of traffic coming or going. I saw a few other cars and maybe one otherfamily that set up camp. Plenty of shade in the site that I had, which is one of the first so you’ll drive onto once you’re up into the canyon area. I had decent cell service the entire time, and the road into and out of the camping area was really nice so any vehicle can make it. I didn’t venture too far away from the main camping areas, but did so on foot. I didn’t see any significant road issues. On the way out of the area, I was led through a herd of cattle by sixth generation cattle ranchers— One of the coolest things that happened during the entire trip. Views are amazing, the sunset was awesome every night, and the sunrise is equally as spectacular. The only sad part about these dispersed camping sites is that more and more people will find them. The only issue that I had, and a big one, is that there were broken beer bottles all over the side. Just a reminder to police yourselves so the rest of us can enjoy it without remnants of stupidity.￼

Incredible sights 

Took my 2wd hatchback all the way up the canyon. Could've gone further but needed to be in Gateway early next morning. The road didn't have clearance issues for me but was pretty washboardy going up.

Simple and quiet

Darn this is a beautiful canyon. The drive up through Unaweep alone is worth it, maybe the most surprisingly beautiful place I've ever seen. I drove well up into the canyon past the most established sites. I set up camp in a somewhat precarious rockfall zone, but I survived. There is a creek you can climb down to, but not much else too do besides smoke some ribs. I wish I had driven across to the La Sals, but the view of them is amazing as well.

John Brown Canyon

This place is beautiful, quiet &amp; secluded.   Had the place to myself absolutely beautiful. I have a sedan &amp; made it up fine but drove very slow.  It’s a very Long bumpy dirt road. No cell service. 

Photos of Gateway Recreation Area Dispersed, BLM

Real photos from real campers