Dispersed camping sites surrounding Dinosaur National Monument offer primitive, rustic camping experiences on public BLM land at elevations ranging from 5,000-7,000 feet. The area features a mix of pinyon-juniper woodlands, sagebrush flats, and exposed sandstone buttes. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing in spring and fall.
What to do
Mountain biking at McCoy Flats: Located about 30 minutes from Dinosaur National Monument, McCoy Flats MTB Trailhead offers 46 miles of trails across 15 different routes for all skill levels. "This trail system boasts 46 miles and 15 trials for all skill levels. If you are a mountain biker, this area is not to be missed," notes Jenny R.
Wildlife viewing: The dispersed areas around Dinosaur National Monument provide excellent opportunities to observe local fauna. "Lots of deer!" reports Liana A. who camped at a dispersed site near the monument. Byron M. adds that at his camping spot inside the monument boundaries, he was "the only one here besides the wildlife!"
Stargazing: The remote nature of rustic camping near Dinosaur National Monument creates ideal conditions for night sky observation. One camper at BLM 17B Road Dispersed Overlander notes that sites here offer "amazingly quiet. No cell signal. But safe and great stargazing spot."
What campers like
Solitude and privacy: Many dispersed sites offer considerable separation from other campers. At North of Dinosaur CR16 - Dispersed Site, David M. reports, "Really only two spots if you maintain space, but they have fabulous southerly views, level sites with established fire pits, and although just off CR16, it was quiet."
Established campsites: Despite being dispersed camping, many locations feature previously-used sites with improvements. Katherine C. notes that at North of Dinosaur CR16, "This location has more camping spots available down CR16 past the GPS waypoint. The site at the waypoint has 2-3 more sites tucked back down the grassy double track you can see from the initial pull-off."
Varied terrain options: The area offers camping opportunities on different landscapes. At Dinosaur South Dispersed Camp, Richard S. describes finding "good legal dispersed camp on left, in pinyon/juniper trees, shade in afternoon" approximately 1.5 miles north of the Visitor Center.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access routes require high-clearance vehicles. Kevin C. warns about Dinosaur South Dispersed Camp: "Don't go here if you are not familiar with driving on loose sand. It would be fairly easy to get stuck in the middle of nowhere."
Seasonal variations: Summer heat can be intense while spring brings unpredictable weather. Faye N. notes that at North of Dinosaur CR16, there was "No shade, rocky, need a 4WD for some of the uphills. 10 miles to the sites on a dirt road if you come from the northwest. No bugs at all when I went!"
Park entrance considerations: Some rustic camping areas near Dinosaur National Monument require passing through park entrances. Greg L. explains that to access BLM 17B Road: "This area is a BLM road that leaves the Dinosaur National Monument, so you need to pay NPS access or have a Senior pass to not pay."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for kids: Choose established sites with natural boundaries for safety. Heidi L. found an ideal spot for her group at Dispersed Camping Near Dinosaur National Monument, noting: "Two of my friends and I stayed at this spot one night and I wish we had more time to spend at this spot because of the location, beauty, and remote feeling."
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature swings even in summer. John N. describes conditions at North of Dinosaur Monument CR16 as a "Smooth dirt road leading to short turn off loop with a fire ring. Peaceful low-mid T-Mobile."
Water planning: No water sources exist at dispersed sites, so calculate 1 gallon per person per day minimum. One camper notes that even at established sites with toilets like McCoy Flats, "There's no water or trash."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most primitive camping areas near Dinosaur National Monument accommodate smaller rigs only. Brad T. reports about Dinosaur South Camp: "The dirt road coming in is a bit rough but I made it with an SUV and 16' TT. Just go slow."
Pull-off options: Several areas have designated pull-offs suitable for smaller recreational vehicles. At SR 98, Rangely CO, Theodore B. notes: "Turn north off the highway onto a gravel road. A few spots are available along the way. The road is in good shape—our stock extended Transit had no issues."
Trailer restrictions: Some routes explicitly prohibit trailers. Brian R. warns about a specific area: "There is a sign at the beginning of the dirt road prohibiting trailers. I assume because if it rains the mud roads become unusable."
