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Best Dispersed Camping near Dinosaur National Monument

131 Reviews

Multiple free dispersed camping options surround Dinosaur National Monument on both the Colorado and Utah sides. North of Dinosaur CR16 offers several established sites with fire rings and level ground, located about 10 miles down a dirt road that requires 4WD for some sections. These sites provide expansive views but minimal shade. One camper noted, "Really nice and quiet, we were all alone. Not sure how many spots are there."

Several BLM roads near the monument boundaries provide additional camping opportunities. Blue Mountain Road and BLM 17B Road are accessible through the national monument entrance, though signs prohibit trailers on some routes. These areas feature sandy, high-clearance roads leading to scenic overlooks. Dinosaur South Dispersed Camp sits about 1.5 miles north of the Visitor Center on pinyon-juniper terrain suitable for smaller vehicles. Most dispersed sites have existing fire rings but no facilities—no toilets, water, or trash service. Fire restrictions commonly apply during summer months.

Map showing campgrounds near Dinosaur National Monument, ColoradoExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Dinosaur National Monument (44)

    1. North of Dinosaur CR16 - Dispersed Site

    8 Reviews
    Dinosaur, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3600

    "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!"

    "Smooth dirt road leading to short turn off loop with a fire ring. Peaceful low-mid T-Mobile."

    2. Dispersed Camping Near Dinosaur National Monument

    5 Reviews
    Jensen, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 538-5100

    "Dispersed camping at the back of Dijosuar National Monument. Some shade spots, some spots in canyon, some spots over looking blue mountain. I’m the only one here besides the wildlife!"

    "Not a lot of other campers, great views, right in the monument. (Must pay entrance fee or arrive after 5)"

    3. Dinosaur South Dispersed Camp

    3 Reviews
    Dinosaur, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3600

    "There used to be a road going farther down to more sites but it is closed to motorized vehicles now. The dirt road coming in is a bit rough but I made it with an SUV and 16’ TT. Just go slow."

    "About 1.5 miles N of Visitor Center, BLM road goes off to right.  About 1/2 mile, before the cliffs, good legal dispersed camp on left, in pinyon/juniper trees, shade in afternoon. "

    4. BLM 17B Road Dispersed Overlander

    2 Reviews
    Jensen, UT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3600

    "At one point it exits the park for just a moment and there are 3 flat pull off spots you can camp at from inside the park."

    5. Lower Blue Mt Road BLM Dispersed

    1 Review
    Jensen, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 781-4400

    6. South Plug Hat Butte Camping

    1 Review
    Dinosaur, CO
    17 miles

    "This campground felt safe and quiet. Not an abundance of spots compared to other areas of public land. Road was narrow and would have been tough with a tow behind camper."

    7. Dinosaur Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Dinosaur, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 878-3800

    "No amenities but lots of deer!"

    8. BLM 17 Road Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Jensen, UT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 781-4400

    9. SR 98, Rangely CO

    3 Reviews
    Dinosaur, CO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 878-3800

    "You get some highway noise but it's minimal. Nobody was traveling on the CR while I was here. Road is prius-friendly and there should be room for most rigs, though I just car-camped."

    "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. Very quiet, no traffic, and great views."

    10. McCoy Flats MTB Trailhead

    11 Reviews
    Vernal, UT
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 781-4400

    "Ranger Review: INNO INH120 2-Tray Bike Rack at the McCoy Flats Dispersed Camping Campground Review: This type of camping is"

    "Wide open BLM area 3 miles from Hwy but paved (potholes!) into the TH. Vault toilet but no water, trash or designated campsites. Cell signal is very good on all carriers."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Dinosaur National Monument

105 Photos of 44 Dinosaur National Monument Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Dinosaur National Monument

131 Reviews of 44 Dinosaur National Monument Campgrounds

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2022

    BLM 17B Road Dispersed Overlander

    Overlander camping only

    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. The dirt road is a sandy entrenched two track with a high center so high clearance is advised. Spots on top at right fork (.6 miles) are scenic views. Spots are few, small and are suited to truck camping, tent camping. No RVs or TTs would be able to access these sites safely....IMO

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2021

    Lower Blue Mt Road BLM Dispersed

    Open blm camping with cows

    Overlander camping only recommended. This area is just outside of Dinosaur National Monument on the Blue Mt Road...leaves the NPS and crosses a small piece of State land and then a BLM sign notes you are on BLM. Flat area to camp at this border and more large flat spots behind on State lands also ( State land here allows 15d camping). HOWEVER, to get to this spot you have to enter the NPS Dinosaur National Monument and deal with an entrance fee, but if you are a Senior like me..it is free and you are good to come and go as you wish!. Note that on the NPS section of the Blue Mt Road they note " no trailers" not sure if that is enforced but could be an issue, however I have seen TTs camping on the State and BLM along this area. This dispersed is likely better suited to the van/ truck camper types. Once you leave the NPS the road goes from graded gravel to native surface dirt that could be an issue if wet. The cliffs on both sides of this dispersed camp area has glyphs but you have to work to find them! The Blue Mt Road then continues into a big scenic valley and then climbs steeply to the point of pines ridge area...would not go there unless you have a good overlander setup with good tires! Cell signal is good due to tower array in sight on top of blue mtn.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2022

    BLM 17 Road Dispersed Camping

    BLM weedy rangeland dispersed

    This area is reached on east side of bridge at the Green River on hwy 40. Go 1.5 miles on paved road to jct with BLM road 17. This BLM road is wide graded gravel and seems fine for TTs larger campers. Go 3 miles to corrals. Roads get narrower and sandy past this point. Campsites are scattered down the narrow two track roads to viewpoints overlooking the Green River and Dinosaur National Monument. Cell signal very good on TMobile and some on ATT, but no Verizon. Locals use this area to OHV and target shoot. No toilets, water, tables or dumpsters. Free dispersed, no designated areas.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2024

    McCoy Flats East Dispersed Camp

    East McCoy Flats dispersed

    McCoy Flats BLM is a mt bike focus recreation area with a network of excellent nonmotorizrd singletrack trails. Dispersed free camping allowed, and currently there are several nice vault toilets scattered along the main access paved road.

    This camping area is at the third new vault toilet. Lots of room for large TTs. No trash dumpsters and no water, but cell signal is excellent 5g five bars. Only few miles from main hwy on an old paved pothole filled road. And then only 3 miles back into Vernal and a Walmart on this end of town, so logistics are very good.

    https://www.blm.gov/visit/mccoy-flats-trailhead#

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Road #839 Dispersed Camping

    #839 dispersed camp area

    Forest road #839 is a popular dispersed camp area due to the flat topography and the smooth graded dirt road. Close to hwy #44 so some hwy noise. Free dispersed, 16d limit, no water, no trash, no toilets. Cell signal is marginal.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2020

    Dispersed-white River

    Walk in

    If this is the site, something like 3a or some such, beware, looks nothing like photo. Right on the White River, narrow road is down sloped with nearly impassible water filled pot holes approaching the river. Passable only with high clearance pickup truck. Fortunately we found enough space to jockey my 20' RV trailer and Ford Explorer around and escape. Had we progressed further would have ripped all the plumbing out from under the RV and likely have been stuck and required a tow. Drove up the road and entered BLM land on the left and spent the night.

  • Sarah M.
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Dragon Douglas Trail BLM Dispersed Site

    Dragon Douglas Trail BLM

    This spot is for OHV parking. There’s a fire ring and we parked to the left of it so we didn’t interfere with parking. There’s 5 sites up the OHV trail that we saw. It was muddy so we weren’t comfortable towing our 19’ rig up the trail. We took our 4 runner up the trail and didn’t need 4wd. If dry, you could tow your small camper in if high clearance. There’s a bit of a rise to get from the road to the grass. Sites are perfect for tent camping.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Dinosaur Dispersed Site

    Just a dusty field by the tracks

    Right off the highway you turn onto a dirt road. Then maybe 200 yards it forks off to the left on a little 2 track road. Take that off to the left there is a grassy area with a few spots. Verizon roaming minimal signal. There is a large rotting elk carcus here at the moment. This is not a destination, just a quick sleep site close to the monument

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Forest Road #838 Dispersed Camping Area

    Forest Rd #838 dispersed

    Forest Road #838 is a rough rocky road but is flat so not steep. Several spots in sun or shade. Just off hwy #44 so some hwy noise. No water, no trash, no toilets. Cell signal is marginal.

Guide to Dinosaur National Monument

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from serene hideaways to scenic overlooks.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado

Dispersed campers should check out Blue Mountain Road Camp

  • This spot features several fire pits and is ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat, as noted in reviews of Blue Mountain Road Camp.
  • The area is accessible by both drive-in and walk-in, making it versatile for different camping setups.
  • Expect a peaceful atmosphere with minimal traffic at night, allowing for a restful camping experience.

Scenic views while free camping near Dinosaur National Monument

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Dinosaur National Monument?

Dinosaur National Monument offers multiple dispersed camping opportunities in the surrounding area. On the east side of the Green River bridge on Highway 40, you'll find BLM 17 Road Dispersed Camping, accessible via a wide graded gravel road that's suitable for larger trailers for the first 3 miles. For those seeking scenic views, BLM 17B Road Dispersed Overlander provides spots with panoramic vistas, though high clearance vehicles are recommended due to the sandy, entrenched two-track road. Other options include Forest Roads #838 and #839, the Dragon Douglas Trail area, and the White River area, each offering different terrain and accessibility levels. Most dispersed sites have no amenities, so come prepared with water and waste disposal plans.

Is there free camping available near Dinosaur National Monument?

Yes, free camping is widely available near Dinosaur National Monument on surrounding public lands. McCoy Flats East Dispersed Camp offers free camping with the bonus of vault toilets scattered along the main access road, making it more comfortable than most dispersed options. Road #839 Dispersed Camping provides free sites on flat terrain with a smooth graded dirt road, though you'll experience some highway noise. All these free camping areas typically follow the standard 14-16 day stay limit for dispersed camping. Remember that while camping is free, you'll still need to pay the National Park Service entrance fee if accessing sites directly from monument roads. Always practice Leave No Trace principles as these areas have no trash services.

What BLM land can I camp on near Dinosaur National Monument?

Several BLM areas near Dinosaur National Monument offer excellent dispersed camping opportunities. Lower Blue Mt Road BLM Dispersed is located just outside the monument boundary where Blue Mountain Road crosses from NPS land to BLM territory, offering flat camping areas suitable for overlanders. For those seeking a unique experience, Sand Wash Basin provides free BLM camping with the possibility of spotting some of the 700 wild horses that roam the area. It's also excellent for off-road enthusiasts with numerous trails. Other BLM options include the Dragon Douglas Trail area for OHV enthusiasts and McCoy Flats for mountain bikers. Most BLM sites have no facilities, so bring everything you need and pack out all waste.

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