1 campground with availability next weekend
Dispersed camping options surround Dinosaur National Monument with several primitive tent sites offering varying levels of solitude and amenities. North of Dinosaur CR16 provides free dispersed tent camping on Bureau of Land Management land, while Rainbow Park Campground inside the monument offers four tent sites along the Green River. Most sites are accessible via dirt roads that may become impassable during wet weather.
Tent campsites near Dinosaur National Monument typically provide minimal facilities. Rainbow Park Campground includes pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings with grills, but no potable water or hookups. Dispersed areas like North of Dinosaur CR16 have established fire rings but lack restroom facilities or trash service. A recent review noted, "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." Campers must pack in water and pack out all waste, with fire restrictions common during summer and early fall.
The primitive nature of tent camping near Dinosaur National Monument appeals to those seeking solitude. Most dispersed sites sit on open, unshaded terrain with expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Rainbow Park's riverside location offers pleasant scenery but limited privacy between sites. Sites near CR16 sit on higher elevation with panoramic vistas but greater exposure to wind and weather. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, Rainbow Park requires a significant drive on dirt roads: "Down a 30 minute dirt road sits this breathtaking park with 4 campsites. We visited on a busy weekend (labor day weekend) and we only had 1 neighbor." Night skies throughout the area provide exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution, making these primitive tent campgrounds particularly appealing to astronomers and photographers.
"Smooth dirt road leading to short turn off loop with a fire ring. Peaceful low-mid T-Mobile."
"Just randomly driving thru Colorado and run into Dinasaur and a peaceful off grid place to camp. No one around. No one else on the planet. Great place to stop."
"We visited on a busy weekend (labor day weekend) and we only had 1 neighbor. This made for a very quiet, relaxing stay."
"Crept in driving a Honda about 15 mph on the 20+ mile dirt road. Just when I thought I couldn’t go any further, that I was hopelessly lost, I saw the sign pointing to the campground."
from $12 / night
"The water access is limited to the boat ramp or wandering through the brush to get to the edge. "
"Plenty of space. There are a ton of off-road people but not too bad"
"My site was very large, right where the fire road (more a trail really) seemed to split in two directions."
"Well spaced sites, very private . Various sites to choose from, whether it’s more wooded or open area. Didn’t have anyone pass me through out my 2 nights there, I went for 4th of July weekend."
"Located just off US 40 on the road to Dear Park Campground. Far enough off the highway that not much road noise was heard. Nice views of rural grazing land."
"It's right off the highway, and a mostly level, paved lot. Perfect for a weary traveler to spend the night. No facilities, but I wasn't expecting any. Full bars of Verizon coverage."
"Dispersed camping on the 125 mile stretch of the Green river from Green River, UT to the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers at Spanish Bottom."
Available next weekend
from $13 / night
GuideNice place to stay. Very Clean. Gift shop and restaurant were also very clean. Fishing on the green river is always great. Also great access to the southern end of the Gorge. Wonderful area in the mountains. Campground was green grass and newly planted trees when we went.
GuideThe campground for what it is great. Usually clean and maintained. Location is pretty lame unless your staying here for the fishing. Usually hot and windy. Lots of bugs. So unless your staying here to fish I would pass and go somewhere nicer or with a view.
TravelerOne of very few campgrounda open during the off-season. Peaceful / good cell signal / sits on a great trail.
GuideI'd been traveling all day, from South Dakota to Moab when I came across this little gem. It's right off the highway, and a mostly level, paved lot. Perfect for a weary traveler to spend the night. No facilities, but I wasn't expecting any. Full bars of Verizon coverage. I couldn't ask for better
ScoutIncredible scenery of DNM on display, site was right next to access road but no nighttime traffic at all. I would be concerned with a 2wd if it rained, I had great weather and this site was elevated. I would not have driven my van on that access road if it was muddy or slippery. Water facilities at visitors center or nearby campgrounds, 5-10 min drive. 4 wheelers/atvs not allowed in DNM land or roads.
TravelerThis place still has trails being built in and around the grounds. Price is right, just $10!!! The bathrooms (pit toilets)are super clean. All sites come with table and fire ring. Some with covered tables. Trails for riding or running right at the entrance to the cg.
TravelerWe went a bit further than the recommended spot, just to sight see but actually found a spot that is a campsite in summer, and is now open spots. We parked 200 feet from the edge of the water. The spot came with a fire pit and picnic table.
ScoutFew spots betteen road and Green River. Some Mosquitos . Not so much noise. Ok for one or two night. I collected few trash in a bag. Cell signal good. Real blm ?
RangerWell-spaced sites in a spectacular setting. The campground was sparsely populated on a Monday in September, making it feel especially peaceful and spacious. Facilities were clean, and both sunset and sunrise were stunning. Pronghorns played in the nearby fields. Dark sky gave us the Milky Way. We loved it here and wished we could have stayed longer than one night. It also made a great base for exploring the Flaming Gorge area, including the phenomenal Red Canyon Overlook. Highly recommend.
Tent camping near Dinosaur National Monument offers varied options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands and within the monument. Located in northeast Utah and northwest Colorado, the monument sits at elevations between 5,000 and 9,000 feet with a semi-arid climate. Summer temperatures often reach 100°F while nights can drop to freezing during spring and fall.
Hiking to petroglyphs: Find ancient rock art near Rainbow Park Campground. "1.7 miles before the campground road there is a must see Petroglyphs site offering a couple of loop trails that bring you up the hill," reports Jeff K.
River paddling: Explore the Green River by paddleboard or kayak from Swinging Bridge. "I spent most of my time paddleboarding through the rocky formations next to the site. The water is shallow but beautiful," notes Hayley K.
Stargazing: Take advantage of minimal light pollution at Forest Service Road 217 Dispersed. Rebecca S. reports, "I'm here in October and though chilly it's gorgeous! There are a lot of hunters here with their four wheels but no one has bothered me."
Solitude: Many dispersed sites provide isolation from crowds. Grant M. describes Rainbow Park Campground: "A long, gravel road lead me here on a quiet weeknight in October 2020. Absolutely pitch black out. There was no one here and no one for miles. Great view of the Milky Way. Totally silent."
Easy access from highways: Some sites sit just off main roads. "This was one of my favorite finds during my trip through Utah earlier this summer. As you head down this forest road you'll see multiple minimal dispersed campsites, most with small man-made rock firepits and nothing else," says Quinn Z. about Utah Forest Road 13 Dispersed Camping.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse animals. "Elk, Bear, Deer, and cows are around. Lots of places to explore and there are never many people around so I can let my dogs off the leash which is really nice," mentions Jacinda C. about Little Mountain Dispersed Camp.
Road conditions: Many sites require driving on unpaved roads that become impassable when wet. "The road was pretty rough, some large divits and larger rocks on the road. I drive an outback so I just went slow and it was fine," notes Kate R. about Forest Road 13.
Weather preparation: Temperatures fluctuate dramatically between day and night. "We got out, set up a tent and started a fire (it was in the 30s upon arrival, just under freezing at day break)," reports Grant M.
Water availability: No potable water exists at most sites. Gina J. notes, "This campground is super remote and offers 4 primitive campsites. There are pit toilets and no accessible water. The river runs directly behind camp and trails run through the hills."
Bring entertainment: With limited facilities, pack games and activities. "Lots is small and winding trails all over the landscape to explore. Very close to some of the coolest petroglyphs also," suggests Farah C.
Safety precautions: Prepare for wildlife encounters and extreme temperatures. "If you're lucky, you will come across the herd of elk roaming the grounds. Make sure your gas tank is full as there is no cell reception at the campsite," advises Gina J.
Select appropriate sites: Some areas work better for families than others. Lis G. describes Rainbow Park: "Each shaded site is equipped with fire ring with attached grill, an adjacent picnic table, and spots for a maximum of 2 tents in each campsite. The skies were very dark at night, perfect for seeing shooting stars and the milky way."
Low clearance challenges: Most dispersed camping areas near Dinosaur National Monument present challenges for large vehicles. Greg L. warns, "FS road #13 has large diameter cobble base and makes for a bumpy road. There are much better dispersed sites across the hwy on FS roads #839 and #838 for RVs and TTs. I would not go up this road with a trailer unless you had a turnaround open."
Site selection: Find flat areas with adequate turning space. "There were large camp sites. There was a large group in one when I went by, and other sites that could fit maybe 4 or so cars," notes Kate R.
Weather monitoring: Strong winds affect exposed sites. Christopher H. explains, "Great views from the top, but we chose a more sheltered site due to the strong chilly wind. Beautiful sunset and sunrise."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dinosaur National Monument?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dinosaur National Monument is North of Dinosaur CR16 - Dispersed Site with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Dinosaur National Monument?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Dinosaur National Monument, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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