Petroglyphs and pictographs draw visitors to this dispersed camping area on BLM land, accessed via a dirt road turnoff from Interstate 70. Multiple pullout sites line the route, with closer spots experiencing more highway noise while sites deeper in provide quieter camping. The area serves as base camp for exploring the Black Dragon pictograph panel through a narrow canyon hike.
Access requires passing through a BLM gate that campers must leave as found, whether open or closed. The manageable dirt road accommodates most vehicles initially, though Laura M. notes "several spots that are reachable by RV, but further back you'll need high clearance and possible 4x4." Sites vary in size and terrain, with some large areas near the trailhead requiring higher clearance vehicles.
Cell service remains limited across most carriers, though some reviewers report occasional signal within the canyon itself. The area lacks water, restrooms, and trash facilities, requiring complete pack-in, pack-out camping. Weather poses considerations, as Ben M. warns about flash flood potential in dry wash beds during rain events.
Campers seeking developed amenities can explore campsites near Green River for alternatives with full hookups and services.
Description
"A mysterious red pictograph (painted) panel accompanied by petroglyphs (pecked images) lies within Black Dragon Wash in the San Rafael Swell. Within a fenced area visitors may view several elongated human and animal like pictograph images attributed to the ancient Barrier Canyon culture. Stylistically different Fremont petroglyphs are located adjacent to the Barrier Canyon pictographs. In the past someone chalked the outlines of the pictograph images, a practice now know to irreparably damage fragile rock art resources. The person chalking the images combined several figures into what appears as a Dragon-like image. This “dragon” gives the canyon its name. Visitors to the site enjoy a short hike to the panel up through the wash and into the San Rafael reef. Nearby canyons and the wash itself provide additional hiking and photography opportunities. The road to the panel is sandy in spots and requires a high clearance vehicle. Do not travel into the area unless you are familiar with desert travel and are aware of the weather conditions. "
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingBlack Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed is located in Utah
Directions
The turn off for Black Dragon Pictograph Panel is approximately 13 miles west on Interstate 70 from Green River, UT
Coordinates
38.9373517 N
110.41846175 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/25/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/25/26
AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/25/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/25/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Dispersed
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 32 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 2 hrs 19 min from Provo, UT
- 2 hrs 50 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 3 hrs 17 min from Ogden, UT
