Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed, near Green River, Utah, is a unique spot for those who appreciate the beauty of nature and ancient art. This area offers a raw camping experience with no frills—think basic amenities and a chance to truly connect with the outdoors.

The location is known for its stunning views and proximity to fascinating Indian petroglyphs. Visitors have shared that the hike to the pictographs is particularly rewarding, taking you through a narrow canyon that adds to the adventure. As one camper noted, “The hike to the pictographs is much more interesting as you enter the narrow canyon.”

While the camping spots are limited, there are several pull-out areas along the dirt road, with the best sites being a bit further from the highway. Keep in mind, there are no restrooms or trash services, so be prepared to pack in and pack out everything you bring, including your own waste. 

For those driving in, access can be a bit tricky, especially if you're coming from the west, where the road requires a high-clearance vehicle. But once you’re set up, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes, perfect for exploring or just soaking in the scenery. Whether you're a seasoned camper or just looking for a quiet escape, this location offers a memorable experience in the heart of Utah's wilderness.

"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. "

Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Green River, UT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Green River. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Green River

The Best Camping Near Green River, Utah

Cool, no camping up wash. 

Access to this is a bit tricky as you need to take a gate from the interstate. It isn't your typical interstate exit. On the eastbound lane you've then got to drive under the interstate which there is a underpass there that they put a concrete ramp in the wash to make it possible to drive through. Most passenger cars can make this route. The campground itself is very basic there's no water there's no toilets. But it is less than a mile from the black dragon pictograph panel and that is the big plus for it. Note that driving in from the west is an extremely rough road that requires a four-wheel drive high ground clearance vehicle and some skill.

Basic camping near Black Dragon pictograph

First off do not pay attention to google directions as it will take you out of the way through a wash. There is quite an easy turn off right off of highway 70 (whether heading east or west, you can turn north off the highway). Once you turnoff of the highway there is a gate that may or may not be closed so once you go through leave it how you found it. 

  

Follow the very manageable dirt road and there will be multiple pull out areas to camp in. The closer to the highway the more busy it is so keep driving. We found a small pull out between the two trails that take you on hike to the Spirit Arches and Petroglyphs and the other up through the wash to the pictographs. 

  

The hike to the pictographs is much more interesting as you enter the narrow canyon. There are several spots that are reachable by RV, but further back you’ll need high clearance and possible 4x4. 

  

There is no camping allowed within the canyon. At the trailhead though there are a few large areas for camping but probably easier with higher clearance. There is no bathroom, trash or water so pack in and pack out even that which you have already digested.;) 

  

No cell service from ATT, Verizon or TMobile, but was able to get a bar or two on Verizon with the cell booster.  Oddly we did have cell reception on the hike within the canyon.

Great Hiking

We have used this dispersed camp area several times off of I-70 on several occasions.  Easy access whither you're traveling east or west bound.  If east bound you'll have to cross over the medium which is allowed and enter the area through a BLM gate. It's always closed to keep cows off the freeway so please close it. The area has several places to disperse camp. If you follow the road it will take you to the east entrance of the Black Dragon.  I once got a cell call in the canyon that surprised us as there's little cell coverage.  In the Black Dragon you'll find a lot of Indian Petroglyphs. It's pretty  easy hike to them or a high clearance vehicle.  The San Rafael is quite interesting. The rest areas just west of the dispersed camping has a lot info about the area.  

Pictographs/Dispersed Camping 

Only one site I felt comfortable pulling a 27 foot trailer but it was beautiful and I wished I could have stayed longer. Watch out for rain. The dry wash beds will flood and I’m lucky I left when I did. 

Photos of Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed

Real photos from real campers