Red rock cliffs form the backdrop at this dispersed camping area along Route 24, where campers park among loosely organized sites with established fire rings. The entrance appears as an unmarked dirt road about five miles past Capitol Reef's northern entrance, leading to multiple camping zones that accommodate everything from tents to large RVs up to 35 feet.
Wind funnels through the valley here, creating conditions that range from calm evenings to nights where tent stakes struggle against gusts. Nick notes "it was extremely windy our one night and the ground is not suited to cheap tent stakes so bring some big ones." The area fills up by evening during peak seasons, with campers claiming both designated spots with obvious parking areas and more open sections where spacing depends on mutual agreement with neighbors.
Two portable toilets serve the camping area, positioned a short walk uphill from most sites. Cell service reaches the area well, with AT&T providing sufficient signal for video calls and data use. The proximity to Highway 24 means easy access without road noise disrupting sleep, while Capitol Reef's visitor center sits seven miles east for park exploration.
Sites vary from pull-through spots in open areas to back-in locations near small trees that provide minimal wind protection. The campground sits close to Pandora's Box trailhead and works well as a base for exploring Capitol Reef's northern attractions like Hickman Bridge and Grand Wash. Campers seeking more dispersed options can continue up the access road to find sites with greater separation from the main camping zones.
This free Forest Service area suits RV travelers and tent campers who prioritize convenience to Capitol Reef over privacy, though those willing to drive further up the access roads can find more secluded spots away from the main congregation of campers.
Description
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRoute 24 Dispersed Camping is located in Utah near Torrey
Coordinates
38.32721108519749 N
111.36369852115412 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 78 usersLast on 5/15/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 96 usersLast on 5/15/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 38 usersLast on 5/15/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 78 usersLast on 5/15/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 96 usersLast on 5/15/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 38 usersLast on 5/15/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
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 Route 24 Dispersed Camping - Capitol Reef needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 41 min from Provo, UT
- 3 hrs 6 min from St. George, UT
- 3 hrs 11 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 3 hrs 23 min from Grand Junction, CO
