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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Castleton Tower

Castleton Tower, near Moab, Utah, is a stunning spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature's beauty. This area is perfect for primitive camping, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Castleton Tower and the surrounding landscape.

Visitors rave about the incredible scenery and the rugged trails that lead to the tower. Many campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one noting, “The hike up to the tower is an added bonus.” While amenities are limited—no water or restrooms—this location provides a true back-to-nature experience.

The campground can get busy, especially on weekends, as climbers flock to tackle the famous tower. However, there are plenty of spots to set up camp, and some reviewers suggest finding a secluded area behind a bush for a bit more privacy. As one camper put it, “Great spots though,” highlighting the beauty of the surroundings despite the lack of facilities.

If you're planning a visit, spring and fall are the best times to enjoy the area without the scorching summer heat. With its stunning views and rugged charm, Castleton Tower is a fantastic choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and connect with the great outdoors.

Description

A tent-only campsite near Utah's Castleton Tower.

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Location

Castleton Tower is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.65726981 N
109.3768374 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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 Castleton Tower needs a permit.


Reviews

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4.5

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9 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 24, 2022

No camping signs - be sneaky

No camping signs. Great spots though. People off-road around the spots day and night. So go far back and behind a big bush. The trail is rugged. Respect nature and stay on the trail if you can. I cowboy camped. It was fine. I don’t remember having it needing cell reception.

Sitefar back
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by John R., October 24, 2022
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by John R., October 24, 2022
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by John R., October 24, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 3, 2021

Beautiful views

Great views of castle valley& castleton tower. The hike up to the tower is an added bonus. Not great for big groups or campers- parking lot is pretty small and fills up quickly. Lots of campsites that you can hike to though.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by maura , May 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by maura , May 3, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 12, 2020

Excellent remote site

We found this site by accident, and were so happy with the results! The view is amazing, and the site was clean and dispersed. We will be back for sure.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by Austin G., March 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by Austin G., March 12, 2020
Reviewed Oct. 31, 2018

Surrounded by beauty

Amazing views everywhere you look with the most famous desert tower in the world looming off to the east! Just to the north of the famous Castleton Tower is the Rectory and the Priest which also have amazing climbs (trad).

Best time to visit is definitely fall or spring as summer can be blistering hot and winter brings snow despite what you might think! There are not many campsites and most are usually taken up by climbers waiting on a weather window to send it up the classic Kor-Ingalls or Fine Jade. There is a roofless pit toilet and no water available but there are a few elevated tent pads. Even if youre not a climber there are nearby trails that lead atop of Adobe Mesa to the south that gives wonderful views of Castle Valley, which is an amazing geologic phenomena 500 Ma in the making! The trail to Castleton Tower is also fairly easy and is ~3 miles and 1500' in elevation.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by Alan B., October 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by Alan B., October 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by Alan B., October 31, 2018
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2018

Great Views of the Tower

Castleton Tower is a great place to pitch a tent! It's a free campground so it can become crowded with climbers on weekends or during busy season. I've stayed at this campground April, May, and October. Highly recommend during May -- the spring is so beautiful here! Great trail system and great views in every direction.

SitePublic Lands
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by GoWhereYouAreDraw N., July 11, 2018
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by GoWhereYouAreDraw N., July 11, 2018
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by GoWhereYouAreDraw N., July 11, 2018
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2017

Loved it met a whole bunch of amazing people.

Wound up at this place by accident Its primarily a campground for people who are climbing castleton tower but it was great for spending a night. Primitive camping but plenty of space for parking. No amenities but absolutely beautiful. Hiking was wonderful. The canyon/waterway leading to the tower is a really excellent hike.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by Daniel S., October 13, 2017
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by Daniel S., October 13, 2017
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by Daniel S., October 13, 2017
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2016

Quiet campground off the beaten road

This is a great place to camp! It felt very remote even though it's right alongside the road. This facility doesn't have access to water or public restrooms so plan accordingly. It does however offer amazing views of Castleton rock. The start of the trail head is located right in the parking. There is only a couple areas that have leveled tent spots but there is plenty of other areas to set up a tent. This is a tent only location, no RVs

  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by Billy B., August 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by Billy B., August 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Castleton Tower by Billy B., August 30, 2016
  • (7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Castleton Tower?

    Castleton Tower is located at 4832 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Castleton Tower?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Castleton Tower, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.