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Dispersed Camping

Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed

6 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed, near Capitol Reef National Park, is a fantastic location for those who appreciate wide-open spaces and stunning views. This area is perfect for setting up camp, whether you’re pitching a tent or parking a trailer, with plenty of room to spread out.

Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery and the unique fire rings built against large rocks, which provide a cozy spot to gather around on windy nights. The sunsets and sunrises here are something special, with hiking opportunities right at your doorstep for those looking to catch the best views. As one camper noted, “Hike up the hills for some great sunset and sunrise viewpoints!”

If you’re into a bit of off-roading, there are small hills and rocks nearby that make for some fun exploration. Plus, you won’t have to worry about permits or fees, making it an easy choice for a spontaneous getaway. Just keep in mind that while the location is conveniently close to HW24, some road noise might be part of the experience.

With good cell service, you can stay connected while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you’re here for a night or planning to stay longer, Cooks Mesa Trailhead offers a laid-back atmosphere and a chance to soak in the beauty of Utah’s desert landscape.

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Location

Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.32756372 N
111.36393828 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 33 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 18 users

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Overlook Point Dispersed Site

Overlook Point Dispersed Site

2 min away

Road 1280 East of Torrey Utah

Road 1280 East of Torrey Utah

2 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 33 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 18 users

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 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 Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed needs a permit.

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General Info

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

A
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2025

Acceptable Spot in a Pinch

Pretty location, close to Capitol Reef. Pretty sights. Proximity to the read however the level of noise is acceptable. Some campsites cary residual trash left by fellow campers who need their mother to wipe their rear end and have no respect for the nature.

Siteno number on site
Month of VisitSeptember
JThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 27, 2025

Easy and accessible

Many sites available. If you’re someone who hasn’t upgraded to 4x4 yet, you won’t have issues accessing this site. Can’t speak for spots not directly in the entrance. Limited shade but if you get lucky you will find a spot with a tree or two. Right off the highway, you can’t miss it. Very nice views!

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by Jessica A., May 27, 2025
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by Jessica A., May 27, 2025
Cortlan S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 25, 2023

Good Views!

Really nice views and is located right off HW24, so it’s easy to get to- but that also means you can see the HW and can hear semis and other large vehicles. You could probably get further off the road if you wanted, but there’s some nice spots nestled in between the hills that are pretty quiet. There’s also some cool fire rings built up against big rocks, which was nice in the wind. Hike up the hills for some great sunset and sunrise view points! This is also a good spot for a little wheeling, there’s some small hills and rocks you can drive around on if you’re into that. Good service for Verizon, too!

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by Cortlan S., April 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by Cortlan S., April 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by Cortlan S., April 25, 2023
  • (5) View All
DThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Feb. 25, 2023

Beautiful and open

Great place to camp. Plenty of open space for tents or trailers

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by Dallas B., February 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by Dallas B., February 25, 2023
CC C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2022

Awesome free spot close to trail

Great spot to pull out for the night or more. We stayed 2 nights due to its proximity to town and capitol reef NP. The trailhead is right there, so it’s perfect! Probably 10-15 sites if you look around and get deep towards the hills. Bumpy for the first but off the road but easily accessible for vans and cars alike. One site had an epic rock fire pit that created a perfect little oven on a windy night. Great sunset and sunrise spot, with 2 bars of T-Mobile service.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by CC C., January 25, 2022
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by CC C., January 25, 2022
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Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What hiking trails are accessible from Cooks Mesa Trailhead?

The trailhead is located right at the camping area, providing immediate access to hiking opportunities. While specific trail names aren't detailed, the proximity to Capitol Reef National Park means you'll have access to numerous hiking options in the surrounding area. The location offers beautiful views and is nestled between hills that can be explored. For comprehensive trail information, check with Capitol Reef National Park visitor center or rangers for current conditions and recommendations.

How do I get to Cooks Mesa Trailhead camping area?

Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed is easily accessible directly off Highway 24. The entrance is clearly visible from the highway and difficult to miss. While the first bit off the road might be slightly bumpy, the area is easily accessible even for vehicles without 4x4 capabilities. Most passenger vehicles can reach the camping area without issues. The location is conveniently situated near Capitol Reef National Park, making it an excellent base for exploring the park.

Are there designated camping spots at Cooks Mesa Trailhead?

Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed offers approximately 10-15 informal camping sites scattered throughout the area. While not officially designated with numbers or markers, there are clearly established spots where previous campers have stayed. You'll find more secluded options if you venture deeper toward the hills. Some sites are nestled between the hills offering more shelter and quiet from the highway. There's plenty of open space suitable for both tents and trailers, giving you flexibility in choosing a spot that works for your setup.

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