Free dispersed camping along FS Road #177 puts campers on a ridge in Ashley National Forest, accessed via a bumpy dirt road that reviewers consistently describe as manageable for two-wheel-drive vehicles. No fees, no reservations. Sites are positioned to face east into the Bowden Draw valley meadow, giving campers open sightlines across a broad expanse of high-elevation terrain.
This is true boondocking. There are no toilets, picnic tables, metal fire rings, water, or dumpsters on site, though the area does have electric hookups noted in Forest Service data. Campfires are permitted, and pets are welcome. Nearby options like Highline Trailhead and FS #049 Road Dispersed Camping Area provide bathroom facilities at their respective trailheads, which is worth factoring in if that matters to your group.
Cell service is a recurring topic in reviews. AT&T users report a strong signal, but Verizon and T-Mobile coverage is unreliable, and at least one reviewer found data speeds essentially unusable across all carriers despite showing bars. The area draws ATV traffic and sees enough use that locals sometimes park travel trailers here for the season. Expect road dust from the main corridor and limited privacy. One reviewer noted a bear visiting camp during the night, so food storage precautions are worth taking seriously. Pack out all trash, and come prepared with water since none is available on site.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFS Road #177 Bowden Draw Dispersed Camping Area is located in Utah near Ashley National Forest
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
40.78049373 N
109.46604436 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 9/15/26
VerizonNo Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/15/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 9/15/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/15/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Electric Hookups
- 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 FS Road #177 Bowden Draw Dispersed Camping Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 57 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 3 min from Provo, UT
- 3 hrs 3 min from Ogden, UT
- 3 hrs 11 min from Salt Lake City, UT
