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Map showing campground location near Escalante, Utah
Camper submitted image from Head of the Rock dispersedView 18 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Escalante, Utah

Head of the Rock dispersed

5 ReviewsAdd Review

This free dispersed camping area sits along a dirt road just off Highway 12, providing level sites with good spacing between campers. The hard-packed sand road handles most vehicles well, though clearance becomes more challenging deeper into the area. Multiple signs prohibit campfires throughout the site.

Campers find several turnouts on the northern side of the road, with the first spots offering the most expansive views. Cell service reaches this elevation near the radio tower. The area works well for camper vans and smaller RVs up to about 21 feet, but larger rigs face space constraints on the narrow access road.

"Calf Creek campground was full and the host told us about this spot," notes Julie M.. Wind can pick up in the exposed location, though road noise from Highway 12 varies depending on your chosen spot. Recent rain doesn't typically make the road impassable, and the sites drain well due to the sandy soil composition.

The location serves as an alternative when established campgrounds fill up, particularly during peak season. For those wanting developed facilities, BLM 103 / Spencer Flat Rd Dispersed — GSENM offers another dispersed option less than a mile away.

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Map & DirectionsHead of the Rock dispersed is located in Utah near Escalante

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

37.7506174 N
111.45886897 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 21 users
    Last on 6/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 11 users
    Last on 6/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 17 users
    Last on 6/22/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 21 users
    Last on 6/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 11 users
    Last on 6/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 17 users
    Last on 6/22/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • 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.

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Head of the Rock dispersed

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4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

A convenient dispersed site off Highway 12 with level spots and good spacing. Campers appreciated the beautiful views and easy access, though fire restrictions apply and highway noise varies by location.

Reviewed Jul. 22, 2025

Bit Noisy by the Road

At this spot there were a few good spaces on the northern side of the road, but a few things put it lower for me. First, there were no fires allowed which was a bummer when camping. Second, it was a bit noisy being so close to Highway 12. Still, it worked as a good spot to sleep just not the best I have been to.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Head of the Rock dispersed by Hawkin S., July 22, 2025
  • Review photo of Head of the Rock dispersed by Hawkin S., July 22, 2025
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2024

Quiet spot, great views

Calf Creek campground was full and the host told us about this spot. Up a dirt road you end up just below the radio tower. Very private and quiet

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Head of the Rock dispersed by Julie M., October 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Head of the Rock dispersed by Julie M., October 27, 2024
Reviewed May. 25, 2023

Great spot overlooking it all

Thankfully I had this app, we were headed to calf creek rec area but it was full. We made camp at the first turn out on the left and the wife was more pleased with the view than that of the campgrounds. Everything is sand but the road was hard packed. We made it a good ways in in her Crosstrek but the farther in you go the less of a view you get. We didn’t see anyone but some folks who camped further on down the road went by us in the morning. Multiple signs for no fires, hence the four stars.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Head of the Rock dispersed by richard C., May 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Head of the Rock dispersed by richard C., May 25, 2023
Reviewed Sep. 24, 2022

Absolutely gorgeous!

Easy find just off Hwy 12 outside Escalante. Despite recent hard rain the road was in good shape, and there were several nice, level spots with good space in between. Beautiful view and not much road noise. I loved it!

SiteNot marked, but left at the first Y and about 159 yards up on the left.
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Head of the Rock dispersed by Paul B., September 24, 2022
  • Review photo of Head of the Rock dispersed by Paul B., September 24, 2022
  • Review photo of Head of the Rock dispersed by Paul B., September 24, 2022
Reviewed Apr. 21, 2022

Private

We were the only ones at this dispersed site. A bit windy. It’s a great site for camper vans, outs is 21 foot. Won’t accommodate large vehicles. Good cell service.

SiteNot numbered
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Head of the Rock dispersed by Cheri J., April 21, 2022
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping areas near Escalante, Utah?

Head of the Rock is a free dispersed camping area located just off Highway 12 outside Escalante, Utah. It's easily accessible with several level spots available. If Calf Creek Recreation Area is full (which happens frequently), Head of the Rock provides a great alternative with beautiful views. The site is located near a radio tower and offers more privacy than some established campgrounds in the area. Look for the dirt road turnoff from Highway 12, with the first good camping spots visible on the left after turning in.

What's the best time of year for dispersed camping near Escalante, Utah?

Spring and fall are ideal for camping at Head of the Rock, offering pleasant temperatures and manageable conditions. Late April through June provides warming weather before summer heat intensifies, while September through October brings cooling temperatures after the summer peak. Summer months can be extremely hot, and the site is quite exposed with little shade. The area can be windy at times. Winter camping is possible but prepare for cold desert nights. The hard-packed sand roads remain accessible after rain, but always check weather forecasts before your trip.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Escalante?

Head of the Rock dispersed camping offers no formal amenities - it's primitive camping at its core. There are no water sources, toilets, trash services, or established fire rings (and fires are not allowed at this site). What you do get are several nice, level spots with good separation between campsites and excellent cell phone service. The area features beautiful views and relative quiet, though some highway noise from nearby Route 12 may be noticeable. Come prepared with all supplies, including water and waste disposal plans.

Do I need permits for dispersed camping around Escalante, Utah?

No permits are required for dispersed camping at Head of the Rock near Escalante. This is BLM land where free camping is allowed. However, be aware that fire restrictions are in place - campfires are not permitted at this location. Always practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and minimizing your impact. While no permits are needed, camping stays are typically limited to 14 days within a 28-day period on BLM lands, though it's best to verify current regulations.

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