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Camping

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Indian Creek Recreation Area

Indian Creek Recreation Area, near Canyonlands National Park, is a fantastic spot for those who appreciate the beauty of primitive camping. This area offers a unique experience with no amenities like water or toilets, so be ready to embrace the great outdoors in its raw form.

Visitors rave about the stunning 360-degree views and the peaceful atmosphere. One camper mentioned, “We found this peaceful spot on a hilltop and ended up staying two nights,” highlighting the tranquility that many enjoy here. The fire rings at established sites make for perfect evenings under the stars, and the lack of light pollution allows for some incredible night sky views.

For adventure seekers, the location is just a short drive from the Canyonlands Needles entrance, making it easy to explore the breathtaking landscapes and trails nearby. Campers have noted that the sunrise and sunset views are particularly spectacular, adding to the area's charm. Just keep in mind that this is a popular spot, especially on weekends, so arriving early in the week can give you more options for choosing your site.

If you’re looking for a place to disconnect and soak in nature, Indian Creek is a solid choice. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as this area is all about leaving no trace.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Indian Creek Special Recreation Management Area encompasses the Indian Creek Unit of the Bears Ears National Monument. Indian Creek affords many opportunities for rock climbing on world class splitter cracks formed in Wingate sandstone. Indian Creek draws climbers from around the world to test their crack climbing technique. Bouldering is also available throughout the valley. Campgrounds include Superbowl, Creek Pasture, and Hamburger Rock. Large groups may reserve groups sites at Indian Creek Falls, Creek Pasture and at Superbowl Campground through recreation.gov. Free dispersed camping at Bridger Jack Mesa is limited to designated sites only. In other areas please limit dispersed camping to previously disturbed sites. Alteration of rock surfaces and removal or vegetation is prohibited. Several popular climbs can only be reached by crossing private land. Please use existing trails and respect private land signs and fences. Climbing on petroglyphs is unlawful and destructive. Please Respect and Protect cultural resources.

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Location

Indian Creek Recreation Area is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Directions

Indian Creek Special Recreation Management Area is located along Hwy 211, 15 miles north of Monticello and 40 miles south of Moab, Utah. This 26-mile stretch of spectacular scenic country borders the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.

Coordinates

38.0070616 N
109.47921228 W

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The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

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 Indian Creek Recreation Area needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 26, 2022

Peaceful hill top

We were looking for a spot just off the hwy for the night, we found this peaceful spot on a hill top and ended up stating two nights. We did a daytime trip to Canyonlands Needles, great access from this spot and it is much quieter than Hamburger Rock area. Had some Att & better Verizon reception. Site had 360 degree view of the area. And a nice firering.

Sitehill top
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Indian Creek Recreation Area by Katarina T., March 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Indian Creek Recreation Area by Katarina T., March 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Indian Creek Recreation Area by Katarina T., March 26, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2021

Lucky find

Found this right as we were running out of day light. Needed this spot for the night so we could ride the Shaffer trail the next morning. We headed in and found this at the spot in the bottom of the mountain. We really enjoyed the spot. Sun rise and sunset was great here!

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Indian Creek Recreation Area by Bruce F., October 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Indian Creek Recreation Area by Bruce F., October 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Indian Creek Recreation Area by Bruce F., October 6, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed May. 9, 2021

Beautiful

This place is breathtaking. There are a few spots right outside where you will still have cell service with ATT or onstar WiFi. However once you pass these there is no service at all. It is a busy place and hard to find a spot but it is gorgeous and totally worth it.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Indian Creek Recreation Area by Jessica , May 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Indian Creek Recreation Area by Jessica , May 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Indian Creek Recreation Area by Jessica , May 9, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2020

The Best Dispersed Camping

Indian Creek is awesome. It’s BLM dispersed camping about 2-3 miles from the Canyonlands Needles entrance. Dirt road in leads past Hamburger Rock Campground. Keep going and you’ll start seeing sites on the sides of the road. There are several pull thru and sites big enough for RVs. Lots of walk in and drive in tent camping sites. 

You must camp where there is an established site evidenced by a fire ring. 

This is no water, no toilet, primitive camping. You must pack out your own waste they do not allow it to be buried. 

If you do not have four wheel drive be careful of the site you choose. The red sand is no joke and you will get stuck. It gets pretty busy from Thursday on but earlier in the week and day you have a lot to choose from. 

An awesome primitive or boon-docking experience.

SiteIn the rocks
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Indian Creek Recreation Area by Summer H., October 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Indian Creek Recreation Area by Summer H., October 27, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Indian Creek Recreation Area?

    Indian Creek Recreation Area is located at 6599 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Indian Creek Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Indian Creek Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Indian Creek Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is poor.