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Camping

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Dispersed Camping

Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping

Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping, near Castle Dale, Utah, is a stunning spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the fuss of a traditional campground. With a variety of dispersed sites, you can find a perfect place to set up camp, often with breathtaking views right at your doorstep.

This area is known for its incredible vistas and starry night skies that will leave you in awe. Campers rave about the easy access to the canyon rim, with some sites just a short walk away, making it a prime location for both relaxation and adventure. As one visitor noted, “You will never see a more beautiful night sky.”

Amenities are minimal, but you’ll find pit toilets and fire rings scattered throughout the area. Just remember to bring your own water and firewood, as those aren’t provided. The roads leading in are generally well-maintained, though a bit rocky in spots, so a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended.

For those who enjoy hiking or biking, there are trails nearby that offer fantastic exploration opportunities. Many campers have enjoyed the scenic drives around the area, with one saying, “National Park quality stuff.” Whether you're looking to unwind or seek adventure, this location has a little something for everyone.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Little Grand Canyon trailhead serves as the starting or ending point for those hiking through the Little Grand Canyon. The trailhead is located past the Swinging Bridge and .8 miles west of the Buckhorn Draw Rd. This hike explores the San Rafael river as it cuts through the Little Grand Canyon. This area is a popular 2-3 day backpacking trip with primitive campsites where user are required to practice leave no trace ethics. The San Rafael River should only be floated in small crafts above 200 CFS and large crafts above 500 CFS. Hikers should only attempt to hike this section when the river is below 50 CFS. The hike is approximately 18 miles with numerous river crossings required. The side canyons along the hike offer endless miles of exploring. The trailhead is located past the Swinging Bridge Campground and .8 miles west of the Buckhorn Draw Rd.

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Location

Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.11319108 N
110.72922982 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • 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 Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping needs a permit.


Reviews

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10 Reviews

Reviewed May. 13, 2022

Returned in May

I came here in March and caught a streak of nice weather (60-70 degrees for the high, 30s for the low). I decided to come back and bring the family for my birthday.

Our first night was a tough one. We got caught in a severe wind storm but everything held together and besides a lack of sleep, we all survived. The next few days were awesome. Temp was in the 70s with a slight breeze.

This is an amazing place and you will never see a more beautiful night sky.

SiteSite was not marked but was about a 5 minute walk from the outhouse
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Jason , May 13, 2022
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Jason , May 13, 2022
Reviewed May. 2, 2022

Amazing place to stay

I camped here for a couple nights around mid March. The weather worked out perfectly. I loved the site I found. I could walk about 30 seconds away the the rim of the canyon.

There is a great trail west of the campsites. I walked it and road my mountain bike along it for a little while.

Absolutely stunning views and the most beautiful night skies I’ve ever seen. I’ll be returning with the family in May.

It was a short 3-4 minute walk from my site to the toilets.

Sitedon’t recall the site number
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Jason , May 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Jason , May 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Jason , May 2, 2022
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jan. 29, 2022

A mind blowing view

What can I possibly say. It’s difficult to describe in words. Mid-January was perfect for me as I like the colder weather and the gorgeous colors of the clay and white snow.

Definitely bring extra firewood. I lucked out as no other campers were to be seen anywhere.

This was my favorite camp site of this Utah trip.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Anthony  D., January 29, 2022
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Anthony  D., January 29, 2022
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  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 31, 2021

Incredible views

We grabbed a dispersed site near the east Goldwater rim trailhead. Excellent pit toilets at the three trailheads. Bring plenty of water as there is none available. The views are unbelievable. Road in from Castle Dale is very smooth, graded and oiled, until the last two miles. The nice road continues to the west rim.

After two days of camping and biking here we took Buckhorn Draw Road down to I-70 and then Temple Mountain to Goblin Valley. Very scenic drive. National Park quality stuff.

Sitedispersed near east trailhead
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Name , May 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Name , May 31, 2021
Reviewed May. 24, 2021

Awesome camping at Good Water East Trailhead

Dispersed camp spots, some REALLY primo ones on edge of canyon with dramatic views. Juniper trees create some privacy between spots. Pit toilets are new and nice. No water or tables. Many built up stone fire rings.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Flo B., May 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Flo B., May 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Flo B., May 24, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 16, 2021

Wake Up to Views of Little Grand Canyon

What a great place to set up camp! Very easy to get to, with some rocky roads getting to campsites. Get there early (Friday or first thing AM) to get a prime spot with a view. There were plenty of campsites, but maybe not ones with views directly overlooking the canyon.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Logan K., May 16, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2020

Incredible views

Numerous dispersed camping sites along the road to “The Wedge Overlook.” Pit toilet at the beginning of the road and fire pits at the sites. Visited in mid-April and saw very few other campers. Will definitely come back.

  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Meg , October 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Meg , October 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Meg , October 12, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2020

Amazing Views, Plenty of Space

Follow the signs to “The Wedge”. After you get to the lookout area, there are plenty of dispersed camping spaces with fire rings along the edge of the the canyon, and more inland. Amazing views. We arrived later in the day and managed to find a camping spot easily.

  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Kate , October 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Kate , October 7, 2020
Reviewed May. 18, 2020

Epic views, lots of space

Over 30 firepits along this section of road, most with gorgeous views of the canyon. Some of the side trails actually have several useable firepits further in. It was very dusty however. Temps were 10-15 degrees cooler than Green River.

  • Review photo of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping by Justin T., May 18, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping?

    Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping is located at 6208 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping?

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