Free dispersed camping along the road to the Wedge Overlook puts campers within steps of canyon rim views on BLM land outside Castle Dale, Utah. The road in from town is graded and oiled for most of the route, but the final two miles turn rough, and high-clearance vehicles have a clear advantage on that stretch. No water is available on-site, so arriving with a full supply is essential.
Campers report more than 30 fire rings spread along the road, with some sites positioned directly on the canyon edge and others set back among juniper trees that provide a degree of separation between neighbors. Goodwater Rim East Dispersed Camping sits just to the west and connects to trail options used by both hikers and mountain bikers. Pit toilets are located at the trailheads, with one reviewer noting a three-to-four minute walk from their site to the facilities. Getting there on a Friday or early Saturday morning improves the odds of landing a rim-side spot before they fill.
Flo B. describes the dispersed spots as "some REALLY primo ones on edge of canyon with dramatic views." Temperatures here tend to run cooler than in the Green River corridor, making the site a reasonable choice in late spring and early summer. Trash service is provided, which reviewers credit for keeping the area relatively clean. Campers planning a longer loop can connect to Buckhorn Draw Road from here, with Buckhorn Draw fee designated Campsites 23-24 accessible along that route. This site works best for self-sufficient campers who prioritize canyon access over developed amenities.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLittle Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping is located in Utah near Castle Dale
Coordinates
39.11319108 N
110.72922982 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/4/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/4/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 users
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/4/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/4/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 users
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
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.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 50 min from Provo, UT
- 3 hrs 21 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 3 hrs 48 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 49 min from Ogden, UT
