Camper submitted image from Navajo Cliffs - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Navajo Cliffs - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Navajo Cliffs - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Navajo Cliffs - 4
Water
Camper submitted image from Navajo Cliffs - 5
People

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Navajo Cliffs

Review Campground Win Gear

Do you own or manage this property?

Claim Your Listing

Navajo Cliffs, near Ashley National Forest, is a stunning spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the frills. This place offers a free, primitive camping experience right by the water, with plenty of space for tents and RVs, making it a popular choice for families and groups.

The views here are nothing short of breathtaking, with many campers raving about the 360-degree panoramas. You’ll find established fire circles and ample privacy, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars. Just a heads up, the access road can be a bit rough, especially if it’s wet, so make sure your vehicle is up for the challenge.

Fishing is a draw for many, with sightings of Kokanee salmon and bass, though the bites can be elusive. Some visitors recommend planning your trip during the week for a quieter experience, as weekends can get busy. And while the scenery is gorgeous, be prepared for some pesky gnats and the occasional cow patty along the shore.

If you’re up for a little adventure, the surrounding Ashley National Forest offers hiking trails and more outdoor fun. Just remember, this spot is all about the basics—no drinking water, electric hookups, or trash services, so come prepared. Whether you’re looking to relax by the reservoir or explore the wild, Navajo Cliffs has a lot to offer.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Ashley National Forest

Navajo Cliffs is an ideal group day-use site for weddings, reunions and large gatherings. Its just 7 miles south of Manila, Utah, along the scenic Sheep Creek Geological Loop at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Natural Features: The site offers beautiful views of unique Navajo Cliffs. Shady trees line the banks of Sheep Creek, which runs through the site. Wildlife is plentiful in the area. Typical weather ranges from warm days to cool nights. Recreation: Sheep Creek offers rainbow trout and kokanee salmon fishing. Boating, fishing, canoeing, water skiing and swimming are popular activities on nearby Flaming Gorge. Facilities: This group day-use site can accommodate up to 80 people. Large picnic tables, a serving table, grills and a campfire ring with benches are provided. A vault toilet and garbage service is provided but there is no water. Picnickers must bring their own supply. Nearby Attractions: Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is known not only for its beautiful red cliffs, but also for its world-class fishing for lake, brown and rainbow trout. Boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and scuba diving are popular activities on the reservoir. Flaming Gorge Dam offers guided tours of the working hydroelectric plant and the dam itself; The adjacent visitor center contains area history exhibits. The Green River below the dam provides spectacular rafting opportunities. A trip down the river offers unique geology, outlaw history and Native American rock art.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Navajo Cliffs is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

40.9893582 N
109.56083127 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Navajo Cliffs needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

64%
19%
10%
10%
0%

4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 20, 2022

Great spots, road is not the best

Overall the spot is gorgeous. Many campfire circles already setup, a heap of space and privacy too. The road is gravel and dirt and has some major pot holes in a few areas currently, so be aware coming down if you’re not fully equipped for those kinds of roads.

Saw a heap of fish, Kokanee salmon and bass mostly, but unable to catch any/get a bite.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Emily , October 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Emily , October 20, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2022

Jug Hollow Point

Great spot. Quiet until the weekends so plan your trip during the week.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2021

Great 360 Views

Drove in at night. Don’t take 318 from CO and into Utah in the dark. Lesson learned.

Nice quiet place to spend the night, can see stars if the weather is good. Decently flat ground, beach is rocky but clean where we parked (we parked just off the road before the beach).

Would not recommend driving down the the beach when wet. Saw some sandy patches with ruts.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Rose , September 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Rose , September 3, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2021

Fantastic Location

Stopped here on the way to Tetons from Grand Junction, CO and after a midly harrowing journey through the pass on our old, large RV we arrived right as the sun was setting. Only regret was we didn't stay longer!

Note: our rig was a 33ft class A and the dirt/gravel roads on the way in can be difficult especially if wet/rainy. Would recommend caution for similar rigs. We were able to do it but we're also dumb and lucky :)

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Tim , July 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Tim , July 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Tim , July 4, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 9, 2021

Gnats and cow poop

Amazing, gorgeous spot...however you cannot be outside without swarms of gnats and mosquitoes overtaking you. And the cows. Poop all along the shore. Gross.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Cyndee F., June 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Cyndee F., June 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Cyndee F., June 9, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed May. 30, 2021

Dispersed

Awesome views. Dispersed camping on the lake. Drive down a gravel road and then hit a awesome lake view. It was during Memorial Day weekend and still found a spot.

SiteDispersed
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Matthew D., May 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Matthew D., May 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Matthew D., May 30, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jan. 9, 2021

Camp on the reservoir right on the water.

Free BLM camping.  There are tons of sites, most right on the water.  Basically you can camp anywhere you want.  Big rigs are all over the place.  Make no mistake, this is a very popular place and the weekends are very busy.

Many families come in large groups with several campers and they bring their boats right up to the camp site.  

The views are stunning.  Hiking is in the national forest about a 1/2 hour drive south.  If you go in spring or late fall after Labor day, the crowds are significantly lower but if you're looking for solitude, this isn't the place.

The access road is narrow but easily passable by the biggest rigs.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Doug W., January 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Doug W., January 9, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2020

Free, Primitive Campsite

Got here late on a Wednesday night in late September and there were still two campsites available. Sites consist of a clearing with a fire pit. Campground is at the end of a long dirt road, but it’s good quality, no issue for my Honda Civic. Some noise from kids at other campsites until around 10:30pm. No litter. Good water access. Lots of gnats at night, but no mosquitos. I was a little too close for comfort to one of my neighbors, but crowdedness isn’t too bad. And the view is pretty amazing.

  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Cameron , October 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Cameron , October 1, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2020

Reallt beautiful and unique area

This was one of our favorite camping spots that my partner and I found during a 3 week road trip. Really gorgeous area and a lot of open spots if you keep driving. The dirt road wasn’t too bad, we have a civic and it made it out okay. Everyone is pretty spread out so you’ll get some privacy.

  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Sarah R., August 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Sarah R., August 7, 2020
Reviewed May. 17, 2020

Big spaces

Great camping spots right on the water. No services and the views and camp sites were all great and quite large.

  • Review photo of Navajo Cliffs by Ben B., May 17, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2018

My favorite camping!!!!!

This is a once a year MUST!!!! Free, dispersed camping in the beautiful Flaming Gorge! The drive in is beautiful, the camping is beautiful...don’t miss it. No services, but just a dirt road to get there. Lots of RVs were also using this area! Beach camping, swimming, amazing sunsets...it has it all. We were there in July on a Thursday, many spots were open. Take time to drive around and go down the little side “roads”, that’s how we found our little gem of a site!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Navajo Cliffs?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Navajo Cliffs, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Navajo Cliffs?

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