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Best Dispersed Camping near Arches National Park

408 Reviews

Arches National Park and the surrounding Utah desert offer several dispersed camping options for those wanting a more basic outdoor experience. The dirt road beyond Hamburger Rock Campground leads to primitive sites where you'll find no facilities - just you and the desert. When camping here, you need to be completely self-sufficient and follow Leave No Trace practices. You must set up camp a specified distance from roads and water sources to protect the natural environment. Most areas allow stays up to 14 days, giving you plenty of time to explore the backcountry. Many spots require high-clearance vehicles to access, so standard cars might not make it to the more remote areas. Remember to bring everything you need (including water) and take all trash with you when you leave. Fire rules change frequently in this dry region, so always check current restrictions before your trip. The land around Arches gives you a chance to camp freely amid the remarkable rock formations and desert terrain.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Arches National Park (86)

    1. Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands

    53 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 538-5418

    "high clearance vehicle recommended. Low clearance vehicles can access sights closer to highway. Lots of camping spots tucked away if you continue down the road."

    "We tent camped here in mid December and it was cold at night, but nothing too terrible if you have the right sleeping bags."

    2. South Klondike Bluffs / Road 142 Dispersed

    32 Reviews
    Arches National Park, UT
    10 miles

    "Good spot just off the highway close to Arches and Canyonlands. Arrived at around 6pm and could only see about 2 other vehicles further down the road - so plenty of space."

    "Good safe spot right off the highway. Made it in my front wheel drive 21’ van. Just go slow. Lots of rocks sticking up and little rivets in the road. I was able to get around them."

    3. Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites

    21 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "Location is key with this site. You are 10 minutes from Arches National Park. You are also close to the state highway, train tracks, and powerlines. I didn’t mind the train."

    "Slightly rough road to get into the campsite plenty of places to choose from. Got there at like 6 o’clock on a Friday night with a camper van and had no trouble."

    4. BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed

    40 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    18 miles
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "A car with some high clearance and 4WD is probably necessary for this."

    "The best in Utah. The layout of this area is amazing and unique.

    We had the place to ourselves aside from some guy who was looking for his friends and ended up car camping."

    5. Porcupine rim campground

    16 Reviews
    Castle Valley, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3500

    "Dispersed camping with the best view I've ever seen. Even had clean vault toilet. There is a strict fire ban most of the time."

    "We went to Porcupine Rim Campground (Dispersed) on Oct. 15, 21 - Oct. 17, 21. The road to get yonder is uphill and bumpy, rocky."

    6. Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area

    31 Reviews
    La Sal, UT
    20 miles
    Website

    "There are no amenities (with the exception of occasional fire pits), but plenty of space for campers, large RVs, tents, etc. We were fine with a 2WD car."

    "This was our second night boondocking near Moab, and it was peaceful. We were the only ones out in this area camping with not a single car driving by while we were here."

    7. Castleton Tower

    9 Reviews
    Castle Valley, UT
    10 miles

    "Primitive camping but plenty of space for parking. No amenities but absolutely beautiful. Hiking was wonderful. The canyon/waterway leading to the tower is a really excellent hike."

    "Great views and good location, but signs were posted as of 4/5/22, no campfires allowed."

    8. BLM Mineral Bottom Road Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    15 miles
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "The farther you drive the sketchier the road gets - but we made it in our camper van without too much of an issue. It’s very quiet and the stars are incredible. Nice views in every direction"

    "A long drive down a dirt road, but without 4WD we made it easily and found a spot about 1 mile away from the main road. Amazing sunset views and no neighbors."

    9. BLM 144 Dispersed

    20 Reviews
    Thompson, UT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "It’s about 22 miles from Arches National Park and 25 from Moab but about 7 miles to Interstate 70. I was able to visit Arches and Cannonlands from here which was great."

    "Arrived around 9pm in the dark and was happy to see LOTS of empty flat space to camp for the night."

    10. BLM Bartlett Flat Camping Area

    10 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "No facilities, water, electricity, or bathrooms.

    No trees for shade

    Verizon 1 bar,"

    "When we were here in June, this area was really busy, but we were tent camping and we’re able to find a nice spot along the rocks."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Arches National Park

278 Photos of 86 Arches National Park Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Arches National Park

408 Reviews of 86 Arches National Park Campgrounds

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2022

    BLM Intrepid Well Road Dispersed Camping

    Seven-Up Overlook Dispersed

    This free BLM Dispersed area is at the end of the easy access road to the Intrepid Well Road. Do not enter the two oil gas pad areas. Signs at 313 note no camping for 1/2 mile, these sites are 1.7 miles in. Only 3-4 sites on rim of overlook above Whirlwind MTB trail. Cell signal is good. Sites are best for overlander types...no big RVs or TTs is advised due to rough access roads and small camping spots. No amenities, no water, no trash, no tables. Special rules are in effect for portable toilet use.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2025

    Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites

    Decent Site Close to Arches NP

    Location is key with this site. You are 10 minutes from Arches National Park. You are also close to the state highway, train tracks, and powerlines. I didn’t mind the train. The buzzing of the powerlines took some getting used to.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2022

    BLM Mineral Point Dispersed Camping Area

    Nice free dispersed close in.

    This BLM two track sandy road is first open road on left past Horsethief BLM fee campground. Road goes about .6 mile and ends. About 10+ nice free dispersed spots, nothing designated but areas are obvious. Rock fire ring is all you get. No tables, no water, no trash. But cell signal is not bad. This area is best for high clearance tenters or Overlander types...the farther down the road it gets more slick rock ledgey bumpy. I would not haul a TT or drive a RV down there but sure some will.

  • Summer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Indian Creek Recreation Area

    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.

  • Stavros M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2017

    Salt Valley Dispersed Camping

    One of the best campsites I’ve ever found.

    I drove through Arches National Park on Salt Valley Road, until it exited the park onto BLM Land. Took an immediate right and followed the fence of the park. The campsite is hidden behind a hill and is flat, with an existing stone fire pit. Plenty of dry firewood laying around and coyotes and antelope all around!

    www.welovetoexplore.com

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2022

    Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed

    Great Hiking

    First off do not pay attention to google directions as it will take you out of the way through a wash. There is quite an easy turn off right off of highway 70 (whether heading east or west, you can turn north off the highway). Once you turnoff of the highway there is a gate that may or may not be closed so once you go through leave it how you found it. 

    Follow the very manageable dirt road and there will be multiple pull out areas to camp in. The closer to the highway the more busy it is so keep driving. We found a small pull out between the two trails that take you on hike to the Spirit Arches and Petroglyphs and the other up through the wash to the pictographs. 

    The hike to the pictographs is much more interesting as you enter the narrow canyon. There are several spots that are reachable by RV, but further back you’ll need high clearance and possible 4x4. 

    There is no camping allowed within the canyon. At the trailhead though there are a few large areas for camping but probably easier with higher clearance. There is no bathroom, trash or water so pack in and pack out even that which you have already digested.;) 

    No cell service from ATT, Verizon or TMobile, but was able to get a bar or two on Verizon with the cell booster.  Oddly we did have cell reception on the hike within the canyon.

  • Ruairi K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2023

    BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed

    Insane views

    A car with some high clearance and 4WD is probably necessary for this. The road in is just dirt and not labeled, but you just turn right into one of the paths breaking off the main dirt road and head towards the canyon. There were multiple available campsites when we went with no one remotely near us. Views of the canyon are next level.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2024

    BLM 144 Dispersed

    Good access road with plenty of space

    I spent about a week here. Road in is primitive with slight washboards. Plenty of spots to choose from. It’s about 22 miles from Arches National Park and 25 from Moab but about 7 miles to Interstate 70. I was able to visit Arches and Cannonlands from here which was great. There is a train that runs twice a day, cows grazing every now and then and you can hear the traffic on the highway. Great cell service (I have Verizon).

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2022

    BLM Tibbetts Arch Road Dispersed Camping

    Overlander types only

    This area is on a narrow entrenched sandy two track road and some sections are rough slick rock..so high clearance overlander type rigs are the best to access these sites. TTs and RVs are NOT recommended. Camping is allowed at 1/2 mile distance from Hwy 313 and Special Regulations include required portable toilets. Cell is iffy depending on straight line to north. No amenities, pure boondocking. Cows share the area.

Guide to Arches National Park

Dispersed camping near Arches National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Utah. With a variety of options available, campers can find secluded spots that provide both adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Arches National Park

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

Unique Experiences Dispersed Campers Should Check Out

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for BLM camping around Arches National Park?

BLM camping around Arches follows standard dispersed camping regulations. Camping is typically permitted only in established sites with existing fire rings. At areas like BLM Intrepid Well Road Dispersed Camping, signs note no camping for 1/2 mile from Highway 313, with legal sites beginning about 1.7 miles in. Similarly, at BLM Tibbetts Arch Road Dispersed Camping, camping is allowed only at 1/2 mile distance from Highway 313. Special regulations include fire restrictions during dry seasons, a 14-day stay limit, and requirements to pack out all waste. Always use existing fire rings, stay on established roads, and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arches National Park?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Arches National Park on BLM land. Salt Valley Dispersed Camping is accessible by driving through Arches on Salt Valley Road until it exits onto BLM land. It offers flat sites with existing stone fire pits. BLM Mineral Point Dispersed Camping Area is located past Horsethief BLM fee campground on the first left turn. This area has about 10+ nice dispersed spots along a sandy two-track road that extends about 0.6 miles. Remember that free dispersed camping typically means no amenities – bring your own water, pack out trash, and be prepared for primitive conditions.

Can you boondock near Arches National Park with an RV?

Yes, RV boondocking is possible near Arches National Park, though site accessibility varies based on your rig size and road conditions. BLM 144 Dispersed offers numerous spots about 22 miles from Arches. The access road is primitive with slight washboards but accommodates larger vehicles. Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites provides convenient locations just 10 minutes from Arches, with multiple spots suitable for camper vans and smaller RVs. For larger rigs, road conditions are critical – avoid narrow or rough roads like Tibbetts Arch Road. When boondocking, remember to bring all necessary supplies, including water, and be prepared for no hookups or facilities.

What specific roads and areas offer the best dispersed camping options around Arches?

Several roads around Arches provide excellent dispersed camping options. BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed offers secluded sites accessible via unmarked dirt roads breaking off from the main route toward the canyon. High clearance and 4WD are recommended. Indian Creek Recreation Area provides dispersed camping about 2-3 miles from Canyonlands Needles entrance, with several pull-through sites for RVs. Other notable areas include Mineral Point Road, Intrepid Well Road, and Highway 128 corridor. Salt Valley Road exiting Arches also leads to dispersed sites. Road conditions vary seasonally, so check recent reports before attempting access on less-traveled routes.

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