Ashley National Forest dispersed camping sites provide primitive camping options at elevations ranging from 7,500 to 9,000 feet. Weather patterns can shift rapidly at these elevations, with significant temperature drops after sunset even during summer months. The terrain varies from open meadows to dense pine and aspen groves, with most primitive sites requiring self-contained camping equipment and adherence to Forest Service regulations.
What to do
Mountain biking on established trails: McCoy Flats area offers excellent mountain biking trails alongside primitive camping. As one camper notes, "not crowded, primitive and scenic, and free," with access to vault toilets near the trailheads.
Kayaking on Flaming Gorge: Spring Creek Road Dispersed - Flaming Gorge provides direct lake access. A visitor mentioned, "Nice area where you can get a spot right on the water... You'll also have boats pulling water skiers/boarders by and the occasional fishers or kayakers floating by."
Wildlife photography: The Range Study Area - FS Road #217 offers chances to spot diverse wildlife. One camper observed, "There is all kinds of wildlife in this area including deer, chip munks, squirrels, elk, and occasionally a bear. So be sure to keep trash and all food inside or bear proof."
What campers like
Waterfront camping options: Campers appreciate sites with direct water access. At Jug Hollow Road - Dispersed Camp, "The entire area is dispersed camping with spots on hills overlooking the lake or down shoreside. The entire area is accessible for camping... We spent 3 days here it was so great."
Cooler temperatures at higher elevations: The higher elevation camping areas provide relief from summer heat. A camper at Range Study Area noted, "I was at Steinaker State Park near Vernal, UT and it was H O T! Needed cooler temps and found FR 217 with an elevation of 8400' - ahhh…temps in 70's."
Cell service in remote areas: Unlike many wilderness camping areas, several Ashley National Forest dispersed sites offer connectivity. At Utah Forest Road 13 Dispersed Camping, visitors found "Nice grassy spots, just pull in where ever you see a fire ring... I had full bars of LTE extended network on Verizon, enough to send texts, make calls, and could load some webpages but it was pretty slow."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many forest roads require appropriate vehicles. At Forest Road #604 Dispersed, one reviewer warned, "Very rocky road. Did not even attempt it in a 2wd and I highly advise you skip if you arent in high clearance 4x4. Steep and rocky."
Weather preparation essential: Summer storms can arrive suddenly. At Meadow Park Dispersed Camping, campers found "endless options for sites" but noted the need for weather preparedness as conditions can change quickly at higher elevations.
Wildlife encounters require caution: Bears and other wildlife frequent these areas. A camper at Bowden Draw Dispersed Camping Area shared, "My campsite has been visited by bears during the night a few times. It was their home first but can be quite the shocker."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with natural boundaries: Meadow Park Dispersed Camping offers "very secluded spots tucked in the trees" which helps contain children in natural boundaries. A visitor described it as a "Hidden Gem in Ashley NF" with "endless options for sites."
Be aware of cattle grazing: Several areas permit grazing. A camper at Meadow Park noted, "In the summer they do drive cattle through this spot so be mindful that you may hear horses, riders, dogs, and mooing."
Look for open play areas: Some sites offer natural play spaces for children. At the Range Study Area, a camper mentioned it's a "Great area to let dogs and kids run" with open fields suitable for yard games and exploration.
Tips from RVers
Scout ahead for larger rigs: Some roads become impassable for larger vehicles. One RVer at Green River Peninsula Camp warned, "Had I known how bad it would get, I would not have made the journey with my 40' Toy Hauler... Far worse than any road I've been on."
Seek level sites for easier setup: Level sites save time and resources. At Northeast Utah BLM Land, a camper with a 35-foot trailer reported, "Only took an inch and a half or so of leveling to get level on my driver side. There's a few places you could put a trailer here."
Prepare for limited turnaround space: Many forest roads lack adequate turnaround areas for larger rigs. A reviewer at Utah Forest Road 13 cautioned, "I would not go up this road with a trailer unless you had a turnaround open. This area is best suited to overlander tent and truck camper types."
