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Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.
From the rolling sagebrush desert to the red gate cliffs at Torrey, all the way up to Capitol Reef National Park. The Gateway to Capitol Reef Special Recreation Management Area contains parts of the Fremont River, multi-hued bentonite hills and gorgeous hiking opportunities.
Dispersed camping in previously disturbed areas is permitted on BLM and USFS lands outside of developed campgrounds. Leave no trace of your visit. No services are available in these areas. Please respect our fragile lands by using minimum impact techniques and utilizing existing fire rings. On BLM and USFS lands, you must camp within 150 feet (45 m) of officially-designated routes, and only on existing spur roads. Please respect private property and other areas closed to camping. Be aware of the potential for wildfire due to drought conditions and/or windy weather. Check current fire restrictions. Never leave a fire unattended, and extinguish it cold to the touch when you leave.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Rules for Dispersed Camping Groups of over 75 people who wish to use the forest, need to obtain a special use permit. There is no fee and permits can be obtained at the nearest District Office. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area. Campers may not spend more than 16 days of any 30 day period at the same dispersed area. Please place your campsite at least 100 feet from any stream or other water source. Keep a Pack-In Pack-Out camp. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines. Contact the local Forest Service office to see if any restrictions, especially fire restrictions are in place. Be Bear Aware. There are bears on the National Forest, so camp accordingly.
Visitors have the option of choosing campsites in the heart of recreation areas or setting up camp in remote locations within the Richfield Field Office. Contact the office for more information.
Guide
A large space, though uneven in parts. We pulled in later so there were a few folks already parked up for the night. A quiet nights sleep.
Scout
Fit my 22' TT without issue. Road is a bit rocky to get into the better sites, but there is a spot right off the turnoff that would accommodate bigger rigs. Woke up to a herd of Elk grazing outside the camper and a gorgeous sunrise. Will definitely stop here again when I'm coming through
Scout
Solid dispersed camp with room for 2 or more campers. Requires solid 4x4 to get to but not technical driving to get there.
There are one or two spots to park in the final 3/4 mile descent to the trailhead offer even more amazing views (they were occupied when we arrived)
Traveler
Excellent boondock site. I had no problem with my thirty foot travel trailer. Excellent AT&T coverage
Traveler
A beautiful camp to set up RVs, vans, and tents. Plenty of space. There were several others here and did not feel close to anyone. Fire pits are available, but they are just slightly dug holes with small rocks. Recommend reinforcing the rocks before use.
GuideGreat place to stay close to Torrey, Utah, and Capitol Reef NP. There are lots of places to choose from with some spots with make shift fire rings. Great views of the Boulder Mountains, Thousands Lake Mountains, and Capitol Reef in the distance. There are no restrooms, water or electricity. Close to Torrey where you can find the essentials.
Guide
Calf Creek campground was full and the host told us about this spot. Up a dirt road you end up just below the radio tower. Very private and quiet
TravelerBumpy dirt road going in. Large area with plenty of private dispersed camping spots.
TravelerThis is just a pull out off the hwy. Sign says no camping.
TravelerIf you have a 4x4, we recommend pulling back slightly to the right as far as you can. We went back and got tucked into a more secluded nook with a good fire ring. It looks bumpy and uneven, but it’s possible to level a vehicle that’s 21 feet and under.
The hike up above the site is really beautiful. The trail took us up above the cliff edge that borders the site. From there you have sweeping views of the valley and out to the mountains in both directions.
Important to note:
Traveler
We liked this spot however we could not go in very far due to the fact that our trailer has low clearance. There are a lot of long ruts from water run off.
There are two dumpsters near the entrance. Area was clean and good cell service.
Location is ideal for area slot canyons etc.
Traveler
Just needed to find a place for the night and this was perfect! No one around, huge site, beautiful views and free! Cows meander around the campsite..didn't bother us. If you go past where the directions take you, there are 3 or 4 spots that are also nice. Road is easy to travel.
Guide
Although the sand wasn’t a surprise, i was shocked at how much it stuck to everything LOL! But the site had lots of dedicated spots for camping and went on the quite a few miles. The view was beautiful, but we were nervous about mountain lions as we noticed a lot of tracks when we arrived, and saw even more next to our car in the morning as we were leaving. The road in isn’t very rough, just lots of sand and small bumps. Would stay here again!
Scout
Up on a mesa (not super high that it’s a tough climb), on Notom road which is paved, then turn on dirt road not far from Hwy 24 (maybe 1/4-1/2 mile). Only two other campers about a football field apart from me. Amazing view of Henry mountains and sunrise!! Made it slowly in my front wheel drive van over the rocks that stick up. No problem. Just slow.
LegendThis area is close to the summit elevation of Boulder Mt at 9550 elv. A rough rocky road leaves a scenic pull off all g hwy #12 and heads to some Aspen stands and a corral. The best sites are in the vicinity of the corral. Good cell signal, but no water, no dumpsters, however the views are great. In the fall season, the yellow aspens are spectacular.
Traveler
Many spots to select from. The road is a little rough in spots, so slow is good. Great views
GuideThis spot is up on a hill top. Plenty of spots to camp. Nice views, good fall breeze. There are 2 Porta potty on site. The only issue I didn't like was right at the entrance for the first 75 feet there were a lot of rocks sticking up out of the ground. Made it very uneven. Had my wife get out to make sure I didn't rip anything off the RV. We run a 36' Solitude. Only 7 miles to Capitol Reef visitor center.
TravelerLiterally first road outside of West entrance to CRNP. It’s pretty rocky, would come during daylight to setup. Portapotties on site.
LegendHole in the rock road start sites. Lots of dispersed sites with valley views. Good cell service.
Legend
Beautiful dispersed campsites adjacent to the road but hidden by the small old Cypress trees. Lots of fire rings built with rocks. Vista views
Legend
Nice open site short drive from Hwy 12. The trail takes you to beautiful vistas of Capital Ridge national Park. Nice big fire ring. Can hear hwy. 2wd vehicle can drive up. At about 9500ft
Traveler
This dispersed campsite is great if you’re looking to spend the night before or after visiting Capitol Reef National Park. It doesn’t offer much other than some flat spots to set up a tent or open your rooftop tent. The sound of a nearby creek is nice to listen to before you fall asleep. If you visit in November it will be chilly at night so plan accordingly. The sites are close to a gas station and a Mexican restaurant as well as a hotel.
Traveler
There are signs mentioning danger like "nearly no car can make this road" or "floods". The street is a little bit bumpy in the beginning but then fine.
For me it was perfectly fine and had a good sleep.
Absolutely no reception on any provider for me
GuideEasy to find & pretty smooth road to some nice spots. Beautiful view! Easy access to downtown Torrey & Capitol Reef National Park.
GuideStayed a couple of nights ago, lots of sites all with fire rings. Easy turn off right near Capitol Reef NP which is wicked convenient. There are no facilities here so keep that in mind. Was extremely windy and had intermittent rain/thunderstorms passing through (that don’t show up on weather/radar) so something to consider during this season if you’re tenting it like us. The ground is also majorly rock so staking tents for the wind is very difficult. All that being said the views are amazing & hearing coyotes off in the distance gave some cool ambiance
Guide
Numerous spots along the road. Some are very well shaded while others have lots of sun.
This spot is large and shaded. Rock fire pit. There’s currently fire restrictions so we didn’t have a fire but we set up a nice little sitting area around the fire with logs we found in the forested area.
There is a mama bear and cub in the area although we didn’t see her.
Weather is cooler than in Capitol Reef so it’s a nice place to recharge and escape the heat.
Lots of firewood in close vicinity so no need to bring any in with you (check for fire restrictions before).
Would definitely come back here.
If you follow the road all the way up you can access Cathedral Valley Campground (great views from up there)
Remember to pack out your garbage.
Guide
Right outside of capitol reef national park. Camping right on the water, plenty of room & some privacy.
Dispersed camping near Bicknell, Utah, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and scenic beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bicknell, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bicknell, UT is Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 46 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bicknell, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 90 dispersed camping locations near Bicknell, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
