Join the fun near Blanding. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Blanding, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
Devils Canyon Campground sits in the Manti-LaSal National Forest of southeast Utah at the foot of the Abajo Mountains. There is water available seasonally from June to September.
Several miles of off-road vehicle trails crisscross the Abajo Mountains. The Camp Jackson/Wagon Wheel Trail can be accessed nearby. The Abajo Loop State Scenic Backway passes by the campground. It leads from the desert floor and red rock canyons to steep mountains over 10,000 feet high, with overlooks and panoramic views. The byway is suitable for passenger vehicles from late spring through fall but is not recommended for large RVs.
Ponderosa pines, pinyon pines and juniper cover the area, offering limited shade. The campground sits at an elevation of 7,400 feet, and summer temperatures are warm in the day and cool in the evening. Birds, squirrels, chipmunks, mule deer and black bear may be seen in the area.
Popular attractions in the area include Canyonlands, Arches and Mesa Verde National Parks, Dark Canyon Wilderness, Edge of the Cedars State Park, Lake Powell and numerous archaeological sites. Evening programs are provided at Edge of the Cedars Museum in Blanding. The San Juan County Fair is held annually in August in Monticello.
$20 / night
Sand Island Recreation Area is a good camping option for visitors launching San Juan River float trips, or wishing to camp close to the town of Bluff or the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument. The campground provides 23 campsites that each feature a tent/trailer space, a picnic table, a fire ring, and vault toilets. Drinking water is available seasonally (typically March through October). Each campsite can hold 8 people and 2 vehicles. Reservations are not available for camping at this location. Individual campsites are available on a first come, first served basis upon arrival at the self-register kiosk at the site. The Sand Island Group Sites are available for larger groups, and may be reserved here.__
Sand Island is the primary launch point for multi-day San Juan River float trips. San Juan River trips provide boaters with access to spectacular canyons rich in scenery, geology, archeology, history and wildlife. A river permit is required in advance. The Sand Island Petroglyph Panel site is located on the sandstone walls on the north side of the recreation area. There are many nearby hiking and scenic driving opportuites in the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument.
Sand Island is the primary launch point for multi-day San Juan River float trips. San Juan River trips provide boaters with access to spectacular canyons rich in scenery, geology, archeology, history and wildlife. A river permit is required in advance. The Sand Island Petroglyph Panel site is located on the sandstone walls on the north side of the recreation area. There are many nearby hiking and scenic driving opportuites in the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument.
Sand Island is located along the San Juan River. Cottonwood trees line the banks of the river and are scattered throughout the campground, providing shade at many of the sites. The north side of the campground is lined with red sandstone walls.
Bears Ears National Monument__ San Juan River Cedar Mesa Valley of the Gods Goosenecks State Park
For facility specific information, please call (435) 587-1500.
No refunds are available.
$15 / night
Lots of sites, all free, primitive. GREAT views of the Mexican Hat geological features. Good for 2wd cars.
Looking for a retreat from the hustle of daily life - where the stars are bright, the air is clear, and the only noise is a nearby owl hooting into the night? BLM Utah provides outstanding camping opportunities for every comfort-level. From remote, backcountry camping to front-country developed sites, you will find the perfect campsite on BLM Utah-managed lands. BLM camping areas provide differing levels of services - plan ahead and be prepared, bring water, and the appropriate means to deal with your trash and human/dog waste.
The campground includes 13 sites total, each of which can accommodate tent campers or RVs. Due to the size of the campground, there is a length limit of 26 feet combined. The campground is open year-round and is typically busiest from mid-March to mid-June. Visitation also spikes in the late fall, between September and October. The campground tends to fill up quickly during these busy periods. The Natural Bridges National Monument Campground is located approximately 35 miles West of Blanding, UT, nestled in the heart of Bears Ears National Monument. Situated in a high-desert environment at 6,500 feet above sea level, the campground is surrounded by a sprawling pinon-juniper forest. The elevation can also be cause for dramatic temperature fluctuations. Temperatures can reach highs of 100 degrees Fahrenheit mid-Summer and can dip below freezing in the Winter.
Natural Bridges National Monument is home to three of the largest natural bridges in the United States. The bridges can be viewed from three overlooks situated along the nine-mile loop drive through the park. The overlooks are each paved and located less than one-quarter mile from the parking areas. Hiking trails to the bridges themselves are also available. Descend into White or Armstrong canyons and wind along the wash to view the bridges from below. The hiking routes along the canyon bottom are unmaintained and may experience small changes depending on weather. Visitors may also encounter archeological sites in the area. When visiting archeological sites, structures, pictographs, petroglyphs, or delicate rock formations, please visit with respect. Stop by the visitor center and ask a ranger about the "Dos and Don'ts" of visiting these areas. Natural Bridges also boasts an incredible night sky as the worlds first International Dark Sky Park. Night-sky programming may be available in the spring and fall, dependent on staffing levels.
The Natural Bridges National Monument Campground is located just one-quarter mile from the Visitor Center, which can be accessed by car, bike, or by walking path. Visitors can connect the trail to the Visitor Center with another short path that leads to the parks solar field, which provides all power for the monument. Please stay on the marked pathways and campsites, as an abundance of living biological soil crust surrounds the campground. Views of the Bears Ears, a natural formation of two buttes for which the surrounding area is named, can be seen from the campground. The campground is enclosed by beautiful pinon pine and juniper forest, which provides ample privacy between sites without obstructing the view of wide-open skies. These vast and unpolluted skies make Natural Bridges a wonderful place to stargaze.
Natural Bridges National Monument is surrounded by a multitude of public Federal Lands, including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Forest Service (NFS), and other National Park Service (NPS) sites, as well as state and tribal parks. Within a two-hour drive or less, visitors can access Bears Ears National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument, various NFS recreation areas, Goosenecks State Park, Monument Valley Tribal Park, and Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. All of these locations have opportunities for hiking, scenic viewing, and other activities. There are also several museums in the area, including Edge of the Cedars State Park in Blanding, UT and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Delores, CO.
$16 / night
Nizhoni Campground sits in the Manti-LaSal National Forest in southeast Utah, at the foot of the Abajo Mountains.__
Popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing and off-road vehicle riding. Several trailheads are nearby, including Shay Ridge, Aspen Flat and Red Ledges. The Abajo Loop State Scenic Backway passes by the campground. It leads from the desert floor and red rock canyons to steep mountains over 10,000 feet high, with overlooks and panoramic views. The byway is suitable for passenger vehicles from late spring through fall but is not recommended for large RVs.
Popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing and off-road vehicle riding. Several trailheads are nearby, including Shay Ridge, Aspen Flat and Red Ledges. The Abajo Loop State Scenic Backway passes by the campground. It leads from the desert floor and red rock canyons to steep mountains over 10,000 feet high, with overlooks and panoramic views. The byway is suitable for passenger vehicles from late spring through fall but is not recommended for large RVs.
Towering Ponderosa pines forest the site, offering partial shade. Gambel oaks and sagebrush dot the landscape. The campground sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet, and summer temperatures range from 80-90 degrees during the day and 55-65 degrees at night. Mule deer, wild turkeys, Abert's squirrels and the occasional black bear may be seen in the area.
Other attractions in the area include Canyonlands, Arches and Mesa Verde National Parks, Dark Canyon Wilderness, Edge of the Cedars State Park, Lake Powell and numerous archaeological sites.
$50 / night
Devils Canyon Campground sits in the Manti-LaSal National Forest of southeast Utah at the foot of the Abajo Mountains. There is water available seasonally from June to September.
Several miles of off-road vehicle trails crisscross the Abajo Mountains. The Camp Jackson/Wagon Wheel Trail can be accessed nearby. The Abajo Loop State Scenic Backway passes by the campground. It leads from the desert floor and red rock canyons to steep mountains over 10,000 feet high, with overlooks and panoramic views. The byway is suitable for passenger vehicles from late spring through fall but is not recommended for large RVs.
Ponderosa pines, pinyon pines and juniper cover the area, offering limited shade. The campground sits at an elevation of 7,400 feet, and summer temperatures are warm in the day and cool in the evening. Birds, squirrels, chipmunks, mule deer and black bear may be seen in the area.
Popular attractions in the area include Canyonlands, Arches and Mesa Verde National Parks, Dark Canyon Wilderness, Edge of the Cedars State Park, Lake Powell and numerous archaeological sites. Evening programs are provided at Edge of the Cedars Museum in Blanding. The San Juan County Fair is held annually in August in Monticello.
$20 / night
Sand Island Recreation Area is a good camping option for visitors launching San Juan River float trips, or wishing to camp close to the town of Bluff or the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument. The campground provides 23 campsites that each feature a tent/trailer space, a picnic table, a fire ring, and vault toilets. Drinking water is available seasonally (typically March through October). Each campsite can hold 8 people and 2 vehicles. Reservations are not available for camping at this location. Individual campsites are available on a first come, first served basis upon arrival at the self-register kiosk at the site. The Sand Island Group Sites are available for larger groups, and may be reserved here.__
Sand Island is the primary launch point for multi-day San Juan River float trips. San Juan River trips provide boaters with access to spectacular canyons rich in scenery, geology, archeology, history and wildlife. A river permit is required in advance. The Sand Island Petroglyph Panel site is located on the sandstone walls on the north side of the recreation area. There are many nearby hiking and scenic driving opportuites in the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument.
Sand Island is the primary launch point for multi-day San Juan River float trips. San Juan River trips provide boaters with access to spectacular canyons rich in scenery, geology, archeology, history and wildlife. A river permit is required in advance. The Sand Island Petroglyph Panel site is located on the sandstone walls on the north side of the recreation area. There are many nearby hiking and scenic driving opportuites in the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument.
Sand Island is located along the San Juan River. Cottonwood trees line the banks of the river and are scattered throughout the campground, providing shade at many of the sites. The north side of the campground is lined with red sandstone walls.
Bears Ears National Monument__ San Juan River Cedar Mesa Valley of the Gods Goosenecks State Park
For facility specific information, please call (435) 587-1500.
No refunds are available.
$15 / night
Looking for a retreat from the hustle of daily life - where the stars are bright, the air is clear, and the only noise is a nearby owl hooting into the night? BLM Utah provides outstanding camping opportunities for every comfort-level. From remote, backcountry camping to front-country developed sites, you will find the perfect campsite on BLM Utah-managed lands. BLM camping areas provide differing levels of services - plan ahead and be prepared, bring water, and the appropriate means to deal with your trash and human/dog waste.
Scout
This campsite was easy to access. Had an amazing view and clean facilities. We would stay there again if we’re in the area.
Traveler
Easy spot to get to, paved road most of the way. Watch out for deer if you’re driving in the evening, we saw lots of them. The pull in spot had one other truck and trailer when we arrived and we had room to turn our rig and towed vehicle around to get the mountainside view. Little muddy in spots. Very quiet.
Traveler
We stayed here during hunting season, noticeable amount of noise in the very early hours of the morning due to this. On a clear night you can see an amazing amount of stars!
Scout
River views in the morning are so pretty. Roads a bit rocky comin in, we didnt have any problems in our subaru crosstreck but could be tough if the geound gets muddy.
Traveler
Well-kept grounds make clear the managers care. The trading post is full of beautiful , native-made items and a handy small store of cameras essentials. We appreciated the small laundromat.
Traveler
A meticulously maintained park with lots of room, some shady trees, and level sites. Views of the beautiful red cliffs.
Traveler
Cute clean little park out of the way of the Moab crowds. Great stop over in that long stretch of 191.
Guide
Just stayed one night but the site/roads had been recently repaved and park was being updated. Tall pines, good hiking and quiet surroundings made for a good overnight stay.
Guide
Spent (2) wonderful nights under the moon and stars. One of my favorite campgrounds within the NP system. I stayed in Site 20 Loop B. Trash and Vault toilet nearby. Deep sink for drinking water and dishwashing a few minutes away.
No cell service. Wifi at Visitor Center (8 min. drive from Loop B). Friendly staff and volunteer rangers. Fire pit/grille and picnic table. Looking forward to the next stay.
Ranger
Stayed night of 4/21, all single sites FCFS but we found a space arriving around 1230 on a Friday (space 4, $20). Clean restrooms and followed road to end Needles Overlook and took a few walks. Mostly RVs but very quiet, no one using generators excessively. Was hoping for a clear sky but mostly overcast. Low around 38.
If you have time, drive down dirt road (good condition) to Canyonlands NP Needles Overlook. Other stuff in area includes Newspaper Rock and Natural Bridges.…not to mention Moab, La Sal mountains, etc.
Food aside: Made quesadillas with green chile tortillas, cheese, and some jerky.
Scout
Be prepared for no water unless there has been recent rains, and even then there likely won't be any.
It can get windy, so be ready for that, and you'll need to bring your own firewood as well. It's beautiful but there aren't any amenities beyond (maybe) a fire pit.
I'd argue there are better spots on Cedar Mesa itself, but the Valley of the Gods is a beautiful alternative to the more famous Monument Valley.
Both Natural Bridges and Hovenweap are worth the short (an hour at most) drives from camp, and both have developed campgrounds for those looking for toilets or other aspects of civilization.
Guide
We loved staying here. Very remote but just minutes to Canyonlands Needles Visitor Center. Other people around but quiet and well kept. Views are anazing. The owners are really nice and I had a great milkshake. Highly recommend this campground.
Traveler
Never in my life have I heard of Mexican Hat, let alone the rock it’s named after. Jeez this place was cool, the river was beautiful, the dispersed camping areas were great under the stars, and that dang Mexican Hat Rock juxtaposed to the unforgiving sea of desert just put a huge smile on my face.
Guide
Very easy to drive on road, we took a 2WD car and had no issues. Plenty of spots so you’ll always find a place to camp for the night.
Great views at every spot and barely any road noise from the highway. Good AT&T coverage.
No fires allowed here so keep that in mind
Guide
You need clearance to be able to enter this spot, there’s a large rut which stopped us from getting into the spot, we had to turn around - so only attempt to come here if you have a 4x4 or a vehicle with clearance
TravelerVery nice RV park. They have done alot of improvements so everything is clean and new. All pull through sites, level sites, a new bath house with large showers and laundry facilities. The only complaint is that there is not much shade, but they have planted trees, so are trying. The manager/caretaker is busy everyday working on keeping the property nice & in good working condition. Very nice and accommodating. We would definitely stay again.
GuideQuiet spot. Plenty of spots on a Saturday afternoon. Metal picnic tables, fire pits, paved parking spots.
GuideSo beautiful. Plenty of dispersed sites. Even on a Friday at 5pm! Sacred. Revenant. Be respectful of this beautiful land!
Scout
Was quiet and convienent to the local town. No signal but there is some at the bottom of the entrance.
WARNING: if you don't have an off-road capable vehicle don't listen to the GPS, it took us down a super sketchy back road. If you're coming from the North, go further down and use Radio Hill Rd to access this site.
Traveler
Gorgeous Views literally camping on the rim of a 1000 foot high cliff overlooking the goosenecks of the San Juan river below. No designated campsites. Just pick your spot along the canyon rim. Great place for trailers / campers. I wouldn't want to camp here in tent.
Pros:
Easy drive in and pull up to a spot.
Dark sky area so you can get some amazing night photography shots
Close to other attractions including Valley of the Gods, Muley Point (which would also be a fun campsite), Monument Valley (a bit further afield), etc.
The canyon below is stunning and the goosenecks are quite remarkable
Cons:
This is not a site for small children. You are literally camping several feet away from a 1000 foot cliff.
You are on top of a mesa and we had some strong winds blowing across.
The terrain is very flat, but is also rocky. I would not want to set up a tent on the rocks and/or fight the wind with a tent.
The pit toilets are reasonably clean, but only located by the park entrance gate. So if you park further along the rim, you either need your own facilities, you have a very long walk, or you are driving back and forth over the rocky road (disturbing all of the other campers along the way).
The last observation is that while the goosenecks are truly incredible, especially from the main lookout spot, the color of the rocks in the canyon aren't as varied as other places (i.e., compared to Dead Horse Point State Park). As a photographer, I kept hoping the coloring would be more captivating once the light shifted, shadows moved, etc., but that never happened. Go in with the right expectations and you won't be disappointed.
Traveler
We were unable to find any open spots at Comb Wash Campground on the south side of the road. And the spot we found on the north side was full of sticker weeds. Yuck. Ain't nobody got time for that. So we headed up the road toward blanding until we saw a camping sign and drove a short ways up the road and found a turn out.
This is basically a convergence of several old roads. It was rather dusty/sandy. But grasses rather than sticker weeds. Cottonwood trees are in the wash below the spot. It was big enough that several vehicles could easily share this spot. A larger RV *might* do OK pulling in here.
I've checked and it is BLM land, part of the Bear's Ears National Monument. Their general rule is to allow dispersed camping off of any existing road within the monument area. Additional spots are definitely available off this road or its shoot-offs.
This is a great, secluded spot. The only reason for the 4 stars is that it isn't really a room with a view sort of location.
Guide
Hovenweep is a national monument with small but modern quiet campgrounds. The dark skies for amazing stars are spectacular. While they do not have showers, their bathrooms were clean and convenient to the loop of campsites. It was quiet and the rangers were friendly and warm. The Hovenweep monument archeological treasures are well worth scheduling a few hours to hike and visit. There are several ancient structures on the site (a small canyon) and the hikes are short and sooooo worth doing.
Legend
Sign at hwy Jct notes Foy Lake, however all the maps call this Spring Lake.
Paved road all the way to the single vault toilet. The lake is a small fishing lake and fenced off from camping and cattle. Free dispersed camping scattered around, some are very large and big rig friendly but access roads can be rough rocky or have clay and could be muddy if wet. Elv is 8200 with views to north to the La Sal mtns and down into the Canyonlands needles area. Access from either Monticello or hwy #211 is all paved. Only a single vault toilet, no dumpsters, no water, no tables. Cell signal is possible depending on your camp location.
Guide
The owner and host are very friendly and the host is very helpful. Conveniently located to visit Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park and Four Corners National Monument Restrooms are like house bathrooms with showers and they’re nice and clean
Legend
Nice large area, lots of spur roads going to many dispersed camps. Roads have clay so some low spots can be mud holes after rains. Area is at 8850 elv, seems popular for hunting in the fall so be aware from Sept on. Vegetation is mostly oak brush and scattered pine trees and aspen. Cell signal on T-Mobile was almost useless for downloads. This area has a paved road all the way from Monticello, about 8 miles back to town. No toilets, no dumpsters and no water. Two developed FS CGs are close by but seems to have an aggressive approach to dispersed campers using the dumpsters.
Scout
A few campsites dotted here and there. The site of this particular one is a couple miles up the road 2wd can easily reach. Established firepit and was perfect for a drive-in OHV. Could fit an RV at a squeeze.
ScoutNot free anymore but still an enjoyable experience. I was the only camper there on a weekday.
Camping near Blanding, Utah, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Blanding, Utah, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature, but it's essential to be prepared for the unique challenges and rewards this area offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Blanding, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Blanding, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 116 campgrounds and RV parks near Blanding, UT and 48 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Blanding, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Blanding, UT is Devils Canyon Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Blanding, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 48 free dispersed camping spots near Blanding, UT.
What parks are near Blanding, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Blanding, UT that allow camping, notably Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park.
