124 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Blanding sits in the southeastern corner of Utah at around 6,000 feet, with access to BLM canyon land and the Manti-La Sal National Forest both within driving range. Camping runs from free BLM sites on dirt roads to developed Forest Service campgrounds with vault toilets and designated sites. Blanding's dispersed camping options cover the BLM corridors heading west and south, where no reservation and no fee apply but self-sufficiency is required.
Monticello is about 20 miles north and has a slightly higher elevation set of forest campgrounds. Bluff sits about 25 miles south along Highway 191 and puts you closer to San Juan River canyon country. The roads into BLM dispersed areas west of Blanding range from well-graded gravel to rough 4WD tracks depending on how far out you go. High clearance is a practical advantage for most of the better spots. Water is not available on-site at any dispersed location, so pack in your full supply. The 14-day stay limit applies.
Monticello-area dispersed sites are an easy fallback if you want more elevation and cooler nights. Spring is the best season here, with lower heat and drier roads. Summer brings more consistent weather but temperatures climb fast at lower elevations in the canyon areas.
"I wanted to explore southeastern Utah. Great campsite but a little far from Moab—about 60 miles."
"If you're looking for tons of ATV trails this is a great spot. Nice friendly camp host.
Lots of spots open mid-Sept. Only giving it 4 out of 5 because there is ZERO water for your rig."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Nicely landscaped around edges and very clean."
"We looked around for other potential options and found that Blanding had decent Verizon, so we went back up(about an hour away from Mexican Hat)."
"Everything is in the title 😉 GPS point is not correct, we were looking for a small road but in fact it s at the end of the main road,on the right, just behind the park place."
"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."
"this spot was awesome. somewhat far away from amenities-Blanding is about 25 minutes away be prepared with water and let people know where you are-it can feel pretty isolating just because it’s dry and"
"So it was a great experience to get away from everything. I'm also pretty sure a Coyote was in my immediate vicinity in the evening."
"This beautiful, shady campground is at the end of a 9-mile County Road going north out of Blanding, Utah, but is well worth the trip."
"We were right next to the vault toilet which the hosts keep extraordinarily clean. By the group sites there was another bathroom."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Best place to camp near blanding/Mexican hat. Will say the road was relatively rough and is not suitable for large rvs and maybe some RWD/low clearance vehicles."
"Bathrooms are located next to one campsite but are easily in walking distance of all campsites. Good amount of space in between neighbors so one can choose whether to be private or socialize."
"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."
"Several spots on N Radio Hill Rd E off the 191 a few miles north of Blanding Utah. Paved road. Very quiet. Perfect for an overnight stay on your way to Moab. Some spots are very spacious."
"Right off the highway as soon as you pull into the rv lot. There is a sign with instructions and fees. You have to pay next door at the 7/11."
GuideThis will do in a pinch; however, there are no trees to keep you shaded from the sun. It is very windy at the top of this hill, but the views are pretty, and it is secluded with some minor traffic along the logging road next to the area.
ScoutVery quiet and clean CG. On site staff are friendly and knowledgeable. It is out of the way, which is great. Paved access, 2bars ATT, flush toilets, awesome ancient ruins.
TravelerOnly two campsites available, and they are both taken. Not finding anything else in the area. Forest roads have no pullouts, and trying to turn around is difficult. Only trying to camp in a Tacoma with no trailer.
GuideWe rolled in at sunset and took the first flat spot on the left after veering left at the Y at the base of Mexican Hat rock. We had the place to ourselves and enjoyed the sounds of ravens and watched a meteor shower in a completely dark sky. Stunning.
By about 9am there were many people driving by for the scenic photo spot - so don’t expect day-time privacy - but it was perfect for our overnight stop.
ScoutThe perfect campground to escape the summer heat. Nice shaded sites and the bathroom was very clean.
TravelerThis place is a gem. There are multiple sites right off of a dirt road that back up to the rim of a huge canyon with beautiful views. The dirt road can be difficult to travel if it is muddy and may not be suitable for a large RV, but if dry, would be fine.
GuideWhen traveling and need an over night stay with hookups. This is a good one. Part of a small store. Easy to get in and out. Stayed in the winter so pretty empty.
GuideHiddeen along the San Juan river in a little valley. This a is great place to stay if you don't need hook ups.A few sites for big rigs. Stayed few time in winter and never busy. but still had a few other sites taken.
ScoutBeautiful spot. Nice little perch for chairs at the edge of the bluff overlooking the wash. Incredibly private, quiet, and peaceful in summer. No water so best between early evening and morning.
Blanding, Utah provides camping access across a mix of dispersed public lands and established RV parks within the red rock landscape of southeastern Utah. The area includes several camping options, from Blue Mountain RV Park with full hookups near town to primitive dispersed camping at Recapture Reservoir about 7 miles north. Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping, located approximately 40 miles south near Mexican Hat, offers remote desert camping amid dramatic rock formations. Comb Wash Dispersed Camping Area provides primitive sites west of Blanding with minimal facilities but scenic canyon views.
Camping availability follows seasonal patterns, with most developed campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Devils Canyon Campground typically opens from early April to late September, while Nizhoni Campground in the Manti-LaSal National Forest operates from mid-May through September. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, while winter brings potential snow at higher elevations around Blue Mountain. Fire restrictions often apply during the dry summer months, particularly in dispersed camping areas. Cell service varies significantly, with stronger signals near town and minimal coverage at more remote locations. Several visitors mentioned the trade-offs between convenience and solitude: "Perfect for an overnight stay close to Blanding Utah. Paved road. Very quiet. Access to the reservoir with boat landing."
Waterfront camping at Recapture Reservoir receives consistently positive reviews for its scenic setting and relative tranquility, though seasonal conditions affect the experience. The reservoir area provides several primitive sites with views of both water and surrounding mountains. Campers report varying experiences depending on water levels and time of year. "Beautiful view on the mountain. Quiet despite the proximity with the road above," noted one camper, while another mentioned, "We stopped here in the off-season. Very, very quiet with great views of lake and mountains." Blue Mountain RV Park, while more developed, earns praise for its maintained facilities and proximity to regional attractions. Visitors particularly value the central location for exploring nearby archeological sites, Natural Bridges National Monument, and other regional landmarks within day-trip distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dispersed camping allowed around Blanding, Utah?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in several areas around Blanding. Comb Wash Dispersed Camping Area offers spacious sites about 25 minutes from town with flat terrain and some large trees for shade. It's suitable for tents and RVs with established fire rings, though you should bring all necessary water. Another option is Recapture Reservoir Dispersed PullOff, located a few miles north of Blanding off Highway 191 on N Radio Hill Rd E. This area offers several spacious spots on a paved road with access to the reservoir and boat landing. Both locations are free but have no facilities, so practice Leave No Trace principles and be prepared with supplies.
What amenities are available at Blanding, Utah campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Blanding offer varying levels of amenities. Blue Mountain RV Park provides full hookups in a well-kept, nicely landscaped setting. This RV park is very clean and offers good cell service, making it ideal for digital nomads or those needing connectivity. Similarly, Devils Canyon Campground provides a peaceful, forested environment about 60 miles from Moab with standard amenities. For those seeking more developed facilities, some campgrounds offer restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings, while dispersed camping areas typically have no amenities. Be prepared to bring your own water, waste disposal solutions, and other necessities when opting for dispersed sites around Blanding.
Where are the best campgrounds near Blanding, Utah?
The Blanding area offers excellent camping options for different preferences. Manti-LaSal National Forest Nizhoni Campground is a beautiful, shady site at the end of a 9-mile county road north of Blanding. Though located high in the Abajo Mountains, it features level sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. For those seeking stunning landscapes, Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping offers gorgeous views in every direction with quiet, peaceful surroundings. The moon illuminating the rock formations at night creates an almost otherworldly experience, though note the road is relatively rough and not suitable for large RVs or vehicles with low clearance.
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