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Best Campgrounds near Blanding, UT

562 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Blanding, Utah include sites at Recapture Reservoir, Comb Wash, and Cottonwood/Elk Mountain Road. These undeveloped locations provide tent and RV camping with minimal amenities, typically without drinking water, toilets, or hookups. For travelers seeking more services, Blue Mountain RV Park offers full hookups, showers, and amenities within city limits, while Devils Canyon Campground provides a more rustic but established camping experience approximately 15 miles north of town.

Seasonal considerations affect campsite availability and conditions in this high desert region. Summer brings warm daytime temperatures that can exceed 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for outdoor activities. Winter camping is possible but requires preparation for cold nights. Many dispersed sites on Bureau of Land Management land have no stay limits during off-peak seasons, though 14-day restrictions may apply during busy periods. Road conditions vary significantly, with some sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. "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," noted one camper about Recapture Reservoir.

The camping areas around Blanding provide varied experiences based on proximity to water and scenic features. Recapture Reservoir offers lakefront camping with mountain views, though mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months. Some campers report excellent Verizon coverage near certain pulloffs, while others note complete cellular dead zones in canyon areas. Noise levels vary by location—sites near highways may experience traffic noise, while those at the reservoir or in more remote areas offer greater solitude. One visitor to Recapture Reservoir described their experience as "beautiful and quiet despite the proximity with the road above." Campground options range from completely undeveloped circles of gravel to more established sites with fire rings and occasional picnic tables, particularly at Devils Canyon.

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Best Camping Sites Near Blanding, Utah (120)

    1. Devils Canyon Campground

    26 Reviews
    Blanding, UT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 587-2041

    $20 / night

    "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."

    2. Blue Mountain RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Blanding, UT
    2 miles
    Website

    "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)."

    3. Recapture Reservoir

    14 Reviews
    Blanding, UT
    4 miles

    "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."

    4. Comb Wash Dispersed Camping Area

    10 Reviews
    Blanding, UT
    12 miles
    Website

    "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."

    5. Manti-LaSal National Forest Nizhoni Campground

    6 Reviews
    Blanding, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 587-2041

    $20 - $50 / night

    "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."

    6. Blanding Gravel Pit

    3 Reviews
    Blanding, UT
    4 miles

    7. Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping

    49 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    30 miles
    Website

    "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."

    8. Cottonwood/Elk Mountain Road Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Blanding, UT
    6 miles

    "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."

    9. Recapture Reservoir Dispersed PullOff - Blanding Utah

    2 Reviews
    Blanding, UT
    4 miles

    "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."

    10. Devil's Canyon Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    Monticello, UT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 587-2041
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Recent Camping Photos near Blanding, UT

146 Photos of 120 Blanding Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Blanding, UT

562 Reviews of 120 Blanding Campgrounds

  • April H.
    Oct. 31, 2025

    Goosenecks State Park Campground

    Semi Dispersed Camping

    This is basically dispersed camping for $10 a night.  There are about 4 picnic tables; they are close to the entrance and the day use area, as is the one restroom.  I suggest bringing a porta potty of some kind as well as any tables you may need if you are not going to be able to camp where the tables are.  There is no water.  You can camp pretty much wherever you want following the road south.  The road is a little rough but easy enough to negotiate.  I was pulling an Aliner Ranger 12 with a Subaru Outback Wilderness.  The area is wide open, no shade, so plan for that as well.  The great thing about this area along with the location on the cliff overlooking the San Juan River is that due to its north/south orientation you can easily enjoy great sunrises in the morning and great sunsets in the evening.  I chose Goosenecks due to its proximity to Monument Valley, 30 minutes south, and Valley of the Gods, 15 minutes north.

  • J
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Mexican Hat Rocks Dry Camping

    Free camping outside Mexican Rock

    This was a great option for free dispersed camping around Mexican Rock. Once you turn off the highway, there a few paid spots for RV/Campers but beyond that there were 5-7 dispersed spots. Some along the river, but lots of bushwhacking to get to it so I wouldn't call it a river spot. I wouldn't recommend RV or Campers beyond the paved spot due to dirt roads and very windy/narrow path to get down there.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Flat Iron Mesa Road dispersed camping

    Amazing mesa views

    First to review — and maybe first to stay? Overall a great stay if a bit confusing to find from GPS coordinates. We arrived at sunset and the coordinates puts you in the middle of a scrub brush field with only dirt roads and no campsites. We explored a bit and couldn’t find more. Since it was getting late, we camped right off Flat Iron Mesa Safari Rte, which is right off US 191. Very easy to get here on decent gravel road. We took the fork by the utility poles onto a dirt road, where there were a few level spots on either side of the road. There was no evidence of previous campers (shoe prints, fire rings, etc) so not sure if this is the intended campground, but it worked great for us. Probably could fit 3-4 RVs on level spots along this road. No place to easily turn around though, so we’ll back up our class C to Flat Iron road - those towing might have more challenge. The primitive camping was great though. Level spot, good cell service, gorgeous sunset view across the mesa, and among the best starry sky we’ve seen. Only noise was a low rumble from the gas plant and highway nearby. The next day farther down Flat Iron we saw a BLM sign post saying dispersed camping is allowed and established sites were down the road (well past the GPS coordinates). So might be worth checking exploring for more options. If you want to try our spot, turn right on the dirt road off Flat Iron that follows the utility poles.

  • jill H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Hamburger Rock Dispersed Camping

    Scenic busy October

    We found this spot after a visit to Moab. Canyonlands National Park is such a treat and the Needles District is a quieter area at least for Fall Break. We rode electric bikes into the park and I wouldn’t recommend that if your bike isn’t equipped for rocky and bumpy roads and main road moves pretty fast with a small shoulder. Our camping spot was fantastic and somewhat removed from others although we could see other campers in every direction.

  • Natalie G.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Valley of the Gods Dispersed Site

    Great spot!

    Love that this is free and the views are great! Several great spots to choose from along the way. Definitely be sure to get in before dark though to set up.

  • Chip C.
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Burch Canyon Rd Dispersed Camping

    Quiet, Easy Access Near Natural Bridges National Monument

    This is one of multiple sites along Burch Canyon Rd, Justin yes outside Natural Bridges National Monument. This particular location has three distinct sites very close together, suitable for a group. This close to the main entrance road there is traffic noise until evening, but it's quiet all night. Better views might be found further up the road.

  • D
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Mexican Hat Rock

    Beautiful landmark - excellent dry camping area

    Spectacular monument, I went in April so the weather was warm but not hot. Fire rings, fairly level spots. $18 fee, unfortunately no senior or veteran discounts. Spent a few days there, planning to go back.

  • Randy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cottonwood RV Park

    Very clean and quiet campground

    The host Nancy is very nice and great to work with. She had a lot of suggestions for things to do in the area. The campground is very clean and organized. We had full hookups and the site was fairly level

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Goosenecks State Park Campground

    Hidden Gem

    Wow this place is amazing. You are literally out on the edge of a cliff looking down into the canyon of a flowing river below. It is quiet and peaceful and even though we have neighbors there is plenty of room to spread out. At night it is completely silent. The stargazing is off the charts! There is a lot to do and see while you are here. Monument Valley is about 30 minutes away and you can actually see it from your camp spot. The Moki Dugway is about 10 minutes away and Valley of the Gods is about 20 minutes away. I would highly recommend this place whether for an overnight or for a few days. We came in September so it was cooler I would imagine it would be scorching hot in the summer. Also the road that leads here is very narrow and when we had to pass another vehicle I did hold my breath! If you can be sure to check this spot out.

Guide to Blanding

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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