Looking for the best Blanding dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Blanding just for you.
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.
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, and is generally allowed anywhere unless posted otherwise. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find spots that meet the needs for their camp.
Dispersed camping may mean no toilet facilities or treated water are located nearby. Typically, dispersed camping is not allowed near developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas or trailheads. Some dispersed sites are provided with fire rings and in those cases please use them as they are designating that area as the spot to safely have a campfire. Finally some dispersed sites have a designated footprint for use. If you see a site with any type of barriers or fencing please respect these areas by not pulling motor vehicles or OHV’s around them. They are there to preserve the surrounding forest making it enjoyable for all for years to come.
Regulations
Follow these general guidelines to help ensure these dispersed camping areas will be enjoyed by future generations of campers:
Camping is limited to 14 days. The campsite must then be moved a minimum of ten miles. Camping is restricted to 28 days in any 60-day period.
All dispersed campers should follow the ideals of Leave No Trace and practice the concept of Pack It In - Pack It Out.
The Motor Vehicle Use Map only allows for motorized vehicles to be parked 150 feet off of any authorized forest service road.
Dispersed camping is prohibited in areas such as developed trailheads and picnic sites.
Choose sites that are already established.
Find camping spots that allow for water to shed naturally. Digging ditches around tents or trailers is not permitted.
Dispose of human waste properly (200 feet from water, in an 8 inch deep hole).
Please do not carve or chop into tree trunks—this can eventually kill the tree.
The beautiful Cedar Mesa sandstone monoliths, pinnacles and other geological features of this enchanting area are known as a Miniature Monument Valley. These sandstone sentinels were eroded by wind and water over eons of time. The 17 mile loop through the Valley of the Gods is a graded gravel and clay surface road (San Juan County Road #242), that has a few sharp turns, and crosses several washes. Driving time is approximately one to two hours. It is suitable for passenger cars when the road conditions are dry. However, road conditions vary throughout the year with regional weather conditions. Local inquiry should be made during and after periods of inclement weather. There are several car camps along this route. However, no campfires are allowed.
Ranger
Free dispersed camping on BLM land. If you don't want to back track and are continuing south, the only road down is very steep and winding and you'll want to take it slow. Well maintained dirt road is the only way to get there. To get your vehicle closer to the edge for a better view may require 4WD vehicles.
Traveler
Gorgeous views in every direction, and very quiet and peaceful. At night time the moon illuminates the rocks and it almost looks like another world. 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. True dispersed camping so come prepared with everything you might need.
Guide
Indian Creek is awesome. It’s BLM dispersed camping about 2-3 miles from the Canyonlands Needles entrance. Dirt road in leads past Hamburger Rock Campground. Keep going and you’ll start seeing sites on the sides of the road. There are several pull thru and sites big enough for RVs. Lots of walk in and drive in tent camping sites.
You must camp where there is an established site evidenced by a fire ring.
This is no water, no toilet, primitive camping. You must pack out your own waste they do not allow it to be buried.
If you do not have four wheel drive be careful of the site you choose. The red sand is no joke and you will get stuck. It gets pretty busy from Thursday on but earlier in the week and day you have a lot to choose from.
An awesome primitive or boon-docking experience.
Legend
We saw this BLM land on the way to the House of Fire trail came back and passed through to check it out. Flat area with some large trees very open area and since it was weekend there were several families with Atv’s. Very dusty when dry. There were tent campers and rv’s some fire rings. This campground would be about a quarter mile once you pass through The Comb off of 95 about 10 miles north of Blanding on the left. This would be great for group camping.
Scout
Very remote area. Beautiful night sky. and peace. The entrance is a gate in a private land, drive about 1 mile to BLM land, mostly dirt roads.
Guide
We found the dispersed camping spot by fluke after reading reviews of the hamburger rock BLM camp just down the road. Wow. What a gem.
Plenty of pullouts / drive in spots of big RVs and a heap of camping spots. We shared the space with 20 climbers who were climbing the mesas during the day. We have a 28ft RV and easily found a camp spot at 3pm on a Saturday. Road is gravel but very manageable/smooth -ish for a large RV.
Pullouts start from 200m off thr main road and continue as you head north past the formal hamburger rock campground. Stunning views of the stars and sunrise photo ops!
Can’t recommend enough.
LegendBLM land. Plenty of open space. Gravel road with potholes. Difficult entry off the main highway immediately down a steep but short grade and across a creek bottom which may or may not be full of water. The creek bottom is hard pan so not as scary as it sounds unless of course there's rushing water or a flash flood which is rare. But once through that first obstacle, the road is not too bad at all. The views here are incredible. Not crowded at all. Just pick a spot with the view you like and make it home.
TravelerWe only stayed for one night, but we would’ve stayed much longer if it wasn’t so windy/cold. Definitely our fault for visiting in November. We want to come back at the end of summer. The views here were second to none. It was the quiet you would expect from a dispersed camping spot, perfect.
GuideValley of The Gods is truly an amazing place. The dispersed camping is some of the best I’ve ever experienced. Every campsite is amazing. Do yourself a favor and spend at least one night in The Valley of The Gods if you're passing through Utah.
GuideFree camping in stunning location. Excellent biking.
LegendThis area is an informal dispersed camping areas. No signage noting this is an official campground. Large dispersed spots suitable for large TTs. Second dispersed camping pod in is best. Just after second camping pod area there is a steep wash dip that will restrict TYs and RVs. No toilets, no water no tables, no fire rings. No cell signal. Two track roads up and down Comb Wash away from the camping area are risky sandy so be prepared.
ScoutEasily one of my favorite places to dispersed camp. 17 mile gravel road which my outback did fine on, just very bumpy. There are campsites everywhere, some just off the road and others have small roads going to them. Incredibly beautiful views camping in the shadow of monuments. It’s always the nice mix of occupied enough that you don’t feel like if something happens that you’re screwed, but with enough distance between campsites that it feels like you’re the only one out there. Also gorgeous views of the stars if the moon isn’t too bright.
ScoutWords can’t describe the beauty of this place, mid May was ideal . A bit windy this time of year but only in the mid to late afternoon. Out of a hundred dispersed camp sites there wasn’t one that was left trashed or dirty. Amazingly clean and easy to get to.. if there is one camping bucket list that needs a box it’s this one. A convince store just 8 miles up the road in Mexican Hat for basic supplies and a SteakHouse as well.
GuideFree primitive camping with amazing views. No facilities. Pack in and pack out. Plenty of spaces to chose from.
Legend
This area is more of a photo op than a good dispersed camping area. Road is actually a pvt mining access road. Cell is ok but limited camping...go east and camp at Valley of the Gods instead!!
TravelerYou can see some lights from cars on the highway but if it wasn’t for that you would think you were in the middle of nowhere. Beautiful location between Mexican Hat and the San Juan River. dispersed camping so no amenities, and please clean up after yourself.
GuideThis park is fully paved with paved, well maintained dispersed camping. Reservatuons can be made online, which I'd suggest. The road up to the park is paved and well maintained. The sites are gorgeous with beautiful fire pits, metal picnic tables and a metal stand for a small grill. Plenty of sun for solar and gorgeous arid vegetation.
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.
GuideWe were chased out of Valley of the Gods by a massive dust storm and came here, finding a nice spot along the San Juan River and right below the hat. Simple, no amenities dispersed camping but the road was in reasonably good shape, even after a light rain. Thanks to the dust storm we were treated to a tremendous sunset!
Legend
Small lake (water supply?) close to hwy. Seems a network of vehicle tracks around the lake for dispersed camping. No signs present of any restrictions.. fishing? 8700 ft elevation, oak trees around the area. No picnic tables, no fire-rings, no dumpsters, no potable water.. however a single vault toilet is by hwy pull off is present.
FS website has this info: The Monticello Lake Fishing Site is located next to Monticello Lake, a 5 acre lake located about 0.2 miles off FH 49 Loop/Harts Draw down Forest Road #114. The Department of Wildlife Resources of Utah (DWR) stocks this reservoir with Rainbow and Tiger Trout.
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.
Legend
Butler Wash day use hiking to ruins has a use fee. $5 day per person or $10 week per person. Dispersed camps are scattered all along this road to the north. No water, no trash, no toilets except the two porta-potties at the pay station. Cell signal is fair to no e depending on location. Road is native surface and would be muddy if saturated. Not recommended for TYs or large TVs, best suited for overlander types or short wb vans.
LegendMexican Hat is free dispursed camping on BLM land outside of the town of Mexican Hat Utah. There are sites available for RVs, tents, vans, etc. This is desert dispursed camping so there are NO amenities, however there are occasional camper made fire pits. We made it into a site with a 2WD Pontaic Vibe with no issues, although we did watch a couple campers struggle to find a place to turn around. This is hot sunny camping with no shade opportunities, so it warms up fast in the summer.
This is some of the best dark skies and quiet camping we had on our trip. During my 2 am pee, the milky way was out of control! This area is named for the geological feature that is the name-sake for the town, the Mexican Hat, an obvious toadstool like sandstone formation. Because it is here and you are camping below it, you will have passerbys swinging through to take photos or climb the feature (technical rope skills required). This site also gives you quick access to Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods.
Midland X Talker Extreme Duel Pack Review
https://midlandusa.com/product/x-talker-t77vp5/
We were those crazy people climbing the Mexican Hat, and it was an ideal location to test out these walkie talkies. In climbing, communication is key and for a climb like the Mexican Hat where it is steep, overhung and roof like, the climber and belayer get separated. The walkie talkies came in hand!
Pros
1.) Battery life- we charged these up on their charging station at home before we left on our trip and they lasted the entire 10 day trip on regular use. This is extremely important to me, as it is my biggest bet peeve when electronics die in the moments you need them most.
2.) Intuitive usuage – We didn’t need to score through the manual to figure out how to use the walkie talkies. Everything made sense and was user friendly.
3.) EXTRELEMLY Clear Communication – These were crystal clear when using them, not at all like the static-y walkie talkies of childhood. Also, we had them hooked up to our harnesses (at waist level), and they picked up our words without having to yell into them, or unclip them to bring them to our mouth.
Cons
1.) There is no closed attachment potential. We couldn’t carabiner or string them to ourselves as there were no loops or holes of anykind. This meant that if at anytime during the climb, we dropped the device, it was going to be a goner. We managed by using a rubber band to “close” the clip (See photos), however this wasn’t ideal. Additionaly, the clip isn’t super strong, as I had the walkie talkied hooked to the strap of my backpack on our hike off and it popped off super easily when doing my pony tail. It does come with a headset, however, it needs to be plugged into the device (not wireless), so it doesn't solve any issues.
Conclusion
A great product for casual hiking, but it might not be ideal for more extreme situations where it has the potential to fall off/get lost or damaged (rafting, climbing, skiing). We will most likely just try to keep them in a pack, rather than on our body in those cases.
LegendThis is one of my favorite, lesser known camp spots and areas to explore. Valley of the Gods sits in southern Utah near Mexican Hat. The area is somewhat of a small Monument Valley. The views surrounding the campsites are of spires, towers and red rock cliffs. The best part? There are usually not many people here.
The valley and camp spots can be reached via Valley of the Gods Rd which connects highway 163 and 261. The roads can be hard to find as you will probably drive right past them. Valley of the Gods Rd is all dirt and is about 17 miles long. The drive itself is very scenic, be aware during rainy season the road can get very flooded and low clearance cars will have a hard time.
Camp spots are anywhere you want, most of them will be right off the road. Flat spots, pull offs and rock fire rings will tell you if someone has camped there before. The valley is overseen by BLM so there are no fees to camp, on the flip side of that, that means there are no toilets or any kinds of services. Some people prefer camp spots this way.
I have seen small 2 wheel drive cars to large RV's and Trailers on this road ,but like i mentioned earlier, there are big dips here and there and the rains can flood them. Use caution upon entering the Valley. Overall, amazing spots with equal scenery.
LegendAmazing. Everyone is spread out! We had no problem finding a great site mid day. Beautiful place from which to explore Valley of the gods, the Goosenecks and the Moki Dugway. 20 ft pick up wit 28 ft of trailer and we had no trouble. It was our first experience with true dispersed camping. We took it very easy and entered from the east entrance as others suggested. Drive the loop and I’m not sure how some of the trailers got to the places we saw them set up! Braver than us😳. A bit of Verizon service with a cell booster.
ScoutViews: Incredible. Some of the best I’ve seen for a boondocking location.
Cell Service: Verizon LTE with booster. Enough for consistent web browsing/working, not enough for consistent video calling (I.e. Zoom).
Accessibility: We easily accessed in a 28 ft Class C motorhome. I HIGHLY recommend coming from the north part of 261 and not the south. We’re pretty “eh, let’s try it, why not” kind of people, but it was 10% grade, gravel, hair pin switchbacks. So glad we didn’t try that one. Coming from the north was super easy though.
Privacy: Not much, but views were worth it! We got a spot off to the side that was more secluded than others.
Scout
As a dispersed camping area, it's a wonderful location with beautiful vistas with radiant pastel colors splattered everywhere. The weather was perfect towards the end of October.
The roads are rutted and although I see plenty of passenger cars back here, my 25 ft travel trailer pulled by my F150 did all it could to pull thru the ruts, hills and hollows. Don't go off the main road without dessert 4x4 capabilities. Spots filled up Friday thru the afternoon. I arrived around 12pm and luckily got a nice spot about a mile in as I did not want to pull my trailer any further in.
Stayed all weekend!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Blanding, Utah, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from serene landscapes to adventurous terrains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Blanding, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Blanding, UT is Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 43 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 49 dispersed camping locations near Blanding, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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