Primitive camping near Blanding, Utah offers solitude at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,000 feet across diverse desert and mesa landscapes. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 95°F while winter nights drop below freezing, creating extreme seasonal camping conditions. Cell reception varies dramatically by location, with some sites having no connectivity even for emergency calls.
What to do
Reservoir recreation: At Recapture Reservoir, water activities are popular during warmer months. "We paddle boarded in the reservoir and jumped off a few rocks. We stayed 2 nights," shares one camper, while another notes it's "much fuller and more crowded than 3 yrs ago when we visited."
Petroglyphs viewing: Some dispersed sites near Bears Ears contain archaeological features. A camper at Comb Wash Dispersed Camping Area reported, "Our site had a fire ring and a small panel of petroglyphs. We hiked in the fish canyon area and had a great time."
Wildlife watching: Early morning and evening provide opportunities to spot local fauna. At Abajo Flat Camp, one visitor observed, "There were white hair deer all around. I was able to watch the first sunrise of my life at 65 years old."
Star gazing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "On a clear night you can see an amazing amount of stars!" confirms a camper at Abajo Flat Camp.
What campers like
Remote locations: Many campers value the isolation. At Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping, one visitor described it as "like being alone on mars. This place is beautiful. The road is in great shape. The scenery is truly out of this world."
Uncrowded camping: Even during peak seasons, finding solitude remains possible. A camper at Valley of the Gods noted, "There were more people camping about halfway through the road. But, by more, I mean like two within a mile of one another."
Sunrise views: Dawn vistas rank highly in camper reviews. At Views from Black Mesa Dispersed Site, a visitor described, "Pretty spot with a view that goes on and on. This spot is right on the ledge of the mesa. Looking down, you see colorful geography for miles."
Seasonal temperature variations: The significant day-night temperature changes appeal to some campers. "The evening was pleasant and the temps got into the mid 50's," reported a summer visitor to Valley of the Gods, noting how the extreme daytime heat gave way to comfortable nights.
What you should know
Sand challenges: Red sand roads pose problems for certain vehicles. A camper at Recapture Reservoir Dispersed PullOff advises, "Several spots on N Radio Hill Rd E off the 191 a few miles north of Blanding Utah. Paved road... Perfect for an overnight stay on your way to Moab."
Insect issues: Seasonal mosquitoes affect camping comfort at some locations. One Recapture Reservoir visitor warned, "We decided not to stay. There were swarms of mosquitoes."
Camping preparation: The remote nature requires thorough planning. At Poseys Trail Road Dispersed, visitors mention, "Cell reception is hit or miss in this area," highlighting the importance of offline maps and emergency plans.
Local hunting activity: Seasonal hunting can create noise disturbances. One Abajo Flat Camp visitor noted, "We stayed here during hunting season, noticeable amount of noise in the very early hours of the morning due to this."
Tips for camping with families
Access considerations: Choose sites based on your vehicle capabilities. For Cottonwood/Elk Mountain Road, a visitor explains it's "basically a convergence of several old roads. It was rather dusty/sandy. But grasses rather than sticker weeds... A larger RV might do OK pulling in here."
Campsite selection: Look for natural features that provide protection. At Views from Black Mesa, one camper advises, "Fantastic views but not much shade. Road is a little rough but nothing 4wd or AWD can't handle."
Activity planning: Prepare alternate activities for extreme weather days. A Valley of the Gods camper suggests arriving "around 7PM to avoid the heat of the day. Lots of spots and saw very few people, with only a couple groups driving by."
Emergency preparedness: Cell service limitations require backup communication methods. A visitor at Comb Wash noted, "No cell signal. This is a dispersed camping area within Bears Ears National Monument."
Tips from RVers
Turning radius: Confirm adequate space for vehicle maneuvering. At Abajo Flat Camp, a camper with a "Ford F350 with a 21-foot TT" reported, "There is room to turn around."
Road conditions: Weather significantly affects access. "We drove our Thor Axis and roads and site were fine for off-road- slow on the last mile plus of dirt," shares an Abajo Flat Camp visitor, while another warns the road "would be hard to navigate in the rain/wet."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require leveling equipment. An Abajo Flat visitor mentioned they "took a few minutes to level our spot," despite the otherwise suitable conditions.
Alternative options: When primary sites are full, nearby alternatives exist. A Cottonwood/Elk Mountain Road camper shared, "We were unable to find any open spots at Comb Wash Campground on the south side of the road... So we headed up the road toward blanding until we saw a camping sign."
