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Tent campsites in the Blanding, Utah region range from primitive dispersed sites to backcountry locations requiring permits. Picket Road BLM offers free tent camping with minimal amenities and stunning views, while Monticello Lake provides a small mountain setting for tent campers about 30 miles north of Blanding. For experienced backpackers, the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park contains numerous designated backcountry tent sites including Elephant Canyon and Chesler Park campsites, accessible via hiking trails.
Most dispersed tent camping areas near Blanding lack basic facilities, requiring campers to pack in all water and supplies. The terrain varies significantly, with high-elevation sites often situated on uneven ground among oak trees and lower desert locations on sandy or rocky surfaces. A camper noted that "the road gets a little washed out the further you drive in. High clearance and 4x4 recommended especially when it's raining." Fire regulations change seasonally, with restrictions common during summer months. At Monticello Lake, a single vault toilet is available near the highway pullout, but no designated fire rings, picnic tables, or potable water sources exist.
Areas farther from Blanding typically offer more seclusion but require additional preparation. Tent campers at higher elevations like Monticello Lake (8,700 feet) experience cooler temperatures even during summer months. A review mentioned that sites at Monticello Lake are "small, rough and not good for trailers," making them more suitable for tent campers seeking a remote experience. Backcountry tent sites in Canyonlands National Park require permits and adherence to strict Leave No Trace principles, including carrying WAG bags for human waste. These sites provide exceptional star-gazing opportunities and access to hiking trails through unique desert terrain. Most backcountry tent areas are accessible only by foot, with some requiring hikes of 2-5 miles from the nearest trailhead, ensuring solitude but demanding proper planning and sufficient water supplies.
"Simple no frills dispersed camping, but the elevation means you can get cell signal, a rarity for this area. We were the only ones here."
"A big rig friendly place with space for several cars. The road get a little washed out the further you drive in. High clearance and 4x4 recommended especially when it’s raining. Stunning view"
"This was an awesome site above the heat of the valleys. Quiet other than several fishers."
"This is one of multiple sites along Burch Canyon Rd, Justin yes outside Natural Bridges National Monument."
"Plenty of existing fire rings. Some firewood around. Limitless space! High desert scrub and rocky terrain. Might flood if it rained heavily."
"We found a great, quiet spot off the dirt road with a fire ring and about .6 miles down a narrower path to a great beach area on the San Juan River."
"Upper spot is open and views of Mexican Hat and lower spot goes down into trees and provides some nice shade."
"This is a great backpacking campsite. Permit is required as are wag bags and leave no trace. I tracked it at 3 miles from Elephant Canyon trailhead. It was a 2 mile hike to Druid Arch from this site."
"Leave No Trace principles apply. WAG bags required. Carry in any water that you might need because water is scarce or non-existant."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"I like walking it and spending time by myself. Clean up the trash if ye find it! I dragged quite a few cans out. It’s all good. Nearby there are trails for horses and such."
"It was VERY windy the night we stayed, so tuck back into the bushes with your tent for some protection."
"The entrance is a gate in a private land, drive about 1 mile to BLM land, mostly dirt roads."
"Great isolated location. The road is a bit rough in places, but navigable if you take it slow. Parking among the rock formations was a treat. I was the only one here for the one overnight."
TravelerThis is a great backpacking campsite. Permit is required as are wag bags and leave no trace. I tracked it at 3 miles from Elephant Canyon trailhead. It was a 2 mile hike to Druid Arch from this site. No service and no water so plan accordingly.
ScoutNear the Needles. Lots of dispersed camping nearby. Vault toilets near road, 200 yards from sites. $15/night or $7.50 with senior pass. About 10 sites, butted against weird red mushroom-shaped rock. Sites not very level, 8’x8’ tent platforms, picnic table, iron fire ring and grate. No water. Nice, primitive sites with starry nights. No bugs (no water)!
GuideMany roads into area, all narrow, winding and potholed. Arrive well before dark as roads are also full of livestock. Clean bathroom but no showers. Lovely views all around. Dark sky activities in summer. Shelters and fire rings at all spots as well as nice tent pads. Some rv only spots. Water inside visitor center, pump out front didn't work. Free admission to Monument, $15 bucks to camp. Improvements to water and infrastructure in progress. Fees for admission coming in May 2019.
LegendSmall 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. Sites are small, rough and not good for trailers imo.
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.
GuideAfter a long day of hiking, this was a perfect spot. Adjacent to the trailheads, the sites have great views of the terrain, and level parking. RV and tent sites available-- these are spread out enough for a sense of isolation. There is a fire ring and picnic table. There are basic bathrooms; water has only seasonal availability and there are no showers. It was great for us -- we set up dinner and and enjoyed gorgeous star watching. These sites are first come first serve if open, or reservations through the NPS website.
LegendThis is a backcountry campsite reachable by a 4.4 miles hike from the Elephant Hill Trailhead in The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. This is dispersed camping so there are no services nor amenities once you leave the trailhead. Leave No Trace principles apply. WAG bags required. Carry in any water that you might need because water is scarce or non-existant.
The hike to the campsite is over hills, down canyons, across slick rock, traversing sand and across a plateau. The trail is marked by cairns for most of the way, but it is highly recommended that you use a topo/trail map and compass or GPS to navigate. Along the way you will see a variety of rock formations such as joints, fins and spires.
You will cross a canyon and creek where EC1, EC2 and EC3 are located. A short distance after EC3 you will see a directional sign for Druid Arch or Chesler Park. Follow the Chesler Park Trail for about 1 mile. Look for the CP2 wooden sign post along the trail. The campsite is nestled amongst some rock formations and spires. There is no water resources in the area. There is plenty of open space to set up 3-4 tents.
There are three additional site located within a mile in the NW direction. This site is nestled amongst some huge rock formations and has views of a plateau and some needles. There is a trailhead and latrine toilets about 2 miles west of this campsite. About 1.5 miles away is The Joint.
TravelerWe stayed here for 1 night in our camper van in late February and had the place to ourselves. Sites were nice with a fire ring and picnic tables. A good spot if you’re going from Canyonlands to Capitol Reef National Park. Vault toilets, no running water, no hookups.
GuideAfter traveling to Muley point later in the day than expected we needed a place to park our Campervan. We were pleasantly surprised at this small unattended campsite. The views were WONDERFUL! Vaulted toilets, no water. but good shaded covers to the picnic tables and fire ring.
LegendSites are boxed in by fence pokes, too small for big RVs and TTs. 33 sites first come, $15/$7.50 senior. Vault toilets, tables and fire rings. No water, no trash, limited or no cell signal.
Tent camping near Blanding, Utah offers diverse high-altitude experiences spanning from 5,000 to nearly 9,000 feet elevation. The surrounding Bears Ears National Monument and Manti-La Sal National Forest provide tent campers with desert plateaus transitioning to pine forests across dramatic sandstone landscapes. Seasonal temperatures fluctuate significantly, with summer daytime highs regularly exceeding 90°F while dropping below 50°F at night.
Explore ancient petroglyphs: Visit the Newspaper Rock Campground area to examine one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in the region, with rock art dating back over 2,000 years.
Hike slot canyons: From Elephant Canyon 3 campsites, access remarkable hiking opportunities. "This is a backcountry campsite reachable by a 2.5 mile hike from the Elephant Hill Trailhead in The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park," notes Troy W., who adds that "a quarter mile away the trail splits between the trail to Chesler Park and Druid Arch."
Fish at mountain lakes: Monticello Lake offers tent campers fishing opportunities at 8,700 feet. Daniel S. describes it as "an awesome site above the heat of the valleys. Quiet other than several fishers."
Solitude in remote settings: Cannonball Mesa campsites provide exceptional solitude. One camper notes, "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."
Rock formation camping: Chesler Park 2 offers unique tent sites positioned among massive rock formations. ZachTruthNow describes it as "Literally right in between 2 giant boulders looking out over a large plain after hiking the longest 4 miles through canyons and needles. Breathtaking."
Cool temperatures at elevation: Monticello Lake provides relief from summer heat at its 8,700-foot elevation, making it particularly appealing during hot months. Greg L. notes the campground features "a network of vehicle tracks around the lake for dispersed camping" with "oak trees around the area."
High-clearance vehicles required: Many dispersed tent sites near Blanding require capable vehicles. At Canyons of the Ancients, Quinn S. reports, "Road is a little rocky once you get off the gravel road but totally worth it." Linda Y. adds, "Would advise caution as a high clearance/4x4 was definitely an advantage once we left the main access road."
No potable water: Nearly all tent camping sites require bringing sufficient water supplies. At Elephant Canyon 3, Troy W. advises, "Carry in any water that you might need because water is scarce or non-existant."
Extreme wind exposure: Several campsites experience significant wind. Linda Y. warns about Canyons of the Ancients, "It was VERY windy the night we stayed, so tuck back into the bushes with your tent for some protection."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear, dark skies make for excellent astronomy activities. Rachel T. from Elephant Canyon 3 reports, "We had a clear night, and the starriest sky I've ever seen!"
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for potential wildlife sightings. ZachTruthNow from Elephant Canyon 3 had an unexpected encounter, reporting they were "Growled at by mountain Lion 100 meters from climb up to campsite."
Nearby archaeological sites: Chesler Park offers educational exploration opportunities for families. Hannah H. notes, "From the Chesler Park area there are a few day hikes that become much more attainable because you are closer. For instance the joint trail."
Limited trailer access: Most dispersed sites accommodate small vehicles and tents only. Greg L. observed that Monticello Lake sites are "small, rough and not good for trailers."
Rougher roads further in: Road conditions typically deteriorate the further you travel from main roads. Jennifer from Canyons of the Ancients reports, "When coming from the north, turn left at the sign for canyons of the ancient national monument. The road is ROUGH."
Fire restriction awareness: Check current fire restrictions before bringing cooking equipment. Abigail notes some Canyons of the Ancients sites have established fire pits, mentioning, "We stopped at the overlook and stayed there it had a fire pit and really cool views."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Blanding, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Blanding, UT is Blanding RV Kampark with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
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