Camping sites near Bonanza, Utah extend beyond the main areas of Dinosaur National Monument into lesser-known BLM lands and county road dispersed sites. Located at approximately 5,500 feet elevation, the region experiences dramatic temperature swings between day and night, with summer highs regularly reaching 90°F and evening temperatures dropping into the 50s. Many camping areas offer minimal facilities but provide direct access to mountain biking trails, petroglyphs, and less-visited archaeological sites.
What to do
Mountain biking at McCoy Flats: Located about 25 miles west of Bonanza, this McCoy Flats MTB Trailhead offers extensive riding opportunities with 46 miles of trails. "There is an extensive network of nonmotorized Mtb singletrack trails in this area, and there does not seem to be any restrictions on e-mtb bikes," notes one visitor who appreciated the varied terrain for all skill levels.
Visit archaeological sites: The Dragon Trail area features several rock art sites accessible via County Road #23. "The BLM Dragon Trail rock art sites are along County Road #23 south out of Rangely Colo. Camping is possible at Shield site mp 5.6, Fremont Ridge site mp 9.7, Crooks Brand site mp 10.1 and Carrot Men site mp 11.6," reports one camper who explored the BLM Dragon Trail dispersed sites.
Riverside activities: Take advantage of the Green River access points for swimming and cooling off. "2 second walk to gorgeous Green River. Plan on spending time by the water," recommends a camper who stayed at Green River Campground during hot summer days, highlighting the river's accessibility for quick relief from the heat.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: Away from major light pollution, many campsites offer exceptional night sky viewing. "Amazing spot to relax and take in the views of the mountains and valleys in the distance," writes a visitor about McCoy Flats, while another camper states, "The stargazing was unreal" during their multi-night stay.
Solitude and quiet: Many dispersed camping areas provide significant privacy. "Only one spot. There used to be a road going farther down to more sites but it is closed to motorized vehicles now," notes a camper at Dinosaur South Dispersed Camp, appreciating the secluded nature of the site despite its proximity to Dinosaur National Monument.
Reliable cell service: Unlike many remote camping areas, several sites near Bonanza offer good connectivity. "Full service on AT&T and Verizon," reports a camper at McCoy Flats, while another mentions having "4 bars of Verizon" at a dispersed site off SR 98. This connectivity allows for extended stays for remote workers while still accessing outdoor activities.
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. "The dirt road coming in is a bit rough but I made it with an SUV and 16' TT. Just go slow," advises a camper about Dinosaur South Dispersed Camp, while another warns about CR16 north of Dinosaur Monument: "No shade, rocky, need a 4WD for some of the uphills. 10mile to sites on dirt road."
Wind can be severe: The open terrain offers little protection from strong gusts. "It was windy at times but very comfortable temperature compared to the surrounding valleys," notes one camper at Dragon Trail dispersed sites, acknowledging the trade-off between views and exposure.
Limited facilities at most sites: Most dispersed camping areas have no amenities. "There's no water or trash," warns a McCoy Flats camper who stayed for four nights, adding that they relied on the community center in town for showers at $1.50 per use.
Tips for camping with families
Consider reservable group sites: For family gatherings, Split Mountain offers designated group camping. "Split Mountain Group Campground has 4 campsites but each campsite has three turnout parking areas that accommodate about 9-10 cars. I estimated each group site was about a football field of space. Each site has three fire rings and about 6 picnic tables," explains a camper who found the space perfect for multiple family units camping together.
Look for swimming spots: Kids appreciate water access during hot days. "We spent a glorious 2 nights at one of the Western-most camping spots right with a private path to the river & a nice little swimming hole area. Our dog was in heaven!" reports a family who stayed at Split Mountain Group Campground.
Visit town facilities: Nearby towns offer amenities missing at primitive sites. "The town of Vernal is close by with a Walmart less than 10-15 minutes," notes a full-time RVer about McCoy Flats, making supply runs convenient for longer family stays.
Tips from RVers
City-operated campgrounds offer good value: The Rangely Camper Park provides affordable options with some amenities. "This city operated RV/Camping Park in Rangely, Colorado is an excellent city managed spot to spend the night or several days. The park offers electric sites for $20.00 a night or $10.00 a night for no electricity," explains a reviewer who appreciated the value compared to national park campgrounds.
Size limitations at dispersed sites: Many areas can't accommodate larger rigs. "Good for my low clearance van or microcamper, not anything larger," warns a camper about Dinosaur South Camp, while dispersed sites along Dragon Trail have similar limitations.
Consider shade in site selection: "Lots of shade throughout and this is welcomed in this high country desert," notes a camper about Rangely Camper Park's mature cottonwood trees, an important consideration when temperatures climb above 90°F.
