Dispersed camping near Canyonlands National Park provides access to diverse terrain at elevations ranging from 4,000 to over 7,000 feet. The sandstone plateau offers minimal natural shade, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nights often dropping below freezing. Most dispersed sites are located on hardpacked sand or slickrock surfaces requiring proper tent stakes or alternative anchoring methods.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: Areas near Courthouse Rock provide direct access to equestrian-friendly trails. "Great access to bridle and atv trails, and lots of enthusiastic, friendly atv'ers, mainly in huge rvs. Rugged access road, including a sand wash section that caught a few vehicles in its grips," notes Elizabeth S. The campground includes paddocks for those traveling with horses.
Mountain biking access: Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab connects to popular cycling routes. Jeff B. mentions "Nice dispersed site. Easy access to great mtb trails." These areas provide direct connections to slickrock and desert single-track systems frequented by both recreational and advanced riders.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution makes this region ideal for night sky viewing. "The stars were phenomenal. Verizon had full bar coverage and you're close to Arches and Canyonlands," reports Paige M. from Cotter Mine Road. Most dispersed sites have unobstructed horizon views for optimal celestial observation from spring through fall.
What campers like
Remote camping locations: Salt Valley Dispersed Camping offers isolation from crowded areas. Greg notes it's an "Underrated spot. Surprised this spot isn't more popular. Lots of nice remote site options and trail leads you right into Arches NP with some fun off roading trails for capable vehicles." These sites require higher clearance vehicles but reward with solitude.
Wildlife encounters: Areas around CR 0083 provide frequent wildlife sightings. Jennifer R. shares her experience: "Gorgeous mountain views, and lots of wildlife. We saw probably 30 deer, multiple cows, a whole group of wild turkeys, and lots of different kinds of birds." These encounters are most common during dawn and dusk hours.
Accessibility to national parks: Many dispersed sites offer convenient access to both Canyonlands and surrounding attractions. Ben B. from Labyrinth Backcountry Campsites states, "The site itself is easy to reach (about 1-1.5 hour drive off the paved road via Mineral Road and WhiteRim Trail. The drive out is gorgeous with a few easy/medium technical areas." These locations provide alternatives when park campgrounds are full.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Desert conditions create extreme temperature variations. "The wind exposure at most sites requires secure containment systems," according to multiple reviewers. Summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 100°F with minimal shade options at most sites.
Road conditions: Access varies significantly based on recent weather and vehicle type. Ashley M. warns about Labyrinth Backcountry: "NOT for RVs. The road is 4x4 only with very low clearance. Stop and read every sign. You go through BLM land then on to Canyon Lands Property, which if you camp on that land without a permit is heavy fines."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas lack basic amenities. Bailey A. notes about dispersed camping near Moab: "There are even port-a-potty's that are clean. We tent camped here in mid December and it was cold at night, but nothing too terrible if you have the right sleeping bags." Visitors must pack in all necessary supplies including sufficient water for their entire stay.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose camping areas with natural barriers for child safety. One camper at Lone Mesa Group Campground advises: "Our group loved this campsite. The space was huge and spaced out from the other sites. The location is just about in the middle of Arches and Canyonlands. Clean bathrooms and dumpster access."
Arrival timing: Secure preferred camping locations by arriving early. "We pulled in moved all of our stuff from the back of my suv (we're car camping) started a fire started cooking pulled out our chairs," notes Jennifer N., highlighting the importance of setting up before dark when traveling with children.
Activity planning: Prepare for limited cellular connectivity when organizing family outings. Chris P. from Devils Garden Campground reports "At times, 1-2 bars of T-Mobile LTE. Most of the time no cell service. Beautiful night skies and a great place to spend sunrise/sunset." Download offline maps and activity guides before arrival.
Tips from RVers
Trailer size limitations: Many dispersed areas have restrictions based on vehicle length. Jillian G. from Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites notes the area is "Busy but the sites are decent," while other reviewers caution about narrow access roads requiring careful navigation.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most primitive sites. "The site was huge with large boulders for some shade early in the day. This site is well spaced from other campsites so you don't feel cramped," mentions Bryan K. about Devils Garden, highlighting the typical terrain challenges.
Water management: No hookups exist in dispersed equestrian camping near Canyonlands National Park. Bailey A. advises: "Bring your own firewood, because all that is around the area are juniper trees. Junipers take extremely long to grow, so please don't use the branches to burn." Similar conservation applies to water usage, requiring travelers to bring sufficient supplies.
