Looking for the best dispersed camping near Capitol Reef National Park? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Capitol Reef National Park. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Utah excursion.
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/
From the rolling sagebrush desert to the red gate cliffs at Torrey, all the way up to Capitol Reef National Park. The Gateway to Capitol Reef Special Recreation Management Area contains parts of the Fremont River, multi-hued bentonite hills and gorgeous hiking opportunities.
Dispersed camping in previously disturbed areas is permitted on BLM and USFS lands outside of developed campgrounds. Leave no trace of your visit. No services are available in these areas. Please respect our fragile lands by using minimum impact techniques and utilizing existing fire rings. On BLM and USFS lands, you must camp within 150 feet (45 m) of officially-designated routes, and only on existing spur roads. Please respect private property and other areas closed to camping. Be aware of the potential for wildfire due to drought conditions and/or windy weather. Check current fire restrictions. Never leave a fire unattended, and extinguish it cold to the touch when you leave.
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. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers. Rules for Dispersed Camping Groups of over 75 people who wish to use the forest, need to obtain a special use permit. There is no fee and permits can be obtained at the nearest District Office. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area. Campers may not spend more than 16 days of any 30 day period at the same dispersed area. Please place your campsite at least 100 feet from any stream or other water source. Keep a Pack-In Pack-Out camp. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines. Contact the local Forest Service office to see if any restrictions, especially fire restrictions are in place. Be Bear Aware. There are bears on the National Forest, so camp accordingly.
Traveler
This is just a pull out off the hwy. Sign says no camping.
Traveler
If you have a 4x4, we recommend pulling back slightly to the right as far as you can. We went back and got tucked into a more secluded nook with a good fire ring. It looks bumpy and uneven, but it’s possible to level a vehicle that’s 21 feet and under.
The hike up above the site is really beautiful. The trail took us up above the cliff edge that borders the site. From there you have sweeping views of the valley and out to the mountains in both directions.
Important to note:
Traveler
We liked this spot however we could not go in very far due to the fact that our trailer has low clearance. There are a lot of long ruts from water run off.
There are two dumpsters near the entrance. Area was clean and good cell service.
Location is ideal for area slot canyons etc.
Guide
Although the sand wasn’t a surprise, i was shocked at how much it stuck to everything LOL! But the site had lots of dedicated spots for camping and went on the quite a few miles. The view was beautiful, but we were nervous about mountain lions as we noticed a lot of tracks when we arrived, and saw even more next to our car in the morning as we were leaving. The road in isn’t very rough, just lots of sand and small bumps. Would stay here again!
Scout
Up on a mesa (not super high that it’s a tough climb), on Notom road which is paved, then turn on dirt road not far from Hwy 24 (maybe 1/4-1/2 mile). Only two other campers about a football field apart from me. Amazing view of Henry mountains and sunrise!! Made it slowly in my front wheel drive van over the rocks that stick up. No problem. Just slow.
Legend
This area is close to the summit elevation of Boulder Mt at 9550 elv. A rough rocky road leaves a scenic pull off all g hwy #12 and heads to some Aspen stands and a corral. The best sites are in the vicinity of the corral. Good cell signal, but no water, no dumpsters, however the views are great. In the fall season, the yellow aspens are spectacular.
Traveler
Many spots to select from. The road is a little rough in spots, so slow is good. Great views
TravelerLiterally first road outside of West entrance to CRNP. It’s pretty rocky, would come during daylight to setup. Portapotties on site.
Guide
Nice remote site. Two bathrooms.
Traveler
About 10 minutes from Goblin Valley State Park. There’s dispersed camping all along Temple Mt Road and Goblin Valley Road. Follow any of the dirt roads to plenty of sites. We first picked a site on top of a hill but quickly realized how windy it could get so we set up camp just after turning left down Goblin Valley Road. We had the whole place to ourselves, very quiet and great views of the Milky Way. No bugs at night but as soon as the sun came up the mosquitos came out and we quickly left.
Traveler
There are signs mentioning danger like "nearly no car can make this road" or "floods". The street is a little bit bumpy in the beginning but then fine.
For me it was perfectly fine and had a good sleep.
Absolutely no reception on any provider for me
GuideEasy to find & pretty smooth road to some nice spots. Beautiful view! Easy access to downtown Torrey & Capitol Reef National Park.
Guide
Numerous spots along the road. Some are very well shaded while others have lots of sun.
This spot is large and shaded. Rock fire pit. There’s currently fire restrictions so we didn’t have a fire but we set up a nice little sitting area around the fire with logs we found in the forested area.
There is a mama bear and cub in the area although we didn’t see her.
Weather is cooler than in Capitol Reef so it’s a nice place to recharge and escape the heat.
Lots of firewood in close vicinity so no need to bring any in with you (check for fire restrictions before).
Would definitely come back here.
If you follow the road all the way up you can access Cathedral Valley Campground (great views from up there)
Remember to pack out your garbage.
Guide
Right outside of capitol reef national park. Camping right on the water, plenty of room & some privacy.
Scout
Great stop point for me driving SoCal to Boulder.
Nothing here but the aforementioned moonscape.
Arrived dusk 3Jul24 after a hasty retreat from Last Chance 8 or 10 miles west (mosquitos). Only 2 or 3 managed to track me east at highway speed!
There was no one else here, far enough from the highway.
Pulled into the giant dirt bowl, turned right and drove until front of car was slightly elevated for my sleeping position (back of a wagon).
Proceed with caution in inclement weather or you may get stuck.
ScoutArrived 3Jul24 at dusk. There is standing water marsh with a frac tank, possibly for water for the quarry above. Got out of the car to give dog a break and within one minute was scrambling back in. Drove up hill to the quarry and got out with dog....still very bad mosquitos but some breeze. Hid in the car while dog was out on a long rope for a while, covered with mosquitos. After 10 minutes I had killed most that were in the car and the ones waiting at the doors and windows were gone. I cracked the door and began pulling dog rope to get slack in and then had dog climb over me into back seat.
We drove east one Dyrt to Miller Canyon and it was AWESOME. I remember maybe 3 mosquitos there.
There are only two things I can compare this savagery to (and I am in my late 50s):
Alaska (Last Chance Rd dispersed is WORSE--However, note that when I was in AK I wasn't asking for trouble--I was indoors during mosquito hours--I am sure AK has mosquitos as bad as Last Chance if you go looking)
Canada Boundary Waters Boy Scout Canoe Base (about the same at dusk--only fools wouldn't have camp totally ready to be inside tents before mosquito hours. Mornings were fine.
GuideI tried to set up camp here and was thrilled about the views, but came back to camp a few hours later and my tent was half way down a mountain and torn up on the bottom. Decided to move on. Very windy and exposed. Would be best suited for RVs/trailers or car camping. Not sure if having a fire up here would be wise or possible.
Traveler
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Guide
Great spot, I’ve always found a site here. Just make sure you hold right onto Road 1013 and the campgrounds are about a half mile down on the left.
TravelerNo issues finding a spot for our 30ft 5th wheel. Very quiet and right off the highway. Plenty of spots mostly level. Can be very windy. Good t-mobile coverage
Traveler
Great sun rises and sunsets. Not all sites are suitable for a 27 foot trailer but there was enough I that I still had some choices.
TravelerEasy to find. We arrived around 6 pm with multiple spots still available. The views were beautiful ! Some of the spots are close to the road but we grabbed the one in the northwest corner and couldn’t hear any road noise. We didn’t use it but there was a porta potty near the entrance.
Guide
This side of the BLM land is just south of the two when you enter the dispersed area. There are TONS of spaces to camp, so many that when we were looking we eventually stopped and turned around because they just kept going! We have stayed in this area the last 2 nights and we have not seen more than 4-5 other groups camping at one time. There are a decent amount of trees that provide shade/wind breaks and plenty of fire pits to find a spot for you. Internet connection is pretty good for Verizon.
GuideWe didn’t end up staying here but scoped it out looking for a spot. It looked great, a positive is that there’s porta potties and plenty of space for many campers. Negatives were that it was higher ground so it was fairly windy for fires and that it was really close to the road. Collectively it looked good, we just decided to go somewhere else.
Traveler
Campsites close to one another, but the view is still pretty great.
Traveler
Coming from Escalante, this site was one of the first high up the mountain that offered a long line of site. We pulled our van right in. There’s plenty of space and nice trees. Even though Escalante was hot, it was nice up here.
Scout
Slightly visible from the road. There’s a big open group site and a few tucked away single sites.
Camping near Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.
Camping near Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the area while enjoying various outdoor activities. Just be prepared for the unique conditions and amenities each campground offers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Capitol Reef National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Capitol Reef National Park is Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 45 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Capitol Reef National Park?
TheDyrt.com has all 91 dispersed camping locations near Capitol Reef National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.
