Best Dispersed Camping near Capitol Reef National Park

Dispersed camping areas surround Capitol Reef National Park, offering free alternatives to the often-full Fruita Campground. Several established sites include Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed, Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping, and Route 24 Dispersed Camping. These BLM and state lands permit stays up to 14 days with no reservation required. Most sites are located within 1-7 miles of the park boundary, providing convenient access for day trips. According to reviews, "The first camping areas off of UT-24 get crazy busy," but visitors can "find a little bit more privacy if you drive a little further back down the bumpy road."

No amenities exist at these primitive sites. Pack in all water, food, and supplies; pack out all trash. Portable toilets appear occasionally at some locations but cannot be relied upon. Cell service varies by location, with Beas Lewis Flat reporting strong signals for both Verizon and AT&T, while more remote sites have limited or no connectivity. Fire regulations follow standard BLM rules, requiring contained fires in existing rings when permitted, though seasonal fire bans frequently occur during summer months.

Road conditions range from well-maintained dirt roads to rough tracks requiring high clearance vehicles. Many sites accommodate RVs and trailers, though the best spots often require navigating small obstacles. As one camper noted, "Just after making that right there's a small dry wash to cross that requires some clearance and decent approach/departure angles." Weather conditions can change rapidly, with strong winds common in spring and early summer. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, with winter camping requiring cold-weather gear. The area offers excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Capitol Reef National Park (107)

    1. Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed

    45 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 896-1500

    "We spent a week along Beas Lewis Flat Road just outside of Torrey, to explore Capitol Reef National Park. This is free BLM dispersed camping with a 14-day stay limit, no sites or services provided."

    "Easy drive in, wide, dirt roads. Must be at least a hundred different sites."

    2. Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping

    50 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 425-3791

    "We had not dabbled into BLM (Bureau of Land Management) camping before, but this experience would encourage us to utilize it throughout the rest of our year-long trip to the national parks."

    "We were not planning on going to Capitol Reef on our Utah trip but we got some unexpected snow at Canyonlands so we headed out early. So glad we made the trip!"

    3. Route 24 Dispersed Camping - Capitol Reef

    24 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 836-2800

    "Just to let folks know, this is not a BLM site. BLM sites have a pay station right when you pull into the campground."

    "Most spots are obvious with back in or pull through parking, but other areas are more open and just up for the taking."

    4. Overlook Point Dispersed Site

    10 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 896-1500

    "Amazing vista point to look down into capitol reef national park or Torrey. Close to town with great cell signal. Close to National Park."

    "Easy access to downtown Torrey & Capitol Reef National Park."

    5. Dispersed Campsite Near Capital Reef National Park

    3 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    6 miles

    "Beautiful mountain view, open location a couple of miles off the Notom Bullfrog road. Didn't see a soul.  Road is easy going.  Near to Pleasant Creek. Rock fire ring. "

    "The sites towards the end of the road are near a hike into Capitol Reef so you can access from camp. Also enjoyed exploring the dry river bed."

    6. Capitol Reef Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 896-1500

    "This dispersed campsite is great if you’re looking to spend the night before or after visiting Capitol Reef National Park."

    "Cool dispersed spot with great views. There’s a canyon that you can park pretty close to the edge. Some spots probably need 4x4 with decent clearance, but most are accessible if you drive slow."

    7. Capitol Reef National Park

    4 Reviews
    Capitol Reef National Park, UT
    9 miles

    "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)."

    "Set amid the orchards developed by Mormon pioneers in 1880 it offers easy access to all Capitol Reef offers: history and the beauty of the outdoors."

    8. Fremont Granary Site

    4 Reviews
    Capitol Reef National Park, UT
    10 miles

    "Great boondocking spot right outside the national park. There is only 1 spot, but camping in the gravel parking lot is also allowed according to the sign in the lot."

    "There’s really only room for one primary camping unit but vans and cars are welcome to park in the small parking lot at the entrance."

    9. Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 836-2800

    "If you’re someone who hasn’t upgraded to 4x4 yet, you won’t have issues accessing this site. Can’t speak for spots not directly in the entrance."

    "We stayed 2 nights due to its proximity to town and capitol reef NP. The trailhead is right there, so it’s perfect! Probably 10-15 sites if you look around and get deep towards the hills."

    10. Large Dispersed Campsite off BLM 0151 on E Pleasant Creek Diversion Rd/Notom Rd

    2 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    7 miles

    "The campground is just 5 minutes from Capitol Reef and close to other amazing attractions like Bentonite Hill. We camped comfortably in our 32-foot travel trailer with an easy drive in and out."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Capitol Reef National Park

358 Reviews of 107 Capitol Reef National Park Campgrounds


  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2022

    East Dispersed Area — Goblin Valley State Park

    Beautiful Area

    It costs $35 to camp in the State Park or $20 entrance fee, but there are so many dispersed spots in the BLM area right outside the state park boundaries. 

    Before you turn onto the road to take you to the state park there are several wide open flat areas to stay in. This area is pretty busy with boondockers but we found a secluded spot 1/2 mile from the Wild Horse trail head at 38.5815894,-110.7954139. There are several spots that are reachable by RV, but further back you’ll need high clearance and possible 4x4. 

    The dirt roads off the main road close to the state park are very rutted and washed out. The roads were doable in our 26’ class C but not really worth it when there are so many other easier options. 

    There is no water here and no trash service so pack in and pack out including your digested food.:) 

    There are pit toilets at the Wild Horse Trailhead, and there appeared to be some overnight campers at the trailhead as well. 

    No cell service from any carrier, and our cell booster did not help.

  • SwitchbackKids
    Jun. 26, 2017

    Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping

    Free and easy access to Capitol Reef National Park!

    After visiting two very popular Utah parks -- Zion and Bryce Canyon -- Capitol Reef was a breath of fresh air. And one of our favorite parts about visiting this park is that it was almost totally free!

    When we arrived at the visitor center, they informed us that their only developed campground, Fruita Campground (first-come-first-served only, not reservable) was full for the night, and rangers were ready with a handout full of alternative camping areas. We had not dabbled into BLM (Bureau of Land Management) camping before, but this experience would encourage us to utilize it throughout the rest of our year-long trip to the national parks.

    This “campground” is located about a mile outside of the national park, which allows great access to everything inside Capitol Reef. Usually free camping like this is harder to discover, but this pull-off is just off the road.

    Benefits of camping in BLM land include the cost (free!), solitude (you can be as far away from people as you’d like), and easy access to the national park (in fact, most national parks are surrounded with National Forest Service or BLM land!). Downsides, of course, include the lack of amenities, the sometimes uninspiring scenery, and the feeling of uneasiness (can I really just camp here? For free?)

    Capitol Reef’s BLM camping is plentiful, but this site was definitely the best. We were able to drive up on a high ridge of the pull-out area that the RVs could not easily access, so we felt alone and watched the gorgeous sunsets from our campsite each night.

    During our five days in the park, we had some favorite activities: backpacking in Upper Muley Creek, hiking to Cassidy Arch, picking and eating fruit right off the trees in the historic orchards, hiking the tough Navajo Knobs trail, and, most of all, the Sulphur Creek trail through a narrow beautiful creek with three waterfalls to climb down.

    You can read much more about our four days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Capitol Reef)

  • Marc G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2021

    Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed

    Beautiful boondocking between Torrey and Capitol Reef NP

    We spent a week along Beas Lewis Flat Road just outside of Torrey, to explore Capitol Reef National Park. This is free BLM dispersed camping with a 14-day stay limit, no sites or services provided. The first camping areas off of UT-24 get crazy busy, to the point that it looked more like a crowded RV park than a peaceful boondocking area; however, make a right just past the cattle grate and you can go several miles back in, in search of solitude. Just after making that right there's a small dry wash to cross that requires some clearance and decent approach/departure angles, but other than that the condition of the road is superb. Views stretch to the red rock cliffs north of UT-24 from Torrey to the National Park, including Capitol Reef itself and the Henry Mountains beyond. Cell service was solid on both Verizon and AT&T, and we had no issues working on VPN from our location or streaming HD video. There's a small general store in Torrey with a few staples and even a laundry available, but the nearest small-town supermarket is in Loa, 18 miles west of Torrey. We found the prices there to be reasonable given the location. You may get water and dump at the Fruita Campground inside the National Park for $5.
    Watch our full-length video on both the camping and the National Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=296k\_D3AZIE

  • Will M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Hole in the Rock Road Dispersed at Utah 24

    Basic but free with cell phone signal

    So this is the dispersed camping area in a beautiful location. It is only about a quarter of a mile off Utah 24 on hole in the rock road. There's no water there no pit toilets there are no fire rings there are no picnic tables. But it's free. And there's a cell phone signal.

  • Pat S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2020

    Temple Mt. Rd. Dispersed

    Dispersed campimg along Temple Mt. Rd

    This is a cool wilderness area. It is state land in between BLM land.  This is an area between the Temple Mt. Campground East and the Temple Mt Campground a few miles NW. We reconned up and down Temple Mt rd. and the campgrounds. The dispersed camping seemed to be the best option for us. The two CG's in the area do have pit toilets but that seems to be the only plus. The East CG is super open and seemed like a staging area. The other CG had some ruins but was also open with no cover. We found a little space on the northeast side of the road back in a canyon that was nice. Only bad thing were the gnats. Last part of May and early part of June apparently is a bad time for gnats in the Utah desert.  

    There are quite a few spots on either side of the road that are kind of established with fire rings made from rock that people have put together. You can scramble over the rocks and hike through the washes. Some attractions near by are the pictograph panel, Temple Mt. ,Wild Horse Window, and Goblin Valley SP. There are also antelope in the area. This is a good place to stage out of if you can't get a spot in the Goblin Valley CG.  Remember there is no trash bins so pack it in and pack it out. Bury your poop.

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Capitol Reef Dispersed Camping

    Peaceful and great location

    This dispersed campsite is great if you’re looking to spend the night before or after visiting Capitol Reef National Park. It doesn’t offer much other than some flat spots to set up a tent or open your rooftop tent. The sound of a nearby creek is nice to listen to before you fall asleep. If you visit in November it will be chilly at night so plan accordingly. The sites are close to a gas station and a Mexican restaurant as well as a hotel.

  • Megan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2025

    Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed

    Easy drive in dispersed camping

    Easy drive in, wide, dirt roads. Must be at least a hundred different sites. Some are group sites with multiple fire pits all close together and there are several other roads leading to many other spots. Not much shading due to the short trees and shrubbery. Temps when I stayed were 60⁰s during the day and low 20⁰s at night. No dumping, no connections, this is off grid camping/boondocking.

  • Shay F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2019

    Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping

    Free camping, beautiful scenery. Is this heaven?

    We were not planning on going to Capitol Reef on our Utah trip but we got some unexpected snow at Canyonlands so we headed out early. So glad we made the trip! Capitol Reef had lots of wildlife like Deer and Bighorn Sheep and petroglyphs that were really cool to hike to and see.

    Along with the petroglyphs, there is the historic hike to the site of the Pioneer Register.  Mormon pioneers signed their names on the cliff walls as they were traveling though.  Some signatures are over 125 years old. https://utahsadventurefamily.com/pioneer-register-hike-capitol-reef/ does a nice description. 

    Me made a stop at Goblin Valley State Park so we arrived to Capitol Reef a bit later than we would have liked. All the standard campgrounds were full but the ranger at the visitor center told us to head out of the park towards the town of Torrey and almost immediately on our right there was free BLM camping land.

    Totally free, no amenities, but what a beautiful night!! It was cold! But so quiet even though we had many neighbors on their own Utah adventures. Our neighbors were a single girl in a truck and cab over camper from Alaska, and a couple in a blue school bus. Quite the assortment. Obviously, a variety of vehicles will make it our there.

    No toilet, leave no trace, no fires. Totally a park, sleep, and go spot. There is so much to see and do in Utah, that is ok by me! We woke up, drove into Torrey, picked up a cup of coffee, and started hiking down Capitol Gulch with no one else around.

  • DL M.
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Dispersed Campsite Near Capital Reef National Park

    Open country, mountain views sparch shrubs, BLM near capitol reef boundary

    Beautiful mountain view, open location a couple of miles off the Notom Bullfrog road. Didn't see a soul.  Road is easy going.  Near to Pleasant Creek. Rock fire ring.  Other sites are dispersed around. Very close to the Capitol Reef National park boundary. 5535 feet elevation. No cell service.


Guide to Capitol Reef National Park

Dispersed camping near Capitol Reef National Park in Utah offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes while enjoying the freedom of nature. With various options available, campers can find secluded spots that cater to different needs and preferences.

Dispersed campers should check out Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping

  • This area allows for both tent and RV camping, making it accessible for various types of campers. The Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping site features beautiful views and is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
  • Campers have noted the lack of toilet facilities, so it's essential to plan accordingly and bring your own supplies. The site is also known for its stunning hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views of the valley and mountains.
  • With no permit required and free camping options, this spot is perfect for those looking to enjoy a budget-friendly outdoor experience while being close to the park's attractions.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Capitol Reef National Park in Utah

  • When visiting the Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed, be prepared for windy conditions, especially if you're tent camping. Many campers recommend finding a sheltered spot to set up your tent to avoid the gusts.
  • This area is known for its excellent views of the Boulder Mountains and is conveniently located near Torrey, where you can stock up on essentials. Make sure to bring enough water and supplies, as there are no facilities on-site.
  • Campers have reported good cell service in this area, making it easier to stay connected while enjoying the great outdoors. This can be particularly helpful for those who want to share their adventures on social media.

Enjoy stunning views at Burr Trail Rd Dispersed Camping

  • The Burr Trail Rd Dispersed Camping site is known for its gorgeous scenery and is a favorite among those who enjoy off-road adventures. The area offers plenty of space for both tents and RVs, making it a versatile option for different camping styles.
  • Campers have highlighted the beauty of the surrounding landscape, which includes stunning rock formations and expansive views. It's an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the essence of Utah's natural beauty.
  • While the site is accessible, some areas may require a 4x4 vehicle for the best experience. Be sure to check road conditions before heading out to ensure a smooth journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available on BLM land near Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, free camping is abundant on BLM land surrounding Capitol Reef National Park. Temple Mt. Rd. Dispersed provides free wilderness camping on state land between BLM areas, offering a good alternative to the developed Temple Mountain campgrounds. Hole in the Rock Road Dispersed at Utah 24 is another free option about a quarter-mile off Highway 24 with cell service, though it lacks amenities like water, toilets, or fire rings. Most BLM dispersed sites around Capitol Reef have a 14-day stay limit. While these areas don't provide services, they offer budget-friendly accommodations with easy access to the national park, making them popular among self-sufficient campers.

Where are the best locations for dispersed camping near Capitol Reef National Park?

Several excellent dispersed camping areas surround Capitol Reef National Park. Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed is highly recommended with numerous sites along wide dirt roads just outside Torrey. The flat terrain accommodates various camping setups, though shade is limited. For a more secluded experience, Deer Creek Lake Trail offers beautiful sites nestled among aspens with peaceful surroundings. The road requires slow driving but is manageable even with 2WD vehicles. Other good options include dispersed camping along Notom-Bullfrog Road near Pleasant Creek and sites off Hole in the Rock Road. Most locations are within easy driving distance to the national park's attractions while providing the solitude and freedom that dispersed camping offers.

Do I need reservations or permits for dispersed camping around Capitol Reef?

No formal reservations or permits are required for dispersed camping on public lands surrounding Capitol Reef National Park. Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping and other BLM sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. While the park's developed campground may require reservations, the dispersed areas outside park boundaries are open for camping without advance booking. Dispersed Campsite Near Capital Reef National Park and similar areas simply require you to follow standard dispersed camping regulations: camp in established sites, stay within 150 feet of designated roads, respect 14-day stay limits, and practice Leave No Trace principles. During peak seasons (spring and fall), arriving early improves your chances of securing preferred spots.