Camping sites near Castle Dale, Utah feature diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 5,500 to 7,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night. The area receives less than 8 inches of annual rainfall, making water availability a critical concern for campers. Many dispersed sites offer no water sources, requiring visitors to bring their own supply for drinking and washing needs.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: The Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping area offers excellent access to mountain biking opportunities. One camper mentions, "What a great place to set up camp! Very easy to get to, with some rocky roads getting to campsites." Another visitor notes, "I found site 5 was at the halfway point of the mountain bike trail," making it convenient for cyclists.
Fishing opportunities: Huntington State Park Campground provides direct access to reservoir fishing. A visitor shared, "Nine Mile Canyon and the Wedge were fun to explore. Good museums, lots of area history." The park serves as a good base camp for multiple recreational opportunities within a short drive.
Bouldering routes: The New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground caters specifically to climbers. A camper notes, "Really enjoy staying here. Free camping and plenty of activities to do in the area. Climbing (Bouldering), Site seeing (Not far from The Wedge)." The campground now has "designated campsites, a picnic table, large deep fire rings, pit toilets and no trash service."
What campers like
Solitude during weekdays: At Wedge Overlook, visitors appreciate the midweek quiet. As one reviewer noted, "Very peaceful and quiet during the week, however it fills up quickly on the weekends." Another camper advised, "Was a great spot, got there on a Saturday afternoon and there were a plenty of spots."
Designated fire rings: Many dispersed camping areas provide established fire pits. A visitor to Little Grand Canyon mentioned, "Over 30 firepits along this section of road, most with gorgeous views of the canyon." These designated fire areas help minimize environmental impact while providing necessary camping amenities.
Cell signal availability: Unlike many remote areas, several camping locations offer reliable connectivity. A Wedge Overlook camper reported, "Cell signal is excellent. Closest town is Castle Dale 20 mi away." Another mentioned, "T-mobile cell coverage very good," which can be important for emergency situations or staying connected.
What you should know
Weather extremes: Temperature swings can be dramatic in desert environments. A Wedge Overlook visitor warned, "The weather was warm during the day and cool at night. We did have strong winds at night." Another advised, "It was 80 during the day and 40s at night, so dress accordingly."
Road conditions: Many camping areas require traveling on unpaved roads. A visitor to Millsite State Park Campground noted, "The drive up to the top of the canyon. Have to be careful of ATV's." Understanding vehicle requirements helps prevent being stranded.
Reservation needs: During peak season, securing spots in advance is crucial. A Joe's Valley Reservoir visitor shared, "Before my two visits, I reserved my sites on recreation.gov. This made the experience hassle-free." Planning ahead helps ensure availability, especially for weekend camping.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Swell Retreat offers excellent options for families with children. A visitor shared, "Our family loved the zip line into the water and the giant floating water park! It was so nice to have access to paddle boards, kayaks, and a peddle boat." Another mentioned, "The pond was a great way to cool off and have fun."
Site selection for privacy: Choose camping spots strategically for family comfort. A camper at Swell Retreat noted, "Plenty of room between sites to give a sense of privacy." This space allows families to enjoy their experience without disturbing others.
Garbage planning: Several campgrounds require packing out all waste. A camper at Joe's Valley Reservoir advised, "Campground does not have dumpsters. You are required to pack everything out so try to have as little of garbage as possible or make space for it with you to take." Bringing extra trash bags helps manage waste effectively.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: For those needing electrical connections, several campgrounds offer partial or full hookups. A visitor to Millsite State Park shared, "Sites are far apart which I like," providing adequate space for larger vehicles. The full hookup and dump site areas are "quite adequate" according to another camper.
Generator policies: Noise restrictions vary between locations. A Joe's Valley visitor noted, "Pads on single sites for back in or pullthrough easily accommodate large trailers and fifth wheel campers. That translates to many generators which can be run from 6 am to 10 pm." Understanding these rules helps maintain campground harmony.
Pad sizing: RV campsites vary in size and layout. A camper at Joe's Valley observed, "We camped in site 49 which is a double site. The site has two picnic tables and a double wide parking pad." Knowing site dimensions helps select appropriate spots for your specific vehicle.
