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Best Dispersed Camping near Castle Dale, UT

202 Reviews

The San Rafael Swell near Castle Dale offers multiple free dispersed camping areas, with the Wedge Overlook area being particularly notable for its position along the rim of the "Little Grand Canyon." Sites are situated along approximately 3 miles of dirt road, with many directly overlooking the canyon. Access requires traveling about 20 miles on graded gravel roads that can develop washboard conditions and become problematic during rain.

Most campsites are primitive with no water, electricity, or trash service. According to one visitor, "Pack in pack out." Two vault toilets exist—one at the main overlook and another along the rim. Sites vary in size; some accommodate RVs while others are better suited for tents. The area experiences significant wind, especially along the canyon edge. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Around dusk the wind picked up and almost destroyed our camp and sent it into the canyon. Tie everything down or be in camp for the show!" The ground is rocky and difficult for tent stakes. Nearby recreation includes mountain biking on rim trails, hiking, and ATV routes. Cell service is reported as excellent in some areas, particularly at the Wedge, though coverage varies throughout the region.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Castle Dale, Utah (63)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Castle Dale, UT

82 Photos of 63 Castle Dale Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Castle Dale, UT

202 Reviews of 63 Castle Dale 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.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2022

    Wedge Overlook

    Wedge Overlook Dispersed

    This area is really just designated dispersed camping. No developed fee CG, NO WATER, no dumpsters. Vault toilets at wedge rim. BLM is going to construct a new developed fee CG in 2023 and fees of $20 will be charged. Not sure if all the existing free designated dispersed will go away. Cell signal is excellent. Closest town is Castle Dale 20 mi away. Road access is a wide graded gravel road from Castle Dale.

  • N
    May. 31, 2021

    Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping

    Incredible views

    We grabbed a dispersed site near the east Goldwater rim trailhead. Excellent pit toilets at the three trailheads. Bring plenty of water as there is none available. The views are unbelievable. Road in from Castle Dale is very smooth, graded and oiled, until the last two miles. The nice road continues to the west rim.

    After two days of camping and biking here we took Buckhorn Draw Road down to I-70 and then Temple Mountain to Goblin Valley. Very scenic drive. National Park quality stuff.

  • Tyrinn B.
    Apr. 11, 2025

    Skyline Drive

    Roadside Oasis

    This is down a little dirt road near the Ghost town remnants of Tucker, Utah. There is a cute little creek, plenty of places to pull into to camp, and lots of neat rock formations to observe. We stayed 2 nights, and after dusk, the noise was minimal. You can hear some traffic noise from the highway, but it's faint. Be sure to mind the signs posted for private property. It seems as though some people have left their trash behind, and it's very unfortunate because this is by far the best spot we found on this HWY near Spanish Fork. Pack in and pack out is a must as there are no amenities other than nature's amenities. I found a few fossils in my wandering of our site. Some spots by the creek have been washed out, and the ground seems to have given way, so be mindful of where you park. The spot we stayed in was the 3rd spot after the private property signs on the left-hand side. Be sure to scout the turn-off roads before attempting to drive down them. This is a sandy spot, and the ground is not the most sound due to water damage. Cool little spot to unwind and enjoy nature's surroundings.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2023

    New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground

    This camp is now halfway between an organized campground and dispersed camp

        This BLM campground now has designated campsites, a picnic table, large deep fire rings, pit toilets and no trash service. Also no water.  The actual site now in October is 

    somewhat overgrown with tumble weeds. Ground is very rocky but there are quite a few tents pitched.  

         Views are 7 on a 10 scale.

         Camp fee is now $15 per night. We used a senior pass and paid $7.50

          There also appears to be true dispersed camping on BLM land just to the NE of this organized camp and more about a quarter mile south on a dirt road.  There don’t appear to be any picnic tables, fire rings or toilets.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2022

    Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed

    Great Hiking

    First off do not pay attention to google directions as it will take you out of the way through a wash. There is quite an easy turn off right off of highway 70 (whether heading east or west, you can turn north off the highway). Once you turnoff of the highway there is a gate that may or may not be closed so once you go through leave it how you found it. 

    Follow the very manageable dirt road and there will be multiple pull out areas to camp in. The closer to the highway the more busy it is so keep driving. We found a small pull out between the two trails that take you on hike to the Spirit Arches and Petroglyphs and the other up through the wash to the pictographs. 

    The hike to the pictographs is much more interesting as you enter the narrow canyon. There are several spots that are reachable by RV, but further back you’ll need high clearance and possible 4x4. 

    There is no camping allowed within the canyon. At the trailhead though there are a few large areas for camping but probably easier with higher clearance. There is no bathroom, trash or water so pack in and pack out even that which you have already digested.;) 

    No cell service from ATT, Verizon or TMobile, but was able to get a bar or two on Verizon with the cell booster.  Oddly we did have cell reception on the hike within the canyon.

  • 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.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2022

    Buckhorn Draw fee designated Campsites 23-24

    Double Designated fee site

    Two fee designatef campsites in a scenic alcove in towering sandstone walls. Access road is sandy so recon first. Tables and fire rings but no water, no toilet, no trash and no cell signal

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2023

    Goblin Valley Lower Wildhorse Dispersed Camp

    Easy access dispersed area

    This area is accessed by 4 double track dirt roads on right as you pass the new but uncompleted sign for the expanded Goblin Valley St Park. This area used to be BLM dispersed camping but was made part of goblin a year or so ago. Goblin still allows free dispersed on these sites as of 9.2023 but that could change in future? These two track roads go to the trailhead signs for Wildhorse Window and Wildhorse Canyon hikes. Nice level sites with good views but no shade and exposed to winds. Cell signal is dependent on line of sight to Hanksville cell tower. Goblin entrance station has wifi and a water stand pipe they let dispersed campers use. No garbage dumpsters unless you pay to access goblin park at $20 vehicle.

    There is also more free dispersed past the Goblin entrance station going out to Little Wildhorse slot canyon, but those areas have longer very rough access roads to get to camp sites and would likely be a problem with loose sand in spots or mud if wet. Plus no cell since on lee side of big Mesa feature.

    Note the two BLM developed fee CGs on Temple wash do not have water or trash.

Guide to Castle Dale

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Castle Dale, Utah, where stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures await. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to escape into nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Dispersed campers should check out Wedge Overlook

  • The Wedge Overlook provides breathtaking views right on the canyon edge, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate scenic vistas.
  • Access is via a wide graded gravel road, ensuring that even those with smaller vehicles can reach this stunning location without hassle.
  • While there are no developed facilities, the vault toilets at the rim offer some convenience for visitors.

Amazing mountain biking opportunities at Little Grand Canyon

  • The Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping area features trails that are ideal for mountain biking, with paths that offer both challenge and beauty.
  • Campers can enjoy the stunning night skies, making it a great spot for stargazing after a day of biking.
  • The road conditions are manageable for most vehicles, making it accessible for families and groups looking to explore the outdoors.

Scenic views and solitude at Buckhorn Draw

  • The Buckhorn Draw Designated Campsite #17 offers a secluded experience with plenty of space for campers to spread out and enjoy the natural surroundings.
  • This area is known for its beautiful sandstone formations, providing a picturesque backdrop for photography and relaxation.
  • While it can get busy on weekends, visiting during the week allows for a more peaceful experience, perfect for those seeking solitude in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Castle Dale, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Castle Dale, UT is Wedge Overlook with a 4.5-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Castle Dale, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 63 dispersed camping locations near Castle Dale, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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