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.
"This area is really just designated dispersed camping. No developed fee CG, NO WATER, no dumpsters. Vault toilets at wedge rim."
"Around dusk the wind picked up and almpst destroyed our camp and sent it into the canyon. Tie everything down or be in camp for the show! The ground is hard for tent stakes."
"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."
"Dispersed camp spots, some REALLY primo ones on edge of canyon with dramatic views. Juniper trees create some privacy between spots. Pit toilets are new and nice. No water or tables."
"This BLM campground now has designated campsites, a picnic table, large deep fire rings, pit toilets and no trash service. Also no water. "
"Free camping and plenty of activities to do in the area. Climbing (Bouldering)
Site seeing (Not far from The Wedge)
Beautiful area"
"If you like to unplug and barely have service while enjoy remoteness, this is for you. We love it. Only cell service I get is when holding phone against metal campsite number. Costs $15 per night."
from $8 - $15 / night
from $8 - $15 / night
"The area west of the entrance road junction has plenty of space and sites, but the road is rough/rocky. Some sites are literally right on the edge of the canyon, as is the access road."
"Right off the highway has dozens of good sites all levels with good views. Fire ours built in most."
"Started to go right off the 70 but that takes you to another BLM spot much further away."
"28 campsites spaced at great distances down Buckhorn Draw and not a single other camper or person seen."
from $8 - $15 / night
"This is a group dsignated site, $50, and is one of the best due to the cottonwood trees for shade. Table and fire ring. No water, no trash, no toilet, no cell signal."
from $50 / night
from $50 / night
GuideJust passed the park sign from the north there is a Spur Road with five primitive fairly dispersed sites. It's about half a mile down from the South Temple wash Campground. No facilities no picnic tables firings and the sites are well spread out. The road is fine for 35 ft Class A with tow. Excellent Verizon service.
RangerThis hike is amazing. We brought our dog along. The end is absolutely gorgeous. There were a few sites around but it’s mainly just the trailhead parking lot, with little to no cover. No amenities. The panel is worth it
TravelerEasy drive to get to camp area, about 15 miles up a paved road into beautiful national park. There are about 15 spots in the Aspens, we went all the way to end and camped against Cold Spring lake.
Area was pretty full in October with lots of people deer hunting.
ScoutBit of a labyrinth to find a spot but worth the effort. People around but still nice amount of privacy
GuideBeautiful views nice campgrounds
ScoutVery close to the I 70 exit, but far enough away, we could not hear the freeway
TravelerIncredible ease of access off the interstate. There is some traffic noise, but not too bad.
Ranger28 campsites spaced at great distances down Buckhorn Draw and not a single other camper or person seen. Sites have concrete picnic tables, a grill, spectacular views, and a night sky that needs to be seen to be believed.
RangerFound a few pullouts and one or 2 larger spots to pull in along the road. The road is relatively smooth gravel.
The San Rafael Swell dispersed camping areas near Castle Dale, Utah offer free primitive camping opportunities in a high desert landscape ranging from 5,000-7,000 feet elevation. The area features numerous established dispersed sites with access to slot canyons, sandstone formations and desert plateaus. Road conditions vary seasonally with some routes becoming impassable during winter months or after heavy rainfall.
Mountain biking trails: Multiple technical routes follow the rim of the Little Grand Canyon, with the Goodwater Rim Trail being particularly popular. "We grabbed a dispersed site near the east Goldwater rim trailhead. Excellent pit toilets at the three trailheads... We took Buckhorn Draw Road down to I-70 and then Temple Mountain to Goblin Valley. Very scenic drive. National Park quality stuff," notes a camper at Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping.
Rock climbing: The New Joe's bouldering area provides excellent climbing opportunities about 30 miles from Castle Dale. "Really enjoy staying here. Free camping and plenty of activities to do in the area. Climbing (Bouldering). Site seeing (Not far from The Wedge)," reports a visitor to New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground.
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution makes this area ideal for astronomy. "You will never see a more beautiful night sky," states a camper at Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping. The high desert elevation and clear air contribute to exceptional night visibility.
Seasonal flexibility: The San Rafael Swell offers primitive camping near Castle Dale, Utah with varied conditions throughout the year. "I camped here for a couple nights around mid March. The weather worked out perfectly... I'll be returning with the family in May," shares a visitor at Goodwater Rim East Dispersed Camping.
Solitude: Weekday visits typically offer more isolation. "Very peaceful and quiet during the week, however it fills up quickly on the weekends," notes a camper at Wedge Overlook. Winter camping provides even more solitude, as one camper describes: "Mid-January was perfect for me as I like the colder weather and the gorgeous colors of the clay and white snow. I lucked out as no other campers were to be seen anywhere."
Group camping options: Several designated group sites accommodate larger parties. "This is a group designated site, $50, and is one of the best due to the cottonwood trees for shade. Table and fire ring," explains a visitor to Buckhorn Draw Designated group Campsite #16.
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings can be extreme. "We stayed here at the very beginning of October. It was 80 during the day and 40s at night, so dress accordingly," advises a camper. Another shares their experience: "Our first night was a tough one. We got caught in a severe wind storm but everything held together and besides a lack of sleep, we all survived."
Limited services: Free dispersed camping means minimal amenities. "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," explains a visitor at New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground.
Road access: Most primitive camping areas require travel on unpaved roads. "The area west of the entrance road junction has plenty of space and sites, but the road is rough/rocky. Some sites are literally right on the edge of the canyon, as is the access road," notes a visitor to Wedge Rim Overlook Campground.
Consider rim safety: Many sites sit directly on canyon edges. "Obviously, caution is needed for these places, especially at night. It's a 1200-foot almost sheer drop to the river bottom," warns a camper at Wedge Rim Overlook Campground.
Plan for supplies: No services exist in the immediate area. "The road leading in is about 20 miles so make sure you have everything you need, but if not there is a town about 40 minutes away," advises a visitor. Another notes: "Closest town is Castle Dale 20 mi away."
Site selection timing: Arrive early for better locations. "Get there early (Friday or first thing AM) to get a prime spot with a view. There were plenty of campsites, but maybe not ones with views directly overlooking the canyon," recommends a camper at Buckhorn Draw Designated Campsite #13.
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. "Some were pretty big and could accommodate an RV. We used a tent," notes one visitor describing the variation in site sizes at Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping.
Surface conditions: Ground composition affects setup. "The ground is hard for tent stakes," reports a camper, describing the rocky soil common throughout the region.
Access considerations: Some areas have challenging approach roads. "Long access road goes around an eroding gully that could be an issue if raining," warns a visitor to Buckhorn Draw Designated Campsite #13, highlighting the importance of checking road conditions before attempting access with larger vehicles.
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 69 dispersed camping locations near Castle Dale, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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