Castle Dale, Utah sits at an elevation of approximately 5,500 feet in central Utah's Emery County. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and cold winters with occasional snow. This high desert region features a mix of public lands with dispersed camping options and established campgrounds near sandstone formations and reservoirs.
What to do
Bouldering at Joe's Valley: Joe's Valley offers world-class bouldering opportunities with hundreds of established problems. Joes Valley Campground provides convenient access. "There are no trash bins onsite, so what you bring in, you have to pack out. The campground sits right on the Joes Valley Reservoir which is a beautiful turquoise color and is great for boating and fishing," notes Steven M.
Mountain biking the Goodwater Rim Trail: This 15-mile intermediate trail follows the edge of the Little Grand Canyon with technical sections. "This is one of the campsite that is primarily for the mountain bike route that goes along rim of the little Grand Canyon. There is a centralized pit toilet that you might have to drive one or two miles to get to," explains Will M. about Goodwater Rim Dispersed Site #6.
Cool off in the water: Summer temperatures demand water recreation. "The pond was a great way to cool off and have fun, 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," says Nichelle D. about Swell Retreat.
What campers like
Geological formations: The San Rafael Swell region features dramatic canyon views. "What can I possibly say. It's difficult to describe in words. Mid-January was perfect for me as I like the colder weather and the gorgeous colors of the clay and white snow," reports Anthony D. about Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between sites. "Sites are far apart which I like," mentions Becky J. about Millsite State Park Campground. Similarly, at Swell Retreat, Nichelle D. appreciates that there's "Plenty of room between sites to give a sense of privacy."
Night sky viewing: Limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "This is an amazing place and you will never see a more beautiful night sky," says Jason about Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping. Bring binoculars or a telescope to take advantage of the clear desert air.
What you should know
Summer heat precautions: Daytime temperatures frequently exceed 95°F in July and August. "Pack extra water for dogs and humans. Plan hikes for early morning or evening when temperatures are 20-30 degrees cooler," advises a park ranger.
Limited services: Most dispersed camping areas lack amenities. "There don't appear to be any picnic tables, fire rings or toilets," notes Lois A. about areas near New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground.
Changing conditions: Weather can shift rapidly, particularly in spring and fall. "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," reports Jason about Little Grand Canyon.
Road conditions: Access roads to remote sites vary in quality. "Road in from Castle Dale is very smooth, graded and oiled, until the last two miles," observes one camper about Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended after rain.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Children need cooling options in summer heat. "Our family enjoyed a fabulous week at the Swell Retreat. The pond and all of the canoes, paddle boards, and water inflatable helped to cool us down after a hot day in the sun. The zip line was a challenge for our younger folks, but when they finally did it then Wow, they had fun," shares Joyce S.
Dog-friendly trails: Most trails welcome leashed pets. "Good amount of spots, pretty easy to access with most cars not terrible road conditions," notes Jaxxin S. about Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping, which connects to several pet-friendly hiking routes.
Indoor alternatives: Have backup plans for extreme weather days. "The camp site it well taken care of and perfectly located on the beach. The geology is beautiful. The red and grey rock mountains are indescribably peaceful," reports Alexia B. about Millsite State Park Campground, which has nearby towns with museums for very hot days.
Tips from RVers
Full hookups available: Huntington State Park Campground offers RV amenities. "Spacious campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and trees. A few quaint towns nearby and a decent size town for any needs," notes Sue B.
Pull-through access: Some sites accommodate larger rigs. "We have a 36' Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site MI08 for 3 days in mid June. The sites are nice, but closer together than most SP CGs, although the pull-through sites are angled, so you're not looking in your neighbor's windows," explains Ray & Terri F. about Millsite State Park Campground.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "What few trees there are, are half-dead from not being watered. There is semi-truck traffic on the highway that borders the campground, about every 5-10 minutes, day and night," warns Barbara B. about Huntington State Park. Consider this when selecting dog-friendly campgrounds near Castle Dale if your pet is sensitive to noise.
