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Best Dispersed Camping near Castle Valley, UT

431 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options surround Castle Valley, Utah on public lands. Castleton Tower offers primitive camping with views of the iconic desert tower and surrounding mesas. The parking area is small with limited tent sites accessible via hiking trails, primarily used by rock climbers. No water is available, and recent visitors report changing regulations about campfires. One camper noted, "No camping signs. Great spots though. People off-road around the spots day and night."

Porcupine Rim campground provides free dispersed camping with maintained sites featuring picnic tables, fire rings and vault toilets. Located about 45 minutes from Moab, the access road requires high-clearance vehicles. According to visitors, "It was majestic! The views are gorgeous. Sunset and sunrise were a beaut scene." Other dispersed options include Yellow Circle Road and La Sal Loop Road areas, which offer free camping with minimal to no amenities. Most sites permit campfires when no seasonal restrictions are in place. All dispersed areas in the region typically follow BLM's 14-day camping limits.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Castle Valley, Utah (90)

    1. Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands

    53 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 538-5418

    "high clearance vehicle recommended. Low clearance vehicles can access sights closer to highway. Lots of camping spots tucked away if you continue down the road."

    "We tent camped here in mid December and it was cold at night, but nothing too terrible if you have the right sleeping bags."

    2. Porcupine rim campground

    17 Reviews
    Castle Valley, UT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3500

    "Dispersed camping with the best view I've ever seen. Even had clean vault toilet. There is a strict fire ban most of the time."

    "We went to Porcupine Rim Campground (Dispersed) on Oct. 15, 21 - Oct. 17, 21. The road to get yonder is uphill and bumpy, rocky."

    3. Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area

    33 Reviews
    La Sal, UT
    15 miles
    Website

    "There are no amenities (with the exception of occasional fire pits), but plenty of space for campers, large RVs, tents, etc. We were fine with a 2WD car."

    "This was our second night boondocking near Moab, and it was peaceful. We were the only ones out in this area camping with not a single car driving by while we were here."

    4. South Klondike Bluffs / Road 142 Dispersed

    37 Reviews
    Arches National Park, UT
    19 miles

    "Good spot just off the highway close to Arches and Canyonlands. Arrived at around 6pm and could only see about 2 other vehicles further down the road - so plenty of space."

    "Good safe spot right off the highway. Made it in my front wheel drive 21’ van. Just go slow. Lots of rocks sticking up and little rivets in the road. I was able to get around them."

    5. Castleton Tower

    9 Reviews
    Castle Valley, UT
    2 miles

    "There is a roofless pit toilet and no water available but there are a few elevated tent pads."

    "Primitive camping but plenty of space for parking. No amenities but absolutely beautiful. Hiking was wonderful. The canyon/waterway leading to the tower is a really excellent hike."

    6. BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed

    41 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    23 miles
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "A car with some high clearance and 4WD is probably necessary for this."

    "The best in Utah. The layout of this area is amazing and unique. We had the place to ourselves aside from some guy who was looking for his friends and ended up car camping."

    7. Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites

    21 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "Slightly rough road to get into the campsite plenty of places to choose from. Got there at like 6 o’clock on a Friday night with a camper van and had no trouble."

    "I chose this site for proximity to the parks, as well as the lovely geological backdrop."

    8. Behind the Rocks Road Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "We got here early about 3 o’clock on a Saturday however, most of the sites were already taken so the site that we ended up staying at the driveway was a little washed out and parts of the actual camping"

    "All of the campgrounds on UT 128 were full during our late night drive way out that direction; easy enough to find Behind the Rocks, pulled in late, found an open spot, still some people up at early morning"

    9. Yellow Circle Crossing

    12 Reviews
    La Sal, UT
    14 miles

    "Nice views. 14 day availability. I was able to navigate this in a Travato. T-Mobile service here is LTE but if you go just a walking distance away, you can get 5G."

    "Some areas would require high clearance, but there a few different options and plenty of space to choose from depending how close you want to be to neighbors."

    10. La Sal Loop Rd Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Castle Valley, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-7155

    "Without 4WD, there are less dispersed camping spots in Moab compared to the past. Many popular spots are now charging fees. This one remains free and is located just south of the city."

    "I recently ventured to the La Sal Loop Road Dispersed Camping site and was truly rewarded for the initial challenge of the steep incline and sharp turn at the beginning of the road."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Castle Valley, UT

294 Photos of 90 Castle Valley Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Castle Valley, UT

431 Reviews of 90 Castle Valley Campgrounds

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2022

    BLM Intrepid Well Road Dispersed Camping

    Seven-Up Overlook Dispersed

    This free BLM Dispersed area is at the end of the easy access road to the Intrepid Well Road. Do not enter the two oil gas pad areas. Signs at 313 note no camping for 1/2 mile, these sites are 1.7 miles in. Only 3-4 sites on rim of overlook above Whirlwind MTB trail. Cell signal is good. Sites are best for overlander types...no big RVs or TTs is advised due to rough access roads and small camping spots. No amenities, no water, no trash, no tables. Special rules are in effect for portable toilet use.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bitter Creek Overlook Camping Area

    Two ways to approach - both are good

    The GPS coordinates, when mapped in Google (not Apple) Maps, take you down the FIRST dirt road past the exit, not the SECOND as detailed in the directions.

    If you take the first dirt road, you’ll quickly hit rougher roads and a BLM sign. Most cars can handle this if you take it slow, and find a campsite near the front. If you decide to follow all the way to the coordinates, you’ll end up on some pretty rough roads that can be tricky without a higher clearance vehicle. You’ll end at an overlook which is nice, but can be windy.

    If you follow the directions and not the coordinates (taking the SECOND dirt road) you’ll go down a much wider, smoother road. Watch closely for the turn, it’s easy to miss. You’ll find spots to camp pretty quickly, and they’re not out in the open so you’ll find them to be a bit more sheltered from wind.

    The photos attached to this review are at a site the written directions take you to, as opposed to the GPS coordinates.

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

    BLM Mineral Point Dispersed Camping Area

    Nice free dispersed close in.

    This BLM two track sandy road is first open road on left past Horsethief BLM fee campground. Road goes about .6 mile and ends. About 10+ nice free dispersed spots, nothing designated but areas are obvious. Rock fire ring is all you get. No tables, no water, no trash. But cell signal is not bad. This area is best for high clearance tenters or Overlander types...the farther down the road it gets more slick rock ledgey bumpy. I would not haul a TT or drive a RV down there but sure some will.

  • Summer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Indian Creek Recreation Area

    The Best Dispersed Camping

    Indian Creek is awesome. It’s BLM dispersed camping about 2-3 miles from the Canyonlands Needles entrance. Dirt road in leads past Hamburger Rock Campground. Keep going and you’ll start seeing sites on the sides of the road. There are several pull thru and sites big enough for RVs. Lots of walk in and drive in tent camping sites. 

    You must camp where there is an established site evidenced by a fire ring. 

    This is no water, no toilet, primitive camping. You must pack out your own waste they do not allow it to be buried. 

    If you do not have four wheel drive be careful of the site you choose. The red sand is no joke and you will get stuck. It gets pretty busy from Thursday on but earlier in the week and day you have a lot to choose from. 

    An awesome primitive or boon-docking experience.

  • Ruairi K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2023

    BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed

    Insane views

    A car with some high clearance and 4WD is probably necessary for this. The road in is just dirt and not labeled, but you just turn right into one of the paths breaking off the main dirt road and head towards the canyon. There were multiple available campsites when we went with no one remotely near us. Views of the canyon are next level.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2022

    BLM Tibbetts Arch Road Dispersed Camping

    Overlander types only

    This area is on a narrow entrenched sandy two track road and some sections are rough slick rock..so high clearance overlander type rigs are the best to access these sites. TTs and RVs are NOT recommended. Camping is allowed at 1/2 mile distance from Hwy 313 and Special Regulations include required portable toilets. Cell is iffy depending on straight line to north. No amenities, pure boondocking. Cows share the area.

  • Chase R.
    May. 24, 2024

    National Forest Dispersed - Lupe2 Dispersed

    Camping On A Flat Rock

    We arrived to this campsite at sunset as the plan was to camp at Porcupine Ridge; however, it was closed. We found this campsite as our back up plan which did not disappoint. It’s somewhat close to the road; however, we only had one vehicle pass by during the night. We chose this campsite due to it being more remote compared to the other busy campsites near the entrance of Sand Flat Recreation. This campsite also offers gorgeous views with never ending large, flat rocks and juniper trees. To get into this campsite we would recommend having high clearance and off roading tires. The campsite was clean and all around a wonderful experience for our first time boondocking in Moab!

  • P
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites

    Off the highway, but secluded

    Slightly rough road to get into the campsite plenty of places to choose from. Got there at like 6 o’clock on a Friday night with a camper van and had no trouble. It was the perfect stop for the night able to have a fire and had enough privacy. The stars were phenomenal. Verizon had full bar coverage and you’re close to Arches and Canyonlands.

  • Aliza N.
    May. 27, 2022

    BLM Mineral Point Road Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed camping outside Canyonlands

    We found this spot from our Gaia app. Go past the established Horsethief paid campground and there are plenty of sites on both sides of a nice gravel/dirt road. Some deep sand on the road in places but easily passable with our Chevy van. Plenty of other folks camping here but we easily found a spot with some privacy. Dry camping. No water, trash or bathrooms. Pack in Pack out. Great spot for easy access to Canyonlands or Arches!

Guide to Castle Valley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Castle Valley, Utah, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Castle Valley, Utah

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out the Unique Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits or regulations are required for dispersed camping in Castle Valley?

Dispersed camping in Castle Valley follows standard BLM regulations. At BLM Intrepid Well Road Dispersed Camping, signs indicate no camping within 1/2 mile of Highway 313. Similarly, at BLM Tibbetts Arch Road Dispersed Camping, camping is only allowed at least 1/2 mile from the highway, and special regulations require fire pans. Generally, no permits are needed for most BLM dispersed camping in the area, but a 14-day stay limit typically applies. Always camp in established sites with existing fire rings, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Stay out of marked oil and gas pad areas. Pack out all trash and human waste, as no facilities are provided at these free sites.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Castle Valley, Utah?

Dispersed camping in the Castle Valley area can be found at several BLM locations. Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area is located about 11 miles south of Moab and offers plenty of space for various camping setups, accessible with 2WD vehicles. For those seeking scenic views, Porcupine rim campground provides dispersed camping with spectacular vistas. Additional options include sites along Highway 313, Behind the Rocks Road, and areas near Canyonlands National Park. Most locations require high clearance vehicles, and you should plan to be self-sufficient with water and supplies. Look for established fire rings to identify appropriate camping spots.

What amenities are available at Castle Valley dispersed camping sites?

Dispersed camping in Castle Valley offers minimal amenities, focusing on pristine natural experiences rather than facilities. At BLM Mineral Point Dispersed Camping Area, you'll find nothing more than rock fire rings - no tables, water, or trash service. Similarly, at Indian Creek Recreation Area, sites are primitive with no developed facilities. Most sites have decent cell signal coverage, which is helpful for navigation and emergencies. Campers should bring everything they need, including water, food, waste disposal bags, and toilet paper. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, so bring a portable fire pan if planning to have a campfire. The primary amenity at these sites is the spectacular scenery and relative solitude compared to developed campgrounds.

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