Best Campgrounds near Cisco, UT
The Colorado River corridor near Cisco, Utah provides a range of camping options from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Established campgrounds like Hittle Bottom and Dewey Bridge Group Sites along Highway 128 offer designated tent and RV camping with basic amenities, while dispersed camping opportunities exist on surrounding BLM lands. The area sits within a dramatic red rock landscape approximately 20 miles northeast of Moab, featuring campgrounds positioned along the Colorado River with views of towering mesas and desert formations. Most established sites include fire rings and vault toilets, while dispersed areas typically offer more primitive experiences.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally with sites filling quickly during spring and fall peak seasons when temperatures are moderate. The region experiences extreme summer heat and occasional flash flooding during monsoon season. As a camper noted, "Quiet and secluded. You hear a car go by once in a while otherwise just crickets." Many camping areas require high clearance vehicles to navigate unmaintained roads, particularly for accessing dispersed sites. Designated campgrounds like Hittle Bottom charge approximately $20 per night, while dispersed camping on BLM land is generally free but requires visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles. Cellular coverage is limited throughout the area, with virtually no service at most campsites.
Proximity to the Colorado River distinguishes many campgrounds in this region, offering opportunities for swimming and boating access. Campers consistently highlight the dramatic scenery as a major draw. According to one visitor, "We were alone in the entire campsite. Amazing location, clean vault toilets, boat launch." Sites along Highway 128 provide convenient river access points while still maintaining reasonable privacy between campsites. Fisher Towers and other nearby hiking trails offer recreational opportunities within short driving distance from most camping areas. While sites closer to Moab experience more traffic and visitation, campgrounds further northeast toward Cisco tend to be quieter and less crowded even during peak seasons. The contrast between developed riverside campgrounds and more isolated dispersed sites allows visitors to choose their preferred camping style based on desired amenities and solitude level.
