Dispersed camping areas around Cisco, Utah offer free sites on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Located at 4,377 feet elevation in the high desert, the region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations between seasons with summer highs frequently exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Most dispersed sites lack shade structures and require campers to bring all necessary supplies including water.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Several dispersed sites provide direct trail access to popular Moab-area mountain biking routes. At Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands, one camper notes "Finally a BLM road that I can actually camp on! This road has so many camp spots. No shade, gravel road, lots of dust but wide open spaces and amazing star gazing!"
Off-roading trails: The terrain surrounding many free campsites supports both beginner and advanced off-road driving. A visitor at Mel's Loop Single Track Dispersed Dite shared "A very doable 3-4 mile drive off the 70. There are a few high spots on the road, so be careful not to bottom out if you don't have 4-wheel drive." Many trails require high-clearance vehicles but reward drivers with remote camping spots.
National park proximity: Free camping near Cisco offers budget-friendly accommodation for exploring nearby national parks. A camper at Willow Springs Rd remarked "This spot is literally 15 minutes from Arches and is a great spot to post up in if you want to explore Moab for a couple days and don't want to spend money on a place to stay."
What campers like
Stargazing conditions: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. At BLM 144 Dispersed, one camper stated "Perfect! Got in around 10pm and didn't pass 1 car, nor did any cars pass me! Felt like I was the only one there. Could see/hear the biggest but it honestly was a nice white noise to fall asleep."
Wide-open spaces: Many sites offer significant distance between campers for privacy. A visitor to Willow Springs Rd reported "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."
Availability without reservations: Unlike developed campgrounds that fill quickly, dispersed areas often have space available even during peak seasons. One camper at Entrada Bluffs shared "I am traveling and this is by far my favorite site yet. I woke up to the coolest landscape I've ever seen! Fire rings at all sites."
What you should know
Fire regulations: Seasonal fire restrictions frequently apply throughout the region. A reviewer at Entrada Bluffs noted "Fire rings at all sites. Road can definitely get rough but if you take it slow and you'll make it through fine. Watch out for cows in the road!"
Vehicle requirements: Many access roads deteriorate with weather and use. A camper at Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites advised "Beautiful Great area with dispersed camping. Fills up fast tho. Definitely good for car/tent camping and vans. Do not drive a big trailer or camper down this road. I wouldn't take this road in a sedan either."
Wildlife interactions: Free camping near Cisco often involves encounters with local wildlife and livestock. At BLM 144 Dispersed, one visitor mentioned "We took our small tow behind camper here and it worked out perfectly. Centrally located between arches, Canyonlands, and downtown Moab."
Tips for camping with families
Timing considerations: Arriving earlier improves site selection options. A camper at Willow Springs Rd shared "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."
Safety precautions: Keep children away from steep drop-offs common at many sites. A visitor to Cotter Mine Road noted "Narrow rough road with steep drop off with jeeps and rtvs whipping around. Not any shade for you tent either so just take note in the summer."
Noise factors: Some sites experience traffic noise from nearby roads or railways. At Cotter Mine Road, one camper explained "Location is key with this site. You are 10 minutes from Arches National Park. You are also close to the state highway, train tracks, and powerlines. I didn't mind the train."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Scout potential sites before attempting access with larger rigs. At Bitter Creek Overlook Camping Area one RVer advised "Stayed just at the edge of the canyon. Plenty of spots. Beautiful sunset. Access road is not too bad. It gets a little bumpy further in near the overlook."
Leveling challenges: Many sites feature uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. A visitor to Willow Springs Rd commented "Easy access to all size rv. Easy to get level. Near hwy so a bit of road noise. Wide open space."
Accessibility timing: Road conditions worsen after rainfall, affecting site access. At Bitter Creek Overlook one camper noted "This site is right of the highway and very easy to access. The first chunk of road is a little rocky but it's very mild after that. We were in a 4wd vehicle."
