Dispersed camping near Dugway, Utah offers varied terrain across several elevations, from desert valleys at 4,350 feet to mountain campsites exceeding 8,000 feet. The area sits within the Great Basin region where overnight temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees below daytime highs, even in summer months. Road conditions to many sites deteriorate significantly after rain or snow, with rutted dirt roads common throughout the region.
What to do
Explore natural springs: Clover Springs offers a small creek perfect for children to splash in during hot days. According to one visitor, "Very few deep spots. Not really a fishing spot and if you were to catch it would be small. Very quiet spot with good views." The spring maintains a consistent flow even during dry periods.
Rock climbing at White Rocks: White Rocks Dispersed Camping features formations suitable for beginner to intermediate climbing. "The campsites themselves were beautiful, there's a massive rock you can climb with small caves for exploring. I've heard some people camp in the caves which sounds like my personal h*ll but if that's your thing the caves are accessible for that," notes one camper.
Hiking mountain trails: Wasatch National Forest Loop Campground serves as a gateway to numerous trails. "The main trail leaving the campground is a loop trail for Deseret Peak but you can split off on numerous side trails to follow the range to the north or south," explains one reviewer. Many trails start directly from campgrounds with minimal driving required.
What campers like
Isolation and quiet: Horseshoe Knoll - Dispersed Camping offers significant separation between sites. One camper noted, "You can see other campers but they are so far away from you, and if you park facing away from them, it's nice and feels pretty private."
Off-season availability: South Willow Canyon campgrounds are often completely empty on weekdays. "I have hiked from the trail head several times mid-week and the campground is usually completely empty so if you're looking for some peace and quiet, try to get here Monday to Thursday," reports a regular visitor.
Unique desert formations: The White Rocks area provides distinctive geology not found elsewhere in the region. "I drove out to watch the meteor shower and photograph the milky way. It's a very quiet area and scenery is beautiful," shares one photographer who visited specifically for night sky viewing.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many roads require appropriate vehicles. A visitor to White Rocks warns, "I would recommend driving a 4x4, it is a dirt road to get there and a little bumpy. I drove my VW Taos which is back wheel and was fine, but some areas were a little sketchy."
Prepare for bugs: Insect activity varies by season and location. "Lots of gnats and other bugs, but quite and pretty view of the sunset," reports a camper at Horseshoe Knoll, while others mention similar issues at most low-elevation sites.
Limited water access: Cottonwood Campground Slrd and other forest service sites require self-sufficiency. "Be warned that all of the campgrounds in the canyon do not supply water or trashcans so you'll need to bring all you need to drink as well as trash bags to haul out all of your garbage," advises a frequent visitor.
Noise factors: Military operations can affect camping experiences. One White Rocks camper noted, "There were people shooting not too far from camp. The site is also close to Dugway Proving Grounds so there was a loud explosion sound at one point as well."
Tips for camping with families
Creek access for kids: Intake Campground provides safe water play opportunities. "This is the 2nd campground that you come across after you enter the Wasatch National Forest... There are 5 single sites all aligned in a row next to the creek," describes a visitor who appreciated the natural water feature.
Avoid summer heat with elevation: Stansbury Mountain campgrounds sit at higher elevations with cooler temperatures. "The campground is at a pretty good elevation and will be much cooler than the surrounding desert, especially at night so make sure you're prepared appropriately," advises a Loop Campground visitor.
Plan for limited facilities: Most sites lack conventional amenities. At Cottonwood Campground, a visitor noted, "It's unreal that this place is free. The sites are a little close together but there weren't many people there at the end of September and the changing leaves were spectacular!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: At Horseshoe Knoll, look for specific areas suitable for RVs. "Easy to find camping spots, even big enough for our 32' no problem. Could easily see much larger RV's fitting in and getting out easy. We took a spot in the beginning I think about the 4th one you pass," advises one RV camper.
Level sites are limited: Ken's Lake Campground provides more developed options for RVs. "Probably the cheapest paid camping in Moab with cell service. Cows roam through during the day but they don't bother you. There's a waterfall nearby. 20/night. Clean sites. Level. Good roads," reports a camper who appreciated the maintained access.
Prepare for wind exposure: Open desert camping areas offer minimal protection from weather. "Only downside is there's no shade/coverage and could definitely feel the winds stronger than other areas," notes a camper who stayed at Ken's Lake during a windy period.
