Dispersed camping areas near Dugway, Utah offer alternatives to established campgrounds with most sites located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. The region sits at elevations ranging from 4,300 to 5,800 feet with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F between June and August. Winter camping remains viable at lower elevations where overnight temperatures typically stay above 20°F.
What to do
Hiking at White Rocks: Explore rock formations and small caves on BLM land 40 miles west of Dugway. The site features climbing opportunities with panoramic valley views. "The rock formations out here are magnificent and so much fun for all ages. The camping area down below has soft soil to make for easy staking and is protected and shaded by leafy trees," notes a visitor at White Rocks Dispersed Camping.
Water activities at Ken's Lake: Located approximately 10 miles south of Moab, this reservoir provides swimming opportunities during hot summer months. "Ken's Lake is a great place to cool off. The water was low, maybe about 25% and very muddy throughout. But whatever it was fun to jump in and hang out by the shore. Dogs love it!" according to a camper who visited Ken's Lake Campground.
Waterfall hikes: Several campgrounds offer access to local waterfalls within walking distance. "There is a waterfall that can be hiked to from campsite, planning on doing this this evening," reports a visitor who stayed at Ken's Lake. These hikes typically range from 1-3 miles round-trip on established trails.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "I drove out to watch the meteor shower and photograph the milky way. It's a very quiet area and scenery is beautiful," writes a camper who stayed at White Rocks Dispersed.
Canyon views: Settlement Canyon offers forest camping with mountain wildlife viewing. "You'll love sitting around your campfire watching the deer scamper in the mountains. RV camping is a must for me and full hookups are available," notes a visitor to Settlement Canyon/Legion Park Campground.
Lake views: The Great Salt Lake provides unique camping experiences with beach sites available. "We tent camped on the beach and loved it all from the oolitic sand to the absolutely insane sunrise view from the window of the tent! On the north side you see the lake and the south side you see the Rio Tinto smelter it's a really cool dynamic," reports a camper at Great Salt Lake State Park.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles. "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," notes a visitor to White Rocks.
Noise considerations: Some camping areas near military installations experience occasional disruptions. "One downside is that it was a little noisy camping here. 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," reports a camper at White Rocks.
Site variability: RV campgrounds near Dugway, Utah vary significantly in terms of amenities and site quality. "Sites are nicely spaced, especially the equestrian sites at the top of the campground," notes a visitor to Clover Springs Campground, while Willow Park reports "nice big level spot with fire pit and separate upright grill."
Tips for camping with families
Protected camping areas: Seek sites with natural windbreaks during spring and fall. "Pretty spot that smells like juniper and has a nice creek," notes a visitor to Clover Springs Campground, highlighting natural features that create more comfortable camping conditions.
Water play opportunities: Several campgrounds feature shallow creeks ideal for children. "Great area for a picnic, or a weekend camp trip. It has a cold fresh water spring that runs through the campground," writes a visitor about Clover Springs, while another adds, "Beautiful campground and nice small natural spring creek to play or fish in."
Playground access: Willow Park Campground offers developed recreation facilities alongside camping. "Great trails, playground, river access, and lots of room to spread out!!" reports a local camper. The site maintains family-friendly amenities including "sand volleyball, boat launch as your near the Jordan River."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many rv campgrounds near Dugway require stabilizing equipment. "Very cramped spot. Fortunately, we arrived before neighbors on both sides did. Neighbor on the right side was kind enough to put his awning in making our morning departure easier," notes an RVer at Mountain Shadows RV Park.
Seasonal availability: Several RV parks operate on limited schedules. "We only stayed overnight but it was a blast! The campsites had good space between each other. Each one had a fire pit and picnic table," explains a visitor to Settlement Canyon, which operates primarily during warmer months.
Hookup variability: RV services differ considerably between parks. "Stopped here for one night after leaving family and before hitting the road. Full hookup site with Good Sam was going to be $75/night selected a partial hookup (water/electric) site instead for $45/night. There is a dump station and dumpsters available and propane fill station as well," reports a visitor to Mountain Shadows RV Park.
