Dispersed camping areas near Eggnog, Utah offer free camping opportunities on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land at elevations ranging from 5,000-5,300 feet. The region experiences extreme temperature variations with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Most sites require visitors to navigate unpaved roads that deteriorate significantly after rainfall.
What to do
Explore hidden springs: Dove Spring provides a unique natural feature in this arid landscape. "Luscious green trees in Canyon. Flat area to camp. Easy to get down to spring. Fiberglass tub down there. Birds love it but I wouldn't go in," notes camper DL M. about Dove Spring.
Wildlife watching opportunities: Early mornings offer the best viewing opportunities for desert wildlife. The Capitol Reef dispersed area provides good vantage points. According to one visitor, you might experience "Scenic views and fire ring. Very weak signal. Climb back up towards the highway for better signal. A bit windy. No shelter from the Sun."
Stargazing after sunset: The minimal light pollution makes this area ideal for astronomy. The isolated pull-off sites along Burr Road provide excellent viewing locations. One camper reports, "This is a great little spot. It was perfect for us. No fire ring but in the desert you don't need a fire," emphasizing the clear night skies.
What campers like
Geological formations: Many campers appreciate the unique rock features. "Beautiful isolated dispersed campsite small distance off Burr Road. Weak cell service. Interesting rock formations. Panoramic views 360° little bit of evergreens," notes a visitor to Isolated Dispersed Pull-Off Burr Road.
Complete solitude: Campsites are often vacant midweek, providing total privacy. "Huge gravel parking lot, easy in easy out. I counted two fire rings. We didn't drive out to the overlook because the road looked rougher. We were the only ones there," reports Julie K. about Bullfrog Canyon Overlook.
Established fire areas: Many sites have existing fire rings on bedrock surfaces. "Burr Road view of Lake Powell. Close to Road. Panoramic view. Excellent cell service," mentions one camper about the pulloff sites, noting the convenience of predetermined safe areas for campfires.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements vary significantly: Most remote viewpoints require serious off-road capability. "Smooth gravel road in. I would not drive in without 4wd. Gorgeous views. Next to NPS boundary pin. Cliff edge fire ring. Nobody around. 5274 feet elevation. No cellular service," reports a visitor to Dispersed CS with a view of Grand Gulch Trail.
Cell service fluctuates: Coverage depends entirely on elevation and position. Higher campsites typically provide better connectivity. "LTE service. Nice view of mountains. Near Halls Creek trailhead," notes a camper about the Shade Tree Dispersed Pull Off.
Safety concerns: Sites near canyon edges require caution. "Off Burr Road. Campsite with 4 wheel drive access high clearance vehicle. Okay for pets not near the edge of canyon. Little bit of cell service. Little shelter of trees," advises a reviewer about Burr Road Dispersed Camp, highlighting pet safety considerations.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites away from drop-offs: Several campsites sit near steep canyon edges. Select interior locations with natural boundaries for safety when camping with children.
Pack abundant water supplies: No potable water exists at any dispersed sites. Plan for at least 1 gallon per person per day, plus additional for cleaning and emergencies.
Consider seasonal timing carefully: Summer months (June-August) often see dangerous heat conditions exceeding 100°F. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) provide more moderate temperatures suitable for family camping at Burr Trail Road Dispersed Campsite, where one camper found "Best, panoramic view of Lake Powell. Fire rings on flat bedrock. A little bit windy. Good cellular service."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations apply: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. Class B vans and truck campers navigate these areas most successfully.
Arrival timing matters: Early afternoon arrivals provide adequate daylight hours to locate suitable camping areas before sunset, which comes quickly in canyon areas.
Scout ahead when possible: Many campers recommend unhitching at main roads before exploring the narrower access routes. "Close to Road. Panoramic view. Excellent cell service," notes a visitor to Burr Trail Road Pulloff Dispersed Campsite, suggesting easier sites closer to main access roads.
