232 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The landscape surrounding Emery, Utah contains a mix of dispersed camping areas and established campgrounds across Bureau of Land Management terrain, national forests, and state parks. Campers will find opportunities ranging from the developed Millsite State Park Campground, which offers electric hookups and showers, to primitive dispersed sites along Lone Tree Road and at Rochester Rock. The region accommodates tent camping, RV sites with varied hookup levels, and even yurts at certain locations like Goblin Valley State Park approximately 45 miles south of Emery.
Road conditions vary significantly between sites, with many dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles and occasionally 4WD capabilities. "If you have a 4x4, we recommend pulling back slightly to the right as far as you can. We went back and got tucked into a more secluded nook with a good fire ring," notes one camper about Capitol Reef dispersed camping areas. Most developed campgrounds remain accessible year-round, but higher elevation sites in the Manti-La Sal National Forest often close from late October through mid-June due to snow. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with better coverage near Torrey and virtually none within more remote camping areas near Goblin Valley.
Public lands surrounding Capitol Reef National Park receive consistently positive reviews for their stargazing opportunities and relative solitude. The mixed-use campgrounds near Ferron Reservoir accommodate both tents and smaller RVs while providing basic amenities like vault toilets and drinking water. One reviewer described Rochester Rock Camping as offering "great views of the Boulder Mountains, Thousands Lake Mountains, and Capitol Reef in the distance," highlighting the panoramic vistas common to many sites in the area. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in lower elevations, while higher sites maintain cooler conditions. Most dispersed camping areas enforce a 14-day stay limit, though this varies by land management agency. Vault toilets are available at some developed campgrounds, but most primitive sites require visitors to pack out all waste.
"They were redoing the Dam while we were there last, so we couldn’t enjoy the lake. We did, however, head up the mountain and had some good success fishing close by."
"I selected the Millsite Campground because of its proximity to the Moore Cutoff road’s interesting geology, located a few miles away."
from $25 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Yes, it is close to 70, but noise is not bad. Open land all to ourselves."
"There's a trail out to a petroglyph site which was really neat. We hiked out in the morning and didn't encounter anyone else. The gravel road to the parking area is really smooth."
"A mile from the highway, you can barely hear it or see it. In late April, we had one neighbor a half-mile away, and saw nobody come by our camp in two days."
"I arrived at the campsite around 5pm in my Mazda CX-5 on a Tuesday, not a single person in sight."
"One of our favorite campgrounds in southern Utah nestled in the Capitol Reef National Park."
"Should've planned my stay around harvest time! Very close to the Cohab canyon trail, one to hike for sure! Be sure to stop by the lil cabin nearby delectable pies and a bit of history."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"The goblin Valley Campground is located within goblin Valley State Park in Utah."
"There is no parking next to the site, but it is small walk to the site. The tent sites are spaced far apart and some are tucked behind the Goblins."
from $45 - $200 / night
Check Availability"This is a free campground on public lands (BLM) in Utah’s San Rafael Swell. There is one vault toilet and a few campsites along the edge of a beautiful canyon carved by the San Rafael River."
"This gem, not far out of Castledale Utah is a real treat. It's perfect for a quick weekend or day trip, and has enough to do to support a longer stay."
"Ferron Campground is located across the lake from the southwest campground near the guard station."
"After visiting two very popular Utah parks -- Zion and Bryce Canyon -- Capitol Reef was a breath of fresh air."
"I love dispersed camping...especially in Utah. The red cliffs and astounding. It is pretty easy finding a nice place to make home right outside of the park."
LegendStarted to go right off the 70 but that takes you to another BLM spot much further away. This is just 2 miles from the highway and it's very quiet and lots of small trees for some shade and plenty of room for big rigs.
TravelerThere were many camp sites that had the most amazing views of the city below and sunrise! Would love to stay longer and explore more!
TravelerNice campground, quiet and away from the highway. There are 20 individual sites and three large group sites. Sites 1-18 are in the trees; 19 and 20 catch the early morning sun. There are numerous water hydrants and the outhouses were clean.
ScoutThis was my backyard all growing up. Absolutely beautiful! When you go up the main road, there is a park and you can stay overnight there and there are actual bathrooms there.
GuideAs of June 2026 they are charging $15/site/night. Past the campsite you can access New Joe’s Bouldering Area, though the road is very rough.
The campsite, however, is right off the road so no trouble with roads to camp for the night. You could technically hike from the vault toilets to the bouldering but it would be ~30min walk to get there
GuideIt rained a bit, then cleared up so you get some extra mud boots in that case with the unique utah red soil. Temperature in april was in the high 30Fs at night, and the sound of coyotes can be heard. Amazing views and very quiet. You'll see the wildlife is shy, and I think they have some burrows in the landscape nearby
TravelerLarge site with plenty of space for trailer or tents. The canyons nearby are fun to explore with kids. Like lots of reviews say, be conscious of the wind in the afternoon anywhere in this area. It will destroy sun shades that are left up.
We have been in this area many times. You can almost always find a spot. Lots of options if you just keep driving. The road in has some bumps, and holes, but can be easily navigated.
TravelerIf you're tired, taking your rig down some rough road and navigating canyons washboard roads, this is right off the main road and it's peaceful, quiet and scenic. Plenty of places to park. It's nothing fancy but it's the surrounding beauty makes it worth a stay
TravelerThere are many gorgeous primitive campsites near the road, most easily accessible with an RV, trailer, or car. Some more isolated sites are harder to get to or require high clearance 4x4.
Camping spots near Emery, Utah range from low desert terrain at 4,000 feet to alpine settings exceeding 9,000 feet in the Manti-La Sal National Forest. This dramatic elevation change creates temperature variations of 20-30°F between higher and lower camping areas, with summer days reaching 100°F in desert locations while mountain campsites remain 30 degrees cooler. Fall camping offers colorful foliage displays in the national forest areas while avoiding summer heat.
Explore petroglyphs at Rochester Rock: The Rochester Rock Camping area provides access to significant archaeological sites. "There's a trail out to a petroglyph site which was really neat. We hiked out in the morning and didn't encounter anyone else," notes one visitor who appreciated the cultural experience.
Fish at Ferron Reservoir: Ferron Reservoir Campground sits atop the Manti-La Sal mountain range and offers excellent fishing opportunities. "Feel free to bring your canoes or kayaks and spend the day paddling around and fishing. The fishing is great!" reports a regular visitor who brings their family annually.
Experience desert wilderness: The desert landscapes provide unique recreational opportunities. "If you like desert camping this is the place. We did some fun hikes and close to some really amazing slot canyons," explains a camper describing the terrain around Goblin Valley, located about 45 miles south of Emery.
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote locations offer exceptional night sky viewing. "The night sky was probably one of the best I've seen with almost no light pollution," shares a camper at Miller Canyon, while another noted that "Dark skies offer amazing star gazing" at Goblin Valley.
Riverside camping: Fruita Campground in Capitol Reef National Park offers shaded sites with water access. "There were also lots of people cooling off in the river that runs through the campground. There were abundant mule deer that walked through the campsite," explains a summer visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
Geological formations: Wedge Overlook provides camping along what locals call the Little Grand Canyon. "Deep in The San Rafael Swell lies The Wedge Overlook campground. The campground lies right on the rim of The Little Grand Canyon. Beautiful views, hiking and biking trails," reports a visitor who enjoyed the dramatic landscape.
Fire restrictions vary by season: Fire policies differ between campgrounds and change seasonally. At Wedge Overlook, fires may be restricted: "There are bathrooms at the Wedge Overlook as well as a more established campground with tables provided if you'd rather do that. Views are amazing there too!"
Weather extremes: Temperature fluctuations can be dramatic. "It was 80 during the day and 40s at night, so dress accordingly," advises a camper about October conditions at Wedge Overlook. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F at lower elevations while higher elevation sites remain cooler.
Road conditions: Access to BLM Dispersed Exit 108 Lone Tree Road requires caution. "The BLM road to south is a graded gravel road so is much safer in wet conditions than exit 99 dispersed area," notes one visitor. Another adds, "As you get further in there are some dry-creek crossings that can need high-clearance. If they're real sandy or muddy than plan on 4WD."
Reservoir activities: Millsite State Park Campground offers water recreation for children. "The campground is well taken care of and perfectly located on the beach," notes a visitor. Another camper adds, "We went for a couple of hikes in the Ferron Canyon which you can walk to, and they have paddle boarding on the reservoir."
Bug preparation: Insects can be problematic in certain areas. "Arrived at dusk and within one minute was scrambling back in. Drove up hill to the quarry and got out with dog...still very bad mosquitos but some breeze," warns a camper about Last Chance Road dispersed sites. Pack appropriate repellent when camping near water sources.
Group camping options: Several locations accommodate family reunions. "We take our entire family every year for our Family Reunion Camping Trip! It's one of those campgrounds that our kids will remember forever," shares an enthusiast about Ferron Reservoir. The campground includes individual sites plus one group site.
Cell service considerations: Mobile connectivity varies significantly across camping areas. "AT&T coverage was fair, with 2-3 Bars of LTE service and speeds up to about 2 MB/s. There were a few tall trees at each of the sites, but there were gaps between them, so we were able to get DISH coverage on all three western satellites at our site," reports an RVer staying at Millsite State Park.
Site selection strategy: Some campgrounds offer better privacy despite close quarters. "The sites are nice, but closer together than most SP CGs, although the pull-through sites are angled, so you're not looking in your neighbor's windows and there are some trees between them as well," notes a Class A motorhome owner with a 36-foot rig.
Seasonal accessibility: Higher elevation camping areas have limited seasons. Ferron Reservoir is accessible only from "June 17 to October 30" according to forest service information, while many dispersed sites remain open year-round with appropriate vehicle capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Emery, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Emery, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 232 campgrounds and RV parks near Emery, UT and 92 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Emery, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Emery, UT is Millsite State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Emery, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 92 free dispersed camping spots near Emery, UT.
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