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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
