Dispersed camping areas along Hole in the Rock Road offer primitive sites across high desert plateaus at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet. The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument terrain features sandstone formations and slot canyons. Weather conditions change rapidly, with summer temperatures exceeding 100°F and winter nighttime temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
What to do
Zebra Slot Canyon hike: The trailhead is accessible from Harris Wash Dispersed camping area. "Be warned: the drive is a LONG one. It is very rugged and even some washed out points from flash floods... Zebra Canyon is very close to this road. It was one of my favorite hikes, but watch for snakes on the trail! We saw one - and the water in the slot canyon can be knee high at points and a little chilly but refreshing," notes Mackenzie B.
Astrophotography opportunities: The dark skies provide excellent photography conditions. A camper at Harris Wash Dispersed reports it's "Perfect for astrophotography! Not a lot of campers this far down the road."
Visit Devils Garden: Located near Hole in the Rock Road. "We brought our 26ft Class C motorhome with a Nissan Altima and while we did do some scouting of the road paths that we should take, we found an accessible route for our vehicles to get decently in the camping area to feel a bit more secluded and allow for our pups to have more freedom," shares Bethany W. from Hole in the Rock Road Dispersed at Utah 24.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The spacious nature of dispersed camping allows for isolation. At Spencer Flat Dispersed Camping, "Keep driving until you find the most epic spot on the ridge. There are dozens of them, so plenty to choose from. Perfectly dispersed and quiet, as we prefer!" says Sally B.
Cell service availability: Many dispersed sites surprisingly offer good connectivity. "Awesome dispersed camping with stellar cell service, close enough to Escalante that you can drive in quickly for groceries or water. Just mind the cows!" notes Kristian W. about camping near Hole in the Rock Road.
Dark night skies: The area offers exceptional stargazing. "Amazing views of the cliffs from this area. All campsites have a fire pit and you do need a free permit to camp here. We acquired ours at Devil's Garden just down the road," shares Bethany W.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Strong winds can significantly impact your camping experience. "I had to abandon my campsite because the dirt blowing around was so bad that I couldn't prevent it from getting in my tent. I would not recommend tent camping here," warns Scott about Haycock Ranch Road BLM.
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access to camping areas depends on recent weather. "The last campsite is about 2.2 miles from the start of the road. There's a big dip in the road right after this one... In the beginning of March during the week I was the only one around," reports Jeremy R.
Sand management: Fine sand infiltrates everything. "Although the sand wasn't a surprise, I was shocked at how much it stuck to everything LOL! But the site had lots of dedicated spots for camping and went on the quite a few miles," explains Grace S.
Tips for camping with families
Proximity to town: For families who need supplies, consider sites closer to Escalante. "Nice locations, pretty views, close to town with cell service," states Hannah M. about Haycock Ranch Road.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife safety. "We were nervous about mountain lions as we noticed a lot of tracks when we arrived, and saw even more next to our car in the morning as we were leaving," cautions Grace S. about Little Spencer Flat.
Find shade when possible: Limited shade makes summer camping challenging with children. One camper at Spencer Flat mentions, "There are no tall trees, so we were able to get DISH coverage on all three western satellites at our site."
Tips from RVers
Scout before parking: Larger RVs should scout potential sites before committing. "We have a 36' Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and parked and dropped just past the start of Hole in the Rock Road, then went to scout for a site that would accommodate us," advises Ray & Terri F.
Higher clearance vehicles preferred: Most free camping near Escalante, Utah requires careful driving. At Slick Rock Overlook Outside of Boulder, one camper notes it's "easy to get to with 4 wheel drive car."
Consider duration of stay: Many sites allow extended stays. "Super convenient with easy access off Route 12. Lots of level, open spaces short distance from entrance. Great basic dispersed camping in a 34 ft Class A motorhome with towed vehicle... Would absolutely stay here again," reports Tim H.
