Dispersed camping around Ferron, Utah offers access to both high-elevation forest settings and dramatic desert landscapes at elevations ranging from 4,500 to over 9,000 feet. The San Rafael Swell region west of Ferron contains extensive Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands with free primitive camping opportunities throughout most of the year. Temperature variations between day and night can exceed 40 degrees, especially during spring and fall seasons.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Millsite Reservoir, located just outside Ferron, provides good fishing conditions with multiple access points. According to one visitor, "The geology is beautiful. The red and grey rock mountains are indescribably peaceful" while noting water levels can fluctuate due to dam construction projects.
Hiking to petroglyphs: Rochester Rock Camping provides access to nearby ancient rock art sites. As one camper shared, "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."
Bouldering and rock climbing: The New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground serves as a hub for climbing enthusiasts. A camper mentioned, "Really enjoy staying here. Free camping and plenty of activities to do in the area. Climbing (Bouldering), Site seeing (Not far from The Wedge)."
What campers like
Canyon rim camping: Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping offers sites with direct views into the canyon. One camper noted, "Dispersed camp spots, some REALLY primo ones on edge of canyon with dramatic views. Juniper trees create some privacy between spots. Pit toilets are new and nice. No water or tables. Many built up stone fire rings."
Night sky viewing: The lack of light pollution makes the area exceptional for stargazing. A visitor to Little Grand Canyon shared, "This is an amazing place and you will never see a more beautiful night sky."
Water activities: Swell Retreat provides family-friendly water recreation on their private pond. A guest reported, "The pond was a great way to cool off and have fun, our family loved the zip line into the water and the giant floating water park! It was so nice to have access to paddle boards, kayaks, and a peddle boat."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. At Wedge Overlook, a camper advised, "Road access is a wide graded gravel road from Castle Dale. BLM is going to construct a new developed fee CG in 2023 and fees of $20 will be charged."
Limited services: Most dispersed sites lack facilities. One visitor explained, "This is primitive camping! We hung out on the rim of the canyon for sunrise and sunset. Awesome experience!"
Seasonal considerations: Higher elevation campgrounds close during winter months. A camper at Wedge Overlook shared, "We stayed here at the very beginning of October. It was 80 during the day and 40s at night, so dress accordingly."
Cell service fluctuates: Coverage varies by location and carrier. At Rochester Rock Camping, one camper reported, "Pretty level and good cell service with Verizon."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for children: Joes Valley Reservoir offers swimming and boating options that appeal to families. A camper mentioned, "My kids loved the water despite the wind throughout the day. There were a fair amount of people boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, etc around the shoreline near the marina, but I didn't feel it was too crowded at all."
Group camping options: Several campgrounds accommodate larger family gatherings. One visitor wrote, "Since I was about 3, my family has gone to Joes Valley Reservoir for an extended family reunion! We tend to reserve the entire lower loop for a week in August."
Educational opportunities: The area offers chances for children to learn about geology, ancient cultures, and desert ecosystems. A camper at Swell Retreat shared, "We loved evening walks to see the horses. Our site had great shade and was setup with tables, hammocks, and a griddle which made meals a breeze."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some campgrounds have limitations for big rigs. At Millsite State Park Campground, a camper advised, "We have a 36' Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site MI08 for 3 days in mid June. 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."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited to specific campgrounds. A visitor to Millsite noted, "It's full hookups and dump site are quite adequate. The reservoir was almost empty in October, although only two RVs used the place on the night we stayed there. The less pricey partial hookup sites were full."
Weather preparation: RVers should prepare for rapid temperature changes and potential wind. One camper shared, "Choose the area because of the Rochester Panel Rock Art and The Dry Canyon trail after two days in the San Rafael Swell area. Sites closer together than I like but worked out because we were the only trailer in the section."
