Dispersed camping near Ferron, Utah provides access to the San Rafael Swell's desert wilderness at elevations between 4,600 and 7,000 feet. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F during daytime hours while dropping 30-40 degrees at night. Most free camping areas follow standard 14-day stay limits with sites spaced along maintained gravel and dirt roads throughout BLM land.
What to do
Explore petroglyphs: 1 mile from camp. At Rochester Rock Camping, visitors can easily access ancient rock art. "Stopped here for a quick overnight stay. 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 Erin G.
Mountain biking: Access from campsites. The Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping area offers trail access directly from camp. "I loved the site I found. I could walk about 30 seconds away to the rim of the canyon. There is a great trail west of the campsites. I walked it and road my mountain bike along it for a little while," shares Jason.
ATV riding: Designated trails available. Buckhorn Draw offers extensive riding opportunities. "We needed a place for the night after leaving the crazy busy area of Moab and this was the perfect spot. We will absolutely return again but with the ATVs. There were several people camping and riding their ATVs and SXSs," writes Patricia N.
What campers like
Stargazing: Minimal light pollution. Buckhorn Draw Wickiup Site campers enjoy exceptional night skies. "When the sun went down it was quiet and so dark. The night sky is beautiful," reports Patricia N. Another camper at Little Grand Canyon notes, "You will never see a more beautiful night sky."
Privacy between sites: Natural spacing. Juniper trees create natural separation at many camps. "Trees in area will hide other campers," explains Scott V. at Buckhorn Draw. At Little Grand Canyon, "Juniper trees create some privacy between spots," according to Flo B.
Off-grid quiet: Far from development. Miller Canyon Exit #99 provides isolation despite highway proximity. "The absolutely deserted site became a little creepy once it got completely dark, with faint glimpses of I70 in the distance," Quinn M. observes. Another camper notes, "Got here just before dark and viewed a lovely sunset. Yes, it is close to 70, but noise is not bad. Open land all to ourselves."
What you should know
Cell service varies widely: Connectivity depends on exact location. "Cell signal close to Fwy I70 is very good TMobile and ATT, but not so good Verizon," Greg L. reports at Lone Tree Road. At Buckhorn Draw Designated Campsite #14, "Only cell service I get is when holding phone against metal campsite number," notes Stacie W.
Weather preparedness essential: Expect wind and temperature swings. "Our first night was a tough one. We got caught in a severe wind storm but everything held together and besides a lack of sleep, we all survived. The next few days were awesome. Temp was in the 70s with a slight breeze," explains Jason at Little Grand Canyon.
Road conditions vary seasonally: Clay surfaces become hazardous when wet. "Bentonite clay likely so do not be here if wet or rain in forecast," warns Greg L. about Miller Canyon. At Buckhorn Draw, "The road getting in has a bit of wash board so just take it slow," advises Patricia N.
Tips for camping with families
Bring shade structures: Limited natural shade available. At Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping, "Some REALLY primo ones on edge of canyon with dramatic views. Juniper trees create some privacy between spots," notes Flo B., but tree cover remains sparse throughout the area.
Pack extra firewood: Natural sources limited. "Very little firewood, if You can - bridge your own," advises Dariusz K. about Buckhorn Draw. Another camper at Little Grand Canyon shares, "Definitely bring extra firewood. I lucked out as no other campers were to be seen anywhere."
Arrive early for rim sites: Wedge Rim Overlook Campground offers prime spots. "Some sites are literally right on the edge of the canyon, as is the access road. Obviously, caution is needed for these places, especially at night. It's a 1200-foot almost sheer drop to the river bottom," warns Greg I.
Tips from RVers
Level sites available but limited: Check road conditions first. "Large flat area with quite a few short trees scattered around. Great jumping off point to visit San Rafael swell," notes Larry M. about Buckhorn Draw Wickiup.
Prepare for dusty conditions: Soil consistency affects camping comfort. "This campground is quite sandy with sparse trees that provide a decent amount of cover. It's a decently sized lot," reports Bethany B. at Buckhorn Draw.
Know your water needs: No sources available on-site. "No water, no trash, no cell signal," summarizes Greg L. about Buckhorn Draw campsites. At Little Grand Canyon, campers remind visitors, "Bring plenty of water as there is none available."
