Flaming Gorge, UT is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Flaming Gorge and user-submitted reviews.
"Easy dirt road, pulled 34 foot toy hauler with no problem. Enough space to turn around at the end of the road. Very quiet at night, perfect for sleeping. Rock fire pits available. Very private."
"The dirt road in isn’t too bad and is pretty short, there were plenty of sedans driving in so it’s accessible for most vehicles when the ground is dry."
"This was one of my favorite finds during my trip through Utah earlier this summer. We were checking out Flaming Gorge and, predictably, all the campgrounds were booked full."
"We loved camping here after visiting Flaming Gorge! It was definitely worth the drive down because it loops us back up to I-80 on the western side of the gorge."
"At the end of a peninsula into the flaming gorge reservoir, this spot is simply stunning. Huge spots and great views. Came in October and the temperature was much warmer than anticipated."
"The entire area is dispersed camping with spots on hills overlooking the lake or down shoreside. The entire area is accessible for camping. I didn't see any spots that didn't look lake accessible."
"Pretty area, flat spot not far off the main road. It’s the second right onto a dirt road, off the 191 south. Great for a night, lots of space in the pullout for two cars."
"Not too far down the road off the highway, this spot was easy to access for my 35 ft trailer and extended cab truck. Only took an inch and a half or so of leveling to get level on my driver side."
"This area is beautiful, not super close to water though. We bring our dogs everywhere and hope for shade and/or water."
"Many dirt road options to take to get you into seclusion. It has a bathroom facility located right at the entrance. It is great hunting for both Elk and Deer."
"This dispersed campground is one to check out. It has very secluded spots tucked in the trees. You don't hear the highway traffic even at closer spots to the road."
"Then there is a dirt road that goes back, a little bumpy but car friendly. Follow signs for thr historic site, maybe a mile or less. It opens up to a huge field with large trailer friendly sites."
LegendThis area is a BLM road that leaves the Dinosaur National Monument, so you need to pay NPS access or have a Senior pass to not pay. The dirt road is a sandy entrenched two track with a high center so high clearance is advised. Spots on top at right fork (.6 miles) are scenic views. Spots are few, small and are suited to truck camping, tent camping. No RVs or TTs would be able to access these sites safely....IMO
LegendMcCoy Flats BLM is a mt bike focus recreation area with a network of excellent nonmotorizrd singletrack trails. Dispersed free camping allowed, and currently there are several nice vault toilets scattered along the main access paved road.
This camping area is at the third new vault toilet. Lots of room for large TTs. No trash dumpsters and no water, but cell signal is excellent 5g five bars. Only few miles from main hwy on an old paved pothole filled road. And then only 3 miles back into Vernal and a Walmart on this end of town, so logistics are very good.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/mccoy-flats-trailhead#
ScoutForest service (dirt) road leading to Lost Dog day use area in Flaming Gorge. There are places along the road to pull off and boondock, with great sunrise and sunset views and occasional glimpses of the gorge. looks like it might be dicey after heavy rain
LegendForest road #839 is a popular dispersed camp area due to the flat topography and the smooth graded dirt road. Close to hwy #44 so some hwy noise. Free dispersed, 16d limit, no water, no trash, no toilets. Cell signal is marginal.
LegendOverlander camping only recommended. This area is just outside of Dinosaur National Monument on the Blue Mt Road...leaves the NPS and crosses a small piece of State land and then a BLM sign notes you are on BLM. Flat area to camp at this border and more large flat spots behind on State lands also ( State land here allows 15d camping). HOWEVER, to get to this spot you have to enter the NPS Dinosaur National Monument and deal with an entrance fee, but if you are a Senior like me..it is free and you are good to come and go as you wish!. Note that on the NPS section of the Blue Mt Road they note " no trailers" not sure if that is enforced but could be an issue, however I have seen TTs camping on the State and BLM along this area. This dispersed is likely better suited to the van/ truck camper types. Once you leave the NPS the road goes from graded gravel to native surface dirt that could be an issue if wet. The cliffs on both sides of this dispersed camp area has glyphs but you have to work to find them! The Blue Mt Road then continues into a big scenic valley and then climbs steeply to the point of pines ridge area...would not go there unless you have a good overlander setup with good tires! Cell signal is good due to tower array in sight on top of blue mtn.
GuideThis campground sits right on the shore of Lake Flaming Gorge. The access road is dirt, with ruts and rocks. Tricky when wet. Scout before deciding to go down it. Camp ground has great cell coverage and stone fire rings but nothing else. Not much shade since, there are no trees. Sadly, bushes and thickets have been used as toilets and are downright gross! Wind off the lake can be furious. Try to find a spot further in, especially if you are tent camping. Generators tear through the silence of the night. Bring ear plugs! Hiking is great right out of the campground. Not sure if I’d come back. Although views and sun set are spectacular, everything else looks is not.
LegendThis is a primitive camping area by Sheep Creek Lake. No amenities, no established campsites, no toilets, no garbage dumpsters, no water, no cell signal. Road access is gravel graved. A primitive boat ramp is available. This lake seems to be more of a Fish and Game nursery lake for raising Colo River Trout.
GuideWindy Park, like a lot of camp areas in Ashley National Forest is free, dispersed camping. The only rule is that you have to camp within 150 feet of a developed road. There is a 16 day camp limit for leaving your camper in the same camp spot like most of the locals from Vernal do (leave it on the mountain, and come up on the weekends, or for the hunt, etc.). There are many ATV roads, and hiking trails in the area. It's a quick drive to Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Enjoy the aspen and pine groves located throughout Ashley National Forest. Weather can be unpredictable in the Uintahs, so prepare for anything! We've had hail and snow in July!
LegendForest Road #838 is a rough rocky road but is flat so not steep. Several spots in sun or shade. Just off hwy #44 so some hwy noise. No water, no trash, no toilets. Cell signal is marginal.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Flaming Gorge, Utah, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping at Flaming Gorge?
Flaming Gorge offers numerous dispersed camping options throughout the Ashley National Forest and surrounding BLM lands. Lost Dog FS012 Dispersed provides boondocking opportunities along a dirt road with great sunrise and sunset views of the gorge. For lakeside camping, Jug Hollow Road - Dispersed Camp sits right on the shore, though the access road can be rutted and challenging when wet. Additional options include Forest Roads #838 and #839, both offering flat areas with varying road conditions. Many sites require high clearance vehicles, especially after rain, and follow standard dispersed camping rules: stay within 150 feet of established roads and observe the 16-day camping limit.
Is there free camping available at Flaming Gorge?
Yes, free camping is abundant around Flaming Gorge. Windy Park Camping Area offers free dispersed camping in Ashley National Forest with the standard rule of camping within 150 feet of developed roads and a 16-day limit. Road #839 Dispersed Camping is another free option with convenient access from Highway 44 on a smooth graded dirt road suitable for various vehicles. Most dispersed sites around Flaming Gorge are primitive without amenities - no water, trash services, or toilets. Cell signal can be marginal in many areas. While these sites are free, they operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so having backup locations is recommended, especially during peak summer months.
What BLM land can I camp on near Flaming Gorge?
Several BLM areas near Flaming Gorge offer dispersed camping opportunities. BLM 17 Road Dispersed Camping is accessible via a wide graded gravel road suitable for larger campers and travel trailers for the first 3 miles (to the corrals), though roads narrow and become sandier beyond this point. McCoy Flats East Dispersed Camp is another BLM option in a mountain bike-focused recreation area with vault toilets along the main paved access road. For those exploring near Dinosaur National Monument, Lower Blue Mt Road BLM Dispersed offers flat camping areas just outside the monument boundary. Standard BLM rules apply: 14-day stay limits, pack out all trash, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
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