Dispersed camping opportunities near Flaming Gorge, Utah provide access to over 500 miles of shoreline along the 91-mile long reservoir. The area sits at elevations between 6,000-8,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than lower-elevation Utah destinations. Fall camping brings vibrant aspen colors but requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing, even in September.
What to do
Fishing creeks: Small streams near Forest Road 838 offer alternative fishing spots away from the reservoir crowds. "Very few campers in the area, all quiet and respectful. Lots of hiking available in the area," notes Tom E. about camping near these Forest Road 13 Dispersed areas.
Wildlife viewing: The Little Mountain area provides opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. "Elk, Bear, Deer, and cows are around. Lots of places to explore and there are never many people around so I can let my dogs off the leash which is really nice," reports Jacinda C. about the Little Mountain Dispersed Camp.
Sunset watching: Several elevated dispersed sites offer unobstructed sunset views over the surrounding forest. "Beautiful sunset and sunrise. There were many good sites along the road in as well," shares Christopher H. about Little Mountain Dispersed Camp.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed campsites provide substantial separation from neighbors. "I stayed at this site on a Monday and I was the only one there," explains Ashley B. about her experience at Forest Service Road 217 Dispersed camping areas.
Off-season solitude: October camping brings cooler temperatures but fewer crowds. "I'm here in October and though chilly it's gorgeous! There are a lot of hunters here with their four wheels but no one has bothered me," notes Rebecca S. about Forest Service Road 217.
Convenient access to Interstate: Some dispersed sites offer both natural settings and practical travel convenience. "It was definitely worth the drive down because it loops us back up to I-80 on the western side of the gorge," explains kiloalpha 2 about their stay at Forest Road 13.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads deteriorate after wet weather. "The road was pretty rough, some large divits and larger rocks on the road. I drive an outback so I just went slow and it was fine," explains Kate R. about Forest Road 838 conditions.
Wind exposure: Higher elevation sites experience significant winds, particularly during weather changes. "It does get breezy at night," warns kiloalpha 2 about Forest Road 13 camping.
Hunting activity: During hunting seasons, expect to hear gunshots from nearby hunters. "Be warned though you definitely will hear the gunshots of them hunting in the forest below," cautions Rebecca S. about Forest Service Road 217.
Limited cell coverage: Mobile service is inconsistent throughout the area. "Spotty Verizon and ATT service but still managed to be able to text and call as needed," reports Drifting M. about Forest Road 13 areas.
Tips for camping with families
Stream-side sites: Select camping areas near small streams for natural entertainment and pleasant background sound. "We found a spot next to a stream on forest road 838. Very few campers in the area, all quiet and respectful," shares Tom E. about Green River Float-In Campsites.
Fire preparation: Bring a proper fire pan that meets regulations, especially for float-in sites. "Fires (when allowed) need to be in a fire pan that meets NPS specs," advises Beau B. about Green River camping.
Site selection for shelter: Choose protected sites during windy seasons. "We chose a more sheltered site due to the strong chilly wind," explains Christopher H. about their approach at Little Mountain.
Tips from RVers
Trailer access limitations: Many forest roads restrict trailer access due to turning limitations. "I would not go up this road with a trailer unless you had a turnaround open," cautions Greg L. about Forest Road 13.
Road surface challenges: Some access roads feature difficult surfaces that impact RV travel. "FS road #13 has large diameter cobble base and makes for a bumpy road. There are much better dispersed sites across the hwy on FS roads #839 and #838 for RVs and TTs," advises Greg L.
Site terrain assessment: Evaluate the levelness of potential sites before committing. "Uneven sites, not usable for travel trailers," warns Greg L. about Kaler Hollow Campground.
