Planning a dispersed camping trip near Fremont? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Utah excursion.
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.
From the rolling sagebrush desert to the red gate cliffs at Torrey, all the way up to Capitol Reef National Park. The Gateway to Capitol Reef Special Recreation Management Area contains parts of the Fremont River, multi-hued bentonite hills and gorgeous hiking opportunities.
Dispersed camping in previously disturbed areas is permitted on BLM and USFS lands outside of developed campgrounds. Leave no trace of your visit. No services are available in these areas. Please respect our fragile lands by using minimum impact techniques and utilizing existing fire rings. On BLM and USFS lands, you must camp within 150 feet (45 m) of officially-designated routes, and only on existing spur roads. Please respect private property and other areas closed to camping. Be aware of the potential for wildfire due to drought conditions and/or windy weather. Check current fire restrictions. Never leave a fire unattended, and extinguish it cold to the touch when you leave.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Rules for Dispersed Camping Groups of over 75 people who wish to use the forest, need to obtain a special use permit. There is no fee and permits can be obtained at the nearest District Office. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area. Campers may not spend more than 16 days of any 30 day period at the same dispersed area. Please place your campsite at least 100 feet from any stream or other water source. Keep a Pack-In Pack-Out camp. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines. Contact the local Forest Service office to see if any restrictions, especially fire restrictions are in place. Be Bear Aware. There are bears on the National Forest, so camp accordingly.
Dispersed Camping Area.
ScoutSolid dispersed camp with room for 2 or more campers. Requires solid 4x4 to get to but not technical driving to get there.
There are one or two spots to park in the final 3/4 mile descent to the trailhead offer even more amazing views (they were occupied when we arrived)
Traveler
Excellent boondock site. I had no problem with my thirty foot travel trailer. Excellent AT&T coverage
GuideGreat place to stay close to Torrey, Utah, and Capitol Reef NP. There are lots of places to choose from with some spots with make shift fire rings. Great views of the Boulder Mountains, Thousands Lake Mountains, and Capitol Reef in the distance. There are no restrooms, water or electricity. Close to Torrey where you can find the essentials.
Guide
Calf Creek campground was full and the host told us about this spot. Up a dirt road you end up just below the radio tower. Very private and quiet
TravelerThis is just a pull out off the hwy. Sign says no camping.
Traveler
If you have a 4x4, we recommend pulling back slightly to the right as far as you can. We went back and got tucked into a more secluded nook with a good fire ring. It looks bumpy and uneven, but it’s possible to level a vehicle that’s 21 feet and under.
The hike up above the site is really beautiful. The trail took us up above the cliff edge that borders the site. From there you have sweeping views of the valley and out to the mountains in both directions.
Important to note:
Traveler
Just needed to find a place for the night and this was perfect! No one around, huge site, beautiful views and free! Cows meander around the campsite..didn't bother us. If you go past where the directions take you, there are 3 or 4 spots that are also nice. Road is easy to travel.
Scout
Up on a mesa (not super high that it’s a tough climb), on Notom road which is paved, then turn on dirt road not far from Hwy 24 (maybe 1/4-1/2 mile). Only two other campers about a football field apart from me. Amazing view of Henry mountains and sunrise!! Made it slowly in my front wheel drive van over the rocks that stick up. No problem. Just slow.
Legend
This area is close to the summit elevation of Boulder Mt at 9550 elv. A rough rocky road leaves a scenic pull off all g hwy #12 and heads to some Aspen stands and a corral. The best sites are in the vicinity of the corral. Good cell signal, but no water, no dumpsters, however the views are great. In the fall season, the yellow aspens are spectacular.
Traveler
Many spots to select from. The road is a little rough in spots, so slow is good. Great views
GuideThis spot is up on a hill top. Plenty of spots to camp. Nice views, good fall breeze. There are 2 Porta potty on site. The only issue I didn't like was right at the entrance for the first 75 feet there were a lot of rocks sticking up out of the ground. Made it very uneven. Had my wife get out to make sure I didn't rip anything off the RV. We run a 36' Solitude. Only 7 miles to Capitol Reef visitor center.
TravelerLiterally first road outside of West entrance to CRNP. It’s pretty rocky, would come during daylight to setup. Portapotties on site.
Traveler
This dispersed campsite is great if you’re looking to spend the night before or after visiting Capitol Reef National Park. It doesn’t offer much other than some flat spots to set up a tent or open your rooftop tent. The sound of a nearby creek is nice to listen to before you fall asleep. If you visit in November it will be chilly at night so plan accordingly. The sites are close to a gas station and a Mexican restaurant as well as a hotel.
Traveler
There are signs mentioning danger like "nearly no car can make this road" or "floods". The street is a little bit bumpy in the beginning but then fine.
For me it was perfectly fine and had a good sleep.
Absolutely no reception on any provider for me
GuideEasy to find & pretty smooth road to some nice spots. Beautiful view! Easy access to downtown Torrey & Capitol Reef National Park.
GuideStayed a couple of nights ago, lots of sites all with fire rings. Easy turn off right near Capitol Reef NP which is wicked convenient. There are no facilities here so keep that in mind. Was extremely windy and had intermittent rain/thunderstorms passing through (that don’t show up on weather/radar) so something to consider during this season if you’re tenting it like us. The ground is also majorly rock so staking tents for the wind is very difficult. All that being said the views are amazing & hearing coyotes off in the distance gave some cool ambiance
Guide
Numerous spots along the road. Some are very well shaded while others have lots of sun.
This spot is large and shaded. Rock fire pit. There’s currently fire restrictions so we didn’t have a fire but we set up a nice little sitting area around the fire with logs we found in the forested area.
There is a mama bear and cub in the area although we didn’t see her.
Weather is cooler than in Capitol Reef so it’s a nice place to recharge and escape the heat.
Lots of firewood in close vicinity so no need to bring any in with you (check for fire restrictions before).
Would definitely come back here.
If you follow the road all the way up you can access Cathedral Valley Campground (great views from up there)
Remember to pack out your garbage.
Guide
Right outside of capitol reef national park. Camping right on the water, plenty of room & some privacy.
ScoutIt’s been very difficult in our July Utah trip to find a place where we can comfortably sleep in the back of our jeep but the breeze in this area was perfection. The view is to die for. Would 1000000 percent recommend this if you have an off road vehicle!
Scout
Great stop point for me driving SoCal to Boulder.
Nothing here but the aforementioned moonscape.
Arrived dusk 3Jul24 after a hasty retreat from Last Chance 8 or 10 miles west (mosquitos). Only 2 or 3 managed to track me east at highway speed!
There was no one else here, far enough from the highway.
Pulled into the giant dirt bowl, turned right and drove until front of car was slightly elevated for my sleeping position (back of a wagon).
Proceed with caution in inclement weather or you may get stuck.
ScoutArrived 3Jul24 at dusk. There is standing water marsh with a frac tank, possibly for water for the quarry above. Got out of the car to give dog a break and within one minute was scrambling back in. Drove up hill to the quarry and got out with dog....still very bad mosquitos but some breeze. Hid in the car while dog was out on a long rope for a while, covered with mosquitos. After 10 minutes I had killed most that were in the car and the ones waiting at the doors and windows were gone. I cracked the door and began pulling dog rope to get slack in and then had dog climb over me into back seat.
We drove east one Dyrt to Miller Canyon and it was AWESOME. I remember maybe 3 mosquitos there.
There are only two things I can compare this savagery to (and I am in my late 50s):
Alaska (Last Chance Rd dispersed is WORSE--However, note that when I was in AK I wasn't asking for trouble--I was indoors during mosquito hours--I am sure AK has mosquitos as bad as Last Chance if you go looking)
Canada Boundary Waters Boy Scout Canoe Base (about the same at dusk--only fools wouldn't have camp totally ready to be inside tents before mosquito hours. Mornings were fine.
GuideI tried to set up camp here and was thrilled about the views, but came back to camp a few hours later and my tent was half way down a mountain and torn up on the bottom. Decided to move on. Very windy and exposed. Would be best suited for RVs/trailers or car camping. Not sure if having a fire up here would be wise or possible.
Traveler
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Guide
Great spot, I’ve always found a site here. Just make sure you hold right onto Road 1013 and the campgrounds are about a half mile down on the left.
TravelerNo issues finding a spot for our 30ft 5th wheel. Very quiet and right off the highway. Plenty of spots mostly level. Can be very windy. Good t-mobile coverage
Traveler
Great sun rises and sunsets. Not all sites are suitable for a 27 foot trailer but there was enough I that I still had some choices.
Scout
It's a great spot right off of highway 12. Plenty of room for sites. Across the road at sunset is spectacular. AT&T and Verizon both have excellent service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Fremont, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fremont, UT is Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 45 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Fremont, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 88 dispersed camping locations near Fremont, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
