Best Dispersed Camping near Green River, UT

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Green River, Utah, with several free primitive sites on public lands. The area features multiple BLM dispersed camping areas including Crystal Geyser Dispersed Camp, Floy Exit #175, and Black Dragon Pictograph Panel. Most sites are accessible via dirt roads of varying quality, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles. According to reviews of similar sites in the region, "The dirt roads off the main road close to the state park are very rutted and washed out," though many areas remain "doable in our 26' class C."

These primitive campsites typically lack amenities. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available at most locations. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with reception varying by carrier and location. Fire regulations differ by site; Crystal Geyser allows fires while Athena Slabs prohibits them. Campers should always check current fire restrictions before traveling, as seasonal bans are common in this arid environment.

The terrain around Green River offers dramatic desert landscapes with sandstone formations and expansive views. Several campers noted that "the stars were phenomenal" at similar sites in the region. Weather conditions can be extreme, with high winds common and temperatures varying dramatically between day and night. Summer brings intense heat while winter nights can drop below freezing. Most sites accommodate both tents and RVs, though larger rigs may have limited options due to road conditions. The standard stay limit is 14 days. All sites operate on a strict pack-in, pack-out basis, requiring visitors to carry out all waste and leave no trace of their stay.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Green River, Utah (86)

    1. Athena Slabs at Green River

    15 Reviews
    Green River, UT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3600

    "Just outside of Green River, excellent cell on Verizon, att and TMobile, some freeway noise depending on wind direction.. Free dispersed, but no water, trash or toilets."

    "Because of the concrete slabs, there are a ton of flat spots to set up whether you are tent or car camping. Easily accessible"

    2. BLM 144 Dispersed

    21 Reviews
    Thompson, UT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "Arrived around 9pm in the dark and was happy to see LOTS of empty flat space to camp for the night."

    "Right off the highway, could hear the traffic but not bad, lots of room for a bunch of rigs but not super crazy views. Nice spot for a light night area to sleep."

    3. Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands

    53 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 538-5418

    "high clearance vehicle recommended. Low clearance vehicles can access sights closer to highway. Lots of camping spots tucked away if you continue down the road."

    "We tent camped here in mid December and it was cold at night, but nothing too terrible if you have the right sleeping bags."

    4. South Klondike Bluffs / Road 142 Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Arches National Park, UT
    26 miles

    "Good spot just off the highway close to Arches and Canyonlands. Arrived at around 6pm and could only see about 2 other vehicles further down the road - so plenty of space."

    "Good safe spot right off the highway. Made it in my front wheel drive 21’ van. Just go slow. Lots of rocks sticking up and little rivets in the road. I was able to get around them."

    5. Crystal Geyser Dispersed Camp

    2 Reviews
    Green River, UT
    3 miles

    "7 miles off the highway south of Green River Utah is a cool little geological feature."

    6. Athena Flats

    1 Review
    Green River, UT
    2 miles

    7. Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Green River, UT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3600

    "There is quite an easy turn off right off of highway 70 (whether heading east or west, you can turn north off the highway)."

    "We have used this dispersed camp area several times off of I-70 on several occasions. Easy access whither you're traveling east or west bound."

    8. Floy Exit #175 Dispersed BLM

    2 Reviews
    Green River, UT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3600

    9. Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites

    21 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "Slightly rough road to get into the campsite plenty of places to choose from. Got there at like 6 o’clock on a Friday night with a camper van and had no trouble."

    "I chose this site for proximity to the parks, as well as the lovely geological backdrop."

    10. Salt Valley Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Thompson, UT
    20 miles
    Website

    "If you have high clearance and 4WD, there are fantastic spots on top of the hills that will keep you isolated."

    "I drove through Arches National Park on Salt Valley Road, until it exited the park onto BLM Land. Took an immediate right and followed the fence of the park."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Green River, UT

448 Reviews of 86 Green River Campgrounds


  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2022

    East Dispersed Area — Goblin Valley State Park

    Beautiful Area

    It costs $35 to camp in the State Park or $20 entrance fee, but there are so many dispersed spots in the BLM area right outside the state park boundaries. 

    Before you turn onto the road to take you to the state park there are several wide open flat areas to stay in. This area is pretty busy with boondockers but we found a secluded spot 1/2 mile from the Wild Horse trail head at 38.5815894,-110.7954139. There are several spots that are reachable by RV, but further back you’ll need high clearance and possible 4x4. 

    The dirt roads off the main road close to the state park are very rutted and washed out. The roads were doable in our 26’ class C but not really worth it when there are so many other easier options. 

    There is no water here and no trash service so pack in and pack out including your digested food.:) 

    There are pit toilets at the Wild Horse Trailhead, and there appeared to be some overnight campers at the trailhead as well. 

    No cell service from any carrier, and our cell booster did not help.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2022

    BLM Intrepid Well Road Dispersed Camping

    Seven-Up Overlook Dispersed

    This free BLM Dispersed area is at the end of the easy access road to the Intrepid Well Road. Do not enter the two oil gas pad areas. Signs at 313 note no camping for 1/2 mile, these sites are 1.7 miles in. Only 3-4 sites on rim of overlook above Whirlwind MTB trail. Cell signal is good. Sites are best for overlander types...no big RVs or TTs is advised due to rough access roads and small camping spots. No amenities, no water, no trash, no tables. Special rules are in effect for portable toilet use.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2022

    BLM Mineral Point Dispersed Camping Area

    Nice free dispersed close in.

    This BLM two track sandy road is first open road on left past Horsethief BLM fee campground. Road goes about .6 mile and ends. About 10+ nice free dispersed spots, nothing designated but areas are obvious. Rock fire ring is all you get. No tables, no water, no trash. But cell signal is not bad. This area is best for high clearance tenters or Overlander types...the farther down the road it gets more slick rock ledgey bumpy. I would not haul a TT or drive a RV down there but sure some will.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2022

    Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed

    Great Hiking

    First off do not pay attention to google directions as it will take you out of the way through a wash. There is quite an easy turn off right off of highway 70 (whether heading east or west, you can turn north off the highway). Once you turnoff of the highway there is a gate that may or may not be closed so once you go through leave it how you found it. 

    Follow the very manageable dirt road and there will be multiple pull out areas to camp in. The closer to the highway the more busy it is so keep driving. We found a small pull out between the two trails that take you on hike to the Spirit Arches and Petroglyphs and the other up through the wash to the pictographs. 

    The hike to the pictographs is much more interesting as you enter the narrow canyon. There are several spots that are reachable by RV, but further back you’ll need high clearance and possible 4x4. 

    There is no camping allowed within the canyon. At the trailhead though there are a few large areas for camping but probably easier with higher clearance. There is no bathroom, trash or water so pack in and pack out even that which you have already digested.;) 

    No cell service from ATT, Verizon or TMobile, but was able to get a bar or two on Verizon with the cell booster.  Oddly we did have cell reception on the hike within the canyon.

  • Ruairi K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2023

    BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed

    Insane views

    A car with some high clearance and 4WD is probably necessary for this. The road in is just dirt and not labeled, but you just turn right into one of the paths breaking off the main dirt road and head towards the canyon. There were multiple available campsites when we went with no one remotely near us. Views of the canyon are next level.

  • Pat S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2020

    Temple Mt. Rd. Dispersed

    Dispersed campimg along Temple Mt. Rd

    This is a cool wilderness area. It is state land in between BLM land.  This is an area between the Temple Mt. Campground East and the Temple Mt Campground a few miles NW. We reconned up and down Temple Mt rd. and the campgrounds. The dispersed camping seemed to be the best option for us. The two CG's in the area do have pit toilets but that seems to be the only plus. The East CG is super open and seemed like a staging area. The other CG had some ruins but was also open with no cover. We found a little space on the northeast side of the road back in a canyon that was nice. Only bad thing were the gnats. Last part of May and early part of June apparently is a bad time for gnats in the Utah desert.  

    There are quite a few spots on either side of the road that are kind of established with fire rings made from rock that people have put together. You can scramble over the rocks and hike through the washes. Some attractions near by are the pictograph panel, Temple Mt. ,Wild Horse Window, and Goblin Valley SP. There are also antelope in the area. This is a good place to stage out of if you can't get a spot in the Goblin Valley CG.  Remember there is no trash bins so pack it in and pack it out. Bury your poop.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2022

    BLM Tibbetts Arch Road Dispersed Camping

    Overlander types only

    This area is on a narrow entrenched sandy two track road and some sections are rough slick rock..so high clearance overlander type rigs are the best to access these sites. TTs and RVs are NOT recommended. Camping is allowed at 1/2 mile distance from Hwy 313 and Special Regulations include required portable toilets. Cell is iffy depending on straight line to north. No amenities, pure boondocking. Cows share the area.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2022

    Buckhorn Draw fee designated Campsites 23-24

    Double Designated fee site

    Two fee designatef campsites in a scenic alcove in towering sandstone walls. Access road is sandy so recon first. Tables and fire rings but no water, no toilet, no trash and no cell signal

  • P
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites

    Off the highway, but secluded

    Slightly rough road to get into the campsite plenty of places to choose from. Got there at like 6 o’clock on a Friday night with a camper van and had no trouble. It was the perfect stop for the night able to have a fire and had enough privacy. The stars were phenomenal. Verizon had full bar coverage and you’re close to Arches and Canyonlands.


Guide to Green River

Dispersed camping near Green River, Utah provides access to stark desert landscapes with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 feet. Summer daytime temperatures typically exceed 100°F while winter nights often drop below 20°F. Most free camping areas require vehicles to stay on established roads and disturbed areas only, as the desert's cryptobiotic soil crust takes decades to recover from damage.

What to do

Explore pictographs: Visit the Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed area where you can view ancient rock art. "Access to this is a bit tricky as you need to take a gate from the interstate. It isn't your typical interstate exit," notes Will M. The area features both pictographs and petroglyphs within walking distance of camping spots.

Visit Crystal Geyser: Camp near Crystal Geyser Dispersed Camp to see a rare cold-water carbon dioxide geyser. "When most people think about geysers, they picture a Yellowstone-like hot spring where pressure from steam sends a tall column of water into the air. In Utah, however, several 'geysers' erupt due to the same process that causes soda pop to shoot out," explains a camper. Eruptions can be unpredictable, sometimes requiring a 24-hour wait.

Mountain biking: Near Athena Slabs, access the newer mountain bike trail system. "The new Athena mt bike trail is close by," mentions Greg L. These trails offer beginner to intermediate terrain across the desert landscape.

What campers like

Solitude and space: At BLM 144 Dispersed, campers appreciate the openness. "Got in around 10pm and didn't pass 1 car, nor did any cars pass me! Felt like I was the only one there," reports Mackenzie D. Most sites provide ample distance between campers.

Convenient location: Many campers value how these sites serve as strategic bases. "If you're following directions from the coordinates it's okay to find in the dark. Can hear the highway. Wouldn't stay here if I wanted to go 'camping', but it was fine to sleep for the night," explains Ocelot T. about Athena Slabs.

Wildlife viewing: Several camping areas offer opportunities to spot desert wildlife. "We found a small pull out between the two trails that take you on hike to the Spirit Arches and Petroglyphs and the other up through the wash to the pictographs," writes Laura M. about Black Dragon, where visitors regularly spot desert wildlife.

What you should know

Access challenges: Many roads deteriorate seasonally. "The place is quite far from the I70. The road is in such a condition that for an RV, at 10 mph, you will lose some dental pieces and will have to reassemble your RV at the end," warns Adan L. about Crystal Geyser's access road.

Weather preparedness: Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night occur regularly. "This picturesque site has great views and spacious sites. This is way more than an overnight sleep, you could stay here 3-4 days for hiking and excellent views at different time of the day," shares Tim Z. about Athena Slabs at Green River.

Changing conditions: Site availability and conditions change frequently. "All the slabs are torn up as of 11/2024, would not risk getting a flat tire for this spot," reports zac W. about Athena Slabs, contradicting older reviews. Always check recent reports before traveling.

Tips for camping with families

Safety concerns: Monitor for hazards at undeveloped sites. "We have dogs with us and there is a lot of junk to watch out for. Some of it from the area's former life and some of it from mis use by users," notes Taz B. about Athena Slabs. Bring a first aid kit and be vigilant about debris.

Educational opportunities: Use San Rafael Dispersed Camping as a base for learning about geology. "Beautiful area to explore with wild burros and breathtaking night skies," says Clint D. The area features unique rock formations that illustrate geological processes over millions of years.

Plan for no services: Pack all necessities for your stay. "It's a dirt field with slab piles and rebar in the dirt. Be careful driving in the field. We still found a nice flat spot to camp," explains Tami H. about camping at Athena Slabs, highlighting the need to thoroughly prepare.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Large RVs face significant challenges on many access roads. "Plenty of room for any size rig" at Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites, according to some reviewers, but others caution "Do not drive a big trailer or camper down this road." Assess recent road conditions before committing.

Leveling challenges: Many sites require significant effort to level rigs. "Easy to get level. Near hwy so a bit of road noise. Wide open space," notes Karla R. about Cotter Mine Road. Bring leveling blocks and scope out potential spots before positioning your RV.

Road preparation: Access roads often feature washouts, deep sand, and obstacles. "Slightly rough road to get into the campsite plenty of places to choose from," reports Paige M. about Cotter Mine Road. Travel during daylight hours to better navigate challenging sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available in Green River, Utah?

Yes, free camping is abundant around Green River on BLM lands. BLM Mineral Point Dispersed Camping Area offers approximately 10+ free sites about 0.6 miles down a sandy two-track road, which is the first open road on the left past Horsethief BLM fee campground. The sites are undeveloped with just rock fire rings—no tables, water, or trash service, but cell signal is decent. Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites also provides free camping with multiple sites to choose from, though the access road is slightly rough. The area offers privacy, fire rings, and excellent stargazing with good Verizon coverage.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Green River, Utah?

Numerous dispersed camping options exist around Green River. Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed offers accessible sites right off Highway 70 through an easy turnoff. The area requires some navigation as Google directions may be misleading. For those seeking canyon views, BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed provides more remote sites, though high clearance vehicles are recommended. The area around Goblin Valley also offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities on BLM land just outside the state park boundaries. Most dispersed sites around Green River feature basic amenities like fire rings but lack facilities like tables, water, or trash service.

What BLM camping options exist near Green River, Utah?

BLM Intrepid Well Road Dispersed Camping offers free camping at the end of an easily accessible road, approximately 1.7 miles in from Highway 313. This area features 3-4 sites situated on the rim overlooking the Whirlwind MTB trail with good cell reception. Stay clear of the two oil gas pad areas as noted by signage. Another option is Temple Mt. Rd. Dispersed, located between the Temple Mt. Campground East and the Temple Mt. Campground a few miles northwest. This state land area surrounded by BLM territory offers a wilderness experience that many campers find preferable to the established campgrounds nearby.

Can I go RV boondocking near Green River, Utah?

RV boondocking opportunities exist near Green River, but site accessibility varies significantly. East Dispersed Area — Goblin Valley State Park offers several wide open flat areas suitable for RVs before the turn to the state park. These BLM sites provide free alternatives to the $35 state park camping. Not all dispersed areas accommodate RVs, however. BLM Tibbetts Arch Road Dispersed Camping specifically notes that travel trailers and RVs are not recommended due to the narrow, sandy, and sometimes rough slick rock sections. Always scout ahead when possible or research road conditions before bringing larger rigs to dispersed sites in the area.