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 (85)

    1. Athena Slabs at Green River

    11 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

    20 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

    32 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. 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."

    7. Floy Exit #175 Dispersed BLM

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

    8. 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."

    9. Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites

    18 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. San Rafael Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Green River, UT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3600

    "You have to open a gate and close it behind you as you go down the road. You will need 4x4 as there is a bunch of really sandy spots and some pretty gnarly dips so high clearance would be nice."

    "You have to open a gate to get through, didn’t quite go to this exact spot but it was quiet on the dirt road and a lot of pull offs."

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Showing results 1-10 of 85 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Green River, UT

439 Reviews of 85 Green River Campgrounds



Guide to Green River

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Green River, Utah, where you can enjoy stunning landscapes and a sense of solitude. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to escape into nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Green River, Utah

  • Many dispersed camping spots, like BLM 144 Dispersed, allow campfires, making it easy to enjoy evenings under the stars with a warm fire.
  • If you're traveling with pets, places such as Salt Valley Dispersed Camping welcome furry friends, so you can bring your whole family along for the adventure.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Athena Slabs at Green River has no drinking water or toilets, so plan to bring everything you need.

Scenic views for dispersed campers

Dispersed campers should check out the Black Dragon Pictograph Panel

  • This area is not only known for its beautiful scenery but also for its rich cultural history, with ancient pictographs that can be explored on foot from your camping spot.
  • Accessing the Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed requires navigating a dirt road, which can be an adventure in itself, especially for those with high-clearance vehicles.
  • Campers have noted the importance of being cautious during rainy weather, as the dry washes can flood quickly, making it essential to check conditions before heading out.

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.