Near Hanksville, Utah, dispersed camping opportunities span throughout Bureau of Land Management territories at elevations ranging from 4,300 to 7,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations depending on location. Most primitive campsites require visitors to bring all supplies, including water, as the arid desert landscape receives under 10 inches of annual rainfall. Road conditions deteriorate significantly after rainfall, with many access routes becoming impassable even for high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Explore slot canyons: Little Wild Horse Canyon near Goblin Valley State Park Campground provides accessible hiking through narrow passageways. "We did some fun hikes and close to some really amazing slot canyons. Goblin Valley is amazing," notes a visitor who appreciated the campground's proximity to these natural features.
Visit ancient rock art: A short walk from South Temple Wash Campground leads to petroglyphs. One camper observed, "There are some interesting sites just up the road that you can walk to, including some ancient petroglyphs."
Experience night sky viewing: The region is certified for dark skies, making stargazing exceptional. A camper at the West Dispersed Area shared, "While it didn't rain on my trip out there, it's always good to identify spots water runs throughout the campsite," highlighting the importance of site selection for optimal viewing conditions.
Mountain bike on designated trails: Access mountain biking routes directly from camping areas. A camper noted, "Very close to state park which sells ice. Rode bikes from site into park for MTB bike trails which are very nice."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Duke's Slickrock Campground & RV Park offers unusually large sites. One RVer commented, "I'm guesstimating 30' to the next rig, on either side. I am in lot 11 and next to me is a picnic table (not too close) and beside it, my space includes room to park my toad."
Natural alcoves for camping: The rock formations create natural shelter at many dispersed sites. A visitor to the West Dispersed Area stated, "The alcove we were able to get was off the road. It felt like we were by ourselves."
Riverside locations: Some campsites provide access to water features for cooling off in summer heat. A camper at Offroad RV Resort mentioned, "Epic rides right out of camp and our kids loved playing in the river!"
Wildlife sightings: Several campers report seeing desert wildlife near their sites. At Fruita Campground, visitors observed "abundant mule deer that walked through the campsite" according to recent reviews.
What you should know
Water filtration systems: The East Dispersed Area — Goblin Valley State Park has no water sources. As one camper stated, "Dispersed with no services. Even though other campers may have been 200 yards away, the geography makes it so you don't see or hear them."
Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. A camper advised, "Able to drive in with 4WD. There was deep sand that required aggressive tires."
Weather fluctuations: Moonscape Overlook experiences extreme temperature swings. "We visited in August and it was a warm, but cooled off nicely for bedtime," reports a recent camper.
Limited cell coverage: Service is inconsistent throughout the region. A camper at Offroad RV Resort noted, "Cell service is spotty at best. This place is out there, which is great. We set up our Starlink just for situations like this because we personally need Wi_Fi calling."
Campground closures: Some facilities close seasonally. A visitor to Duke's Slickrock Campground noted the operational season runs "March 1 to October 31," requiring winter travelers to verify availability before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Explore rock formations: Kids enjoy climbing on the formations in camping areas. One family at Dispersed Campground - Goblin Valley shared, "We found a great space tucked into the cliffs that provide privacy, space for the kids to explore and play for hours on end, and enough space that we could spread out our camp."
Visit during spring or fall: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making shoulder seasons more comfortable for kids. A camper advised, "Must do spring or fall- summer is too hot. Stream is fun to tube and play in."
Pack extra water storage: With no water sources at most dispersed sites, families need substantial water supplies. A camper remarked, "These are primitive sites with no amenities so bring lots of water!"
Plan for wind protection: Position tents to block prevailing winds. One visitor warned, "Secure your tent as well as possible the wind can get intense and can even pull your stakes out if the ground."
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing: For Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park, arrive early to secure spots. One reviewer noted, "Only 24 sites makes this one of the hardest campgrounds in Utah to book. If you're lucky enough to get in then you are going to love Goblin Valley."
Road assessment: Check access routes before committing to dispersed areas with larger rigs. An RVer shared, "I have a 24' travel trailer and the off road section is bumpy, but if you take your time, you can certainly do it."
Site leveling: Many primitive sites require significant leveling. "The sites are nice and big, close to the trails in Goblin Valley State Park," commented one camper, though they added that finding a perfectly level spot can be challenging.
Water management: Bring extra water for longer stays at primitive sites. One RVer advised, "There is no water here and no trash service so pack in and pack out including your digested food."
Hook-up availability: Full-service sites are limited in the region. A camper at Duke's Slickrock noted, "We had to back out of the 'pull through' site because there wasn't clearance to pull forward with our 30ft 5th wheel."
