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Dispersed Camping near Hanksville, UT

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    Hanksville sits at the edge of canyon country in central Utah with BLM land stretching out in multiple directions from town. Dispersed camping on that BLM land means no water, no restrooms, no designated sites, and no trash service. Everything comes in with you and leaves with you.

    Sites along Goblin Valley Road and the dirt tracks branching off Highway 24 and Highway 95 are mostly accessible by standard vehicles on maintained gravel. Many routes into the deeper canyon terrain require high clearance, especially after rain when clay-heavy roads become impassable. Wag bags are required at some higher-use areas, so check with the Henry Mountains Field Station before your trip. The 14-day stay limit applies across Utah BLM land. Summer heat at this elevation regularly exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit from June through August, making spring and fall the more practical windows.

    Capitol Reef National Park is about 37 miles from Hanksville. Dispersed sites near Capitol Reef put you closer to park trailheads if that's part of the itinerary. Hanksville-area campgrounds cover the full range of options in this corridor, including developed sites with vault toilets. Shade is limited at most sites here, so come prepared.

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    Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Hanksville (99)

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      1. Dispersed Campground - Goblin Valley

      4.7(20)15mi from HanksvilleRVs, Tents

      "The swell is beautiful and has miles and miles of open BLM to camp in! Boondock your trailer and you’ll have the place to yourself! Great for ATVs, stargazing, hiking and solitude."

      "Nearby there is commiting trad and sport climbs as well as difficult canyoneering routes."

      2. Goblin Valley State Park - Behind the Butte Camping ($15/night now: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goblin-valley/dispersed-camping/)

      4.6(16)14mi from HanksvilleRVs, Tents

      "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. "

      "Paved road until turn off to sites. The dirt road to the sites was in good condition and no problem for Tahoe pulling 24 ft camper. Stayed at site2."

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      3. North River Road

      5.0(4)1mi from HanksvilleRVs, Tents

      "Nice dirt road with about 5 camping spots. Amazing stars!"

      "I parked beyond the coordinates on the edge of the ridge."

      4. Goblin Valley State Park

      4.5(8)15mi from HanksvilleRVs, Tents

      "Run by Goblin Valley SP, the dispersed camping is incredible. It's located between the SP and Little Wild Horse canyon and offers an eastern and western section to camp."

      "But we got alerts about possible flash flooding. We will be back to this area."

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      5. Moonscape Overlook

      5.0(2)9mi from Hanksville

      "Otherwise it was fairly quiet and we were one of three small groups camping overnight at the edge of the cliffs."

      6. BLM Mix Pad Dispersed - Cathedral Valley

      4.1(8)18mi from HanksvilleRVs, Tents

      "Taking you through the back country of Capitol Reef National Park."

      "The dirt road should be accessible to most vehicles."

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      7. Temple Mt. Rd. Dispersed

      4.5(11)20mi from HanksvilleRVs, Tents

      "We had plenty of space for our 2 camper vans and easily accessible. There’s lots to do in the area; walking/hiking/MTB from the sites. No cell signal."

      "There are many gorgeous primitive campsites near the road, most easily accessible with an RV, trailer, or car. Some more isolated sites are harder to get to or require high clearance 4x4."

      8. Radio Tower Road Dispersed Camping

      5.0(1)10mi from Hanksville

      9. Swing Arm City OHV Area

      5.0(1)11mi from Hanksville

      "We drove around in our 2WD van for fun."

      10. Goblin Valley Dispersed Camping

      5.0(2)14mi from HanksvilleRVs, Tents
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    Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hanksville, UT

    388 Reviews of 99 Hanksville Campgrounds

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

      Goblin Valley State Park - Behind the Butte Camping ($15/night now: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goblin-valley/dispersed-camping/)

      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.

    • SwitchbackKids
      Jun. 26, 2017

      Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping

      Free and easy access to Capitol Reef National Park!

      After visiting two very popular Utah parks -- Zion and Bryce Canyon -- Capitol Reef was a breath of fresh air. And one of our favorite parts about visiting this park is that it was almost totally free!

      When we arrived at the visitor center, they informed us that their only developed campground, Fruita Campground (first-come-first-served only, not reservable) was full for the night, and rangers were ready with a handout full of alternative camping areas. We had not dabbled into BLM (Bureau of Land Management) camping before, but this experience would encourage us to utilize it throughout the rest of our year-long trip to the national parks.

      This “campground” is located about a mile outside of the national park, which allows great access to everything inside Capitol Reef. Usually free camping like this is harder to discover, but this pull-off is just off the road.

      Benefits of camping in BLM land include the cost (free!), solitude (you can be as far away from people as you’d like), and easy access to the national park (in fact, most national parks are surrounded with National Forest Service or BLM land!). Downsides, of course, include the lack of amenities, the sometimes uninspiring scenery, and the feeling of uneasiness (can I really just camp here? For free?)

      Capitol Reef’s BLM camping is plentiful, but this site was definitely the best. We were able to drive up on a high ridge of the pull-out area that the RVs could not easily access, so we felt alone and watched the gorgeous sunsets from our campsite each night.

      During our five days in the park, we had some favorite activities: backpacking in Upper Muley Creek, hiking to Cassidy Arch, picking and eating fruit right off the trees in the historic orchards, hiking the tough Navajo Knobs trail, and, most of all, the Sulphur Creek trail through a narrow beautiful creek with three waterfalls to climb down.

      You can read much more about our four days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Capitol Reef)

    • Amber A.
      Aug. 31, 2016

      Blue Notch Canyon Primitive — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

      Lake Powell shoreline dispersed camping

      You really need a jeep to explore this area. It’s incredibly beautiful here: the Utah you picture when your wanderlust kicks up. The campground is a primitive dispersed site along the lake with amazing views all around. This is Bureau of Land Management camping so it’s free and extremely basic, but they do provide drinking water in one place. There are a few little stone pits for fires but I don’t know if they restrict fire making (we used our gas stove to be safe). I hope to return someday.

    • EThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 21, 2026

      Road 1280 East of Torrey Utah

      Quiet with views & stars

      Fantastic dispersed camping area with stunning g views of the surrounding red rock formations and dark skies for star gazing. There is tons of space, especially the further back you drive. Camper van without high clearance had no trouble.

    • Marc G.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 26, 2021

      Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed

      Beautiful boondocking between Torrey and Capitol Reef NP

      We spent a week along Beas Lewis Flat Road just outside of Torrey, to explore Capitol Reef National Park. This is free BLM dispersed camping with a 14-day stay limit, no sites or services provided. The first camping areas off of UT-24 get crazy busy, to the point that it looked more like a crowded RV park than a peaceful boondocking area; however, make a right just past the cattle grate and you can go several miles back in, in search of solitude. Just after making that right there's a small dry wash to cross that requires some clearance and decent approach/departure angles, but other than that the condition of the road is superb. Views stretch to the red rock cliffs north of UT-24 from Torrey to the National Park, including Capitol Reef itself and the Henry Mountains beyond. Cell service was solid on both Verizon and AT&T, and we had no issues working on VPN from our location or streaming HD video. There's a small general store in Torrey with a few staples and even a laundry available, but the nearest small-town supermarket is in Loa, 18 miles west of Torrey. We found the prices there to be reasonable given the location. You may get water and dump at the Fruita Campground inside the National Park for $5.
      Watch our full-length video on both the camping and the National Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=296k\_D3AZIE

    • 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.

    • 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
      Sep. 20, 2023

      Goblin Valley Lower Wildhorse Dispersed Camp

      Easy access dispersed area

      This area is accessed by 4 double track dirt roads on right as you pass the new but uncompleted sign for the expanded Goblin Valley St Park. This area used to be BLM dispersed camping but was made part of goblin a year or so ago. Goblin still allows free dispersed on these sites as of 9.2023 but that could change in future? These two track roads go to the trailhead signs for Wildhorse Window and Wildhorse Canyon hikes. Nice level sites with good views but no shade and exposed to winds. Cell signal is dependent on line of sight to Hanksville cell tower. Goblin entrance station has wifi and a water stand pipe they let dispersed campers use. No garbage dumpsters unless you pay to access goblin park at $20 vehicle.

      There is also more free dispersed past the Goblin entrance station going out to Little Wildhorse slot canyon, but those areas have longer very rough access roads to get to camp sites and would likely be a problem with loose sand in spots or mud if wet. Plus no cell since on lee side of big Mesa feature.

      Note the two BLM developed fee CGs on Temple wash do not have water or trash.

    Guide to Hanksville

    Dispersed camping areas around Hanksville, Utah provide primitive overnight options in the desert landscape between Capitol Reef and Goblin Valley State Park. The region sits at approximately 4,300 feet elevation with dramatic sandstone formations and expanses of slickrock. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing with occasional snow.

    What to do

    Explore slot canyons: Take a short drive to Little Wild Horse Canyon, which offers accessible hiking through narrow passages. "Great access to slot canyon hikes and so much to explore. Will return," notes Cooper A., who camped at the nearby San Rafael Swell.

    Visit desert overlooks: Drive to Moonscape Overlook for sunset photography. "Incredible views at sunrise and sunset, be prepared for lots of people during those times. Otherwise it was fairly quiet and we were one of three small groups camping overnight at the edge of the cliffs," advises Brian P.

    Rock climbing: The San Rafael Swell area offers routes for various skill levels. "This is a great place to wander primitive unspoiled deserts! Nearby there is committing trad and sport climbs as well as difficult canyoneering routes," explains Alan B., who found Goblin Valley dispersed sites perfect for accessing climbing areas.

    What campers like

    Rock formations: Many campers select sites nestled against unique rock formations. "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," writes Jeff H. about his family's experience camping near Goblin Valley.

    Dark night skies: The remote location offers exceptional stargazing. "Stars were awesome," noted Mark R. at Temple Mountain Road, though he also claimed to see what he believed were UFOs parading through the sky during his stay.

    Sense of solitude: Many sites offer privacy despite their accessibility. "Wow total solitude," writes Francois T. about his experience at Goblin Valley Dispersed Camping, adding "Loved it, but man was it hot and windy but as soon as the sun begins to set its magic."

    What you should know

    Road conditions vary: Many access roads require careful driving. "The dirt road to the sites was in good condition and no problem for Tahoe pulling 24 ft camper," notes suzie about the East Dispersed Area near Goblin Valley. However, other areas may require high clearance vehicles.

    Prepare for wind: The open landscape offers little protection from weather. "It was very windy during our visit with wind whipping down the canyon," reports Barbara L. about Temple Mountain Road.

    Water access: The Goblin Valley State Park entrance station has limited services. "You can fill and dump camper at goblin valley state park but it is not free," notes A D., who stayed at the East Dispersed Area.

    Cell service limitations: Coverage varies by location. "No cell service from any carrier, and our cell booster did not help," reports Laura M. about the East Dispersed Area.

    Tips for camping with families

    Choose protected sites: Find locations with natural rock barriers to block wind. "We settled in a cottonwood grove along the road past the Ding Dang trailhead," suggests Cooper A., who visited the San Rafael Swell area with his family.

    Provide exploration space: Many sites offer natural playground areas. "It was very calm during our visit, not windy at all. Easy road in for our ProMaster with very level spots. Part of it looks like an old asphalt runway," writes James M. about the BLM Mix Pad area near Cathedral Valley.

    Plan for temperature swings: Desert temperatures change dramatically between day and night. "We went in the middle of October and it was 40° at night and 75° during the day so we were pretty cold at night but pretty hot during the day," reports Jamie, who found sites west of Goblin Valley State Park better than the paid campground.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection for larger rigs: Many areas can accommodate RVs with proper access roads. "Multiple sites throughout the recreation area easily accessible for big rigs! Parked 2 40+ ft. rigs near the highway and went in to explore," shares REBECCA about Temple Mountain Road dispersed camping.

    Consider wind exposure: RVs are particularly vulnerable to high winds. "High winds can be an issue, but we enjoyed the experience," adds REBECCA about rustic camping near Hanksville.

    Road navigation: Take time navigating dirt access roads. "If you're looking for that 'je ne sais quoi' spot, then you'll have to drive off the dirt trails off of Wild Horse Rd. It was well worth it. The rock formations provide a secluded and 'out of this world' experience. I have a 24' travel trailer and the off road section is bumpy, but if you take your time, you can certainly do it," advises Steven M.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is there free camping available near Hanksville, Utah?

    Yes, free camping is abundant near Hanksville. Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed offers numerous free sites with a 14-day stay limit just outside Torrey, perfect for exploring Capitol Reef National Park. BLM Mineral Point Dispersed Camping Area, found on the first left past Horsethief BLM fee campground, provides about 10+ nice free spots with rock fire rings but no amenities. The area around Goblin Valley also has free dispersed camping options on BLM land right outside the state park boundaries, avoiding the $35 camping fee or $20 entrance fee for the park itself. Remember that all these areas are primitive with no services, so pack accordingly.

    Where are the best spots for dispersed camping near Hanksville, Utah?

    The Hanksville area offers excellent dispersed camping options. East Dispersed Area — Goblin Valley State Park provides numerous flat sites just before the turn to the state park entrance. Another popular option is Temple Mt. Rd. Dispersed, which offers wilderness camping between the Temple Mountain campgrounds. For those exploring Capitol Reef, numerous spots are available along dirt roads outside park boundaries. The area around Goblin Valley is particularly popular with wide-open spaces on BLM land. Many sites feature basic fire rings but no amenities, so come prepared with everything you need including water and waste disposal plans.

    What BLM land can I camp on around Hanksville?

    The Hanksville area is surrounded by extensive BLM lands offering numerous camping opportunities. Goblin Valley Lower Wildhorse Dispersed Camp is accessed via four double-track dirt roads past the Goblin Valley State Park sign. While recently incorporated into the park boundaries, it still allows free dispersed camping. Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed offers accessible camping with an easy turnoff from Highway 70. Other BLM options include the areas around Capitol Reef National Park, the San Rafael Swell region, and lands surrounding Glen Canyon Recreation Area. Most BLM sites have a 14-day stay limit and minimal amenities, typically just fire rings.

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