Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Hanksville? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Hanksville's most popular destinations.
McMillan Spring Campground sits in a Ponderosa Pine forest on a large flat with expansive views. It is regularly used by many visitors, but seems to be a favorite among big game hunters in the fall. McMillan Spring Campground is also designed for those with horses. It comes complete with corrals, livestock water, and a trough. The corrals can be accessed and viewed easily from a number of sites. In addition to the horse facilities, McMillan Spring is a nine site campground and offers parking areas, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, benches, potable water, and restrooms.
Lonesome Beaver Campground lies in the middle of Sawmill Basin and sits at an elevation of over 8,000 feet, Due to road conditions the campground can be challenging to access. However, the setting and experience is worth the drive. Lonesome Beaver is a five site campground and offers parking areas, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, benches, potable water, and accessible restrooms.
Starr Springs Campground sits on the southeast end of Mount Hillers. It is a favorite among geology enthusiasts, rock hounds, and late season hunters. Starr Springs offers twelve individual camp sites and one large group site. The campground also has picnic tables, benches, fire rings, grills, a nature trail, restrooms, and potable water.
The Swell is also known as a great place for dispersed camping. Dispersed camping is a term used for camping outside of a designated campground. For those looking to strike off and find the ideal spot to pitch your tent, keep in mind that there are no services – no trash removal, no facilities, no access to water, meaning it is NOT for the casual camper.
You must have an overnight permit for all overnight trips along the White Rim. Obtain permits here: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675315 Labyrinth has two designated campsites: Labyrinth A This small, very scenic site is composed mostly of packed, gravel dirt. The area is wide open and there is no shade or shelter from the wind. The two Labyrinth sites are approximately 1,000 feet apart and are within sight of each other. During the summer months, sites along the river are very buggy. Limits: 15 people and 3 vehicles Toilets: Labyrinth A and B share a toilet; site A is closer than B. River Access: River access is available 0.3 miles north where the White Rim Road borders the bank. Labyrinth B This small, very scenic site is composed mostly of packed, gravel dirt. The area is wide open and there is no shade or shelter from the wind. The two Labyrinth sites are approximately 1,000 feet apart and are within sight of each other. During the summer months, sites along the river are very buggy. Limits: 15 people and 3 vehicles Toilets: Labyrinth A and B share a toilet; site A is closer than B. River Access: River access is available 0.3 miles north where the White Rim Road borders the bank. Come Prepared. The White Rim Road has long rocky stretches, deep sand, and little shade. Bring at least 1 gallon (4 L) of water per person, per day — more if you'll be active. Plan for a minimum of 10-12 hours of driving or cycling. Keep off the Arches. To promote visitor safety and the opportunity to view natural features undisturbed, climbing, scrambling, walking or standing upon, or rappelling off any arch is prohibited in the park. Water There is no potable water along the White Rim Road. For mountain bike trips, we highly recommend a four-wheel-drive support vehicle to carry water and equipment. The 100-mile White Rim Road loops around and below the Island in the Sky mesa top and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. Four-wheel-drive trips usually take two to three days, and mountain bike trips usually take three to four days. Under favorable weather conditions, the White Rim Road is moderately difficult for high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. The steep, exposed sections of the Shafer Trail, Lathrop Canyon Road, Murphy Hogback, Hardscrabble Hill, and the Mineral Bottom switchbacks make the White Rim loop a challenging mountain bike ride, and require extreme caution for both vehicles and bikes during periods of inclement weather. During high water conditions on the Green River, sections of road on the west side can flood, making a complete loop impossible. No potable water is available along the White Rim Road. For mountain bike trips, a four-wheel-drive support vehicle to carry water and equipment is highly recommended.
The trailhead is located near Horseshoe Canyon (North) WSA. Dispersed camping is located near the trailhead. From the slick rock trailhead follow the cairn trail towards the canyon rim and you will find Five Hole Arch overlooking Labyrinth Canyon.
Scout
Fit my 22' TT without issue. Road is a bit rocky to get into the better sites, but there is a spot right off the turnoff that would accommodate bigger rigs. Woke up to a herd of Elk grazing outside the camper and a gorgeous sunrise. Will definitely stop here again when I'm coming through
Guide
Well spaced, paved camping sites in a shaded campground. Fruit orchards all around with the Fremont River flowing nearby. Heated bathrooms that are spotless. Stop by the Gifford house for fresh baked pies. As of October 2024, the visitor center parking lot is still under construction, and the scenic drive is closed for the same. Also. Make a campsite reservation before you arrive as there are no payment stations in the campground. If you don't the visitor center has Wi-Fi as there is no cell service in the park. Oh. And loop C is the only campground that allows generators. Enjoy Capitol Reef.
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.
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:
Guide
This spot was about 13 miles in from the main road, Island in the Sky rd. Parking lot for overlook with Pit toilet. Passed many sites along the way, however, van got stuck in deep sand off the side of the road. View of canyon is incredible.
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
Smooth gravel road in. I would not drive in without 4wd. Gorgeous views. Next to NPS boundary pin. Cliff edge fire ring. Nobody around. 5274 feet elevation. No cellular service.
Legend
Panoramic views of mountains and terrain. Room for several rigs. Clean site. Nicely spaced trees. No cell service. 5530 ft elevation
Legend
Beautiful mountain view, open location a couple of miles off the Notom Bullfrog road. Didn't see a soul. Road is easy going. Near to Pleasant Creek. Rock fire ring. Other sites are dispersed around. Very close to the Capitol Reef National park boundary. 5535 feet elevation. No cell service.
LegendThis 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.
Legend
This is a small CG and limited to TT or RVs under 20 ft; however, there seems to be an overfull area just outside the CG gate that is for bigger TTs and RVs. Unclear if the CG fee applies. Vault toilets. No cell signal.
Legend
Good all season gravel road into the CG. Only 4 sites but nice tables and fire rings. One vault toilet. This is a fee CG, $20/$10 senior. No water or trash at CG but just before the main Hwy there is a pullout with potable water spigot and a small dumpster. Water was shut off Sept 28 on my visit. No cell signal though.
Traveler
Up the canyon road, past the south campgrounds. BLM site and fees required. We paid $15 for 1 night. Quite and great views of Temple mountain.
Scout
Tranquil, don’t make the mistake of reaching over the fence to take a picture and accidentally touching the electric wire. It was literally the shock of my life lol.
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.
Ranger
We needed a place for the night after leaving the crazy busy area of Moab and this was the perfect spot. We will absolutely return again but with the ATVs.
There were several people camping and riding their ATVs and SXSs but when the sun went down it was quiet and so dark. The night sky is beautiful.
Pack it in and out but a perfect place for us. It had rained the day we arrived and it was not muddy and no problem getting in and out.
The road getting in has a bit of wash board so just take it slow.
TravelerLiterally first road outside of West entrance to CRNP. It’s pretty rocky, would come during daylight to setup. Portapotties on site.
Legend
Two picnic tables. Shady trees. No cell signal. Some odd garbage left near the site such as a wheelbarrow, two water tanks and a cut up water calvert. No other garbage on the site.
Legend
Close to Road. LTE service. Nice view of mountains.. near Halls Creek trailhead
Legend
Luscious green trees in Canyon. Flat area to camp. Easy to get down to spring. Fiberglass tub down there. Birds love it but I wouldn't go in. A little bit of cell service.
Legend
Off Burr Road. Campsite with 4 wheel drive access high clearance vehicle. Okay for pets not near the edge of canyon. Little bit of cell service. Little shelter of trees
Legend
bullfrog canyon Lookout number 2 campsite off Burr Road. Good cell service. A little higher from the fire ring. Panoramic views down into bullfrog canyon. Rode a little rough and four-wheel drive. Likely required. Panoramic views
Legend
Panoramic view about bullfrog canyon. Large sheltered fire ring. Half bars sell signal. Recommend four-wheel drive as road has deteriorated.. be careful with pets as there is 180° drop offs down to the canyon floor.
Legend
Beautiful isolated dispersed campsite small distance off Burr Road. Weak cell service. Interesting rock formations. Panoramic views 360° little bit of evergreens. Weak cell service
LegendScenic views and fire ring. Very weak signal. Climb back up towards the highway for better signal. A bit windy. No shelter from the Sun
Ranger1/2 off with an America the Beautiful pass. I got lucky and I was able to reserve a spot on short notice and it was one of the best spots for a truck camper which was right next to the tent camping area. Site 42. It is crowded! The sites are right next to each other. More like a really nice RV park..sort of. Normally I don't do NP campgrounds for this reason. I just needed one night before finding some disbursed sites. As with other National Parks like Bryce or Zion, if you plan to see the sites more than camping then get a motel or cabin. I will say, it is in a beautiful location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hanksville, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hanksville, UT is Mcmillan Spring Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hanksville, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near Hanksville, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
