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.
Guide
Each tent site has a pad and a shelter that has a shade panel. There is no parking next to the site, but it is small walk to the site. The tent sites are spaced far apart and some are tucked behind the Goblins.
There is a good restroom facility with running water and showers that do not need a token or coins. There are 4 showers. Overall, this is a great place to stay.
RangerUtah has such a wide variety of geology and Goblin Valley campground is in the middle of it. Sites are a bit close together, but they have shelters over the tables and there are some walk-in tent sites that are more secluded. Nice, free showers too.
GuideThere are only 11 asphalt paved RV camp sites. There are 14 tent sites.
Each site has a covered pavilion with a picnic table, fire ring and a tent site. Drinking water is located throughout the campground. The bathrooms have flushing toilets and hot water in the sinks. They are spotless! The showers are equally as clean. There are no bad views here! The hiking and biking trails are right there.
This one is one of my favorites!
Go!
Scout
We got a tent site. The tent sites are all gravel with a table and water. The good: Location close to Capitol Reef National Park. We used it as a base camp for hiking in the national park. Has water, table, fire pit, and wind break. The small swimming pool was loved by the kids The grassy park area was nice. The views. Red cliffs and Thousand Lakes Mountain to the north and Boulder Mountain to the south. The bad: Not enough trees. There are several small very pruned Cottonwood trees, but it is not a shady place. Small spaces. Like most RV parks, you are very close to your neighbors. Everyone near us was quite and kind though. There is no grass for the tent sites. You put your tent in gravel. About the only grass is very small pieces for the RVs and the grassy park area.
LegendWe came in winter this time and got a tent camp easily, only one other group was camping. If you dont want to tent camp in the winter they also have yurts for rent. We had a different approach to Goblin Valley this time around and decided to do the Lair of the Basilisk (Goblins Lair) canyoneering route. We got to hike in and around snow covered hoodoos that culminates in a 100' drop into the lair! It is truly a magical place and worth a visit! You can also get ti the lair by a now popular marked trail around the east side of the park. 60 m rope recommended plus helmets.
Scout
Sand Creek is 15 miles from Capitol Reef and 1,500’ higher - much cooler. Good wi-fi, showers, bathrooms and laundry. Firewood and ice are available for purchase. The grounds have not been maintained like they were two years ago in 2019, but that may be due to the drought. Sand Creek has simple reasonable cabins along with 6 tent sites and maybe 8 or 9 RV sites.
Capitol Reef has a great campground but it often fills up. This is a great alternative for $22 a night for a tent site.
Legend
This BLM campground is head and shoulders above your typical boondock campsite, of which there are plenty in Utah. Better yet, it was empty when we arrived on a Sunday afternoon in mid July. It comes complete with 12 sites and a group area, picnic tables, fire rings and grill stands in every site, clean vault toilets, water standpipes and one heck of a view once you get out from under the luxuriant, shading scrub oaks. We heard about it from family members who are into rockhounding, and it does not disappoint. Definitely for the tent/small RV boondock crowd. There are no electric hookups or dump stations, but if you’re set up to go off the grid you might be able to fit a small RV or trailer in a couple of these sites. There is actually a spring nearby, so there’s a very small gurgling brook running through the campground. You’re a little higher up, so it’s a few degrees cooler than below, where you’re awed by the vast expanses of mesas and red-rock monuments you pass through to get here on SR 95 from Hanksville to the north or Blanding to the south. You’ll see the sign just past the 17-mile marker as you come south on the northern leg of 276. Fee is $10 per night. Half that if you have America the Beautiful senior pass.
Guide
There were a decent amount of spots but it was incredibly windy and there were no fire rings. We made our own and enjoyed a nice fire but the wind makes it brutal when tent camping. All in all, great spot just outside of Capital Reef.
Legend
We stayed at one of the walk in tent sites where were in a large field. The area is very neat with an orchard, wildlife, and beautiful scenery. The sites were not overly secluded, but the park seemed quiet enough for the amount of people there. Capitol Reef National Park seemed less busy than the other Utah National Parks and we really enjoyed our hiking adventures in the park as well as the camping opportunities.
GuideGoblin Valley is a beautiful area. We camped about 20 minutes from the actual valley. Plenty of space for big groups. Easy to get trailers there. Good for tent camping as long as you have a tarp to lay down first since it’s a bit rocky. Dogs are allowed. It’s a beautiful area.
Traveler
These sites were awesome! Super close to Capitol Reef and amazing views all around. Easily accessible and not too crowded when we visited. The only downside for us was the wind was crazy strong so we ended up having to sleep in our car. It’s pretty wide open so it’s hard to escape the wind if you’re tent camping or cooking outside. Other than that we loved it!
LegendGeneral: Small campground with 24 sites, and two yurts. Sites are designated as RV or tent with the main difference being that the tent sites have multiple vehicle pads right next to each other. We did see some vans in the tent sites and in November, that was not a problem. All camping is dry camping. Each site has a covered picnic table with side shelters, not needed when we were there in November but a necessity in the warmer months, and a fire pit.
Site Quality: All camper pads are paved and level. Some were pull-thru and others back-in. The ones on the exterior of the loop have the best views IMO.
Bathhouse: (automatic) flush toilets, two sinks, paper towels, and soap. There were showers but they were closed for the season as of November 6.
Activities: There are three valleys filled with hoodoos. No distinct trails so you can wander freely among the hoodoos. Several moderately challenging hiking trails, including one directly from the campground (Entrada). We did the Caramel Canyon Loop which included several scrambles in narrow canyons (but doable for two seniors – 65 and 71 years old in good physical shape). There are also designated biking trails and horseback riding is allowed in the Red Canyon Primitive area.
We were last here 35 years ago, but it was so much fun to explore the area again. Utah State Parks are getting pricey (not the only expensive state) but this one is worth it IMO. It is a photographer's dream!
GuideThe main Capitol Reef campground was our second stop on a weekend getaway. It's first come first served which makes getting a site very difficult on weekends. We were at a walk in site in Loop A and it was beautiful. We had a huge tree to pitch the tent under and we felt far enough from our neighbors. Overall the campground was a little crowded and the sites were kind of on top of each other. The walk in tent sites were a nice alternative to the RV pads. We frequented the orchards and picked apples and bought pie and coffee everyday from the Gifford House. Would definitely go again! Capitol Reef remains my favorite Utah park.
GuideReally enjoyed this campground! Went with friends and had a great time tent camping. The campground was nothing special- nice sites, good restrooms, pretty quiet while we were there. The Capital Reef park is fabulous! Great views of rock formations :) The fruit orchard is something different and has a cool vibe. Staff were extremely friendly. Lots of good hiking in the area- it was easy to spend a week with friends here exploring the fantastic flora and fauna!
Traveler
This is a RV site mainly. We tent camped here and it was not great at first. Ants are everywhere and you can’t get rid of them. Plenty of free dispersed in the same area. Also. The directions are iffy that they send you. You want to turn on the road going to Lower Bowns reservoir. Go all the way to the end and you will find the site on your left. But I wouldn’t bother. Plenty of dispersed camping.
GuideWe have camped at Goblin Valley State Park twice now and the fact that we went back a second time should be enough of a compliment to the park. We stayed in site 11 the first time and site 3 the second time. Both are amazing tent sites! I would also highly recommend site 12 or site 4 because those sites are tucked back off the road a bit and are right up close to the formations behind the sites. You really can’t go wrog with any of them though. The tent pads are perfect and both sites fit our 11x11 dome tent. We did not need the rainfly so we could see the stars out the top. This is a dark sky park so be sure to book you nights during a new moon so you can see the milky way galaxy.
I do think this park is a little high for a state park site at $30 a night for a tent site, but you do get free showers, clean facilities, and a very peaceful park so it is worth a little extra. I would go back again.
Bonus for this campground is the great little area of goblins. My kids loved wandering around among them. It’s a kooky looking area.
On the downside, it is a long way from anywhere so fill up and bring ample food and water along. If you want to get away from civilization, this is your place!
TravelerThis is a wonderful campground next door to some of the prettiest hikes Capitol Reef has to offer. However, our site (B40) did not seem appropriate for tent camping. There is no tent pad, the area surrounding the parking bay is not leveled, and it has no grass or gravel, only red dirt which turns into mud very quickly. Additionally, the site is downhill from the surrounding sites so any amount of rain will turn the site (including the blacktop) into a mud bath. At the same time, it must be a good RV camping spot as the bay is huge with lots of shade during most of the day.
TravelerThis is a beautiful spot, but definitely not ideal for someone looking to stop for a night between destinations. It is pretty far off the beaten path, down a rough gravel road. There are also several free dispersed camping sites nearby, and other campsites closer to the road. The actual sites are large with nice tables and fire pits. The ants were awful though, so I definitely wouldn’t suggest tent camping here. There is a pit toilet but no other amenities. You’re close to the lake, it’s nice and quiet, and the night sky was beautiful.
Guide
Great spot to crash for the night if going to Capital Reef or surrounding area. The upper area is essentially a big dirt parking lot so not alot of privacy (keep in mind if you're tent camping or not in a self contained vehicle). If you can manage your vehicle over the one drop at the top of the road that leads to the river, DO IT! These spots are much nicer. Get little river to splash around in and pretty back drop. Down side is that its close to the road and lack of space in upper lot.
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.
Scout
Beautiful place. It is about a 15-20 minute drive from Capitol Reef National Park. Bad: Tent sites are small. Depending on the site, you will have to put your tent on the gravel spots for cars. Not many sites. I imagine on a spring/summer weekend it will fill up. Not lots of shade, but some juniper trees. Good: Flush toilets where a pleasant surprise. Great scenery. Kids wanted to explore all over. The red rock cliffs are pretty. It is close to town if you need something, but at camp it doesn’t feel close to town. We got there at 2 pm on a Thursday in July and only one spot had been claimed.
Guide
We were headed to Capitol Reef from the east side and came upon this little gem. It looked closed, but we called the number as directed and owner showed up on his 4-wheeler - nice people! We stayed two nights and loved it! The main reason was because we were the only ones there! Owner said this was their slow season,. 🤷♀️ The pull throughs have electricity and some spaces have big shade trees. There are also spaces with no hookups and some tent sites. The bathrooms and showers were spotless; however, the campground could use some cleaning up and general TLC; hopefully they get it done before their busy season arrives. Our Verizon Wireless did not work in this area!
GuideWe got really lucky and were able to book a tent site day-of in the National Park... There are a ton of campsites here, plenty for RVs and tents alike. The site we got was a walk-in (there were 4-6 of these available). The walk-in sites have assigned parking spots and you have to walk a very short distance to get to your spot. All of them had a table and flat spot to pitch your tent, and the spots were far enough apart that you still felt like you had privacy. The bathrooms were super clean (I didn't see any showers). It was such a beautiful place to camp – the sunset over the cliffs above us was spectacular, and there was a group of deer that wandered through the sites during the evening. I would absolutely stay here again!
Traveler
Go slow or you'll miss the entrance, it's not marked. Entrance and exit have rocks you need to navigate around but don't let that worry you. I spent a night there in May 2019. Contrary to other posts here, it does have 2 porta-potties. Temps drop quickly, it may be a bit windy, but the views we're excellent. It rained the day we got here and the morning we left. The ground gets a little muddy but no worries. Plenty of large sites as well as hidden sites and tent sites. Quite a few dogs were there, all well behaved. It's a clean area. My only not pick was that people in larger RVs didn't respect your space, parking 20 feet away when there were 5 or 6 very large spaces available. Seemed like their intent was to piss you off so you would leave. We did when the RV that was 20 feet away pulled out 2 generators.
Guide
Stayed here while social distancing during the initial phase of the pandemic sometime in May 2020. Campsites have a decent amount of space between them. Very close to Capitol Reef National Park, this is a popular site for many park goers.
Facilities are very well kept and pleasantly clean. Nice, hot showers included with the campsite price and bathrooms are close to sites. One downside to this RV park is that the designated tent sites are right across from the designated RV sites. Any tent camper knows how annoying this can be, and although it did get fairly loud during the day and lunchtime, after dinner time it was fairly quietly and we slept soundly.
This RV park is very family-friendly, so keep in mind there are kids EVERYWHERE - kids riding their bikes in the roads, kids crying, kids yelling. All in all, a decent campsite that is pleasant enough and made worth it for the very clean facilities. Stay here when visiting Capitol Reef if this sort of place is your speed or you’re in need of a good shower. Tons of awesome hikes nearby (pictured).
LegendThis RV park is located in the quaint town of Torrey. Be sure to visit the Chuck Wagon General Store. It's a gem.
Wonderland is a clean and well organized park run by a gentleman that stays on top of everything, even watering the little patches of grass daily. I have to give a shout out to the management team for their clean facilities. These were the cleanest I've ever seen! The showers were very secure as well. Each was housed in it's own individual unit which required a key code to enter. The laundry was clean and up to date. A quarter more expensive than most I've used lately. If you forget something, there's a little store in the office, but there are 2 gas stations within walking distance if the store doesn't have what you need.
A green pasture runs adjacent to the campground and this made for beautiful pastoral views of the roaming buffalo, cows and horses. There are also cabins, and for the more adventurous, you can stay in an authentic covered wagon!
Full hookups, sites not too close together and they are level. There are some car camp and tent sites with wind/privacy screens and a "sheep" camp too.
The location can't be beat for visiting Capitol Reef. I'll be back for the annual Cowboy Music and Poetry Festival. Great place!
TravelerWe spent a single night in one of the tent sites, which are immediately behind the office/owner's residence. Sites have a parking space, fire ring with grill attachment, a picnic table and a gravel tent pad. They are small, and not separated from one another, so if you're looking for any level of privacy you won't find it here. On the other hand, if you like sharing space with other campers you may enjoy it. You also may experience those staying in the RV section walking through your site in order to get to the restrooms/showers.
The campground has both firewood and ice available for purchase. The remainder of the campground store is currently closed due to Covid regulations.
If you have any concerns about Covid (this is being written in September 2020), SC is not a site I would recommend. While the owners have placed signs suggesting social distancing guidelines, including masks while in the restrooms/shower area, compliance among the campers in a nearly full campground was minimal. One unmasked female camper was loudly discussing all the airports she had passed through on her way to the area, including Chicago and Denver.
Even little details were missed, like the soap in the restrooms being organic and not antibacterial.
Sand Creek is located on Hwy 24, and the road noise didn't quiet down until around 11 PM. Probably not a good choice any time for a light sleeper.
If you have a self-contained RV and are just looking for a place to park for the night, Sand Creek is likely to fit your needs. For a tent camper, its main recommendation is the ability to reserve a site in advance, as most of the other campgrounds in the area are first come, first serve.
Hanksville, Utah, offers a variety of tent camping options that immerse you in stunning natural landscapes. Whether you're seeking solitude or adventure, these campgrounds provide a perfect escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hanksville, UT is Mcmillan Spring Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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