Dispersed camping sites near Huntington, Utah offer secluded experiences in the high desert terrain at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 7,000 feet. The San Rafael Swell area features exposed sandstone formations and deep canyons with dramatic temperature variations between day and night. Most primitive camping locations require at least a 30-minute drive from town on unpaved roads that can become impassable after rainfall.
What to do
Mountain biking at New Joe's: The area around New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground provides excellent terrain for intermediate riders with access to canyon rim trails. "There is a great trail west of the campsites. I walked it and road my mountain bike along it for a little while," reports one visitor.
Bouldering and rock climbing: The San Rafael Swell offers numerous climbing opportunities for all skill levels. "Climbing (Bouldering) and Site seeing (Not far from The Wedge) in a beautiful area," notes Jake L. about the designated bouldering areas near New Joe's.
Night sky viewing: The remote nature of these camping areas provides exceptional stargazing opportunities away from light pollution. At Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping, one camper shared: "This is an amazing place and you will never see a more beautiful night sky."
Historical exploration: Visit the nearby mining towns and historic structures. "Nine Mile Canyon and the Wedge were fun to explore. Good museums, lots of area history," writes Sue B. who stayed at Huntington State Park Campground.
What campers like
Canyon rim sites: Camp within walking distance of dramatic overlooks for sunrise and sunset views. "I could walk about 30 seconds away to the rim of the canyon," shares a camper at Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping.
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer natural spacing between campsites. At Swell Retreat, "Our site had great shade and was setup with tables, hammocks, and a griddle which made meals a breeze. Plenty of room between sites to give a sense of privacy."
Recreational water access: Some campgrounds provide water activities during hot summer months. "The pond was a great way to cool off and have fun, our family loved the zip line into the water and the giant floating water park! It was so nice to have access to paddle boards, kayaks, and a peddle boat," notes a visitor to Swell Retreat.
Proximity to local attractions: Many sites serve as good base camps for regional exploration. "We stayed here for a few nights with our boys and they had a blast," mentions a camper about their experience visiting nearby attractions from their campsite.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires planning and appropriate vehicles. At Wedge Overlook, "The road leading in is about 20 miles so make sure you have everything you need, but if not there is a town about 40 minutes away," advises Patrick M.
Seasonal weather considerations: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme throughout the year. "We stayed here at the very beginning of October. It was 80 during the day and 40s at night, so dress accordingly," notes a Wedge Overlook camper.
Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites lack basic services. "This is dispersed camping. No amenities provided such as table or grills. They do have rock fire rings and sign/posts identifying the campsites," explains Carrie C. about Wedge Overlook.
Site availability patterns: Weekends see higher usage while weekdays remain quieter. "Very peaceful and quiet during the week, however it fills up quickly on the weekends," reports a visitor about The Wedge Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Look for campgrounds with built-in water features. At Swell Retreat, "The pond and all of the canoes, paddle boards, and water inflatable helped to cool us down after a hot day in the sun. The zip line was a challenge for our younger folks, but when they finally did it then Wow, they had fun."
Educational opportunities: Many camping areas near Huntington offer chances to explore local history. "We took our chairs down to the river bank each evening. So tranquil and relaxing!" shares a visitor at Castle Gate RV Park who incorporated riverside nature exploration into their trip.
Site selection for shade: Summer temperatures make shaded sites valuable for families. "Our site had great shade and was setup with tables, hammocks, and a griddle which made meals a breeze," notes a Swell Retreat visitor about their family-friendly accommodations.
Food storage considerations: The remote nature of these camping areas requires planning. "We will buy food in town vs. trying to keep it cold. Camping with a large group made cold food a bit of a challenge," advises a family who stayed at Swell Retreat.
Tips from RVers
Level site availability: Many established campgrounds provide prepared surfaces for RVs. At Castle Gate RV Park, "Site was super level for us. Great space between neighbors on our side of the park," notes Jody J.
Connectivity options: Cell service and WiFi access varies widely across the region. "AT&T, T-Mobile Cell Service were excellent. No issues with their WiFi. So many cable channels!" reports an RVer at Castle Gate RV Park.
RV park amenities: Some established facilities offer comprehensive services. "The RV pad surface is similar to road base and is easy to walk on compared to gravel (also easier on hoses, power cables, etc.)," explains an RVer about the practical design considerations at Castle Gate.
Utility hookups and technical considerations: Water pressure variations can affect RV systems. "Their water pressure is outstanding in fact they recommend a pressure regulator on the supply line," advises Michael C. from Castle Gate RV Park.
