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The San Rafael Swell region surrounding Huntington, Utah features predominantly dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, with notable sites including Wedge Overlook and Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping. Most camping areas sit within 30-45 minutes of town, offering dramatic canyon views and desert landscapes. The terrain varies from open desert flats to juniper-dotted mesas and dramatic canyon rims. Buckhorn Draw contains numerous designated campsites with varying amenities, while Horse Canyon Road provides more remote dispersed camping opportunities. The majority of sites are primitive with minimal facilities, though some feature basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many sites requiring travel on graded gravel or dirt roads. As one camper noted, "If you go a mile or so down and take the dirt road to the right, you can find tons of camping. Suggest a 4x4 with high clearance." Weather considerations are important, particularly wind and flash flooding risks. Many access roads cross washes that become impassable during rain. Cell service is spotty to non-existent at most sites, though Wedge Overlook reportedly has excellent coverage. The 14-day stay limit applies to most BLM dispersed camping areas. Seasonal considerations include intense summer heat, spring winds, and potential winter access challenges on unmaintained roads.
Dramatic canyon views represent the primary draw for campers in the region. At Wedge Overlook, visitors report spectacular sunrise and sunset experiences overlooking what locals call "Little Grand Canyon." As one camper described, "We could sit on one of the large rocks just steps from our truck camper and watch the canyon change colors as the sun went down." Stargazing opportunities are exceptional due to minimal light pollution. Many sites feature established stone fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions are common during summer months. Wildlife sightings include antelope in some areas. Water is not available at any sites, and most lack trash service, requiring strict pack-in, pack-out practices. Recent management changes have converted some previously free dispersed sites to fee areas, particularly in Buckhorn Draw where individual sites cost $15 and group sites $50.
"Around dusk the wind picked up and almpst destroyed our camp and sent it into the canyon. Tie everything down or be in camp for the show! The ground is hard for tent stakes."
"This is a free campground on public lands (BLM) in Utah’s San Rafael Swell. There is one vault toilet and a few campsites along the edge of a beautiful canyon carved by the San Rafael River."
"This BLM campground now has designated campsites, a picnic table, large deep fire rings, pit toilets and no trash service. Also no water. "
"Free camping and plenty of activities to do in the area. Climbing (Bouldering)
Site seeing (Not far from The Wedge)
Beautiful area"
"Dispersed camp spots, some REALLY primo ones on edge of canyon with dramatic views. Juniper trees create some privacy between spots. Pit toilets are new and nice. No water or tables."
"We grabbed a dispersed site near the east Goldwater rim trailhead. Excellent pit toilets at the three trailheads. Bring plenty of water as there is none available. The views are unbelievable."
"If you go a mile or so down and take the dirt road to the right you can find tons of camping. Suggest a 4x4 with high clearance. We saw one other camper, but just kept driving to find our own spot."
"There are pit toilets at the rest area off the highway then a number of dispersed sites. Very quiet, maybe one other set of campers. Faint highest noise but very nice and relaxing spot."
"If you like to unplug and barely have service while enjoy remoteness, this is for you. We love it. Only cell service I get is when holding phone against metal campsite number. Costs $15 per night."
from $8 - $15 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $8 - $15 / night
Check Availability"Convenient overnight spot — Close to town and a gas station, making it a great choice for a quick stop. You can hear some road noise, but it's not too disruptive. Easy in-and-out access."
"A road right next to the spot with medium traffic and trucks every 5-10min but worked fine."
"28 campsites spaced at great distances down Buckhorn Draw and not a single other camper or person seen."
from $8 - $15 / night
Check Availability"This is a group dsignated site, $50, and is one of the best due to the cottonwood trees for shade. Table and fire ring. No water, no trash, no toilet, no cell signal."
from $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
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RangerThis hike is amazing. We brought our dog along. The end is absolutely gorgeous. There were a few sites around but it’s mainly just the trailhead parking lot, with little to no cover. No amenities. The panel is worth it
ScoutBit of a labyrinth to find a spot but worth the effort. People around but still nice amount of privacy
GuideBeautiful views nice campgrounds
TravelerIncredible ease of access off the interstate. There is some traffic noise, but not too bad.
Ranger28 campsites spaced at great distances down Buckhorn Draw and not a single other camper or person seen. Sites have concrete picnic tables, a grill, spectacular views, and a night sky that needs to be seen to be believed.
TravelerWe stayed here in the early summer and the temps were great at night and got a little warmer in the morning. Easy access to maple canyon to go climbing.
We were the only ones at the site, it was great, we did have to do a bit of driving in circles to try to find a spot that was flat enough.
We’re in a sprinter van so we can’t adjust any leveling.
But over all it’s a great option. Would stay again if we are passing through.
GuideAbsolutely fine spot. Loose gravel but we managed finde in our 30" RV. Not much here but a fine place with a fine view. A road right next to the spot with medium traffic and trucks every 5-10min but worked fine.
TravelerNo one else was here, but there's room for a ton of campers. There was a wind warning in San Rafael Swell of up to 35 mph gusts, but my campsite saw no wind. Trees were barely swaying, maybe 1-2mph breezes at best.
Great spot. Will definitely return.
ScoutLarge open area with lots of spaces to set up camp. I had about 8 other overnight campers when i stayed. It was very quiet as long as not by entry road. There is a train with fairly loud horn but it's pretty infrequent. Cow or horse patties and some trash left behind but not too bad for my first BLM camp. Please pick up after yourselves. :)
Dispersed camping around Huntington, Utah centers on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), primarily in the San Rafael Swell. The area sits at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet, creating temperature variations that can drop 30-40 degrees from day to night. Flash flooding represents a significant seasonal concern for campers, with roads across washes becoming impassable during thunderstorms.
Mountain biking trails: At Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping, visitors can access several trail systems. "I came here in March and caught a streak of nice weather (60-70 degrees for the high, 30s for the low). There is a great trail west of the campsites. I walked it and road my mountain bike along it for a little while," notes Jason.
Bouldering: New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground offers free camping with climbing access. "Really enjoy staying here. Free camping and plenty of activities to do in the area. Climbing (Bouldering). Site seeing (Not far from The Wedge)," reports Jake L.
ATV recreation: The region features numerous off-road vehicle trails suitable for ATVs. Glen B. mentions at Wedge Overlook, "This is perfect for larger families with ample room. ATVS are a common recreation in the area so if you have one this is perfect."
Stargazing opportunities: Horse Canyon Road - Dispersed Open Area offers exceptional night sky viewing. "Gorgeous views. Very quiet. Lots of fire rings. Take the road past the rest stop and there are plenty of secluded spots off the road," writes Jayme H. Another camper adds, "We were lucky enough to be there during the beginning of a meteor shower and saw a few fly across the sky."
Privacy between sites: Free camping near Huntington features natural separation between sites. "Juniper trees create some privacy between spots," notes Flo B. about Good Water East Trailhead. Another camper describes Horse Canyon Road: "We stopped about a half mile down the road, lots of places to turn around, and found a mostly flat spot for our Motorhome. You can't really hear the road, it's very quiet."
Fire rings: Most dispersed sites include established fire rings for evening warmth. Sarah S. reports about Horse Canyon Road, "It's a huge area so plenty of space to dispersed camp and a few fire rings around to use when there are no fire bans." At Wedge Rim Overlook, Greg I. notes, "The area west of the entrance road junction has plenty of space and sites."
Fee changes: Previously free sites in Buckhorn Draw now charge fees. Greg L. reports at Buckhorn Draw Designated Group Campsite #12, "Group site $50." For individual sites like Buckhorn Draw Designated Campsite #14, he notes, "Small single designated fee $15."
Weather considerations: Wind can be severe, particularly at exposed rim sites. Dave L. cautions, "Around dusk the wind picked up and almost destroyed our camp and sent it into the canyon. Tie everything down or be in camp for the show! The ground is hard for tent stakes."
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. At Horse Canyon Road, Taylor S. advises, "Sedans use caution, as the dirt trails to the camp sites are not the greatest." Greg I. describes roads at Wedge Rim Overlook as "rough/rocky. Some sites are literally right on the edge of the canyon, as is the access road."
Cell service variability: Mobile coverage changes dramatically by location. Blair S. reports at Horse Canyon Road, "2 bars of at&t cell service!" In contrast, Greg L. notes no cell signal at multiple Buckhorn Draw sites.
Site selection for safety: Wedge Rim Overlook Campground requires extra precaution with children. Greg I. warns, "Obviously, caution is needed for these places, especially at night. It's a 1200-foot almost sheer drop to the river bottom."
Group camping options: For larger family gatherings, consider designated group sites. At Buckhorn Draw Designated Group Campsite #16, Greg L. notes, "This is a group designated site, $50, and is one of the best due to the cottonwood trees for shade. Table and fire ring."
Water planning: No dispersed camping areas provide water. Will M. emphasizes at Wedge Overlook, "There is no water there is no garbage pickup but there is a pit toilet at the beginning of the road at the main overlook."
Shade considerations: Few sites offer natural shade. The Honeymooners note about Wedge Campground, "Multiple campsites available. One vaulted toilet at the beginning. No other amenities." Dave L. adds, "There are a few scrub mesquite trees for shade."
RV access limitations: Most dispersed sites have challenging access roads. Greg L. observes about Buckhorn Draw Designated Campsite #13, "Long access road goes around an eroding gully that could be an issue if raining." He adds about another site, "Nice small area close to main road. Not very good for RVs though."
Boondocking preparation: Free camping near Huntington requires self-sufficiency. The G. notes about Horse Canyon Road, "Dispersed BLM good for boondocking one night while traveling. Small Class C, just watch your approach."
Clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles perform best on access roads. Seanna M. reports, "Definitely need a bit of clearance but I made it in my Crosstrek."
Elevation camping benefits: Higher elevation sites offer more comfortable summer temperatures. Blair S. notes about Horse Canyon Road, "I kept driving past the map dot and further toward the canyon and as elevation increases, you get a 360 view of the valley below—it's incredible!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Huntington?
Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Huntington. Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area is a standout choice located about 2 miles off the main highway on a good dirt road. It offers wide open spaces suitable for both tents and RVs with clear signage making it easy to find. Another option is Horse Canyon Road - Dispersed Open Area, where you can find secluded spots about a mile down the road by taking the dirt road to the right. This area is best accessed with a 4x4 high-clearance vehicle and offers plenty of privacy.
What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Huntington?
Dispersed camping around Huntington follows standard BLM regulations. At New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground, camping is now restricted to designated sites, which include picnic tables and fire rings. There are pit toilets but no trash service or water. The Buckhorn Draw fee designated Campsites require payment and have tables and fire rings. Across all dispersed sites, pack-in, pack-out principles apply for trash, and campers should use existing fire rings when available. Typically, stays are limited to 14 days within a 28-day period, though this may vary by specific location.
Is there free dispersed camping available year-round in Huntington?
Yes, free dispersed camping is available year-round near Huntington, though accessibility varies seasonally. Temple Mt. Rd. Dispersed offers free sites scattered above and below the main road after it turns to gravel, with uphill areas better for tents and downhill spots suitable for trailers and RVs. Skyline Drive provides year-round access to sites near a creek with good shade and soft ground, though winter conditions may limit accessibility. During colder months, lower elevation sites like Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed are typically more accessible, but always check road conditions before traveling in winter.
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