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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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!"
