Primitive tent camping is the primary overnight option in the desert landscapes surrounding Huntington, Utah, with 24 tent campsites ranging from high-elevation forest sites to open desert flats. Willow Creek Road offers several primitive tent sites at higher elevations near 8,000 feet, while Goodwater Rim East Dispersed Camping provides basic tent sites with access to mountain bike trails around the Little Grand Canyon area. The San Rafael Swell region contains additional primitive camping areas that serve as gateways to exploration of unique desert terrain and geological formations.
Most tent sites near Huntington require self-sufficiency and preparation. Goodwater Rim East features centralized pit toilets that may be located 1-2 miles from actual camping spots. Campgrounds like Willow Creek Road permit fires in established pits but provide no drinking water, trash service, or sanitation facilities. Free dispersed camping is available throughout the area, though 4x4 vehicles with high clearance may be necessary to access some locations, particularly in the San Rafael Swell where sandy sections and rugged terrain challenge standard vehicles. A review mentioned, "You will need 4x4 as there is a bunch of really sandy spots and some pretty gnarly dips."
Solitude and night sky viewing are significant draws for tent campers visiting these primitive areas. The San Rafael region offers exceptional star-gazing opportunities away from light pollution. One camper noted that the area provides "breathtaking night skies and beautiful sunrise" views. Weekday visits typically mean fewer encounters with other campers or recreational users. Mountain bikers often share these areas, with some tent sites positioned directly adjacent to trails. Wildlife observations, including wild burros in the Swell, add to the backcountry camping experience. Weather conditions can be extreme, with significant wind during spring months and limited shade in many locations. At higher elevations like Willow Creek Road, seasonal limitations make these areas unsuitable for winter tent camping.
"28 campsites spaced at great distances down Buckhorn Draw and not a single other camper or person seen."
from $8 - $15 / night
"Spacious, relatively quiet, even a bit scenic with a wide expense of desert scenery, and proximity to a great walking/running/bike trail."
"There is just one in the spot but I saw more while riding the trails."
"This was a great site to stop and pitch my rooftop tent. Not too far up the canyon, and it was very quiet."
"Campsite I stayed at/the drive up is amazing during sunset"
GuideNice spot in the mountains with some trees. We have done a family reunion here a few times. The ponds are decent with some ok fish. Most anyone could catch some fish at them. A lot of roads and trails to go riding OHV's. Saw a moose one year.
GuideGood place. Wide site #42. Did not look at restrooms. Cute little town, very old but has all the items you may need- Ace Hardware, grocery store, Mexican food, gas stations. You save 3 cents a gallon at the Philips 66 station.
GuideThis may not be fair since it's been wet and rainy for several days. The pull throughs and interior roads a lot of dirt mixed in with the gravel so it's what and muddy. Curious between the sides are large gravel and free for mud. Rest of the facilities are adequate.
LegendPark is right on the Green River (which was milk chocolate brown). Lots of pull thrus as well as back-ins and tent sites and cabins. There was also a boat launch and you could rent kayaks and canoes. Next to the golf course. The holes kind of surrounded the park. Bathroom and showers were clean and great water pressure. Lots of trees and grass.
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
GuideI had an emergency book because of hurricane Rachel remnants. I stayed in T4 in my sienna campervan. It was great. Affordable. Some longer term residents I met were wonderful.
For me the trains stopped around 830. And were not frequent. But northbound trains do have to nail the horn for level crossing nearby. See video of zephyr
ScoutBit of a labyrinth to find a spot but worth the effort. People around but still nice amount of privacy
GuideWe've stayed here in our hard-sided travel trailer on three occasions. The campground is a large dirt parking lot, divided into 12 campsites. There are two group sites, one at each end, and 10 individual sites. The individual sites are very generously sized, and include picnic tables and fire rings.
The campground has two sets of restrooms, but no water or dumpsters. No cell service, but a parking area on high ground about a mile east allows intermittent signal for cell searches.
The main appeal of this campground is the location (and the cost - $7.50 w/ Senior Pass). Hanksville, Goblin Valley State Park, Factory Butte, Mars Research Station, Bentonite Hills, Moonscape Overlook, Horseshoe Canyon, and many slot canyons are day trips from this home base.
GuideLots of sites for every type of camper, level and well stocked clean bathrooms with showers.
Several primitive tent campsites dot the landscape surrounding Huntington, Utah, with Goodwater Rim East Dispersed Camping and Willow Creek Road Dispersed Site among the notable options. These areas provide basic accommodations for tent campers seeking to explore the San Rafael Swell and surrounding canyons. Both dispersed camping areas allow campfires and are free to use, though amenities remain minimal. The Goodwater Rim East area serves as a base for mountain bikers using the trail system around the rim of the Little Grand Canyon.
The dispersed camping areas near Huntington typically feature undeveloped sites on dirt or desert terrain with no designated boundaries. Most tent sites lack potable water, requiring campers to bring sufficient supplies for their stay. Goodwater Rim East offers a centralized pit toilet, though campers report having to drive up to two miles to reach it. Willow Creek Road Dispersed Site sits at approximately 8,000 feet elevation, making it unsuitable for winter camping. Road conditions vary significantly, with some areas like San Rafael Dispersed Camping requiring high-clearance 4x4 vehicles to navigate sandy sections and rough terrain. During summer months, extreme heat can make tent camping challenging without adequate shade.
The higher elevation Willow Creek Road area provides cooler temperatures and more privacy for tent campers. One camper noted, "This was a great site to stop and pitch my rooftop tent. Not too far up the canyon, and it was very quiet." The site sits adjacent to mountain bike trails, so early morning cyclist traffic should be expected. Weekdays offer significantly less crowding than weekends across most dispersed camping areas. San Rafael Dispersed Camping provides exceptional solitude but requires proper preparation. A review mentioned the area offers "amazing isolation" with "breathtaking night skies and beautiful sunrise" views, though campers should be prepared for potentially windy conditions, especially during spring months. Cell service ranges from sparse to nonexistent in most primitive tent camping locations around Huntington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Huntington, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Huntington, UT is Buckhorn Draw Drsignated fee Campsite #22 with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Huntington, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Huntington, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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