Camping near Roosevelt, Utah offers diverse terrain from high desert to forested mountains at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. Public lands dominate the landscape with Bureau of Land Management areas providing easy vehicle access for dispersed camping. Weather fluctuates dramatically between seasons with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F while winter nights drop well below freezing.
What to do
Mountain biking at McCoy Flats: Located 6 miles southwest of Vernal, this area features 46 miles of trails across 15 different routes suitable for all skill levels. "Love McCoy Flats! Totally free dispersed camping, so crawl off in there and set up wherever your heart desires and your vehicle allows. Fantastic sunsets and spots to accommodate any vehicle with or without 4wd," notes one camper at McCoy Flats MTB Trailhead.
Riverside hiking: Green River Campground in Dinosaur National Monument offers excellent access to hiking trails and water activities. "There is a nice easy-moderate trail along the river from Loop A of the campground. Quiet with clean, basic bathrooms. Lots of cottonwood trees changing color now," explains a visitor at Green River Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple camping areas provide fishing access for various species. "The river is about 1/4 mile away and has good fishing. There is also a nice trail head close by for hiking or horseback riding. The area is beautiful with pines," mentions a reviewer about Uinta Canyon.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: The dispersed camping options provide significant space between campsites. "One of the best spots I have found for full time RV/Van life. Extremely quiet with amazing sunsets. Full service on AT&T and Verizon. The town of Vernal is close by with a Walmart less than 10-15 minutes," shares a camper at McCoy Flats.
Family-friendly facilities: Steinaker State Park Campground offers developed sites with amenities for families. "Nice spots not too close together. Amazing view. Bathrooms, aka holes in the ground but well kept!" notes a visitor. The park provides both lake activities and camping options.
Riverside camping: Campers consistently mention proximity to water as a highlight. "There is a paved path for kayak or paddle board put in. This and the adjacent Beach Campground have dozens of sites, most with water and electric hookups, shaded picnic tables and lovely lawns," explains a reviewer at Mountain View Campground.
What you should know
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: While dispersed camping offers freedom and low cost, amenities are minimal. "It is primitive camping...whatever you bring with you is what you have. When you are done, don't be that guy, and pack out your trash," reminds a McCoy Flats visitor.
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds have limited seasons due to weather. "Spent one night here. The staff was really friendly and it's a very well maintained camp. The showers and bathrooms were spotless, and the dumpsters were very convenient," notes a visitor to Steinaker State Park who visited during operating season.
Wind conditions: Open areas can experience significant wind. "The only reason why it is getting 4-stars is because of the wind...not so much my jam. It did die down overnight but then it picked up again the next afternoon," warns a camper at Fossil Valley RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: For larger family gatherings, several campgrounds offer dedicated group sites. "We held a family reunion here in the group site which is just north of the regular campsites. There were about 150 people, 14 campers and several tents. There is two bathroom facilities, plenty of picnic tables and a group fire pit with bench seating," shares a visitor to Uinta Canyon.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds feature specific amenities for children. "The family had a blast. The camping area is all paved and the kids loved riding their bikes all day. It's just a short drive down to the water with a beach area," notes a camper at Mountain View Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer chances to see animals. "From camp it was close to a mile walk up to the old u bar ranch if you drive up to the dead end it's only .4 of a mile. Beautiful wooded area with views of deer and moose," states a Uinta Canyon camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose appropriate sites based on your RV needs. "We stayed at the Mountain View campground. I was glad I had a back-in site around the edge of the loop. I loved the view. The pull through sites in the middle were super close together that left little room for slide outs and entry/exit from the trailers unless you were in the end," advises an RVer.
Mobile connectivity: Cell service varies significantly across the region. "Cell signal is very good on all carriers. Camping seems to be mostly around the TH corrals area. Note there is an extensive network of nonmotorized Mtb singletrack trails in this area, and there does not seem to be any restrictions on e-mtb bikes," reports a visitor to McCoy Flats.
Water access considerations: Water availability differs between sites. "There are no trash cans or dumpsters and there is no drinking water either. Two group camping sites and one group day use area. Nice boat ramp and lake is large enough to have fun on," explains a camper at BLM Pelican Lake.
