Best Campgrounds near Jensen, UT
The northeastern corner of Utah surrounding Jensen features diverse camping options centered around Dinosaur National Monument. Green River Campground and Split Mountain Group Campground provide established sites within the monument boundaries, offering riverside camping with basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water but no showers or hookups. Nearby, Steinaker State Park Campground and Red Fleet State Park Campground offer year-round access with more developed facilities including electric hookups and sanitary dump stations. For those seeking free dispersed camping, areas near the monument boundaries provide primitive sites with minimal facilities but scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles or 4WD access, particularly after rain. As one camper noted, "We trusted Siri's directions and she steered us in the wrong direction - she sent us across the Colorado border to the 'Canyon side' of the park." Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with limited shade at many sites, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Most established campgrounds operate from April through October, with some state park facilities remaining open year-round. Bear activity requires proper food storage, and strong winds can affect tent camping, necessitating secure staking of equipment.
Riverside camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at Green River Campground where sites are approximately 30 yards from the water. One visitor described it as having "huge campsites that can fit a large group" with "amazing beauty." Dark night skies are frequently mentioned as highlights, with one camper at Rainbow Park noting "perfect skies for seeing shooting stars and the Milky Way." Wildlife sightings include chipmunks, bighorn sheep, and occasionally scorpions. Cell service varies widely, typically stronger near visitor centers and towns than in remote areas. Campers frequently mention the convenience of using these sites as basecamps for exploring the dinosaur quarry, petroglyphs, and hiking trails throughout the monument.
