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.

Best Camping Sites Near Jensen, Utah (148)

    1. Green River Campground — Dinosaur National Monument

    54 Reviews
    Jensen, UT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 781-7700

    $24 / night

    "Green River Campground is located inside Dinosaur National Monument - on the ‘Quarry side’ of the park, in Utah."

    "You are steps away from the river. They are huge campsites that can fit a large group. Great spot to enjoy the beauty of Dinosaur National Monument"

    2. Split Mountain Group Campground — Dinosaur National Monument

    12 Reviews
    Jensen, UT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 781-7700

    $12 - $40 / night

    "We spent a glorious 2 nights at one of the Western-most camping spots right with a private path to the river & a nice little swimming hole area. Our dog was in heaven!"

    "There is a creek that runs next to the camp site and easy hiking trails all around it. At night it is so dark you can see every star in the sky."

    3. Steinaker State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Vernal, UT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 789-4432

    $20 - $150 / night

    "This is a great recreation area close to the town of Vernal, about 5 miles out. There is a lake for fishing, swimming and water sports. There is a nice beach with pavilions and picnic sites."

    "Beautiful area and lake! Close to the town of vernal. 20 miles outside dinosaur National monument. Staff helpful. Bathrooms clean, nice shower areas!"

    4. Outlaw Trail RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Jensen, UT
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 781-6000

    "Right outside visitor center for Dinosaur national monument, Quarry wall of dinosaur bones and several self guided auto tours with stops along the way. No shade. No fire pits. New facility."

    "Tent camping area is nice and green, but the highway noise seems like it could be a distraction."

    5. Red Fleet State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Vernal, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 789-4432

    $40 - $200 / night

    "Very scenic lake camping. Beautiful formations, lake is clean, and not too busy, especially since we were there during July 4th weekend."

    "To keep it fairly brief, the camp sites are mainly situated around a large, open, slightly uneven grass area which is great for tent camping and day activities (volleyball, frisbee, catch, BBQing.)"

    6. Vernal / Dinosaurland KOA

    11 Reviews
    Vernal, UT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 789-2148

    $29 - $72 / night

    "Only downside pool closed to early at 8 pm."

    "Some highway noise, but quiets down by nightfall. This campground had a good feel to it IMO. Not super large, but almost all the sites were pull through."

    7. McCoy Flats MTB Trailhead

    10 Reviews
    Vernal, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 781-4400

    "Camping seems to be mostly around the TH corrals area."

    "The town of Vernal is close by with a Walmart less tan 10-15 minutes. Highly recommended!"

    8. Fossil Valley RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Vernal, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 789-6450

    "It was quiet and well maintained and just off the main road making it easy to walk about parts of town. Vernal is a nice town with several interesting drives and sites nearby."

    "A good bit of road noise and located next to a tire store. The sites are level, gravel and shaded, but close together (maybe 8'). Park is run by a man named Dennis and his son."

    9. Dispersed Camping Near Dinosaur National Monument

    5 Reviews
    Jensen, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 538-5100

    "Must pay entrance fee or arrive after 5)"

    "Two of my friends and I stayed at this spot one night and I wish we had more time to spend at this spot because of the location, beauty, and remote feeling."

    10. KOA Campground Vernal

    7 Reviews
    Vernal, UT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 789-2148

    "Lots of things to do in the area and is close to Dinosaur NM. Also has a large teepee tent and larger cabin for a few families to stay in. Tent, RV, and cabins also available."

    "It's about a 30min drive from the dinosaur fossils, but its worth it for the amenities and the cute town."

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Recent Reviews near Jensen, UT

514 Reviews of 148 Jensen Campgrounds


  • Conni M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Spring Creek Road Dispersed - Flaming Gorge

    Good road, lots of space and spots

    We did a mid Oct. stay here and had the place to ourselves. The dirt road was in good condition and easy to drive on. We did have to open a gate and it was really hard to open. Other than that it was a great spot next to the water.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Flaming Gorge-Manila KOA

    Great KOA in small town

    We were greeted so warmly by Traci, who with her husband runs the campground. As it is off-season, the campground was empty and Traci helped us pick a sunny site. She also suggested a late afternoon scenic drive nearby. Such a pretty area and the campground is very near. Super clean bathrooms.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Green River Campground — Dinosaur National Monument

    Nice remote campground

    Beautiful site along the Green River within Dinosaur National Monument. We arrived about 4 pm on a Sunday in October so had several FCFS sites to choose from. 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.

  • Chuck S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Deer Run Campground

    Tucked away and private

    Came at the end of the season (early October). Lots of sites to choose from. Friendly and helpful Camp Manager. Took a day trip into Vernal.

    Campsite tucked back into the pines. Nice and private. Clean and warm showers.

  • Mark The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Flaming Gorge-Manila KOA

    Super nice KOA

    This was a super clean and well maintained KOA. Not much traffic at this time of year (early Oct). Laundry was $2 wash and 1.50 dry. Super nice people own. They charge $15 to dump if boondocking nearby. Water is .40c/gallon. They do close middle of Oct for the winter.

  • Lani R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Spring Creek Road Dispersed - Flaming Gorge

    Absolutely stunning site

    Pictures do not do these sites justice! The gorge is beautiful, the lake is beautiful, the sites are level and easy to access. By far the best public camping we've been to. Don't listen to the reviews about "non biting mosquitos" they are midges! Mosquito's harmless doppelgangers, but there are A LOT of them.

  • Mark The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Stateline Cove Campground

    Great Stay!

    We are here at the end of Sept/early Oct 2025 in a 35 ft 5th wheel. We have this place pretty much to ourselves. The "campground" closed mid Sept. During that time it is $21 per night/$10.50 with senior pass. Once it closes it basically becomes boondicking sites and there is no charge. Host was still here packing up and he confirmed this for us. During season, they have several pit toilets and dumpsters. Currently the pit toilets are locked and dumpsters have been removed. There is a KOA down the road with dump ($115), water (.40c/gallon) and laundry. There are no set sites. A sandy road around the area with areas to pull off. Several picnic tables and some fire pits. No camping right on the water but plenty of "sites" with water views. Antelope passing thru throughout the day. Beautiful sunrises and we had a beautiful double rainbow reflecting off both the water and miuntains. Drive here is beautiful as well as the Sheep Creek Scenic Byway. Loved our stay here and will be back.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    North of Dinosaur CR16 - Dispersed Site

    Excellent spot

    Really only two spots if you maintain space, but they have fabulous southerly views, level sites with established fire pits, and although just off CR16, it was quiet

  • K H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Red Canyon

    Amazing Views!!!

    We snagged Campspot #2 which had direct access to the Canyon Rim Trail and its views of the Flaming Gorge. Only one other camper here at this time. Views would be 5 stars, but there is very little privacy to the sites, no water available and tiny toilets with minimal to no toilet paper. And yet, costs $34/night… there are other campgrounds nearby that we stopped at first to fill our water jugs.


Guide to Jensen

Jensen sits in northeastern Utah at approximately 4,750 feet elevation where the Green River cuts through arid high desert terrain. The area features dramatic geological formations with layered red rock cliffs contrasted against sagebrush flats. Summers can be intensely hot with daytime temperatures often reaching triple digits, while spring and fall offer milder conditions that most campers prefer.

What to Do

Dinosaur tracks exploration: At Red Fleet State Park Campground, visitors can rent watercraft and paddle to see prehistoric footprints. "Besides the wonderful scenery, our absolute favorite part of this campground is the ability to rent kayaks and kayak over to see the dinosaur footprints. This was our first time seeing anything of the like, and it absolutely blew our minds!" shared Angela G.

Mountain biking: The trail system at McCoy Flats offers 46 miles of trails for all skill levels just minutes from Vernal. "Love McCoy Flats! Totally free dispersed camping, so crawl off in there and set up wherever your heart desires and your vehicle allows," notes Ana P. The area features a vault toilet at the trailhead but no water or other facilities.

Petroglyphs and historical sites: Explore ancient rock art and frontier history within Dinosaur National Monument. "Don't miss the trails up to Hog Canyon and Box Canyon, trail head is at Josie Miller Cabin. Easy trails for all ages. Box canyon was incredible," advises Jeff K. who stayed at Split Mountain Group Campground.

What Campers Like

Dark skies for stargazing: Many campgrounds in the area offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "At night it is so dark you can see every star in the sky. The deer and sheep are very active at night which is very fun," reports Virginia A. about Split Mountain Group Campground.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region hosts diverse wildlife including bighorn sheep and various bird species. "Lots of wildflowers and wildlife. The newly remodeled Dinosaur query is worth going through and is only about two miles away," writes Tammy H. Many visitors report morning and evening animal sightings from their campsites.

Swimming and water access: Riverside and lakeside camping options provide cooling relief during hot months. One camper at Steinaker State Park Campground notes: "This is a really nice campground. Paved road goes all the way around the park. Short hilly walk to the lake depending on which site you're in. Fishing is so so but the water is warm enough to swim in during summer months."

What You Should Know

Weather extremes require preparation: Summer heat can be intense while winds can be problematic. "It did get very windy during the day, and after coming back from a hike we found our tent blown over, despite having staked it down. Stake your tents down well!" advises Amanda M. about camping in the area.

Limited shade at many sites: Tree cover varies significantly between campgrounds. "It's a dry vegetation in the park mostly sage brush and junipers. Some bigger shadier trees towards the lake but you better book those way in advance cause they fill up fast," warns Cortney M. regarding Vernal Dinosaurland KOA.

Insects and wildlife awareness: Several reviews mention encounters with desert wildlife. "We only saw one scorpion in our site for the two nights we stayed. I would still suggest always zipping up your tent completely every time you open and close it, and to check your shoes if you leave them outside!" advises one camper.

Tips for Camping with Families

Educational programs: Dinosaur National Monument offers excellent learning opportunities. "Our family loves Dinosaur National Monument and the Green River Campground, amazing campsites close to the green river are clean and the rangers are top notch and super friendly, we love the petroglyphs and the kids love the Jr. Ranger Program," shares Christopher C.

Family-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities specifically for children. "We enjoyed time on the beach and at the site. GREAT hikes from nearby trails. Don't miss the museum either!" recommends Lise F. from Split Mountain Group Campground.

Plan for heat with kids: Morning activities work best during summer months. "My suggestions are to take some kind of extra shade. There are not a lot of trees for shade. Also lots of ice to keep food cool," advises Arnel O. who camped at Red Fleet State Park with family in August when temperatures reached nearly 100 degrees.

Tips from RVers

In-town convenience vs. natural settings: RVers have options for full hookups in Vernal or more scenic locations with fewer amenities. "We spent a glorious 2 nights at one of the Western-most camping spots right with a private path to the river & a nice little swimming hole area. Our dog was in heaven!" shares a reviewer about their experience at Fossil Valley RV Park.

Reservations recommended: Popular RV sites fill quickly, especially those with shade. "They have small sites, tent sites, many large pull through sites, and even one small cabin. I did notice 3 bathroom facilities spread throughout the park though and water spigots throughout," notes one RVer about campground facilities.

Check road conditions: Accessing some of the best places to camp near Jensen requires planning for road quality. "Paved road goes all the way around the park. Some sites are close but others are set alone for privacy," reports Cortney M. about one state park, while other reviewers mention the need for high-clearance vehicles at more remote sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Jensen, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Jensen, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 148 campgrounds and RV parks near Jensen, UT and 44 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Jensen, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jensen, UT is Green River Campground — Dinosaur National Monument with a 4.3-star rating from 54 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jensen, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 44 free dispersed camping spots near Jensen, UT.

What parks are near Jensen, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Jensen, UT that allow camping, notably Dinosaur National Monument and Ashley National Forest.