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Dispersed camping areas surround Jensen, Utah, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands near Dinosaur National Monument. Free primitive sites can be found along McCoy Flats, an area featuring mountain biking trails about 6 miles southwest of Vernal. Additional dispersed camping zones exist along BLM Road 17, BLM Road 17B, Lower Blue Mountain Road, and near Red Wash Road. These areas typically allow camping without designated sites or reservations, though campers should respect the standard 14-day limit common on public lands.
Many access roads require cautious navigation due to rough, rocky, or sandy conditions. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for most areas, with 4WD necessary for spots like BLM 17B Road and Forest Road #604. Several reviews warn about clay roads becoming impassable when wet. Most dispersed sites lack amenities such as water, trash collection, or designated fire rings. A few locations like McCoy Flats have vault toilets, but campers should plan to be self-sufficient with all supplies. Cell signal varies significantly by location and carrier.
The landscape offers diverse camping experiences from open desert plateaus to tree-lined areas with mountain views. Sites near Dinosaur National Monument provide scenic vistas overlooking the Green River. Wind can be a significant factor in the more exposed areas, particularly at McCoy Flats where one visitor noted "it could be hot and windy as no trees or shade here." Several locations offer good solar exposure for those relying on solar power. Wildlife sightings are common, with one camper reporting "I'm the only one here besides the wildlife" at a site near Dinosaur National Monument.
"Ranger Review: INNO INH120 2-Tray Bike Rack at the McCoy Flats Dispersed Camping Campground Review: This type of camping is"
"Wide open BLM area 3 miles from Hwy but paved (potholes!) into the TH. Vault toilet but no water, trash or designated campsites. Cell signal is very good on all carriers."
"Dispersed camping at the back of Dijosuar National Monument. Some shade spots, some spots in canyon, some spots over looking blue mountain. I’m the only one here besides the wildlife!"
"True dispersed camping with no facilities. Pack it in-pack it out."
"We stayed here for one night in our 40' fifth wheel while visiting Dinosaur National Monument. They JUST paved Red Wash road with asphalt so it was an easy ride in."
"McCoy Flats BLM is a mt bike focus recreation area with a network of excellent nonmotorizrd singletrack trails."
"Nice quiet place to camp with a pit toilet nearby. Less traffic than the first two parking areas"
"No shade, rocky, need a 4WD for some of the uphills. 10 miles to the sites on a dirt road if you come from the northwest. No bugs at all when I went!"
"Smooth dirt road leading to short turn off loop with a fire ring. Peaceful low-mid T-Mobile."
"At one point it exits the park for just a moment and there are 3 flat pull off spots you can camp at from inside the park."
"Camped across the road from established free camping. Our site was private and no ATVs so it's pretty quiet too. Some road noise, but it drops off around 11 pm."
LegendThis area is a BLM road that leaves the Dinosaur National Monument, so you need to pay NPS access or have a Senior pass to not pay. The dirt road is a sandy entrenched two track with a high center so high clearance is advised. Spots on top at right fork (.6 miles) are scenic views. Spots are few, small and are suited to truck camping, tent camping. No RVs or TTs would be able to access these sites safely....IMO
TravelerWe stayed here for one night in our 40' fifth wheel while visiting Dinosaur National Monument. They JUST paved Red Wash road with asphalt so it was an easy ride in. The dry camping area is all dirt roads but we found one that had a small drop-off and was pretty level. We had great service, beautiful views, and there was not a single other person in sight, though it is shoulder season. Would recommend!
LegendMcCoy Flats BLM is a mt bike focus recreation area with a network of excellent nonmotorizrd singletrack trails. Dispersed free camping allowed, and currently there are several nice vault toilets scattered along the main access paved road.
This camping area is at the third new vault toilet. Lots of room for large TTs. No trash dumpsters and no water, but cell signal is excellent 5g five bars. Only few miles from main hwy on an old paved pothole filled road. And then only 3 miles back into Vernal and a Walmart on this end of town, so logistics are very good.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/mccoy-flats-trailhead#
LegendForest road #839 is a popular dispersed camp area due to the flat topography and the smooth graded dirt road. Close to hwy #44 so some hwy noise. Free dispersed, 16d limit, no water, no trash, no toilets. Cell signal is marginal.
ScoutIf this is the site, something like 3a or some such, beware, looks nothing like photo. Right on the White River, narrow road is down sloped with nearly impassible water filled pot holes approaching the river. Passable only with high clearance pickup truck. Fortunately we found enough space to jockey my 20' RV trailer and Ford Explorer around and escape. Had we progressed further would have ripped all the plumbing out from under the RV and likely have been stuck and required a tow. Drove up the road and entered BLM land on the left and spent the night.
TravelerNot far off the highway and next to the river. Dry camping, not fancy, but good enough.
LegendOverlander camping only recommended. This area is just outside of Dinosaur National Monument on the Blue Mt Road...leaves the NPS and crosses a small piece of State land and then a BLM sign notes you are on BLM. Flat area to camp at this border and more large flat spots behind on State lands also ( State land here allows 15d camping). HOWEVER, to get to this spot you have to enter the NPS Dinosaur National Monument and deal with an entrance fee, but if you are a Senior like me..it is free and you are good to come and go as you wish!. Note that on the NPS section of the Blue Mt Road they note " no trailers" not sure if that is enforced but could be an issue, however I have seen TTs camping on the State and BLM along this area. This dispersed is likely better suited to the van/ truck camper types. Once you leave the NPS the road goes from graded gravel to native surface dirt that could be an issue if wet. The cliffs on both sides of this dispersed camp area has glyphs but you have to work to find them! The Blue Mt Road then continues into a big scenic valley and then climbs steeply to the point of pines ridge area...would not go there unless you have a good overlander setup with good tires! Cell signal is good due to tower array in sight on top of blue mtn.
LegendThis is a primitive camping area by Sheep Creek Lake. No amenities, no established campsites, no toilets, no garbage dumpsters, no water, no cell signal. Road access is gravel graved. A primitive boat ramp is available. This lake seems to be more of a Fish and Game nursery lake for raising Colo River Trout.
ScoutThis spot is for OHV parking. There’s a fire ring and we parked to the left of it so we didn’t interfere with parking. There’s 5 sites up the OHV trail that we saw. It was muddy so we weren’t comfortable towing our 19’ rig up the trail. We took our 4 runner up the trail and didn’t need 4wd. If dry, you could tow your small camper in if high clearance. There’s a bit of a rise to get from the road to the grass. Sites are perfect for tent camping.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Jensen, Utah extend beyond the well-known areas surrounding Dinosaur National Monument. The terrain varies from desert scrubland at 4,700 feet elevation to higher woodland areas reaching 7,000 feet on Blue Mountain. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional thunderstorms that can temporarily make clay roads impassable.
Mountain biking at McCoy Flats: About 6 miles southwest of Vernal, McCoy Flats offers 46 miles of trails across 15 different routes suitable for various skill levels. One visitor at McCoy Flats MTB Trailhead notes, "You stay here for the proximity to amazing mountain bike trails... You can set up camp close to a trail and not have to move your vehicle, which is nice."
Wildlife watching: The desert and riparian environments support diverse wildlife. At Dispersed Camping Near Dinosaur National Monument, one camper shared their experience: "I'm the only one here besides the wildlife! Got a spot under the tree with a canal making me sleep to the sound of following water amongst where Dino's used to roam."
Star gazing: With minimal light pollution in most primitive camping areas, night sky viewing is exceptional. A camper at McCoy Flats reported, "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."
Remote solitude: Many dispersed sites offer significant privacy and quiet. At North of Dinosaur CR16 - Dispersed Site, a camper mentioned, "Just randomly driving thru Colorado and run into Dinasaur and a peaceful off grid place to camp. No one around. No one else on the planet. Great place to stop."
Convenience to services: Despite the primitive camping experience, Jensen's proximity to Vernal means supplies are accessible. One camper at McCoy Flats East Dispersed Camp noted, "Only few miles from main hwy on an old paved pothole filled road. And then only 3 miles back into Vernal and a Walmart on this end of town, so logistics are very good."
Scenic diversity: The region offers varied landscapes from river valleys to mountain views. A visitor camping outside Vernal commented, "Camped across the road from established free camping. Our site was private and no ATVs so it's pretty quiet too. Some road noise, but it drops off around 11 pm."
Access challenges: Many dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. For BLM 17B Road Dispersed Overlander, a camper advised: "The dirt road is a sandy entrenched two track with a high center so high clearance is advised. Spots are few, small and are suited to truck camping, tent camping. No RVs or TTs would be able to access these sites safely."
Weather impacts: Weather conditions significantly affect primitive camping near Jensen. Rain turns dirt roads to mud, making them impassable. One reviewer noted, "There is a sign at the beginning of the dirt road prohibiting trailers. I assume because if it rains the mud roads become unusable."
Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites lack basic facilities. While some areas like McCoy Flats have vault toilets, most require complete self-sufficiency. A camper reported, "No amenities at all. No trees. No fire pits. Just a better than Walmart place to sleep for a night or two."
Proximity to facilities: For family camping near Jensen, consider sites with basic amenities. A visitor at Red Wash Rd Dispersed noted, "Beautiful spot by the river. Easy road access any car could do it... Good verizon cell signal, good river access and some shade."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about desert wildlife safety. One camper at McCoy Flats mentioned, "The area is wide open but is susceptible to wind, which makes this a great area for vans, RVs or trailers. But if there is no wind, tents are awesome. You are also in the high desert plain, so watch for snakes."
Vehicle protection: Small animals may seek shelter under vehicles. A reviewer shared, "During my last night, I did have some rodents try to get underneath of my hood so if you're going to be stationary for multiple nights, be aware."
Site selection for larger rigs: Most primitive camping areas near Jensen have limitations for large RVs. At McCoy Flats East Dispersed Camp, a camper observed, "This camping area is at the third new vault toilet. Lots of room for large TTs. No trash dumpsters and no water, but cell signal is excellent 5g five bars."
Solar power potential: The open terrain provides excellent solar charging opportunities. One reviewer mentioned, "Amazing spot to relax and take in the views of the mountains and valleys in the distance."
Water management: No freshwater sources exist at most sites, requiring careful planning. A camper advised, "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. Could be hot and windy as no trees or shade here!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the BLM dispersed camping rules near Dinosaur National Monument?
BLM dispersed camping near Dinosaur National Monument typically allows a 14-day stay limit. BLM 17B Road Dispersed Overlander requires payment of National Park Service access fees or a Senior pass since it leaves from monument land. Lower Blue Mt Road BLM Dispersed is located just outside the monument boundary. Standard BLM rules apply: pack out all trash, properly manage human waste, use existing fire rings only, and maintain 200 feet distance from water sources. Camping is only permitted in previously used sites with minimal impact. High clearance vehicles are recommended for most access roads.
Where can I find dispersed camping near Jensen, Utah?
Several dispersed camping areas exist near Jensen, Utah. McCoy Flats East Dispersed Camp offers free camping with vault toilets along the main access road, making it popular among mountain bikers using the nonmotorized singletrack trails. Road #839 Dispersed Camping features flat terrain and smooth graded dirt roads close to Highway #44. Additional options include Forest Road #838, Dragon Douglas Trail BLM sites, and areas near Dinosaur National Monument. Most sites have a 14-day stay limit, no water or trash services, and varying levels of road access requiring different vehicle clearance.
Is there free RV camping available near Jensen, Utah?
Yes, free RV camping is available near Jensen, though site suitability varies based on RV size and road conditions. Angora Hills Dispersed Site accommodates trailers up to 21 feet with 4WD access and offers level parking. BLM Dispersed NE of Vernal UT is big-rig friendly with easier access. Avoid Forest Road #604 and White River dispersed areas with RVs due to rough, steep terrain and poor road conditions. Most dispersed sites have no hookups, water, or dump facilities, making them suitable for self-contained RVs prepared for boondocking. Always scout locations first if you're concerned about access and maneuverability.
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