1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campsites in the Jensen, Utah area provide access to the remarkable landscape surrounding Dinosaur National Monument. Rainbow Park Campground within the monument offers four primitive tent sites positioned along the river, while free dispersed camping can be found at areas like North of Dinosaur CR16 and Forest Service Road 217. These locations typically require driving on maintained dirt roads to reach the tent sites.
Most tent camping areas near Jensen have minimal amenities. At Rainbow Park Campground, campers will find basic facilities including pit toilets but no potable water. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though dispersed areas may only have rudimentary stone fire rings. One camper noted, "The road was pretty rough, some large divots and larger rocks on the road. I drive an outback so I just went slow and it was fine." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the remote tent sites, particularly on Forest Service roads. During summer months, temperatures can be extreme, making shade a valuable commodity at tent campgrounds.
The remote nature of these tent camping areas creates exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. Areas off Forest Service Road 217 and the dispersed sites near Dinosaur Monument offer particularly secluded experiences for tent campers. A visitor to North of Dinosaur CR16 remarked, "Just randomly driving thru Colorado and run into Dinosaur and a peaceful off grid place to camp. No one around. No one else on the planet." Many tent sites have established fire pits, though fire restrictions are common during dry periods. The Rainbow Park area provides access to hiking trails and petroglyphs viewing opportunities within a short distance of the campground. Tent campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters, particularly deer, which are abundant throughout the region.
"We visited on a busy weekend (labor day weekend) and we only had 1 neighbor. This made for a very quiet, relaxing stay."
"Crept in driving a Honda about 15 mph on the 20+ mile dirt road. Just when I thought I couldn’t go any further, that I was hopelessly lost, I saw the sign pointing to the campground."
from $12 / night
"Smooth dirt road leading to short turn off loop with a fire ring. Peaceful low-mid T-Mobile."
"I drove further down the road slightly over the utah border and it was silent and serene with beautiful views. All the spots available on this road were gorgeous."
"Plenty of space. There are a ton of off-road people but not too bad"
"This was one of my favorite finds during my trip through Utah earlier this summer. We were checking out Flaming Gorge and, predictably, all the campgrounds were booked full."
"Well spaced sites, very private . Various sites to choose from, whether it’s more wooded or open area. Didn’t have anyone pass me through out my 2 nights there, I went for 4th of July weekend."
"Fishing is close by as well as a short hike to smokey springs. Firepits along with a group fire pit, 2 well maintained bathrooms, picnic tables, and wildlife."
"My culinary school I recently graduated from decided to go here to set up temporary roasting pit and roast an entire pig. Yes you heard right."
GuideNice place to stay. Very Clean. Gift shop and restaurant were also very clean. Fishing on the green river is always great. Also great access to the southern end of the Gorge. Wonderful area in the mountains. Campground was green grass and newly planted trees when we went.
GuideThe campground for what it is great. Usually clean and maintained. Location is pretty lame unless your staying here for the fishing. Usually hot and windy. Lots of bugs. So unless your staying here to fish I would pass and go somewhere nicer or with a view.
TravelerOne of very few campgrounda open during the off-season. Peaceful / good cell signal / sits on a great trail.
ScoutIncredible scenery of DNM on display, site was right next to access road but no nighttime traffic at all. I would be concerned with a 2wd if it rained, I had great weather and this site was elevated. I would not have driven my van on that access road if it was muddy or slippery. Water facilities at visitors center or nearby campgrounds, 5-10 min drive. 4 wheelers/atvs not allowed in DNM land or roads.
TravelerThis place still has trails being built in and around the grounds. Price is right, just $10!!! The bathrooms (pit toilets)are super clean. All sites come with table and fire ring. Some with covered tables. Trails for riding or running right at the entrance to the cg.
TravelerWe went a bit further than the recommended spot, just to sight see but actually found a spot that is a campsite in summer, and is now open spots. We parked 200 feet from the edge of the water. The spot came with a fire pit and picnic table.
ScoutFew spots betteen road and Green River. Some Mosquitos . Not so much noise. Ok for one or two night. I collected few trash in a bag. Cell signal good. Real blm ?
RangerWell-spaced sites in a spectacular setting. The campground was sparsely populated on a Monday in September, making it feel especially peaceful and spacious. Facilities were clean, and both sunset and sunrise were stunning. Pronghorns played in the nearby fields. Dark sky gave us the Milky Way. We loved it here and wished we could have stayed longer than one night. It also made a great base for exploring the Flaming Gorge area, including the phenomenal Red Canyon Overlook. Highly recommend.
ScoutCouldn’t find it. Coordinates took us to a boat ramp.
Tent camping near Jensen, Utah provides access to diverse desert ecosystems within the Uinta Basin. Most campsites sit at elevations between 4,800-5,500 feet, creating dramatic temperature shifts from daytime highs that can reach 95°F to overnight lows in the 50s during summer months. The area's geology features colorful sandstone formations with exposed layers dating back millions of years.
River access opportunities: The Green River runs through the area, providing excellent fishing and water recreation options. At Rainbow Park Campground, visitors can enjoy shoreline access. "Lots is small and winding trails all over the landscape to explore. Very close to some of the coolest petroglyphs also," notes a camper.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple camping areas offer excellent wildlife watching. At Uinta Canyon, campers regularly spot diverse animals. One visitor reported, "You will see an abundance of wildlife from frogs to Moose and everything in between." Early morning and evening hours provide the best viewing opportunities.
Stargazing: The remote location provides exceptional dark sky viewing. A camper at Rainbow Park described, "Absolutely pitch black out. There was no one here and no one for miles. Great view of the Milky Way. Totally silent." For optimal star viewing, visit during new moon phases and bring red-light headlamps to preserve night vision.
Hiking opportunities: Multiple hiking trails connect camping areas to scenic viewpoints. "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," reports a visitor to Uinta Canyon. Hiking during early morning hours is recommended during summer to avoid midday heat.
Solitude and privacy: Many campers appreciate the remote feeling at dispersed sites. At North of Dinosaur CR16, a reviewer noted, "Just randomly driving thru Colorado and run into Dinosaur and a peaceful off grid place to camp. No one around. No one else on the planet." Sites typically offer good separation from neighbors.
Established fire rings: Most tent sites come equipped with basic fire rings. A visitor at Forest Service Road 13 shared, "The camp sites are spacious and each one is far enough from each other that peace and quietness was never an issue. There are some sites with fire pits and lots is dead wood that can be used."
Accessible water features: Proximity to rivers and streams enhances many camping experiences. A Forest Service Road 13 camper mentioned, "We found a spot next to a stream on forest road 838. Very few campers in the area, all quiet and respectful." These water sources provide both recreational opportunities and practical benefits during hot weather.
Natural shade availability: Tree cover offers essential protection during hot summer days. "The sites are in the pines so plenty of shade," noted a camper at Uinta Canyon. This natural shade can make a significant difference in comfort during summer camping trips when temperatures frequently exceed 90°F.
Road conditions vary significantly: Many camping areas require driving on unpaved roads that may challenge some vehicles. A Forest Service Road 13 visitor cautioned, "The road was pretty rough, some large divits and larger rocks on the road. I drive an outback so I just went slow and it was fine." Higher clearance vehicles are recommended for most dispersed camping locations.
Limited facilities: Most tent sites offer minimal amenities. A Rainbow Park camper explained, "This campground is super remote and offers 4 primitive campsites. There are pit toilets and no accessible water." Bringing all necessary supplies, including water, is essential.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat and winter accessibility present different challenges. "The skies were very dark at night, perfect for seeing shooting stars and the milky way," shares a Rainbow Park visitor, highlighting the benefits of clear desert skies. However, another warns, "Road is easily accessible by sedans, SUV's etc…just not in the rain (the road will easily wash out)."
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife includes various species that may visit campsites. "If you're lucky, you will come across the herd of elk roaming the grounds," mentions a Rainbow Park camper. Proper food storage is recommended to avoid attracting animals to tent camping areas.
Geocaching opportunities: Several camping areas feature geocaching possibilities. At Uinta Canyon, a visitor recommends, "Several geocaches in the area so be sure to take your GPS." This activity provides structured exploration for children and can be enjoyed regardless of hiking ability.
Swimming options: Some camping locations offer safe water access. A Forest Service Road 217 camper noted, "I'm here in October and though chilly it's gorgeous! There are a lot of hunters here with their four wheels but no one has bothered me." During summer months, water features provide welcome relief from heat.
Group camping considerations: Several areas accommodate larger family gatherings. "We recently had our family reunion at the group site a little farther up the road. It easily accomadated 30 trailers, 8 large tents, about 70 of us, and 10 dogs," reported a visitor to Uinta Canyon.
Insect preparation: Bug spray is essential during certain seasons. A Rainbow Park camper advised, "Bring bug spray! The mosquitoes are vicious here." Spring and early summer typically see higher insect activity near water sources.
Parking considerations: Finding level parking can be challenging at some tent camping sites. A North of Dinosaur CR16 visitor noted, "This location as more camping spots available down CR16 past the GPS waypoint. The site at the waypoint has 2-3 more sites tucked back down the grassy double track you can see from the initial pull-off."
Limited turnaround space: Many forest roads have restricted maneuvering room. A reviewer at Forest Service Road 13 cautioned, "I would not go up this road with a trailer unless you had a turnaround open. This area is best suited to overlander tent and truck camper types."
Site selection strategy: Arrival timing impacts site availability. "We stayed at this site on a Monday and I was the only one there," shared a visitor to Forest Service Road 13, highlighting the benefits of weekday camping when seeking solitude at tent sites near Jensen, Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jensen, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jensen, UT is Rainbow Park Campground — Dinosaur National Monument with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Jensen, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Jensen, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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