Dispersed camping options dominate the landscape around La Sal, Utah, with several free sites scattered throughout the region. Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area and Behind the Rocks Road Dispersed provide tent camping opportunities with minimal amenities but maximum freedom. The La Sal Mountains create a dramatic backdrop for campers seeking higher elevations and cooler temperatures compared to nearby Moab. Developed options include Windwhistle Campground, which offers drinking water and toilet facilities year-round, while those seeking more amenities can find cabins and full hookups at established campgrounds like Moab KOA and Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the La Sal area, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles for access. The region experiences extreme temperature variations between seasons, with summer heat often exceeding 100°F in lower elevations while the La Sal Mountains remain considerably cooler. Most dispersed camping areas permit stays up to 14 days and allow pets and campfires when no fire restrictions are in place. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with better coverage near Moab and limited or no service in more remote areas. One camper noted, "Quiet, secluded, beautiful vast views of the La Sal range and the Spanish Valley. There are many sites and other off-shooting roads to other camp spots, towards the upper part of the road I would recommend decent ground clearance and 4x4."
Campers consistently highlight the dramatic views as a primary reason for choosing this area, with the La Sal Mountains providing a stunning backdrop against the desert landscape. The elevation difference creates opportunities for temperature relief during hot summer months when Moab valley becomes uncomfortably warm. Several visitors mentioned using the La Sal Loop Road as an escape from desert heat. "Stayed up here to escape the heat! The cooler air and wind was so welcoming," shared one reviewer who camped at a pullout along La Sal Loop Road. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and visitors should be prepared for primitive conditions at most sites, including no drinking water, toilets, or trash service at dispersed locations. The contrast between developed campgrounds with full amenities and the more rugged dispersed options provides camping opportunities for various comfort levels and experiences.
"Quiet, secluded, beautiful vast views of the La Sal range and the Spanish Valley."
"This was right outside of Moab. This is a great spot for any vehicle, just a little bit of a dirt off road."
"Stayed night of 4/21, all single sites FCFS but we found a space arriving around 1230 on a Friday (space 4, $20)."
"Convenient small campground on the way into Needles Overlook (6 miles from main highway 191). Close to road but quiet at night. 15 sites total. Clean bathrooms."
"The pool is great, laundry room is accessible from the pool area...so I did some laundry while hanging out near the pool. Bathrooms are decent."
"Nice Campground for exploring Moab and surrounding area. Clean, full hook up sites, and close to town. The pool area was awesome for cooling off after summer hikes."
"We found this spot while passing through Moab and fell in love with Utah. Plenty of spots to choose from, just make sure you go about a mile down there road before setting up camp. "
"T-Mobile service here is LTE but if you go just a walking distance away, you can get 5G."
"The area filled up throughout the night and the people were close by . Everyone was cool when we were there. Bring a WAG bag to protect the desert. Not much privacy."
"We were striking out on basically all the campgrounds close to Moab early on a Thursday. Luckily Dyrt led us to this little dispersed camping oasis."
"The Sun Outdoors Moab Utah camp grounds was great. Beautiful trees in the fall, laundry, clean showers, hookups, easy walk to downtown places, yet still quiet. Staff were very friendly and helpful."
"Tucked in behind the Texaco gas station/general store, this large campground has plenty of shade trees and all the hookups including cable TV for around $55/night."
"We wanted to camp close to Fisher Towers and get away from the camping chaos of Potash Rd on Jeeper Weekend. This was a bit off the beaten path and was about 45 mins from the center of Moab."
"We were looking for a campsite away from the business along the river and were So excited to have found this gem."
$9 - $125 / night
"Right on the edge of Moab with access to everything. About 10 minutes from arches and 30 from Canyonlands. Bathrooms were clean and camp store had most things you’d need."
"We stayed at Moab Rim RV Campark in March 2021 on our way to visit Arches National Park (which is only 15 minutes drive from the campark). "
"My girlfriend and I woke up to a pack of coyotes howling in the distance at night so use caution if you are tent camping."
"There was some off road noise but it wasn’t frequent or problematic. Not a lot of shade."
ScoutNo dispersed camping on Potash per park ranger.
We attempted to camp here and nothing looked accessible. Small rock embankments lined the road in this marked area.
GuideThis was a great camp site although there are a few things to take note of. The name and coordinates are misleading. You can’t actually camp at “Chicken Corners”but there are designated camp sites that are $20/night along the way. The sites are rock and dirt but flat and good sized! There is a fire ring and a picnic table at each. There are dumpsters near the sites and a few vault toilets. Everything is very well maintained but still preserved. You definitely need a high clearance SUV and a confident driver. There is zero cell service. Overall, this site was well worth the $20/night.
38.47061° N, 109.64752° W
ScoutSmall only room for a few tents there is a bathroom though and it is absolutely beautiful
TravelerAmazing Views from the campground. Camped at Site #14. We hiked the Fisher Towers trail and didn't want to backtrack towards Moab. This was the perfect spot to relax after the hike. Spots were very level, picnic tables and firepits. Overall it didn't feel cramped all all. First week in March, the campground was empty when we got there at 3pm on a Saturday but by 5pm, almost all spots were taken. Vault toilet/outhouse was very clean and can't beat the view with the stars above. LOL! If it's full, there are several other CG's back along the river on 128.
FYI, the location on the map are incorrect, but the directions are correct. From the location on Google Maps coordinates came up as 38.720414,-109.343827.
GuideThe highway is nearby but I don’t hear it nor do I see any lights because a hill is blocking the highway
TravelerHave a class A 40 foot motorhome, would suggest scouting out the road before going in with a larger RV it is rough but I made it, just have to drive slow. It's quiet
ScoutNear the top of a canyon cliff with a fireplace already assembled
GuideGreat campground on BLM lands adjacent to the slick rock bicycle trail and some of Moabs most iconic 4wheel trails. Lots of space at each site with room for large rigs. Picnic tables, and Fire pits. $20 per night plus an entry fee for the day use for vehicles at $10 for 7 days. Beautiful views of moab's Red Rocks with great views of the sunrise and sunset.
GuideThis was my best campground of the summer! Note-I was there in August and temps wound up going up over 100 toward the end of the week. The good about that-even though the site next to me was reserved every night, only one person showed up and just for a night. So I had a lot of privacy. The appearance of the campground is rugged. The sites are away from the entry point and the general area, including the visitor's center, and are more "remote" in feel than other NP campgrounds. That's in keeping with whole of this NP. Almost all the sites have adequate shade. A good deal of them are situated among rock formations so between the rocks and the trees they shelter, I always had shade. It has the standard amenities, no showers. The bathrooms were clean. I recommend getting gas in Monticello no matter what you have in your tank as there is no gas in the park and it's a lengthy drive to the park. The only gas & supplies are right outside the park in Needles Outpost, which is private and expensive. The great things-night sky viewing was FANTASTIC and there are not only great trails right out of the campground but the seemingly endless fascinating rock formations in the vicinity allowed for some very fun bouldering and exploring. All the pics I'm sharing were taken in the immediate vicinity of my camp. I was able to reserve this site 6 months in advance and a senior discount did apply with my pass.
Dispersed camping dominates the La Sal area with primitive sites requiring varying levels of vehicle clearance. Campers should note that road conditions change drastically with weather, particularly after rainfall when many dirt access roads become impassable even for 4WD vehicles. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F in lower elevations while dropping to the 40s at night in higher elevations near La Sal Mountain camping areas.
Explore Needles Overlook: Take the paved road about 20 miles past Windwhistle Campground for spectacular canyon views. "Views out at Needles Overlook are stunning and are about 20 mi pavement past the CG," notes Greg L., who appreciates that "this is not an OHV area so the OHV trailer types are absent."
Night sky photography: The minimal light pollution makes campsites near La Sal perfect for stargazing and astrophotography. "We have never had WiFi nor cell service there," reports Mark M. at Windwhistle Campground, making it ideal for disconnecting and enjoying natural darkness. Another camper at Upper Onion Creek Campground shared it was "Great for night photography!"
Nearby water activities: During hot summer months, find relief at water access points. "10 minutes away from white water rafting site, multiple boat/water ramps, and close enough to town for all Moab has to offer," writes Tori M. about Upper Onion Creek Campground, making it a convenient base for cooling off during summer heat.
Seclusion options: Many sites offer privacy despite the area's popularity. "We ended up camping multiple times in different spots. The best spot backed right up to the rocks and was cozy and very private," writes Sarah and James H. about Behind the Rocks Road Dispersed, suggesting campers explore various pullouts to find the right balance of views and privacy.
Convenient town access: Camping near La Sal provides accessibility to services while maintaining a wilderness feel. "Convenient location in downtown Moab, behind a Texaco station. We liked having one night in town, as we could walk to the restaurants, shops and stores," reports Paula O. about Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown, highlighting the ability to mix wilderness camping with urban amenities.
Cell service variability: Some sites offer surprisingly good connectivity for remote workers. "Cell signal on T-Mobile was marginal 2 bars lte," notes Greg L. at Windwhistle Campground, while a visitor to Behind the Rocks reported, "Verizon was only one bar." For reliable connectivity, Adventure Haven RV offers "lightning speed Wi-Fi," making it "a remote workers paradise."
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Regulations change throughout the year based on drought conditions. "We arrived after hours and the pickup of our site map and information was easy," explains a camper at Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown, highlighting the importance of checking current fire rules upon arrival.
Road conditions require preparation: Many dispersed sites demand careful driving. "The road to get there is bumpy with lots of tire ruts. I did still make it with my 2WD though!" shares Lindsey J. about Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area. Another camper warns, "Unless you've ample off roading experience, outfitted your rig with an assortment of lights, and a decent lift kit, please don't attempt to climb the mountain beyond a certain point at night."
Campsite availability timing: Sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "We arrived to this area quite at night. There was TONS of space for everyone to comfortably fit. We passed probably 20-30 vehicles camped throughout before we found space for ourselves," explains Ryan L. about Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area, suggesting late arrivals may still find options.
Look for established campgrounds with amenities: Facilities make family camping more comfortable. "We had a tent but so happy we got the cabin. It was clean, comfortable and kept us out of the wind and rain. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked," shares Johnny V. about Moab KOA, highlighting the value of weather protection with children.
Find sites with natural exploration areas: Kids enjoy spaces to roam safely. "There's a horse trail right behind the campground that was perfect for walking our dog along, and the site had plenty of room for her to explore without bothering anyone else," notes Lauren at Upper Onion Creek Campground, describing terrain that works well for supervised children too.
Plan for extreme temperature fluctuations: Desert camping requires preparation for both hot days and cold nights. "It was 105 degrees," recalls Kathleen H. at Moab KOA, while evening temperatures can drop significantly. Pack appropriate clothing layers for children who may be more sensitive to temperature changes.
Assess site access carefully: "This is a pretty big area so there's space for trailers etc. The road is a bit rough, but manageable for most vehicles," explains Alex P. about Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area, suggesting drivers check conditions before committing to routes with larger vehicles.
Consider seasonal timing for comfort: Extreme temperatures affect RV camping differently. "We got here to find it relatively busy, we are here in a Tuesday and there are at least 10 other campers here. It's a rough road in, the higher up you go on the road, the rougher. We took our travel trailer(22' total) up, just have to be careful," shares Nathan L., highlighting both crowd factors and road challenges.
Evaluate hookup needs against solitude preferences: Balance service needs with location appeal. "Nicely secluded BLM CG. 16 sites, all FCFS no reserved. Water and host in season. Cell fair depending on camp, vault toilets, tables, fire-rings. No RV dump. Dumpster for trash," describes Greg L. about Windwhistle Campground, providing the practical information RVers need for planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Windwhistle Campground in La Sal?
While specific information about Windwhistle Campground isn't directly mentioned in reviews, nearby campgrounds in the La Sal area offer context for typical amenities. Utahraptor State Park Campground features gravel roads with campsites on slickrock and sand, accommodating various types of camping rigs. Similarly, Sand Flats Recreation Area offers multiple camping loops with scenic views. State-managed campgrounds in this region typically provide basic amenities such as vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, though water is often not available. For exact amenities at Windwhistle, check with the managing agency before your visit.
What is the best time of year to camp in the La Sal Mountains?
Summer (June-August) is ideal for camping in the La Sal Mountains, as the higher elevation provides a refreshing escape from the intense desert heat. Many campers visit specifically to enjoy the cooler temperatures and welcoming breezes. Cr 0083 in the Monti La Sal national forest offers high elevation camping with comfortable nighttime temperatures during hot months. Moab Koa visitors note that even during Labor Day weekend, the La Sal Mountain views are spectacular. Spring and fall offer mild conditions, though nights can be chilly. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, but higher areas may be inaccessible due to snow.
Where are the best camping spots in the La Sal Mountains?
The La Sal Mountains offer several exceptional camping spots. Warner Lake Campground & Cabin is a higher elevation option with well-maintained sites, perfect for escaping the heat of Moab valley. For those seeking dispersed camping, La Sal Loop Rd Dispersed provides panoramic vistas of Moab valley and the mountain range. The area feels remote yet remains accessible, with some spots located in cow pastures offering unique wildlife encounters. Pack Creek Trailhead is another quiet, secluded option, though some portions of La Sal Pass Road may require high clearance 4x4 vehicles.
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