Best Dispersed Camping near La Sal, UT

Dispersed camping areas near La Sal, Utah offer primitive, free camping options on public lands. Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area, Behind the Rocks Road Dispersed, and Yellow Circle Crossing provide basic sites with established fire rings but no amenities. These areas typically require campers to travel 0.6 miles from main roads past cattle guards to reach designated camping zones. According to reviews, Yellow Circle Road splits into three directions after entry, with the leftmost path offering some shade in a slight canyon area suitable for hammocks.

Vehicle access varies significantly between sites. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for most areas, though some sites closer to highways can accommodate standard vehicles with good tires. Several campers noted that roads become increasingly difficult with "slick rock ledgey bumpy" sections the farther you travel from main roads. Large RVs and travel trailers are not advised on many of these routes, particularly at Behind the Rocks and Yellow Circle Mountain Top Camp, where narrow sandy tracks and rough terrain create access challenges.

These sites operate under strict "Leave No Trace" principles. No drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities are available. Portable toilets are required at many locations due to special regulations. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry periods. Most sites permit fires in established rings when conditions allow. Cell service is generally available but varies by location. The 14-day camping limit applies to all dispersed sites in the area. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with reviewers mentioning significant wind, especially in exposed areas where "shrubbery provides a solid wind break" during evening hours.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near La Sal, Utah (80)

    1. Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area

    31 Reviews
    La Sal, UT
    11 miles
    Website

    "There are no amenities (with the exception of occasional fire pits), but plenty of space for campers, large RVs, tents, etc. We were fine with a 2WD car."

    "This was our second night boondocking near Moab, and it was peaceful. We were the only ones out in this area camping with not a single car driving by while we were here."

    2. Behind the Rocks Road Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "We got here early about 3 o’clock on a Saturday however, most of the sites were already taken so the site that we ended up staying at the driveway was a little washed out and parts of the actual camping"

    "All of the campgrounds on UT 128 were full during our late night drive way out that direction; easy enough to find Behind the Rocks, pulled in late, found an open spot, still some people up at early morning"

    3. Yellow Circle Crossing

    10 Reviews
    La Sal, UT
    12 miles

    "Some areas would require high clearance, but there a few different options and plenty of space to choose from depending how close you want to be to neighbors."

    "The location was great for a stop overnight after Arches NP. A few other campers, firepits and no trash at all."

    4. Another Behind the Rocks rd Dispersed Spot

    9 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "The road in is bumpy and rocky, AWD or high clearance etc would be advised.

    Very nice area can be hot in the summer. There were minimal bugs when I stayed."

    "This was not very easy to access with my little van, but if you take it slow and stear carefully you should be able to make it back."

    5. Yellow Circle Road Mountain Top Camp

    7 Reviews
    La Sal, UT
    11 miles
    Website

    "Long dirt road with tons of large pull offs. Many group site areas near the bottom were full. I drove a bit further up and pulled into a small dirt cul de sac and set up my tent."

    "Surprisingly organized for free camping. Great cell service where I camped (AT&T). Would go back."

    6. Porcupine rim campground

    16 Reviews
    Castle Valley, UT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3500

    "Dispersed camping with the best view I've ever seen. Even had clean vault toilet. There is a strict fire ban most of the time."

    "We went to Porcupine Rim Campground (Dispersed) on Oct. 15, 21 - Oct. 17, 21. The road to get yonder is uphill and bumpy, rocky."

    7. Looking Glass Road (Dispersed)

    5 Reviews
    La Sal, UT
    7 miles
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "If you don't plan on spending some time exploring, climbing or doing some photography on or around Looking Glass Rock, then there's not much reason to take the dirt road out to this spot. "

    "The ones that seemed best to us in terms of access were off of 179. Coming in from the south about a mile in, there was a pull off to the right."

    8. La Sal Loop Rd Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Castle Valley, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-7155

    "I recently ventured to the La Sal Loop Road Dispersed Camping site and was truly rewarded for the initial challenge of the steep incline and sharp turn at the beginning of the road."

    "Felt very remote yet only a 20 minute drive to Arches NP. Amazing view of the La Sal mountains and awesome sunset."

    9. Balcony Arch

    5 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    16 miles

    "OK service, no amenities, pack in pack out."

    "I love this location! Great view and so close to Moab! Everything you need for great dispersed camping!"

    10. BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed

    40 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    31 miles
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "A car with some high clearance and 4WD is probably necessary for this."

    "The best in Utah. The layout of this area is amazing and unique.

    We had the place to ourselves aside from some guy who was looking for his friends and ended up car camping."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near La Sal, UT

403 Reviews of 80 La Sal Campgrounds


  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2022

    BLM Intrepid Well Road Dispersed Camping

    Seven-Up Overlook Dispersed

    This free BLM Dispersed area is at the end of the easy access road to the Intrepid Well Road. Do not enter the two oil gas pad areas. Signs at 313 note no camping for 1/2 mile, these sites are 1.7 miles in. Only 3-4 sites on rim of overlook above Whirlwind MTB trail. Cell signal is good. Sites are best for overlander types...no big RVs or TTs is advised due to rough access roads and small camping spots. No amenities, no water, no trash, no tables. Special rules are in effect for portable toilet use.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2022

    BLM Mineral Point Dispersed Camping Area

    Nice free dispersed close in.

    This BLM two track sandy road is first open road on left past Horsethief BLM fee campground. Road goes about .6 mile and ends. About 10+ nice free dispersed spots, nothing designated but areas are obvious. Rock fire ring is all you get. No tables, no water, no trash. But cell signal is not bad. This area is best for high clearance tenters or Overlander types...the farther down the road it gets more slick rock ledgey bumpy. I would not haul a TT or drive a RV down there but sure some will.

  • Summer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Indian Creek Recreation Area

    The Best Dispersed Camping

    Indian Creek is awesome. It’s BLM dispersed camping about 2-3 miles from the Canyonlands Needles entrance. Dirt road in leads past Hamburger Rock Campground. Keep going and you’ll start seeing sites on the sides of the road. There are several pull thru and sites big enough for RVs. Lots of walk in and drive in tent camping sites. 

    You must camp where there is an established site evidenced by a fire ring. 

    This is no water, no toilet, primitive camping. You must pack out your own waste they do not allow it to be buried. 

    If you do not have four wheel drive be careful of the site you choose. The red sand is no joke and you will get stuck. It gets pretty busy from Thursday on but earlier in the week and day you have a lot to choose from. 

    An awesome primitive or boon-docking experience.

  • Ruairi K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2023

    BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed

    Insane views

    A car with some high clearance and 4WD is probably necessary for this. The road in is just dirt and not labeled, but you just turn right into one of the paths breaking off the main dirt road and head towards the canyon. There were multiple available campsites when we went with no one remotely near us. Views of the canyon are next level.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2022

    BLM Tibbetts Arch Road Dispersed Camping

    Overlander types only

    This area is on a narrow entrenched sandy two track road and some sections are rough slick rock..so high clearance overlander type rigs are the best to access these sites. TTs and RVs are NOT recommended. Camping is allowed at 1/2 mile distance from Hwy 313 and Special Regulations include required portable toilets. Cell is iffy depending on straight line to north. No amenities, pure boondocking. Cows share the area.

  • P
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites

    Off the highway, but secluded

    Slightly rough road to get into the campsite plenty of places to choose from. Got there at like 6 o’clock on a Friday night with a camper van and had no trouble. It was the perfect stop for the night able to have a fire and had enough privacy. The stars were phenomenal. Verizon had full bar coverage and you’re close to Arches and Canyonlands.

  • Chase R.
    May. 24, 2024

    National Forest Dispersed - Lupe2 Dispersed

    Camping On A Flat Rock

    We arrived to this campsite at sunset as the plan was to camp at Porcupine Ridge; however, it was closed. We found this campsite as our back up plan which did not disappoint. It’s somewhat close to the road; however, we only had one vehicle pass by during the night. We chose this campsite due to it being more remote compared to the other busy campsites near the entrance of Sand Flat Recreation. This campsite also offers gorgeous views with never ending large, flat rocks and juniper trees. To get into this campsite we would recommend having high clearance and off roading tires. The campsite was clean and all around a wonderful experience for our first time boondocking in Moab!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 2, 2024

    Abajo Flat Camp

    Beautiful Spot

    We needed a place to overnight on our way to AZ. This site is about 3 miles off the highway with the last 1.5 miles on a decent dirt road. I think it would be hard to navigate in the rain/wet.

    Beautiful views!

    There is room for a couple of rigs if they aren't too big. We have a Ford F350 with a 21-foot TT. There is room to turn around

  • Aliza  N.
    May. 27, 2022

    BLM Mineral Point Road Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed camping outside Canyonlands

    We found this spot from our Gaia app. Go past the established Horsethief paid campground and there are plenty of sites on both sides of a nice gravel/dirt road. Some deep sand on the road in places but easily passable with our Chevy van. Plenty of other folks camping here but we easily found a spot with some privacy. Dry camping. No water, trash or bathrooms. Pack in Pack out. Great spot for easy access to Canyonlands or Arches!


Guide to La Sal

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near La Sal, Utah, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape into nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near La Sal, Utah

Scenic views for dispersed campers

  • The Balcony Arch area offers breathtaking views and is just a short drive from Moab, making it a perfect spot for those who want to enjoy both nature and convenience.
  • For panoramic vistas, consider camping at La Sal Loop Rd Dispersed, where you can soak in the stunning landscapes of the La Sal Mountains.
  • If you’re looking for a more secluded experience, Indian Creek Recreation Area provides beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for stargazing.

Activities while free camping near La Sal

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the nearby trails when you stay at Hamburger Rock Dispersed Camping, which is conveniently located near the entrance to Canyonlands National Park.
  • For those interested in rock climbing, Looking Glass Road (Dispersed) is a great base, with access to various climbing routes in the surrounding area.
  • If you’re into off-roading, the rugged terrain around Tracking Station Road offers plenty of opportunities for adventure while enjoying the stunning desert scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in the La Sal Mountains?

The La Sal Mountains offer several dispersed camping options. Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites provides numerous sites accessible via a slightly rough road, with stellar stargazing opportunities and good cell coverage. Another excellent option is National Forest Dispersed - Lupe2 Dispersed, which serves as a great backup plan if other areas are closed. This site offers privacy despite being relatively close to the road. Both locations are free and don't require reservations. Look for established pull-offs with fire rings, and remember to follow Leave No Trace principles by camping in previously used sites.

Where can I find free camping near Arches National Park?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Arches National Park. BLM Intrepid Well Road Dispersed Camping offers 3-4 sites on the rim overlooking Whirlwind MTB trail, located 1.7 miles in from Highway 313 with good cell service. Another popular option is Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area, about 11 miles south of Moab, with ample space for various camping setups including large RVs and accessible with 2WD vehicles. For those with high-clearance 4WD vehicles, BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed offers more secluded sites. Remember to camp in established sites and follow all BLM regulations.

Is the La Sal Loop Road accessible for dispersed camping?

The La Sal Loop Road does provide access to dispersed camping opportunities, though conditions vary seasonally. The road itself is partially paved and partially gravel/dirt, with some sections requiring higher clearance vehicles. During summer and fall, numerous pull-offs along the road offer camping spots with spectacular views. If planning to camp along this route, BLM Mineral Point Dispersed Camping Area is accessible via a two-track sandy road and offers about 10+ nice free dispersed spots with rock fire rings. The road is typically closed in winter due to snow. Always check road conditions before heading out, especially after rain or during shoulder seasons.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Manti-La Sal National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Manti-La Sal National Forest requires following specific regulations to protect the environment. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. You must camp at least 150 feet (about 50 paces) from water sources, roads, and trails. Only use existing fire rings where fires are permitted, and never leave fires unattended. At sites like Abajo Flat Camp, you'll need to pack out all trash and waste—there are no services or facilities. Most forest areas require vehicles to stay on designated roads only. During fire season (typically summer months), additional restrictions may apply, so check with the ranger district office before your trip.