Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area is located 11 miles south of Moab in southeastern Utah at an elevation around 5,000 feet. The area sits between Moab's desert terrain and the La Sal Mountains, creating temperature variations that can exceed 30°F between daytime and nighttime during summer months. Recent road grading has improved access to lower elevation sites, though the terrain becomes increasingly rough at higher elevations.
What to do
Explore mountain biking trails: The Sand Flats Recreation Area near Moab offers direct access to the famous Slickrock Bike Trail. "This campground is close enough to Moab and Arches to be really convenient, but far enough and with enough sites to be a recluse if that's what you're looking for. Beautiful views and rock formations add to the draw," notes Austin R. at Sand Flats Recreation Area.
Visit off-road vehicle routes: Multiple trails accommodate Jeeps and UTVs. "This site has quick and easy access to slick rock and other fun mountain biking and off-roading trails," reports Adam H. from Sand Flats Recreation Area. The popular Fins N' Things trail starts near many campsites.
Stargaze after sunset: Clear desert skies offer exceptional night viewing. At Adventure Haven RV near La Sal, campers report excellent stargazing. "You can see the stars and the Milky Way!" writes Noémie O., who visited to explore Moab, Arches and Canyonlands.
What campers like
Quiet locations away from town: Behind the Rocks Road Dispersed camping area provides separation from Moab's busy atmosphere. "This is an amazing place to come and get away from all the people in Moab! Beautiful place to set up and plenty of room to spread out and have a private area!" says Jared C.
Multiple camping level options: Yellow Circle Road offers different elevations with varied terrain. "You can go pretty far down the road, we stayed pretty close to the main road," explains TaiteTravels T. from Yellow Circle Crossing. Campers who venture further report more privacy and challenging roads.
Cell service availability: Connectivity varies by location. "Nice spots for bigger campers! I wouldn't go past the second big lot unless you are pretty brave! But it can be done," advises Salvy F. about Yellow Circle Crossing. Another camper notes: "T-Mobile service here is LTE but if you go just a walking distance away, you can get 5G."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. "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. The trail has portions where the road has given out and requires extreme caution as to not tumble down the mountain," warns Alex V. at Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area.
Pack toilet supplies: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near La Sal require campers to bring waste management systems. "This is a sensitive and protected area and the designated sites are posted. Sites are designated and the spot I chose did post that a toilet system was required. Pack in pack out of course," explains Heather H. from Another Behind the Rocks Road.
Plan for temperature extremes: Desert heat can be intense, especially in summer. "Even at night, the temperatures remain uncomfortably warm, making it difficult to cool down or sleep well during peak summer months. A portable fan or extra water for cooling off is highly recommended if you visit in the heat of the season," advises Paulina B. about Sand Flats Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Choose lower elevation sites with young children: The flatter terrain offers easier management. "We found a great secluded spot that was quiet and away from everyone at 38.42412° N, 109.41086° W!" shares Emma C. about Yellow Circle Road Mountain Top Camp. Lower spots provide quicker access to town if supplies are needed.
Watch for wildlife encounters: Desert animals are active at night. "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," warns Joe M. from Another Behind the Rocks Road.
Bring entertainment for dust storms: Wind conditions can limit outdoor activities. "The heat and wind are insane here. Also the dust. The dust started to cover our counters and floors and affected how we could cool our rig without filling it with dust," reports johny R. from Yellow Circle Road Mountain Top Camp.
Tips from RVers
Test clearance before full commitment: Several access roads have challenging sections. "I feel over time that will only get worse," notes Princess F. about Another Behind the Rocks Road dispersed camping. At Yellow Circle Road, the recommendation is: "2WD van struggled in the upper levels but made it."
Arrive before dark for site selection: Visibility significantly impacts safety. "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," says Ryan L. about Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area.
Utilize free water and dump station: A convenient Maverick station on Moab's east side provides these services at no cost. "Red dust everywhere! A convenient Maverick station (on the east side of Moab) had free dump and potable water," reports Susan D. from Yellow Circle Road Mountain Top Camp.