Best Tent Camping near La Sal, UT
Tent campsites around La Sal, Utah include both free dispersed options and established campgrounds in a varied landscape of desert and mountain terrain. Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area and Behind the Rocks Road Dispersed offer free primitive tent camping about 11 miles south of Moab, while Oowah Campground provides established tent sites at higher elevations in the La Sal Mountains. Pack Creek Trailhead and Geyser Pass Road also accommodate tent campers seeking more remote experiences.
Most primitive tent sites in the area lack basic amenities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient. Sites typically feature sandy or rocky terrain with minimal shade in lower elevations. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote tent campgrounds, particularly along Yellow Circle Road and Behind the Rocks areas. Fire rings are common at established sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during summer months. As one visitor noted, "This is dispersed camping so there are no services nor amenities once you leave the trailhead. Leave No Trace principles apply. WAG bags required." Pack-in, pack-out principles apply at all sites, with most dispersed areas lacking toilet facilities or trash collection.
Tent campers seeking cooler temperatures often prefer the higher-elevation sites in the La Sal Mountains during summer months. Oowah Campground offers a cooler alternative to the desert heat, with its deep, clear lake providing refreshing swimming opportunities. A camper described it as "absolutely stunning" with "plenty of adorable primitive campsites" surrounded by "stunning evergreens and aspens." The mountainous areas provide hiking access directly from campsites, with trails leading to additional lakes and viewpoints. Lower-elevation dispersed tent sites offer easier winter access but less shade and protection from winds. Wind can be particularly challenging in exposed areas, with dust infiltration being a common issue for tent campers. Most tent camping areas have reliable cellular service, though reception diminishes in canyon locations.
