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Best Dispersed Camping near Moab, UT

404 Reviews

Moab's public lands include multiple dispersed camping areas where campers can stay for free on BLM land. Yellow Circle Road sees many campers, as does the dirt track beyond Hamburger Rock Campground, both offering basic spots with no facilities. You'll need to bring everything—water, toilet supplies, and trash bags—since these areas have zero amenities. BLM rules require camping at least 200 feet from any water source or road, and rangers do patrol regularly. The roads to most dispersed sites around Moab get rough after rain, making high-clearance vehicles almost necessary in many spots. Fire rules change constantly with the seasons and drought conditions, so check at the BLM office in town before setting up your fire pan. Most groceries and supplies are available in Moab, though prices run higher than in larger towns.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Moab, Utah (85)

    1. Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands

    53 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 538-5418

    "high clearance vehicle recommended. Low clearance vehicles can access sights closer to highway. Lots of camping spots tucked away if you continue down the road."

    "We tent camped here in mid December and it was cold at night, but nothing too terrible if you have the right sleeping bags."

    2. BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed

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

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

    "I have a Mazda CX-5 and was able to maneuver well enough to get to this spot despite it being recommended to have a high clearance vehicle."

    3. Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area

    31 Reviews
    La Sal, UT
    14 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."

    4. South Klondike Bluffs / Road 142 Dispersed

    32 Reviews
    Arches National Park, UT
    15 miles

    "Good spot just off the highway close to Arches and Canyonlands. Arrived at around 6pm and could only see about 2 other vehicles further down the road - so plenty of space."

    "Good safe spot right off the highway. Made it in my front wheel drive 21’ van. Just go slow. Lots of rocks sticking up and little rivets in the road. I was able to get around them."

    5. Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites

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

    "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."

    "I chose this site for proximity to the parks, as well as the lovely geological backdrop."

    6. Porcupine rim campground

    16 Reviews
    Castle Valley, UT
    11 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. Behind the Rocks Road Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    12 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"

    8. Yellow Circle Crossing

    11 Reviews
    La Sal, UT
    13 miles

    "Nice views. 14 day availability. I was able to navigate this in a Travato. T-Mobile service here is LTE but if you go just a walking distance away, you can get 5G."

    "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."

    9. Castleton Tower

    9 Reviews
    Castle Valley, UT
    11 miles

    "Primitive camping but plenty of space for parking. No amenities but absolutely beautiful. Hiking was wonderful. The canyon/waterway leading to the tower is a really excellent hike."

    "Great views and good location, but signs were posted as of 4/5/22, no campfires allowed."

    10. BLM Mineral Bottom Road Dispersed Camping

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

    "The farther you drive the sketchier the road gets - but we made it in our camper van without too much of an issue. It’s very quiet and the stars are incredible. Nice views in every direction"

    "A long drive down a dirt road, but without 4WD we made it easily and found a spot about 1 mile away from the main road. Amazing sunset views and no neighbors."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Moab, UT

288 Photos of 85 Moab Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Moab, UT

404 Reviews of 85 Moab 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.

  • 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!

  • Tracey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2023

    BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed

    Amazing Spot

    I have a Mazda CX-5 and was able to maneuver well enough to get to this spot despite it being recommended to have a high clearance vehicle.

    The spot was easy to find as long as I had the dropped pin on Apple Maps giving us directions to the spot before we lost service.

    Amazing views, will definitely go back. About 30 minutes from Moab and beautiful views on the way to the site too.

    I tent camp and what I learned here is that there is so much rock under the sand. It was very hard to get things staked down because it was only about two inches of sand before the stake hit rock underneath. The tent we managed to secure with rocks and things but the bathroom/shower tent blew over in the night.

    Would definitely recommend!

  • 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.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2020

    Porcupine rim campground

    Porcupine Rim Campground Moab

    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. It was about 40 minutes back to Moab because of the rough dirt road but we'll worth the drive.

Guide to Moab

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Moab, Utah, where stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures await. With a variety of options, you can find the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature without the crowds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Moab, Utah

Enjoy breathtaking views while free camping near Moab

Dispersed campers should check out the unique features of these spots

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best locations for dispersed camping in Moab, Utah?

Moab offers several excellent dispersed camping locations on BLM land. Indian Creek Recreation Area is a premier option located just 2-3 miles from Canyonlands Needles entrance, featuring multiple sites suitable for various camping setups including RVs. For those seeking spectacular views, Porcupine rim campground provides what many consider the best vistas in the area, though it requires navigating a rough dirt road about 40 minutes from town. Other notable areas include Yellow Circle Road (11 miles south of Moab), Mineral Point areas, and several sites along Highway 313. Most locations require varying levels of high clearance vehicles, with sites typically available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Are there free dispersed camping options near Moab?

Yes, Moab offers several free dispersed camping options on public lands. Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area is one of the few free camping areas about 11 miles south of Moab, accessible with 2WD vehicles and spacious enough for various camping setups. BLM Mineral Point Dispersed Camping Area offers approximately 10+ nice free sites along a sandy two-track road past Horsethief BLM fee campground. Other free options include Intrepid Well Road (1.7 miles from Highway 313) and areas near Cotter Mine Road. While these sites are free, they follow dispersed camping regulations including a 14-day stay limit, and campers should be prepared to pack out all trash and waste.

What amenities can I expect at dispersed camping sites around Moab?

Dispersed camping around Moab typically offers minimal to no amenities, embodying true boondocking. At BLM Intrepid Well Road Dispersed Camping, you'll find only basic sites with good cell signal but no facilities. Similarly, at Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites, expect primitive camping with plenty of space but no services. Most dispersed sites feature only informal parking areas and sometimes rock fire rings (though fire bans are common). You won't find tables, water sources, trash collection, or restroom facilities at most locations. Porcupine Rim is an exception with vault toilets. Cell service varies by location but is surprisingly decent at many sites. Come fully self-contained with all necessary supplies including water, waste disposal capability, and a plan for packing out trash.

Do I need a permit for BLM dispersed camping near Moab?

No permit is typically required for BLM dispersed camping near Moab, but specific regulations must be followed. At BLM Tibbetts Arch Road Dispersed Camping, special regulations include camping at least 1/2 mile from Highway 313. BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed and similar sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis without permits. Standard BLM dispersed camping rules apply: camp in previously used sites, stay at least 200 feet from water sources, and limit stays to 14 consecutive days. While no permits are needed, always check for temporary restrictions or closures, especially during high fire danger periods. Some areas may have seasonal closures or specific regulations, so consulting the Moab BLM Field Office website before your trip is recommended.

Is 4WD required to access dispersed camping areas near Dead Horse Point State Park?

4WD or high clearance is generally recommended but not always required for dispersed camping areas near Dead Horse Point State Park. For National Forest Dispersed - Lupe2 Dispersed, a backup option when Porcupine Ridge is closed, standard vehicles can access the site despite its proximity to the road. However, for more remote spots like Looking Glass Road, high clearance vehicles are strongly advised. Road conditions vary seasonally—becoming more challenging after rain or snow. Some campers report accessing sites with standard SUVs like a Mazda CX-5, though they note careful driving is necessary. For the best experience and to avoid getting stuck, a vehicle with higher clearance is recommended, especially when venturing beyond maintained roads to prime camping spots with canyon views.

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