Best Campgrounds near Monticello, UT

Campers looking for spots near Monticello, Utah will find themselves close to several national parks including Zion, Arches, and Bryce Canyon. Hamburger Rock Campground draws many people because of its interesting rock formations and how close it sits to Canyonlands National Park. Devils Canyon Campground works better for those wanting more facilities, with its clean vault toilets and good separation between RV and tent areas. Spring and fall bring the best camping weather around Monticello, with milder temperatures and colorful landscapes. The summer heat can be intense, so bringing extra water and finding shaded sites becomes important. Most camping areas in this region don't take reservations, making early arrival essential, especially on weekends and holidays. Recapture Reservoir gives campers places to paddleboard and swim when they need a break from hiking. Remember that some sites like Hamburger Rock don't have drinking water available, so you'll need to bring your own supply. The spotty cell coverage throughout the area means you'll probably spend more time looking at stars than screens. Whether you spend your days in nearby national parks or hanging out by the water, the Monticello area has good camping for different styles of outdoor trips.

Best Camping Sites Near Monticello, Utah (208)

    1. Devils Canyon Campground

    26 Reviews
    Blanding, UT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 587-2041

    $20 / night

    "If you're looking for tons of ATV trails this is a great spot. Nice friendly camp host.

    Lots of spots open mid-Sept. Only giving it 4 out of 5 because there is ZERO water for your rig."

    "We setled on #26 because of it’s proximity to the vault bathrooms and the water spigots. Had a nice suprize in the morning with the canyon behind us being full of deer."

    2. Cr 0083

    7 Reviews
    Monticello, UT
    5 miles
    Website

    "Big open lot at the end of CR 0083 near Monticello, UT in Monti La Sal national forest. Good a flat with a nice view. Also high elevation so it’s good and cool at night."

    "There would be plenty of room for any sized RV to park and turn around. Gorgeous mountain views, and lots of wildlife."

    3. Old West RV Park - Utah

    6 Reviews
    Monticello, UT
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 610-1499

    $45 - $80 / night

    "Monticello is the ideal place to explore eastern Utah from.  Everything is about an hour away. "

    "We were in spot 3 so was very close to road. Owner puts on a quick draw show for the guests twice a week and was fun. Discount for cash"

    4. Recapture Reservoir

    14 Reviews
    Blanding, UT
    15 miles

    "Everything is in the title 😉 GPS point is not correct, we were looking for a small road but in fact it s at the end of the main road,on the right, just behind the park place."

    "No signal but there is some at the bottom of the entrance. WARNING: if you don't have an off-road capable vehicle don't listen to the GPS, it took us down a super sketchy back road."

    5. Abajo Flat Camp

    5 Reviews
    Monticello, UT
    3 miles

    "We drove our Thor Axis and roads and site were fine for off-road- slow on the last mile plus of dirt. Pretty and quiet but took a few minutes to level our spot."

    "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!"

    6. Monticello RV Campground

    4 Reviews
    Monticello, UT
    1 mile
    Website

    $40 - $65 / night

    "they are located on the back of the park near the office. just north of the tent sites lies an open field with horses that seems to go miles. To the west lies a field of wind turbines."

    7. Manti-LaSal National Forest Buckboard Campground

    5 Reviews
    Monticello, UT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 587-2041

    $20 - $50 / night

    "This is the second developed CG up the paved road from Monticello. This one has a large open center area that is for two group camping areas. Also there are 10 single spots."

    "Utah is one of my favorite places to visit. The hiking here is one of my favorite things to do."

    8. Westerner RV Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Monticello, UT
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 587-2762

    $40 - $75 / night

    "Not to bad for the $45 we paid.. close to Moab and very UTV friendly.. trails start just down the street. So many places to visit just a short drive away!"

    "Conveniently located to visit Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park and Four Corners National Monument Restrooms are like house bathrooms with showers and they’re nice and clean"

    9. Dalton Springs Campground

    4 Reviews
    Monticello, UT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 587-2041

    "Short distance back to town. $20/$10 senior, all sites FCFS. Cell signal is good. Host onsite in season."

    "What an awesome place to stay and close to everything!"

    10. Manti-LaSal National Forest Nizhoni Campground

    6 Reviews
    Blanding, UT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 587-2041

    $20 - $50 / night

    "This beautiful, shady campground is at the end of a 9-mile County Road going north out of Blanding, Utah, but is well worth the trip."

    "We were right next to the vault toilet which the hosts keep extraordinarily clean. By the group sites there was another bathroom."

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Recent Reviews near Monticello, UT

1163 Reviews of 208 Monticello Campgrounds


  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Flat Iron Mesa Road dispersed camping

    Amazing mesa views

    First to review — and maybe first to stay? Overall a great stay if a bit confusing to find from GPS coordinates. We arrived at sunset and the coordinates puts you in the middle of a scrub brush field with only dirt roads and no campsites. We explored a bit and couldn’t find more. Since it was getting late, we camped right off Flat Iron Mesa Safari Rte, which is right off US 191. Very easy to get here on decent gravel road. We took the fork by the utility poles onto a dirt road, where there were a few level spots on either side of the road. There was no evidence of previous campers (shoe prints, fire rings, etc) so not sure if this is the intended campground, but it worked great for us. Probably could fit 3-4 RVs on level spots along this road. No place to easily turn around though, so we’ll back up our class C to Flat Iron road - those towing might have more challenge. The primitive camping was great though. Level spot, good cell service, gorgeous sunset view across the mesa, and among the best starry sky we’ve seen. Only noise was a low rumble from the gas plant and highway nearby. The next day farther down Flat Iron we saw a BLM sign post saying dispersed camping is allowed and established sites were down the road (well past the GPS coordinates). So might be worth checking exploring for more options. If you want to try our spot, turn right on the dirt road off Flat Iron that follows the utility poles.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Island In The Sky (Willow Flat) Campground — Canyonlands National Park

    Canyonlands NP first come first serve camp sites

    Their are about 20 sites all paved and relatively level. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table with decent spacing between sites. There is no cell service but starlink is perfect. As well canyon views from the campground. One bathroom no shower or running water. Spaces easily accommodated my sprinter. So small trailer or camper less than 25’

  • Michael H.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Porcupine rim campground

    Amazing View, a little rowdy for kids

    We had been to Moab many times, but never camped in the La Sal's and wanted to try something new. 

    The view is worth the 40 minute drive from town and the campsite is very well taken care of, highly recommend! 

    There were a few large groups of people that were getting rowdy late into the night, so it was not ideal for camping with 2 kids. The kids slept great btw, but parents had a hard time operating the next day.

  • Mikael O.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Behind the Rocks Road Dispersed

    Closing on Tuesday Oct 21st 2025 for the Canyonlands Ultra

    They're kicking everyone out on Tuesday. They say that there are 1 or 2 persistent campers every year that they have to call the sheriff on, so I guess they're serious!

    Very rough road in, too. Looked like a nice place tho! But wouldn't want to try and take the trailer in again.

  • jill H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Hamburger Rock Dispersed Camping

    Scenic busy October

    We found this spot after a visit to Moab. Canyonlands National Park is such a treat and the Needles District is a quieter area at least for Fall Break. We rode electric bikes into the park and I wouldn’t recommend that if your bike isn’t equipped for rocky and bumpy roads and main road moves pretty fast with a small shoulder. Our camping spot was fantastic and somewhat removed from others although we could see other campers in every direction.

  • Elise A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Sand Flats Recreation Area

    Packed but worth it

    ended up at Sand Flats after a flash flood forced us to abandon our original campsite plans — and honestly, it turned out to be a saving grace. Even though the campground was packed, it didn’t feel chaotic. Facilities were clean, and our site itself was in great shape. The tent pad was flat and spacious, with plenty of room for our vehicle and gear.

    Be warned: as the name suggests, things will get sandy. Expect to leave with a thin layer of desert dust on just about everything — but that’s part of the charm. Between the views, the convenience, and how well-kept everything was, we couldn’t have asked for a better backup plan.

  • Susan D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Yellow Circle Road Mountain Top Camp

    Great location!

    I chose this icon for Yellow Circle Road because we were kind of on the middle tier of the road. There were spots up the road further, but the road for rough and spots got smaller, so we stayed in the 2nd level. This area is very accessible to Moab. The "sites" on our level were quite large. We tow a 33 ' fifth wheel. We could have fit 6 in our spot. There was a short, steep, rocky, hill to get to this level, but we just took it slow. The only real down side was the dust when the wind picked up. Red dust everywhere! A convenient Maverick station (on the east side of Moab) had free dump and potable water.

  • Natalie  G.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Valley of the Gods Dispersed Site

    Great spot!

    Love that this is free and the views are great! Several great spots to choose from along the way. Definitely be sure to get in before dark though to set up.

  • gThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area

    Great views

    The place was empty. I was there October 8. The views are amazing. There’s a tons of spots. There’s power lines but I guess you can’t have everything. I got here in a standard 4x4 Ford F250. I wasn’t towing anything. It was just me and the truck. It took about :15 mins to drive back down the hill to the 191

    One important note: I think the coordinates are wrong. My GPS showed 38.42514, -109.40074


Guide to Monticello

Dispersed camping sites near Monticello, Utah provide access to both high-elevation forest terrain and lower desert environments. Sitting at approximately 7,000 feet elevation, the Monticello area experiences significant temperature variations between seasons, with winter snows in the higher elevations and summer temperatures that can reach the 90s. Monticello serves as a practical basecamp for exploring both the Abajo Mountains and nearby canyon country.

What to do

Paddle at Recapture Reservoir: Located a short drive south of Monticello, Recapture Reservoir offers water recreation opportunities during warmer months. "We paddle boarded in the reservoir and jumped off a few rocks. We stayed 2 nights," notes Margaret H. The reservoir provides a refreshing alternative to the surrounding desert landscapes.

Explore local trails: The mountains around Monticello contain numerous hiking and OHV trails through oak and pine forests. "Short interpreted hike trailhead at the end if loop B," mentions Marlin B. about Devils Canyon Campground. Some trails lead to historic sites and ancient ruins.

Wildlife viewing: The mountains around Monticello support diverse wildlife populations. "The hill was teeming with life. When I pulled up there were two mule deer drinking from a small runoff. They stayed within 50 ft of us for over an hour. Also saw several turkeys wander through the same water," writes Whitney W. about the dispersed camping area at CR 0083.

What campers like

Mountain temperatures: The higher elevation of the Abajo Mountains provides cooler camping conditions than nearby desert areas. "Good and flat with a nice view. Also high elevation so it's good and cool at night," Jordan W. notes about CR 0083.

Clean facilities: Many established campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept amenities. "Very nice great condition. Paved road in and loops all paved. 41 sites in two loops. South loop has lots of large pull thru sites. North loop has larger pine trees," reports Greg L. about Devils Canyon Campground.

Stargazing conditions: Limited light pollution makes the area excellent for night sky observation. "Some sites have shade and tree cover others have a nice clear view of the sky. We had one with a clear view of the sky," comments Abner H. The mountain campgrounds offer different viewing experiences than the more open desert areas.

What you should know

Water availability varies: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water, and availability can change seasonally. "Water was still turned off due to the colder temps, I think," notes Leslie P. about Manti-LaSal National Forest Nizhoni Campground.

Mosquitoes can be intense: Especially near water sources during warmer months, insects may affect camping comfort. "We decided not to stay. There were swarms of mosquitoes," warns Donna L. about Recapture Reservoir.

Road conditions: Access roads to some dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. "If you don't have an off-road capable vehicle don't listen to the GPS, it took us down a super sketchy back road," cautions Richard K. The final approach to many mountain campsites includes unpaved sections.

Tips for camping with families

Look for established campgrounds with amenities: Family camping benefits from access to basic facilities. "Sites are private, large, and well spaced. Lots of nearby ATV trails," writes Kristin D. about Devils Canyon Campground.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The mountains provide excellent wildlife encounters for children. "We loved being surrounded by pines and seeing all the deer go across the camp. It's a beautiful location," shares Ignacio R. about Manti-LaSal National Forest Nizhoni Campground.

Book tent sites strategically: Some campgrounds have designated tent areas with advantages. "Very nice campground with lots of tent sites on Loop B. We rolled in at 8:45pm on a Thursday in June and had our choice of many wonderful sites," reports Marlin B. Loop selection can significantly impact your camping experience.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling considerations: Mountain campsites may require extra effort to level rigs. "Pretty and quiet but took a few minutes to level our spot," mentions Wendy about Abajo Flat Camp.

Connectivity options: While cell service varies throughout the area, some spots offer better coverage. "We used Starlink for great connectivity (198.25 Mbps download) the entire stay," reports Abner H. about Devils Canyon Campground.

Size restrictions: Not all forest service roads accommodate larger rigs. "We have a 20' TT towing with a Mercedes SUV. About 4 miles of good dirt rd. No issues at all getting here," notes Scott S. about Abajo Flat Camp. Check road conditions and campground specifications before attempting access with larger RVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wind Whistle Campground near Monticello?

Wind Whistle Campground isn't directly mentioned in current reviews, but the Monticello area offers several similar camping experiences. Pine Flat Dispersed Camping Area provides numerous dispersed camping opportunities via spur roads at around 8,850 feet elevation. The area features predominantly oak brush and scattered pine vegetation, making it popular for hunting and ATV use, especially from mid-August through September. Another option is Monticello Lake, a small water supply with dispersed camping around vehicle tracks surrounding the lake. At 8,700 feet elevation, it offers basic camping with oak trees but no amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, or potable water.

What campgrounds are available in Monticello, Utah?

Monticello offers diverse camping options in the beautiful Manti-LaSal National Forest. Manti-LaSal National Forest Buckboard Campground features 10 single sites and 2 group camping areas with vault toilets, water (seasonal), and a $20 fee ($10 for seniors, $50 for group sites). For dispersed camping, Foy Lake Rd Fishing/Camping Site provides free camping areas near a small fishing lake with a vault toilet and paved road access. Other options include Monticello Lake (dispersed), Pine Flat Dispersed Camping Area, Dalton Springs Campground (with water and toilets), and Nizhoni Campground. Most forest campgrounds are at higher elevations (8,000-8,900 feet), offering cooler temperatures during summer months.

Are there RV parks near Monticello, Utah?

Yes, Monticello has excellent RV accommodations. Old West RV Park is strategically located in Monticello, making it an ideal base for exploring eastern Utah. From here, you're about an hour away from major attractions including Moab, Arches, Canyonlands, Hovenweep, Monument Valley, and even Mesa Verde. For additional options, Monticello RV Campground offers reservable sites with water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces. If you're willing to venture a bit further, Blue Mountain RV Park in Blanding (about 20 miles south) provides well-kept, full hook-up sites with nice landscaping, though it does experience some road noise from the main route through town.