Looking for the best dispersed camping near Monticello? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Monticello just for you.
11 Miles south of Moab, free dispersed sites along Yellow Circle Road. BLM signage designates the area within which you can camp. Many RVs and tent sites. Good for 2wd.
Indian Creek Special Recreation Management Area encompasses the Indian Creek Unit of the Bears Ears National Monument. Indian Creek affords many opportunities for rock climbing on world class splitter cracks formed in Wingate sandstone. Indian Creek draws climbers from around the world to test their crack climbing technique. Bouldering is also available throughout the valley. Campgrounds include Superbowl, Creek Pasture, and Hamburger Rock. Large groups may reserve groups sites at Indian Creek Falls, Creek Pasture and at Superbowl Campground through recreation.gov. Free dispersed camping at Bridger Jack Mesa is limited to designated sites only. In other areas please limit dispersed camping to previously disturbed sites. Alteration of rock surfaces and removal or vegetation is prohibited. Several popular climbs can only be reached by crossing private land. Please use existing trails and respect private land signs and fences. Climbing on petroglyphs is unlawful and destructive. Please Respect and Protect cultural resources.
Looking for a retreat from the hustle of daily life - where the stars are bright, the air is clear, and the only noise is a nearby owl hooting into the night? BLM Utah provides outstanding camping opportunities for every comfort-level. From remote, backcountry camping to front-country developed sites, you will find the perfect campsite on BLM Utah-managed lands. BLM camping areas provide differing levels of services - plan ahead and be prepared, bring water, and the appropriate means to deal with your trash and human/dog waste.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. "Dispersed camping" is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a designated campground, and is generally allowed anywhere unless posted otherwise. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find spots that meet the needs for their camp.
Dispersed camping may mean no toilet facilities or treated water are located nearby. Typically, dispersed camping is not allowed near developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas or trailheads. Some dispersed sites are provided with fire rings and in those cases please use them as they are designating that area as the spot to safely have a campfire. Finally some dispersed sites have a designated footprint for use. If you see a site with any type of barriers or fencing please respect these areas by not pulling motor vehicles or OHV’s around them. They are there to preserve the surrounding forest making it enjoyable for all for years to come.
Regulations
Follow these general guidelines to help ensure these dispersed camping areas will be enjoyed by future generations of campers:
Camping is limited to 14 days. The campsite must then be moved a minimum of ten miles. Camping is restricted to 28 days in any 60-day period.
All dispersed campers should follow the ideals of Leave No Trace and practice the concept of Pack It In - Pack It Out.
The Motor Vehicle Use Map only allows for motorized vehicles to be parked 150 feet off of any authorized forest service road.
Dispersed camping is prohibited in areas such as developed trailheads and picnic sites.
Choose sites that are already established.
Find camping spots that allow for water to shed naturally. Digging ditches around tents or trailers is not permitted.
Dispose of human waste properly (200 feet from water, in an 8 inch deep hole).
Please do not carve or chop into tree trunks—this can eventually kill the tree.
Traveler
No clear signage indicating that this is BLM land or that dispersed camping is allowed. In fact, there are lots of private property signs, tho (I think?) Those only pertain to what's on either side of the road. Parked overnight in a pullout with no problems, probably the only one around for miles. Overall, a little uneasy that I was going to get busted but worked out great!
Guide
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.
Legend
Nice large area, lots of spur roads going to many dispersed camps. Roads have clay so some low spots can be mud holes after rains. Area is at 8850 elv, seems popular for hunting in the fall so be aware from Sept on. Vegetation is mostly oak brush and scattered pine trees and aspen. Cell signal on T-Mobile was almost useless for downloads. This area has a paved road all the way from Monticello, about 8 miles back to town. No toilets, no dumpsters and no water. Two developed FS CGs are close by but seems to have an aggressive approach to dispersed campers using the dumpsters.
Scout
Very remote area. Beautiful night sky. and peace. The entrance is a gate in a private land, drive about 1 mile to BLM land, mostly dirt roads.
Guide
We found the dispersed camping spot by fluke after reading reviews of the hamburger rock BLM camp just down the road. Wow. What a gem.
Plenty of pullouts / drive in spots of big RVs and a heap of camping spots. We shared the space with 20 climbers who were climbing the mesas during the day. We have a 28ft RV and easily found a camp spot at 3pm on a Saturday. Road is gravel but very manageable/smooth -ish for a large RV.
Pullouts start from 200m off thr main road and continue as you head north past the formal hamburger rock campground. Stunning views of the stars and sunrise photo ops!
Can’t recommend enough.
Traveler
About a 45 min drive from downtown Moab. Probably want 4WD. Bumpy road and a few tight turns but not too bad. Free camping spots up at the campground were great. We got there at 5 pm and found plenty of good places. Bathrooms available (not bad). Beautiful spot to watch the sun rise over the rim!!!
Legend
We saw this BLM land on the way to the House of Fire trail came back and passed through to check it out. Flat area with some large trees very open area and since it was weekend there were several families with Atv’s. Very dusty when dry. There were tent campers and rv’s some fire rings. This campground would be about a quarter mile once you pass through The Comb off of 95 about 10 miles north of Blanding on the left. This would be great for group camping.
Legend
BLM land. Plenty of open space. Gravel road with potholes. Difficult entry off the main highway immediately down a steep but short grade and across a creek bottom which may or may not be full of water. The creek bottom is hard pan so not as scary as it sounds unless of course there's rushing water or a flash flood which is rare. But once through that first obstacle, the road is not too bad at all. The views here are incredible. Not crowded at all. Just pick a spot with the view you like and make it home.
RangerAnywhere on potash road is the perfect free camping. Very close to amazing climbing. Hot during the summer like everywhere in southern Utah. No signs that day free camping but, it is fact free. Dispersed great for big groups or all alone. Dogs allowed. Bring lots of water. Don’t forget to look at the stars at night.
TravelerWe only stayed for one night, but we would’ve stayed much longer if it wasn’t so windy/cold. Definitely our fault for visiting in November. We want to come back at the end of summer. The views here were second to none. It was the quiet you would expect from a dispersed camping spot, perfect.
Traveler
My wife and I camped with another couple bringing a race car trailer and pickup truck and car hauler with our Jeeps onboard. We found this spot here that was amazing. AFTER CLEANING UP A HUGE MESS THAT SOME A HOLE LEFT, we arranged our gear and set up camp. Best time I have ever had camping. We were even greeted with 4" of snow our last day there! Coming from Houston that was cool. There is no water or restroom so be prepared with your own water and port a poty. Maverick gas station down the road GAVE us potable water access and allowed us to throw our trash there. Our port a poty can be dumped in any toilet so...was not bad. We wheeled the local trails, camped and cooked all our meals, and never had any incident or visit by any sketchy people or authorities. I believe if you are taking care of the area "treading lightly" you will have no problems here. The stars and views are the best you can expect...especially for free camping. Please Please Please leave the site better than you found it unless you want to lose the luxury of this type of dispersed camping. We will be back as we did not do all the trails yet.
Traveler
Without 4WD, there are less dispersed camping spots in Moab compared to the past. Many popular spots are now charging fees. This one remains free and is located just south of the city. You have to drive on this road until you see the signs allowing camping. From there, there are many pull offs. We chose one of the first ones we found as it was cold and dark when we were looking. Not much privacy, but easy to find! I read that the farther you go down the road, the more private walk in spaces you’ll be able to find. Even though it was snowy when we were there, the view was gorgeous! There was a fire pit set up at the site, and we were able to find restrooms/showers in town early morning at Dowd Flats RV Park on our way back into Moab.
Traveler
Scenic views of Valley floor, mountains and visible changes of weather from all directions. We arrived during a week long Jeep convention and even though the town was packed with people, this specific location was remote enough few people visited.
BLM has recategorized most dispersed camping locations to be 2 miles outside the highway with clearly marked signs stating Camping 14 Day Limit or NO Camping.
This is a recent change the BLM and two counties initiated due to the amount of garbage and human waste that gets discarded at camp sites along the routes. Pack your waste back to town and dispose of it in garbage bins.
127 traffic is fast so beware when walking, running or riding along it and expect to be passed. Shoulders are soft when moisture is present.
GuideValley of The Gods is truly an amazing place. The dispersed camping is some of the best I’ve ever experienced. Every campsite is amazing. Do yourself a favor and spend at least one night in The Valley of The Gods if you're passing through Utah.
Legend
Small lake (water supply?) close to hwy. Seems a network of vehicle tracks around the lake for dispersed camping. No signs present of any restrictions.. fishing? 8700 ft elevation, oak trees around the area. No picnic tables, no fire-rings, no dumpsters, no potable water.. however a single vault toilet is by hwy pull off is present.
FS website has this info: The Monticello Lake Fishing Site is located next to Monticello Lake, a 5 acre lake located about 0.2 miles off FH 49 Loop/Harts Draw down Forest Road #114. The Department of Wildlife Resources of Utah (DWR) stocks this reservoir with Rainbow and Tiger Trout.
GuideFree camping in stunning location. Excellent biking.
TravelerDispersed camping just off the road. Room for 5 or more tents. 38.48069 -109.68732.
This is near potash mine/processing. The mine property has no trespassing signs. Many dispersed camp sight near this one, but I think this one has the best views.
Ranger
Great free camping ~15min from downtown Moab. Lots of sites all along a meadow/field backing up to the canyon walls. Slow Verizon Service. Would stay again!
LegendThis area is an informal dispersed camping areas. No signage noting this is an official campground. Large dispersed spots suitable for large TTs. Second dispersed camping pod in is best. Just after second camping pod area there is a steep wash dip that will restrict TYs and RVs. No toilets, no water no tables, no fire rings. No cell signal. Two track roads up and down Comb Wash away from the camping area are risky sandy so be prepared.
ScoutEasily one of my favorite places to dispersed camp. 17 mile gravel road which my outback did fine on, just very bumpy. There are campsites everywhere, some just off the road and others have small roads going to them. Incredibly beautiful views camping in the shadow of monuments. It’s always the nice mix of occupied enough that you don’t feel like if something happens that you’re screwed, but with enough distance between campsites that it feels like you’re the only one out there. Also gorgeous views of the stars if the moon isn’t too bright.
ScoutWords can’t describe the beauty of this place, mid May was ideal . A bit windy this time of year but only in the mid to late afternoon. Out of a hundred dispersed camp sites there wasn’t one that was left trashed or dirty. Amazingly clean and easy to get to.. if there is one camping bucket list that needs a box it’s this one. A convince store just 8 miles up the road in Mexican Hat for basic supplies and a SteakHouse as well.
GuideFree primitive camping with amazing views. No facilities. Pack in and pack out. Plenty of spaces to chose from.
GuideDispersed 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.
ScoutTook the Rav4. Wouldn't recommend the Honda Civic. Better clearance would be good for the upper sites. Lots of rock ring fire pits but not so far apart as you would expect in dispersed camping. Somewhat busy for a Tuesday in October. Vehicles looking for open sites all through the night.
GuideThis park is fully paved with paved, well maintained dispersed camping. Reservatuons can be made online, which I'd suggest. The road up to the park is paved and well maintained. The sites are gorgeous with beautiful fire pits, metal picnic tables and a metal stand for a small grill. Plenty of sun for solar and gorgeous arid vegetation.
TravelerWe were striking out on basically all the campgrounds close to Moab early on a Thursday. Luckily Dyrt led us to this little dispersed camping oasis. Aside from a few motorcycles in the distance, it was nice and quiet! Lots of room for the dog to get out some zoomies after a long car ride.
TravelerGorgeous views in every direction, and very quiet and peaceful. At night time the moon illuminates the rocks and it almost looks like another world. Best place to camp near blanding/Mexican hat. Will say the road was relatively rough and is not suitable for large rvs and maybe some RWD/low clearance vehicles. True dispersed camping so come prepared with everything you might need.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Monticello, Utah, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. This area offers a variety of spots perfect for those looking to escape into nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Monticello, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Monticello, UT is Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area with a 4.4-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Monticello, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 72 dispersed camping locations near Monticello, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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