Dispersed camping sites near Monticello, Utah provide accessible options for equestrians and other outdoor enthusiasts in the high desert terrain. The area sits at elevations ranging from 4,900 to 7,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature shifts between seasons and even day to night. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F during the day but drop to 50-60°F at night, making adequate planning essential.
What to do
Petroglyph viewing: At Sand Island Recreation Area, campers can explore ancient rock art within walking distance of their campsite. "The campground has hundreds of petroglyphs, you can hear the wild donkeys and we saw wild horses on the river bank," notes David N.
Wildlife watching: CR 0083 offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the day. "We watched two separate flocks of turkeys and a large head of deer with our morning coffee and breakfast," writes Aric O. about his camping experience.
Dark sky stargazing: Valley of the Gods provides exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "Astoundingly beautiful and spending the night in the valley was near perfection," reports Ramona H. The open terrain creates panoramic views of the Milky Way and constellations.
Hiking trails: Set up camp at Snow Flat and access nearby trails. "Worth the drive up... Wildflowers were blooming at the site," mentions Fred S. The mesa-top location provides access to backcountry hiking routes with minimal crowds.
What campers like
High elevation cooling: Escaping summer heat is possible at CR 0083, located in the Monti-La Sal National Forest. "Good and cool at night," confirms Jordan W., making it a strategic choice during hot summer months.
Secluded camping: Butler Wash offers privacy away from busier sites. "The site is well off the road. Flat, level spot... Beautiful views all around. Very quiet & peaceful," explains Fred S. about his experience at Butler Wash Dispersed.
Shade availability: While most desert camping lacks coverage, some sites provide relief. Jahro M. describes Butler Wash as a "very beautiful spot, one of the few with shade in the monument if valley region."
Open landscapes: The expansive terrain allows campers to maintain distance from others. "AMAZING views, lots of sites, most spaced out well, some back off the road," reports odessa B. about Valley of the Gods camping.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires navigating unpaved roads. "The ride on Lower Butler Wash Road to reach this site was no problem for our campervan. Crossed 2 dry washes; took it slow," writes Fred S.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife interactions at all times. Jennifer R. warns about CR 0083: "Just be very careful on the drive up as we encountered several deer jumping into our path for the full four miles up from town, one time dramatically enough that we had to slam on our brakes."
Weather preparedness: Moab Overlook Dispersed Site and surrounding areas experience extreme temperature fluctuations. Pack for both hot days and cold nights, even in summer.
Ground conditions: The hard-packed soil creates challenges for tent stakes. One Valley of the Gods camper notes, "The ground is also extremely dry and hard but with a mallet you can get the stake in and it will stick like concrete."
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Consider Kens Lake Group Sites for water-based recreation. "Great place for a hike and or swim in the lake! Moab is just 20 minutes drive away," says Peter D.
Educational opportunities: Turn camping into a learning experience with petroglyphs and wildlife viewing. "Sand Island Recreation Area has an interesting rock art panel in campground. Nice 6 mile trail to town of Bluff," reports Sotnos B.
Space considerations: Look for sites with room to spread out. Whitney W. notes about CR 0083: "Very little option to camp on the side of the road. Ended up at the end of the road when was at the bottom of an old ski hill. The hill was teeming with life."
Timing your arrival: At Valley of the Gods, Chris advises, "Would be best to arrive after or near sundown seeing as it was in the 100's most of the afternoon and evening."
Tips from RVers
Turnaround space: For horse trailers and larger vehicles, CR 0083 provides ample room. "We pulled into this spot at 10 pm and there were only 2 other campers on site. There was plenty of parking and we got right at the base of the old ski run," explains Aric O.
Accessibility limits: Not all dispersed sites accommodate large rigs. Fred S. cautions about Snow Flat: "This site was really good for my campervan, but I don't recommend the drive to this spot for larger campers."
Entry point selection: For equestrian camping at Valley of the Gods, Reid advises, "Wouldn't drive a large motor home or trailer through it but there's areas to camp with your large RVs on the east end entrance."
Level parking: 3 Step Hideaway offers more established camping options with level sites for horse trailers. "Old western town vibe. Dark skies. Hikes, dirt biking, mountain biking, ATV/4wd trails everywhere," says JDavid R.
