Dispersed camping opportunities surround Orangeville, Utah within the Manti-La Sal National Forest, providing campers with alternatives to established campgrounds. The area sits in central Utah's high desert landscape with elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet. Temperature fluctuations can be extreme, with summer days reaching the 90s while nights cool significantly due to the elevation, requiring proper layering and cold-weather gear even in warmer months.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Goodwater Rim East Dispersed Camping serves as a trailhead for the mountain bike path circling the rim of the Little Grand Canyon. "This is one of the two dispersed camping areas associated with the mountain bike trail that goes around the rim of the little Grand Canyon. There's a centralized pit toilet that you might have to drive a mile or two and there are a number of dispersed sites in addition to the official numbered sites," notes Will M.
Sunset viewing: The road to Willow Creek Road - Dispersed Site offers exceptional sunset viewing opportunities. One camper reported, "Campsite I stayed at/the drive up is amazing during sunset." This makes the journey to your campsite part of the experience.
Bouldering: Joe's Valley Bouldering Area provides tent-only accommodations specifically designed for climbers. The site attracts bouldering enthusiasts from across the country who camp near the popular climbing routes.
What campers like
Midweek solitude: Tent campsites near Orangeville, Utah tend to be significantly less crowded during weekdays. At Willow Creek Road - Dispersed Site, one camper shared, "Was there on a thursday and saw 2 other people." This pattern of weekend crowds and midweek quietude is consistent across most dispersed sites in the area.
Private camping spots: Campers appreciate finding secluded areas away from main roads. "Lots of spots to camp along the road but this one seemed the most private," reports Tracey W. about her experience at Willow Creek Road.
High elevation cooling: The higher elevation camping options provide relief from summer heat. Willow Creek Road sits at nearly 8,000 feet, creating comfortable summer camping conditions compared to lower desert areas. A camper noted, "You are at almost 8000 ft so not a winter camping spot," highlighting the seasonal advantages.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Winter camping is impractical at many sites due to elevation. "You are at almost 8000 ft so not a winter camping spot," cautions one camper about Willow Creek Road. Snow typically blocks access to higher elevation sites from late October through April.
Basic amenities: Goodwater Rim East Dispersed Camping provides minimal facilities. "There's a centralized pit toilet that you might have to drive a mile or two," explains one reviewer, underscoring the need to plan for limited services. Most dispersed sites have no facilities whatsoever.
Weekend traffic patterns: Expect significant traffic increases on weekends across all tent camping areas. One Willow Creek Road camper observed, "We got there on a Sunday night and quite a bit of traffic heading out. I imagine the weekends are busy." Plan arrivals accordingly to secure preferred sites.
Tips for camping with families
Activity timing: Schedule mountain biking activities with morning trail traffic in mind. A camper at Willow Creek Road - Dispersed Site mentioned, "It is RIGHT next to a mountain bike trail, so expect some early-morning bikers to be coming down." This makes the site excellent for families wanting easy trail access but requires awareness of morning activity.
ATV considerations: Some camping areas experience ATV traffic. At Willow Creek Road, a camper noted, "There is some ATV traffic but respectfully slow." This makes these areas suitable for families who either enjoy ATVs or don't mind occasional passing vehicles.
Off-peak advantages: Families benefit from camping Sunday through Thursday when sites are notably quieter. "Great dispersed place to stay. Was there on a thursday and saw 2 other people," reports one camper, suggesting more space for children to explore safely on weekdays.
Tips from RVers
Dispersed options: Goodwater Rim East Dispersed Camping accommodates both tent and RV camping with drive-in access. This provides flexibility for groups with multiple camping styles. The site's basic nature means RVers must be fully self-contained.
Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed sites may require higher clearance vehicles. While specific clearance requirements aren't mentioned in reviews, the presence of "official numbered sites" alongside more remote options at Goodwater Rim indicates varying accessibility levels for different vehicles and RV sizes.
