Dispersed camping options dominate the landscape near Price, Utah, with most sites located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Elevations range from 5,500 feet in Price to over 7,000 feet at higher campsites in the surrounding mountains. This terrain creates notable temperature variations, with summer nights cooling significantly compared to daytime highs, especially at sites along canyon rims.
What to do
Bouldering adventures: New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground offers free camping with climbing opportunities nearby. According to one camper, "Really enjoy staying here. Free camping and plenty of activities to do in the area. Climbing (Bouldering), Site seeing (Not far from The Wedge)."
Mountain biking trails: Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping provides access to excellent mountain biking routes. A visitor noted, "There is a great trail west of the campsites. I walked it and road my mountain bike along it for a little while."
Stargazing opportunities: The San Rafael Swell area delivers exceptional night skies. As one camper at Little Grand Canyon described, "Absolutely stunning views and the most beautiful night skies I've ever seen. I'll be returning with the family in May."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities in the juniper forests. Bring binoculars for better chances of seeing desert bighorn sheep, especially in the canyon areas.
What campers like
Canyon-edge camping spots: The Wedge Overlook offers dramatic vistas across the Little Grand Canyon. A camper reported, "Deep in The San Rafael Swell lies The Wedge Overlook campground. The campground lies right on the rim of The Little Grand Canyon. Beautiful views, hiking and biking trails."
Solitude during weekdays: Most dispersed sites see minimal visitors mid-week. One reviewer at Wedge Overlook noted, "We stayed here at the very beginning of October. It was 80 during the day and 40s at night, so dress accordingly. Sites are first come first serve and free!"
Geological features: The varied rock formations create unique camping experiences. At Little Grand Canyon, a camper observed, "Dispersed camp spots, some REALLY primo ones on edge of canyon with dramatic views. Juniper trees create some privacy between spots."
Winter camping: For those prepared for cold conditions, winter camping offers complete solitude. One visitor commented, "Mid-January was perfect for me as I like the colder weather and the gorgeous colors of the clay and white snow."
What you should know
Road conditions vary widely: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain. At CO2 Road Dispersed Campsite, a camper warned, "Avoid this spot if it is raining at all as it will give your tires a nice coat of slick mud; even an off road tire can get stuck with this kind of sticky mud!!"
Target shooting areas: Some sites show evidence of recreational shooting. At Bull Mesa Pullout, one camper noted, "This spot was a little hard to locate because it's on trust land and the spots look like junk piles. Yuck! There was so much ammo casings on the ground it looked like a war zone."
Weather preparedness: Strong winds can develop quickly, particularly at exposed ridge sites. A reviewer at Little Grand Canyon shared, "Our first night was a tough one. We got caught in a severe wind storm but everything held together and besides a lack of sleep, we all survived."
Limited facilities: Most sites lack basic amenities. At Canyon Rd Dispersed, a camper advised, "Convenient overnight spot — Close to town and a gas station, making it a great choice for a quick stop. You can hear some road noise, but it's not too disruptive."
Tips for camping with families
Best family-friendly sites: Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area offers easier access for families. A camper described it as "a big field where you can park and set up camp anywhere. Only one drawback - there's no place to go to the bathroom at, so get ready to walk a while to avoid stares."
Safety considerations: Keep children away from unfenced canyon edges at rim campsites. Sites further from edges offer safer alternatives for families with young children.
Temperature planning: Pack layers for children as temperatures can drop rapidly after sunset. One camper at Sheep Creek noted, "Night time was really cool with some good stargazing, and there really weren't any cars on the dirt road, so that was also a plus."
Entertainment options: Bring activities for children as most sites lack natural play areas. A visitor suggested, "Great spot for kids and dogs and close to the highway."
Tips from RVers
Best RV access points: Skyline Drive offers several RV-friendly spots despite being primarily rustic camping. According to one RVer, "We drove our towed vehicle further down the road and discovered that you enter the Manti-Lasal National Forest in about a mile. If you continue for another 3 or 4 miles you will climb up into some absolutely gorgeous groves of Aspen trees."
Level parking challenges: Many sites require careful positioning to achieve level parking. At Canyon Rd Dispersed, a camper noted, "It was great for a quick stop close to two Maverick truck stops. Restaurants and tourist attractions. Industrial trucks up and down the main road but not very bothersome."
Length restrictions: Larger rigs should avoid narrow access roads. One RVer at Skyline Drive cautioned, "Although we did not see any Motorhomes up there, there were multiple campsites and several were taken by folks that had towed their 35-45 foot fifth wheels up there. I believe my 29 foot Four Winds could have made the drive without issues."
Overnight stopping points: Several sites work well as transit stops between major destinations. A camper at Sheep Creek explained, "This was easy to find at dusk with a clear road. LOTS of trash around. You could hear the highway a little bit but the noise wasn't too bad."
