Dispersed camping near Montezuma Creek, Utah offers primitive camping experiences at 4,500 feet elevation with terrain ranging from sandy washes to rocky mesas. Summer temperatures typically exceed 90°F while winter nights often drop below freezing. Spring and fall camping provides moderate temperatures but campers should prepare for minimal shade and sudden weather changes throughout the San Juan River basin.
What to Do
River Activities: Access the San Juan River from several spots like BLM Dispersed on San Juan River where camper Reily K. notes, "Quiet, flat, beautiful. Stars were amazing at night. Lots of room. FREE!"
Hiking Opportunities: Butler Wash Pay Station Dispersed Camping serves as an access point for exploring ancestral ruins. Matt B. shares, "The Lower Butler Wash Road is home to many fantastic car and van camping options. The dirt road is well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles."
Stargazing: The dark skies in this region make for exceptional nighttime viewing. At Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed, one visitor reported, "Dope view of the milky way at night!" Areas away from highways provide the darkest skies with minimal light pollution.
What Campers Like
Natural Solitude: Many sites offer complete privacy. At Cannonball Mesa, a camper described, "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."
Flexible Site Selection: Most dispersed areas allow campers to select their ideal spot. At Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping, Mark S. noted, "Dispersed campsites off the side of the trail gives many options to get the best from this area."
Wildlife Viewing: Early mornings often bring opportunities to spot desert wildlife. One camper at Comb Wash Dispersed Camping Area observed, "I'm also pretty sure a Coyote was in my immediate vicinity in the evening."
What You Should Know
Seasonal Considerations: Summer heat can be intense throughout the area with little natural shade. David R. at BLM Dispersed on San Juan River shared, "Last week in April - weather was perfect and almost zero bugs. 4500ft elevation."
Cell Service Limitations: Most sites have minimal to no connectivity. At Butler Wash Dispersed - Bears Ears, one reviewer noted, "No AT&T nor T-Mobile service."
Flash Flood Risk: Sandy washes can become dangerous during rain. According to one camper visiting Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed, "Beware of potential flooding, it was dry when we went but had flooded the night before."
Tips for Camping with Families
Water Requirements: No potable water exists at these sites, so bring ample supplies. At Recapture Reservoir, families can enjoy water activities while camping, but one visitor warned about seasonal issues: "We decided not to stay. There were swarms of mosquitoes."
Educational Opportunities: The region contains numerous archaeological sites. At Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping, Reed H. advised, "While hikes around the area are accessible, I recommend driving to the hike overlooking Bears Ears."
Temperature Management: Summer heat requires additional cooling strategies. Jason T. remarked about Valley of the Gods, "It is hot in July, but cools off at night. Constant breeze, no bugs. Bring shade as there are no trees except for a couple of spots by dry river beds."
Tips from RVers
Road Condition Awareness: Many access roads require careful navigation. Alfred H. described BLM Dispersed on San Juan River noting, "Road entrance only with high clearance vehicles- for our expedition truck the road further down was narrow and very rocky but doable."
Turning Space: Consider your ability to turn around before venturing down narrow roads. At Abandonded Bridge on San Juan River, Amilyn W. cautioned, "Arrived after 8pm with our crew cab truck and 14ft travel trailer. Thankfully we were the only ones there as it was difficult to maneuver our rig back around to be set up to leave."
Level Site Selection: Many areas offer surprisingly flat parking. Mike J. at Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed shared, "The roads are rutted and although I see plenty of passenger cars back here, my 25 ft travel trailer pulled by my F150 did all it could to pull thru the ruts, hills and hollows. Don't go off the main road without dessert 4x4 capabilities."
