Best Dispersed Camping near Roosevelt, UT
Dispersed camping opportunities around Roosevelt, Utah primarily concentrate on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, with notable options at McCoy Flats and areas surrounding Starvation Reservoir. McCoy Flats, located about 6 miles southwest of Vernal, features an extensive network of primitive campsites along the main access road and spur roads. Additional free camping can be found at Starvation Hideaway and near Fred Hayes State Park, where campers have established informal sites in the surrounding public lands. The Dog Valley area near Vernal and several spots along Green River also support primitive camping.
Access to most dispersed sites requires traveling on paved roads with potholes that transition to dirt roads with varying conditions. McCoy Flats area is accessible via a paved but deteriorating road, with multiple pull-offs suitable for camping. High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote sites, particularly those near Starvation Reservoir or in the Massey Meadow area. Most locations lack amenities, with only vault toilets available at designated trailheads in the McCoy Flats system. According to Forest Service regulations, camping in these areas is typically limited to 14 days within a 30-day period.
These primitive sites provide seclusion and expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The McCoy Flats area has become particularly popular with mountain bikers accessing the 46-mile trail network. "What a hidden gem! I stayed for 4 nights and had the place to myself for 3 nights," reported one camper about McCoy Flats. Cell service varies by location, with excellent coverage reported at McCoy Flats but limited connectivity in more remote areas. Campers should note that exposed sites can experience significant wind, particularly in open desert areas. Wildlife sightings are common in the higher elevation camping areas near Ashley National Forest, where moose and deer are frequently spotted.
