Dispersed camping near Sunnyside, Utah spans across Bureau of Land Management lands at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal temperature variations. Summer daytime temperatures often reach 95°F while dropping to 55°F at night, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. The area receives minimal annual rainfall, contributing to the dusty conditions reported by many campers.
What to do
Stargazing sessions: Horse Canyon Road offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. "Night skies are notably dark, making stargazing exceptional," noted one visitor about the area. Another camper at Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping shared, "You will never see a more beautiful night sky."
Mountain biking trails: The Athena mountain bike trail near Green River provides moderate terrain suitable for intermediate riders. A visitor at Athena Slabs at Green River mentioned, "The new Athena mt bike trail is close by" and another noted, "This is way more than an overnight sleep, you could stay here 3-4 days for hiking and excellent views."
Canyon exploration: Explore the sandstone formations by taking short hikes from your campsite. "We grabbed a dispersed site near the east Goldwater rim trailhead. There is a great trail west of the campsites. I walked it and road my mountain bike along it for a little while," reported a camper at Little Grand Canyon.
What campers like
Solitude and privacy: Most dispersed sites offer significant distance between campers, especially during weekdays. A camper at Horse Canyon Road shared, "I didn't see a single other person once I got to my site." Another noted, "We were alone. While we can't see the highway we can hear it."
Convenience for travelers: Several sites serve as practical overnight stops when traveling through the region. "Quick 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," noted one visitor about Canyon Rd Dispersed.
Accessibility: Many areas can be reached without specialized vehicles. "Easy gravel road after crossing I70," noted a visitor to Athena Slabs, while another mentioned, "Road is gravel/paved to the pull off sites. Mile off the interstate but cannot hear or see the traffic."
What you should know
Seasonal pest considerations: Insects can be problematic during certain months. A camper at Horse Canyon Road warned, "Not sure if it's the time of year but we were swarmed with gnats all around us and our rig." Plan accordingly with proper insect repellent.
Weather variability: Prepare for dramatic temperature shifts and potential wind. "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. The next few days were awesome. Temp was in the 70s with a slight breeze," shared a visitor at Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping.
Limited amenities: Bring all necessary supplies as most sites have no facilities. At Woodside Lower Price River Road Dispersed, one camper noted, "The river is difficult to access, a scramble down a 4 foot vertical drop off, holding onto willows. The water is silty and just a foot or two deep, but refreshing to dip into."
Tips for camping with families
Best time to arrive: Schedule arrival before sunset for easier site selection and setup. "Definitely aim to arrive before the colors of sunset fade. Setting up was wonderfully simple, and I had the whole place to myself," shared a camper at Woodside Lower Price River Road.
Safety precautions: Watch for hazards in undeveloped areas. "There is a lot of junk to watch out for. Some of it from the area's former life and some of it from mis use by users," noted a camper at Athena Slabs at Green River.
Location selection: For families with children, consider sites with natural features but minimal hazards. A visitor at Buckhorn Draw Wickiup Site shared, "Large flat area with quite a few short trees scattered around. Great jumping off point to visit San Rafael swell."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Several areas have rough access roads requiring careful navigation. "Very secluded with half decent dirt/sand roads, just watch where you drive with some larger rocks and broken glass," warned an RVer at Horse Canyon Road.
Levelness considerations: Some areas offer naturally level parking without much preparation needed. A visitor at Buckhorn Draw Wickiup Site mentioned, "Right off the highway has dozens of good sites all levels with good views. Fire ours built in most," while another noted it has "Lots of flat ground, highway noise wasn't too loud but also wasn't too far away from the road."
Weather impacts: Rain can significantly affect rustic camping areas near Sunnyside. "We needed a place for the night after leaving the crazy busy area of Moab and this was the perfect spot. It had rained the day we arrived and it was not muddy and no problem getting in and out," noted an RVer at Buckhorn Draw Wickiup Site.
