Best Campgrounds near Thompson, UT
The Thompson, Utah region supports a variety of camping experiences ranging from developed RV sites to dispersed options on public lands. Located along Interstate 70 approximately 30 miles northwest of Moab, the area features established facilities like Ballard RV Park and Desert Moon Hotel & RV Park within Thompson proper, while nearby dispersed camping on BLM lands provides more primitive options. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some properties also offering cabin rentals. The proximity to Moab and national parks makes Thompson a strategic base for exploring southeastern Utah's public lands.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with maintained paved access to developed campgrounds and rougher dirt roads leading to dispersed sites. BLM Road 144 southwest of Thompson serves as a primary access route to several free camping areas, though high clearance vehicles are recommended for some sections. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F during peak season (June-August), while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Cell service is generally reliable near Interstate 70 and in Thompson but becomes spotty in more remote camping areas. A visitor noted, "This is a spot just south of Thompson Springs exit on I70. Take the exit road south, up the hill .2 mile and on left there is a large spot that was likely a highway materials depot at one time. Good cell signal, close to the store and gas at the exit."
Camping experiences in the Thompson area range from full-service RV parks with hookups to rustic desert settings. The developed campgrounds in Thompson provide convenient overnight stops for travelers on I-70, offering amenities like showers, water, and electrical hookups. Dispersed camping areas attract those seeking more solitude and cost-free options, though they lack facilities. A camper observed that many travelers use Thompson as a strategic layover point: "Got into Moab later than expected on a Friday night around spring break time, so there were no campsites available at the BLM sites along the Colorado River. After looking around for an hour, we looped back up around the 128 to I-70 and got off at Thompson springs." The area's primary appeal lies in its accessibility from major travel routes and its position as a gateway to nearby national parks, with most visitors using it as either an overnight stop or a less crowded alternative to staying in Moab.
