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.
$25 - $250 / night
"This campground is surrounded by tall majestic rocks high in the Utah desert. Well located to visit several National parks. Toilets and water scattered around this large site."
"Depending on how far you want to walk, there is access to several of the park's arches right from the campsite. Beware of Ravens!"
$30 - $50 / night
"Lots of room for over 100 rigs, tents, vans, though some are in close proximity to each other."
"My class b van handled the road well. 15 dollars paid through the Utah park ap."
"Low clearance vehicles can access sights closer to highway. Lots of camping spots tucked away if you continue down the road. Cattle around but bothersome. gorgeous red rock!"
"Lots of peeps camping here for the off-road experience and dirt bike/mountain biking trails."
"It's close to the highway for quick overnighter and close enough to Moab if your headed that way in the morning. I went right and followed the path behind the hill."
"Arrived around 9pm in the dark and was happy to see LOTS of empty flat space to camp for the night."
"Pretty much just flat land surrounded by a primitive fence. No porta potty when I was there. It’s far enough away from the highway that cars aren’t bothersome."
"close to highway, quiet at night
- 15 minute drive to Moab/services
- less than 10 minutes to Arches/Canyonlands entrances/turnoffs
- no plant/tree cover for 🚽
- not many private sites but sites"
$15 / night
"Willow Springs is awesome for the person that wants to be out in the middle of nowhere without really being super far away from something... it’s about 15 minutes outside of moab and directly off of the"
"this is the same campground as BLM dispersed camping outside of Moab, at blm378/willow springs trail roughly 12 miles north of Moab. plenty of space as there really are no designated spots, just be mindful"
$23 - $50 / night
"The office can provide great information on the nearby national parks and other attractions. Showers and laundry are available for a fee, though we did not use them. Propane was available."
"RV parks in Moab are insane expensive, and this is a nice one that's about a 35 40 minute drive away!"
"It's nice and close to the highway, but if you keep going, you can get a ways out there, and there is even some fins and an arch if you go in a few miles."
"Nothing special but cell service was good and far enough from highway to not bother sleep"
"Lots of nice remote site options and trail leads you right into Arches NP (dont forget parks pass unless government is still shut down) with some fun off roading trails for capable vehicles but did see"
"I drove through Arches National Park on Salt Valley Road, until it exited the park onto BLM Land. Took an immediate right and followed the fence of the park."
"I chose this site for proximity to the parks, as well as the lovely geological backdrop."
"Location is key with this site. You are 10 minutes from Arches National Park. You are also close to the state highway, train tracks, and powerlines. I didn’t mind the train."
ScoutNo dispersed camping on Potash per park ranger.
We attempted to camp here and nothing looked accessible. Small rock embankments lined the road in this marked area.
TravelerThis was a great camp site although there are a few things to take note of. The name and coordinates are misleading. You can’t actually camp at “Chicken Corners”but there are designated camp sites that are $20/night along the way. The sites are rock and dirt but flat and good sized! There is a fire ring and a picnic table at each. There are dumpsters near the sites and a few vault toilets. Everything is very well maintained but still preserved. You definitely need a high clearance SUV and a confident driver. There is zero cell service. Overall, this site was well worth the $20/night.
38.47061° N, 109.64752° W
GuideLanded here for the night. Sign on dirt road that lets you know you can stay which always comforting. Free range cows everywhere. Pretty landscape went to bed with stars woke up with the cows around us. Great place, felt safe.
ScoutSmall only room for a few tents there is a bathroom though and it is absolutely beautiful
TravelerThis location is superb & the RV hookup offerings is something all Love’s should add because it is super convenient.
TravelerAmazing Views from the campground. Camped at Site #14. We hiked the Fisher Towers trail and didn't want to backtrack towards Moab. This was the perfect spot to relax after the hike. Spots were very level, picnic tables and firepits. Overall it didn't feel cramped all all. First week in March, the campground was empty when we got there at 3pm on a Saturday but by 5pm, almost all spots were taken. Vault toilet/outhouse was very clean and can't beat the view with the stars above. LOL! If it's full, there are several other CG's back along the river on 128.
FYI, the location on the map are incorrect, but the directions are correct. From the location on Google Maps coordinates came up as 38.720414,-109.343827.
GuideThe highway is nearby but I don’t hear it nor do I see any lights because a hill is blocking the highway
TravelerHave a class A 40 foot motorhome, would suggest scouting out the road before going in with a larger RV it is rough but I made it, just have to drive slow. It's quiet
ScoutNear the top of a canyon cliff with a fireplace already assembled
Dispersed camping opportunities dominate the Thompson area landscape with multiple Bureau of Land Management sites scattered throughout the region. Located at approximately 5,000 feet elevation, these sites experience temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night even during summer months. Most dispersed camping locations require at least 2-3 miles of travel on unpaved roads that deteriorate significantly after rain.
Morning hiking at Klondike Bluffs: Located near South Klondike Bluffs / Road 142 Dispersed, these trails offer cooler temperatures before midday heat. "There's tons of sites if you keep going towards the back but I wanted service so I was just off the pull off. Beautiful sunset and my cat loved to roll on the dirt," reports camper atea J.
Stargazing after 10pm: With minimal light pollution, most sites offer exceptional night sky viewing. At BLM 144 Dispersed, one visitor noted, "Plenty of room up there, gorgeous!" The best viewing occurs 2-3 hours after sunset when the moon is below the horizon.
Photography at Salt Valley: Capture dramatic landscape shots during golden hour lighting. "Camped right on the rim. Limited AT&T service," reports a visitor at Salt Valley, making it ideal for those seeking solitude while shooting landscape photos without modern distractions.
Proximity to national parks: Many campers appreciate the strategic location for accessing nearby attractions. "Only 30 minutes from both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks and is about 40 minutes from the town of Moab. The site is reasonably priced," notes Joshua G. at Ballard RV Park.
Cell service reliability: For those needing to stay connected, certain areas maintain good coverage. "Full cell service w AT&T. Great sunrises. I found a spot near the entrance, but plenty of space to roam around," shares Malcolm C. about the State Land Road #144 Valley City sites.
Cost-free alternatives to Moab: Budget-conscious travelers value the free options. "Anything goes, just pack out what you bring in! I ride an adventure motorcycle so I can hit all the trails from here!" explains Brian R. at Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands, highlighting the accessibility for adventure motorcyclists.
Vehicle requirements vary significantly: Many sites require appropriate vehicles. "High clearance would be good if you want to go deep down into spots that are more rocky and sandy but if not you can find spots right along the road," advises Luke L. about Salt Valley dispersed camping.
Weather impacts road conditions: Clay roads become impassable when wet. "This area is a bentonite clay roads and DO NOT camp here if wet or possibility of significant moisture in future, you will get stuck," warns Greg L. about the State Land Road sites.
Noise factors to consider: Highway and rail traffic affect some sites. At Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites, one camper observed, "Great sunset/view but cars were driving by a lot from about 6-9. You can hear and see the highway traffic. Also the train and power lines."
Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites offer no facilities. "There are tons of spots to make your own little home for the night. Most spots have fire rings that have been made out of rocks by other campers or legit fire rings," explains Bailey A. about dispersed camping outside Moab.
Seek out established sites with toilets: Some areas provide basic facilities suitable for families. "Very clean with hand sanitizer and GOOD, fluffy toilet paper. Ground is hard to drive stakes into, so bring some para cord if tenting. Watch out for cactuses," advises Ben R.
Consider dinosaur-related activities: The region offers paleontological sites kids enjoy. "The kids loved climbing the rocks and bonus there is a trail with dinosaur tracks!" shares Chelsey M. about her experience at Willow Springs Trail.
Timing matters for privacy: Early arrival ensures better site selection. "If you come after 3pm a lot of the good spots are taken and then you have to squeeze in so get there early to grab a spot!!" recommends Tris W. about dispersed camping areas.
Check road conditions first: Larger RVs should scout ahead. "NOT for bigger rigs! We knew better. Should not have been on that road in our fifth wheel. No turnarounds once we started on a steep, bumpy road with sharp turns. Broke a leaf spring," warns Kinnard about Salt Valley.
Consider established RV parks in Thompson: For full hookups and amenities. "Sites are gravel, level and very well maintained. All are pull through. Hookups are in excellent condition. Sites had plenty of room, many had tables and some had fire pits," shares Richard &. about Ballard RV Park.
Utilize early arrivals for level sites: Finding flat spots takes time in most areas. "There is a bit of a dip in the road so be careful on that but was fine to drive, go slow," advises Chrissy B. about accessing the best places to camp near Thompson, Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Thompson, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Thompson, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 212 campgrounds and RV parks near Thompson, UT and 84 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Thompson, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Thompson, UT is Devils Garden Campground — Arches National Park with a 4.7-star rating from 96 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Thompson, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 84 free dispersed camping spots near Thompson, UT.
What parks are near Thompson, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Thompson, UT that allow camping, notably Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
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