Join the fun near Thompson. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"high clearance vehicle recommended. Low clearance vehicles can access sights closer to highway. Lots of camping spots tucked away if you continue down the road."
"We tent camped here in mid December and it was cold at night, but nothing too terrible if you have the right sleeping bags."
"Arrived around 9pm in the dark and was happy to see LOTS of empty flat space to camp for the night."
"Right off the highway, could hear the traffic but not bad, lots of room for a bunch of rigs but not super crazy views. Nice spot for a light night area to sleep."
"Good safe spot right off the highway. Made it in my front wheel drive 21’ van. Just go slow. Lots of rocks sticking up and little rivets in the road. I was able to get around them."
"Easy access. Many spots. Gas pipeline marked near road. You can hear road noise. 14 day camping limit. Large camping areas. Can't beat free."
"Slightly rough road to get into the campsite plenty of places to choose from. Got there at like 6 o’clock on a Friday night with a camper van and had no trouble."
"I chose this site for proximity to the parks, as well as the lovely geological backdrop."
"If you have high clearance and 4WD, there are fantastic spots on top of the hills that will keep you isolated."
"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."
"This area is BLM on the Salt Valley Road outside Arches NP. The last 3.3 miles of BLM road before Arches NP is closed to camping."
"Really nothing special about this spot other than the fact that its close to the parks and free. No OHV needed to get to this spot, unlike other BLM sites in the area."
"It was just far enough off the highway you can't hear it, but you could see the cars light off in the distance. It was only about 2 or 3 miles away."
"We pulled off and there were several (5-6) large flat sites. We came at 6:30pm and by 11pm there were 1 more tenter like us, 2 RVs and 1 pop up camper. We were all spread out. Totally free camping."
"7 yrs ago this area was dispersed BLM camping, but is now $20/day."
"A car with some high clearance and 4WD is probably necessary for this."
"Per Greg’s review, this road would be very difficult to navigate without a 4 wheel drive with adequate ground clearance. My Subaru Outback managed nicely with X mode."
LegendThis free BLM Dispersed area is at the end of the easy access road to the Intrepid Well Road. Do not enter the two oil gas pad areas. Signs at 313 note no camping for 1/2 mile, these sites are 1.7 miles in. Only 3-4 sites on rim of overlook above Whirlwind MTB trail. Cell signal is good. Sites are best for overlander types...no big RVs or TTs is advised due to rough access roads and small camping spots. No amenities, no water, no trash, no tables. Special rules are in effect for portable toilet use.
LegendThis BLM two track sandy road is first open road on left past Horsethief BLM fee campground. Road goes about .6 mile and ends. About 10+ nice free dispersed spots, nothing designated but areas are obvious. Rock fire ring is all you get. No tables, no water, no trash. But cell signal is not bad. This area is best for high clearance tenters or Overlander types...the farther down the road it gets more slick rock ledgey bumpy. I would not haul a TT or drive a RV down there but sure some will.
LegendFirst off do not pay attention to google directions as it will take you out of the way through a wash. There is quite an easy turn off right off of highway 70 (whether heading east or west, you can turn north off the highway). Once you turnoff of the highway there is a gate that may or may not be closed so once you go through leave it how you found it.
Follow the very manageable dirt road and there will be multiple pull out areas to camp in. The closer to the highway the more busy it is so keep driving. We found a small pull out between the two trails that take you on hike to the Spirit Arches and Petroglyphs and the other up through the wash to the pictographs.
The hike to the pictographs is much more interesting as you enter the narrow canyon. There are several spots that are reachable by RV, but further back you’ll need high clearance and possible 4x4.
There is no camping allowed within the canyon. At the trailhead though there are a few large areas for camping but probably easier with higher clearance. There is no bathroom, trash or water so pack in and pack out even that which you have already digested.;)
No cell service from ATT, Verizon or TMobile, but was able to get a bar or two on Verizon with the cell booster. Oddly we did have cell reception on the hike within the canyon.
ScoutA car with some high clearance and 4WD is probably necessary for this. The road in is just dirt and not labeled, but you just turn right into one of the paths breaking off the main dirt road and head towards the canyon. There were multiple available campsites when we went with no one remotely near us. Views of the canyon are next level.
LegendThis area is on a narrow entrenched sandy two track road and some sections are rough slick rock..so high clearance overlander type rigs are the best to access these sites. TTs and RVs are NOT recommended. Camping is allowed at 1/2 mile distance from Hwy 313 and Special Regulations include required portable toilets. Cell is iffy depending on straight line to north. No amenities, pure boondocking. Cows share the area.
GuideSlightly rough road to get into the campsite plenty of places to choose from. Got there at like 6 o’clock on a Friday night with a camper van and had no trouble. It was the perfect stop for the night able to have a fire and had enough privacy. The stars were phenomenal. Verizon had full bar coverage and you’re close to Arches and Canyonlands.
TravelerWe arrived to this campsite at sunset as the plan was to camp at Porcupine Ridge; however, it was closed. We found this campsite as our back up plan which did not disappoint. It’s somewhat close to the road; however, we only had one vehicle pass by during the night. We chose this campsite due to it being more remote compared to the other busy campsites near the entrance of Sand Flat Recreation. This campsite also offers gorgeous views with never ending large, flat rocks and juniper trees. To get into this campsite we would recommend having high clearance and off roading tires. The campsite was clean and all around a wonderful experience for our first time boondocking in Moab!
LegendWe found this spot from our Gaia app. Go past the established Horsethief paid campground and there are plenty of sites on both sides of a nice gravel/dirt road. Some deep sand on the road in places but easily passable with our Chevy van. Plenty of other folks camping here but we easily found a spot with some privacy. Dry camping. No water, trash or bathrooms. Pack in Pack out. Great spot for easy access to Canyonlands or Arches!
ScoutGreat stop off highway driving through Moab. Great mtn bike trails Klondike Bluffs to do before or after you leave camp. Lots of level spots off the dirt road that you want high clearance for
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Thompson, Utah, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking a more rustic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Thompson, UT is Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands with a 4.3-star rating from 53 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 77 dispersed camping locations near Thompson, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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