Primitive camping near Thompson, Utah offers reliable access to open desert terrain, typically at elevations between 4,500-5,200 feet. The area experiences temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night, with summer highs often reaching 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Most dispersed sites sit on hard-packed clay or sandy soil that can become hazardous when wet, with many roads impassable for 24-48 hours after rainfall.
What to do
Mountain biking from camp: Access trails directly from Willow Springs Road where multiple single-track options exist within riding distance. "We stayed here 3 nights in a row. 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."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear desert skies create optimal conditions for night sky viewing at most dispersed sites. At Highway Side Camping, one camper noted, "Sky looks amazing at night!! And flat" while others mention minimal light pollution across most Thompson-area sites.
Skydiving observation: Watch skydivers practice near primitive camping areas northwest of Moab. A visitor at Willow Springs Road reported, "You can watch skydivers all morning" making this an unexpected free entertainment option when staying at campsites along the highway corridors.
What campers like
Proximity to national parks: Most Thompson area dispersed sites provide cost-effective access to nearby attractions. At Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites, a camper shared, "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."
Cell service reliability: Many dispersed camping areas maintain usable connectivity despite remote locations. One camper at BLM 144 Dispersed reported, "Good spots not to busy, lots of spaces and quite accept for the highway noise. Not far from arches or canyon lands either. Easy road to get to and great signal with Verizon!"
Easy interstate access: Some sites provide convenient overnight options for travelers. As one visitor to BLM 144 noted, "Perfect! Got in around 10pm and didn't pass 1 car, nor did any cars pass me! Felt like I was the only one there. Could see/hear the biggest but it honestly was a nice white noise to fall asleep."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Road conditions vary significantly by location and season. At Salt Valley Dispersed Camping, a visitor warned, "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."
Arrival timing matters: Popular spots fill quickly during peak seasons. One camper at Cotter Mine Road advised, "Super close to the parks (10-15 minutes from arches). Great sunset/view but cars were driving by a lot from about 6-9."
Weather hazards: Clay roads become dangerous when wet. A reviewer at Salt Valley Road cautioned, "The section of road the camping is most scenic is also the part of the road that is bentonite clay, so be WARNED...stay out of this area if wet conditions are expected."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Primitive camping areas contain natural and man-made hazards. At Athena Slabs at Green River, a visitor cautioned, "We have dogs with us and 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."
Site selection strategy: Arrive early for flat, accessible spots with adequate space. According to a Willow Springs Road camper, "The camping spots are spread out over a half mile dirt area so plenty of room to spread out. It is a bit bumpy all around, so finding level ground is a challenge but not impossible."
Shade limitations: The desert environment offers minimal natural protection. One visitor noted at Salt Valley, "There are few pull offs and lots of signs for roads closed but I drove a little bit further than where there is a turn around at the top and it was gorgeous!" However, most sites lack tree cover, requiring families to bring their own shade structures.
Tips from RVers
Level surface challenges: Most primitive camping areas require careful positioning. A visitor at BLM Salt Valley Road Dispersed Camping shared, "We stayed here one night on our way to Colorado. Road is well maintained and we were able to find a spot for our 35ft 5th wheel. Nothing special here but easy to get on and off I-70 for a free nights stay."
Road condition awareness: Access roads deteriorate quickly after leaving main highways. A Willow Springs Road visitor advised, "Go SLOW if you're driving a rig. Wild bumps and wash. Spots are fairly level."
Power line interference: Some sites have unexpected issues with nearby infrastructure. At Cotter Mine Road, a camper warned, "We pulled in moved all of our stuff from the back of my suv (we're car camping) started a fire started cooking pulled out our chairs and kept feeling weird vibrations... we were getting shocked/electrocuted!! Something was going on with the power lines."
