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Best Dispersed Camping near Thompson, UT

422 Reviews

Public lands surrounding Thompson, Utah feature multiple BLM-managed dispersed camping areas with proximity to attractions like Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Popular sites include Cotter Mine Road, Willow Springs Road (South Klondike Bluffs), BLM 144, Salt Valley Dispersed Camping, and several other primitive areas. Most sites are located on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management or Utah State Trust Lands, typically following dirt roads off major highways and requiring campers to follow Leave No Trace principles.

Access to most dispersed sites requires vehicles with moderate to high clearance, with many areas having bumpy, rocky, or sandy roads that may become difficult after rain. Most locations enforce a 14-day camping limit and many require portable toilets per special regulations. No amenities are provided at these primitive sites—no water, trash service, or restroom facilities exist. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with many areas allowing fires in established rings when no bans are in effect. Cell service is variable depending on location, with some sites reporting good coverage and others having none.

The region attracts visitors seeking solitude and scenic desert vistas, with many sites offering panoramic views of canyons, mesas, and rock formations. Areas like Willow Springs Road provide large open spaces suitable for groups, while others offer more secluded options for those willing to venture farther from main roads. According to visitor reports, "Beautiful Great area with dispersed camping. Fills up fast though," and other reviewers note the "insane views" of the surrounding canyons. Klondike Bluffs and other nearby areas offer mountain biking access directly from camp, making these spots particularly popular with outdoor enthusiasts seeking free base camps for adventure activities.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Thompson, Utah (79)

    1. Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands

    53 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 538-5418

    "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."

    2. BLM 144 Dispersed

    21 Reviews
    Thompson, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "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."

    3. South Klondike Bluffs / Road 142 Dispersed

    35 Reviews
    Arches National Park, UT
    16 miles

    "Good spot just off the highway close to Arches and Canyonlands. Arrived at around 6pm and could only see about 2 other vehicles further down the road - so plenty of space."

    "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."

    4. Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites

    21 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "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."

    5. Salt Valley Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Thompson, UT
    8 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. SITLA 145 - Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Thompson, UT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 538-5100

    "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."

    "Great place to Boon-dock which I prefer (I’m a nudist), so area was free of other people being around had like 4 car drive by total on a Thursday night."

    7. BLM Salt Valley Road Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Thompson, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "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."

    8. County Road #146 BLM dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Thompson, UT
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    9. Highway Side Camping

    1 Review
    Thompson, UT
    9 miles

    "It may say highway side but you can’t hear the cars at all. Little to no bugs and not windy at all. Sky looks amazing at night!! And flat"

    10. Athena Slabs at Green River

    15 Reviews
    Green River, UT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3600

    "Because of the concrete slabs, there are a ton of flat spots to set up whether you are tent or car camping. Easily accessible"

    "Good views and was away from anyone else. Probably the best free spot to stay around town. No facilities just open ground looking over the highway and over town"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Thompson, UT

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Thompson, UT

422 Reviews of 79 Thompson Campgrounds

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2022

    BLM Intrepid Well Road Dispersed Camping

    Seven-Up Overlook Dispersed

    This 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.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2022

    BLM Mineral Point Dispersed Camping Area

    Nice free dispersed close in.

    This 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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2022

    Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed

    Great Hiking

    First 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.

  • Ruairi K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2023

    BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed

    Insane views

    A 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.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2022

    BLM Tibbetts Arch Road Dispersed Camping

    Overlander types only

    This 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.

  • P
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites

    Off the highway, but secluded

    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. 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.

  • Chase R.
    May. 24, 2024

    National Forest Dispersed - Lupe2 Dispersed

    Camping On A Flat Rock

    We 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!

  • Aliza N.
    May. 27, 2022

    BLM Mineral Point Road Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed camping outside Canyonlands

    We 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!

  • A
    Aug. 31, 2025

    South Klondike Bluffs / Road 142 Dispersed

    Good spot just off the highway

    Good spot just off the highway close to Arches and Canyonlands. Arrived at around 6pm and could only see about 2 other vehicles further down the road - so plenty of space. Verizon phone signal good just off the turnout, we didn’t venture any further than this. Fire pits around but currently fire restrictions so cannot use.

Guide to Thompson

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.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Thompson, Utah

  • Many dispersed camping spots, like Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands, offer free camping options, making it an economical choice for travelers.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; sites often lack water, toilets, and trash disposal, so plan to pack out what you bring in.
  • Check road conditions before heading out, as some areas, such as South Klondike Bluffs / Road 142 Dispersed, may require a vehicle with higher clearance due to rough terrain.

Exploring Arches National Park while free camping near Thompson

  • Stay close to the action by choosing spots like Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites, which is conveniently located between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views and stargazing opportunities at night, especially from sites that are further back from the main roads.
  • Many dispersed areas, such as Gemini Bridges Campground, provide access to hiking trails and scenic drives, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Scenic views and privacy for dispersed campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is dispersed camping allowed near Thompson Springs?

Dispersed camping is allowed on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land near Thompson Springs in several areas. BLM Intrepid Well Road Dispersed Camping offers sites about 1.7 miles in from Highway 313, with 3-4 spots on the rim of an overlook above Whirlwind MTB trail. Another option is Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed, accessible directly off Highway 70. Remember that camping is typically only allowed at least 1/2 mile distance from major highways, and you should camp in previously disturbed areas to minimize environmental impact.

Do I need permits for dispersed camping in Thompson Springs?

No permits are typically required for dispersed camping on BLM land near Thompson Springs, making areas like South Klondike Bluffs / Road 142 Dispersed and Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area free to camp in. However, you must follow BLM regulations, including the 14-day stay limit within any 28-day period. Be aware that fire restrictions are common during dry periods, so check current conditions with the local BLM office before your trip. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, camp in previously used sites, and maintain at least 1/2 mile distance from highways and developed recreation areas.

What amenities are available at Thompson Springs dispersed camping areas?

Dispersed camping areas near Thompson Springs are very primitive with minimal amenities. At BLM Mineral Point Dispersed Camping Area, you'll find only basic rock fire rings. Similarly, Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites offer fire rings but no other facilities. These areas provide no tables, water, trash services, or restrooms. You must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Cell service is generally good in many of these areas, which can be helpful for emergencies. Come fully self-sufficient with water, food, waste disposal bags, and all necessary camping supplies.

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