Tent camping near Thompson, Utah offers rustic experiences within 30-45 miles of Moab, with most sites sitting at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet. The region consists primarily of high desert terrain characterized by sandstone formations, juniper trees, and sagebrush. Summer temperatures frequently drop 30-40 degrees at night, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature variations.
What to do
Hiking and rock scrambling: BLM Bartlett Wash Dispersed Camping provides access to unique slickrock areas. According to Jenn & Garrett W., "There is a lot more area to explore farther up the canyon, and more camping spots. Plan to spend a couple of days exploring the area, and you will be glad you did!"
Stargazing: Moonflower Canyon Group Site offers excellent night sky viewing despite being relatively close to Moab. Camper Tyler R. notes it has "great views of the canyon and Colorado river," making it ideal for both day and night photography.
Mountain biking: BLM Intrepid Well Road Dispersed Camping connects to the Whirlwind MTB trail. One reviewer mentions "Great views, plenty of space between campers," though access requires attention to conditions as "Road is mostly gravel. The better spots are down a slightly worse but very doable 2wd road. I would be very aware of the weather though. Rain would make this much more complicated."
Petroglyphs viewing: Moonflower Canyon Group Site features ancient rock art accessible from the camping area. Camper CC C. confirms there are "some petroglyphs right there" with "4 picnic tables, 1 fire pit and 1 BBQ available as well as toilets, and large parking lots."
What campers like
Privacy despite proximity to town: Up the Creek Campground in Moab offers tent-only camping with strict rules that create a peaceful atmosphere. A recent visitor noted, "Tent only camping is also so peaceful with no RV's, generators or blinding headlights. We even saw a group of deer while setting up around 6pm!"
Accessible without 4x4 vehicles: Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area can accommodate standard vehicles with careful driving. Allan C. confirms, "I took the Northwest entrance initially and had no problem getting to the campsite. Just a few bumps. Using the other entrance, I found too many bumps for my minivan to get over."
River proximity: BLM Lower Onion Creek Camping Area provides Colorado River access. One camper described their experience: "Did a little overnight stop on the beach right across from the formal campsite area. Used some of the amenities and the boat ramp in the morning. Great little location on the CO river."
Canyon setting: While many Thompson area campsites are exposed, Moonflower Canyon offers protection and shade. Jason S. describes the terrain: "The floor was a fine, soft sand that made playing a joy. The canyon itself featured a 1/10 mile hike to a large amphitheater where centuries of erosion have deposited a large pile of rocks, forming a small pond."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements vary significantly: Gemini Bridges Campground demands high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Joshua M. confirms: "You need 4x4 to get back in here and it is a bit of a drive back in here. There were a few other people in here in July but enough spots for everyone."
Wind exposure: Many tent sites experience strong winds, especially canyon areas. Joshua M. notes: "Only thing you have to worry about is the wind blowing in the canyon at night."
Water availability: No dispersed camping areas provide water. For Up the Creek, campers report: "Has everything you need while camping like showers, bathrooms, dish washing station, picnic table, and a charging station, just no fire pits."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically between sites. Greg L. reports that at Bartlett Wash, there's "no cell signal" while at Intrepid Well Road sites "Cell signal is good."
Tips for camping with families
Day vs. overnight considerations: For families needing facilities, Under Canvas Moab offers glamping options with amenities. Anna H. explains: "The canvas tent was beautiful and included the 4 beds, 4 folding chairs, a dresser, and outlets to charge cell phones. Under Canvas provided live music Friday night, yoga Saturday morning, and smores around the campfire every night."
Toilet situation: Most dispersed areas have no facilities. Near Thompson, you'll need to pack out waste. For Bartlett Wash, Greg L. notes it has "No services, no cell signal. Only room for a couple groups."
Sand management: Some canyon sites feature deep sand that's comfortable for sleeping but challenging for gear. At Moonflower Canyon, Celina M. advises: "You will have sand in and throughout everything you own. Find a way to cover it if that's not appealing to you. It was windy while we were there, and sand blew in through the mesh of our tent, from under the rain fly."
Heat preparation: The area experiences extreme temperature fluctuations. For camping at Yellow Circle Road, be aware that there's "No shade other than what's cast by the hills," according to Alex P.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites near Thompson accommodate smaller rigs only. At Intrepid Well Road, Greg L. advises: "Sites are best for overlander types...no big RVs or TTs is advised due to rough access roads and small camping spots."
Leveling challenges: Many sites feature sloped terrain requiring leveling blocks. At Yellow Circle Road, Nathan L. reports: "We took our travel trailer (22' total) up, just have to be careful. It was a good place to stay, pretty scenic area."
Site competition: The most accessible areas fill quickly. For Yellow Circle Road, Luke A. notes: "The area was also very busy with OHVs and most of the campsites filled up quick."
Parking arrangements: Some sites require gear haul-in. At Moonflower Canyon, Celina M. explains: "All gear will need to be walked in from the parking area. This is a minimum walk of 30 feet, but likely between 30-60 feet. You won't be able to drive up to the tent spot, so just be aware."
