46 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Vernal sits in the Uinta Basin in northeastern Utah with Ashley National Forest about 30 miles away. Free dispersed camping within the forest means no water, no restrooms, no trash service, and no designated sites. Pack in a full water supply since springs marked on older maps are often seasonal and should be treated if used.
Most dispersed sites north of Vernal sit above 7,000 feet along forest roads off Highway 191 and the Red Cloud Loop. High clearance is worth having since some roads wash out after summer storms and stay rough through the rest of the season. The 14-day stay limit applies. Snow closes higher routes from November through May, and some roads stay soft into June depending on snowpack. Fire restrictions in Ashley National Forest typically run July through September, often prohibiting open fires.
Flaming Gorge's dispersed camping gives a different option to the north with BLM land alongside the reservoir adding more road access. Ashley National Forest tent campgrounds cover the developed sites with vault toilets and designated spots for those who want established infrastructure. Don't rely on cell service once you're in the forest interior.
"Ranger Review: INNO INH120 2-Tray Bike Rack at the McCoy Flats Dispersed Camping Campground Review: This type of camping is"
"Wide open BLM area 3 miles from Hwy but paved (potholes!) into the TH. Vault toilet but no water, trash or designated campsites. Cell signal is very good on all carriers."
"McCoy Flats BLM is a mt bike focus recreation area with a network of excellent nonmotorizrd singletrack trails."
"Nice quiet place to camp with a pit toilet nearby. Less traffic than the first two parking areas"
"Camped across the road from established free camping. Our site was private and no ATVs so it's pretty quiet too. Some road noise, but it drops off around 11 pm."
"This McCoy Flats area is a mt bike non-motorized trails recreation focus area. This site is going to be a future developed BLM CG, but for now it is still free dispersed."
"We stayed here for one night in our 40' fifth wheel while visiting Dinosaur National Monument. They JUST paved Red Wash road with asphalt so it was an easy ride in."
"Dispersed camping at the back of Dijosuar National Monument. Some shade spots, some spots in canyon, some spots over looking blue mountain. I’m the only one here besides the wildlife!"
"True dispersed camping with no facilities. Pack it in-pack it out."
"Many dirt road options to take to get you into seclusion. It has a bathroom facility located right at the entrance. It is great hunting for both Elk and Deer."
"I was at Steinaker State Park near Vernal, UT and it was H O T! Needed cooler temps and found FR 217 with an elevation of 8400’ - ahhh…temps in 70’s. I have a beautiful site amongst aspens/pines."
"Tons of hikes in the area, can’t remember the names of the trails I did."
"Mostly wide open meadow like spaces where you just pull up your camper and park (dispersed camping). There are a lot of beautiful places you can explore, including Massey Cave."
LegendThis area is a BLM road that leaves the Dinosaur National Monument, so you need to pay NPS access or have a Senior pass to not pay. The dirt road is a sandy entrenched two track with a high center so high clearance is advised. Spots on top at right fork (.6 miles) are scenic views. Spots are few, small and are suited to truck camping, tent camping. No RVs or TTs would be able to access these sites safely....IMO
LegendMcCoy Flats BLM is a mt bike focus recreation area with a network of excellent nonmotorizrd singletrack trails. Dispersed free camping allowed, and currently there are several nice vault toilets scattered along the main access paved road.
This camping area is at the third new vault toilet. Lots of room for large TTs. No trash dumpsters and no water, but cell signal is excellent 5g five bars. Only few miles from main hwy on an old paved pothole filled road. And then only 3 miles back into Vernal and a Walmart on this end of town, so logistics are very good.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/mccoy-flats-trailhead#
TravelerWe stayed here for one night in our 40' fifth wheel while visiting Dinosaur National Monument. They JUST paved Red Wash road with asphalt so it was an easy ride in. The dry camping area is all dirt roads but we found one that had a small drop-off and was pretty level. We had great service, beautiful views, and there was not a single other person in sight, though it is shoulder season. Would recommend!
LegendForest road #839 is a popular dispersed camp area due to the flat topography and the smooth graded dirt road. Close to hwy #44 so some hwy noise. Free dispersed, 16d limit, no water, no trash, no toilets. Cell signal is marginal.
ScoutIf this is the site, something like 3a or some such, beware, looks nothing like photo. Right on the White River, narrow road is down sloped with nearly impassible water filled pot holes approaching the river. Passable only with high clearance pickup truck. Fortunately we found enough space to jockey my 20' RV trailer and Ford Explorer around and escape. Had we progressed further would have ripped all the plumbing out from under the RV and likely have been stuck and required a tow. Drove up the road and entered BLM land on the left and spent the night.
GuideWindy Park, like a lot of camp areas in Ashley National Forest is free, dispersed camping. The only rule is that you have to camp within 150 feet of a developed road. There is a 16 day camp limit for leaving your camper in the same camp spot like most of the locals from Vernal do (leave it on the mountain, and come up on the weekends, or for the hunt, etc.). There are many ATV roads, and hiking trails in the area. It's a quick drive to Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Enjoy the aspen and pine groves located throughout Ashley National Forest. Weather can be unpredictable in the Uintahs, so prepare for anything! We've had hail and snow in July!
TravelerNot far off the highway and next to the river. Dry camping, not fancy, but good enough.
LegendOverlander camping only recommended. This area is just outside of Dinosaur National Monument on the Blue Mt Road...leaves the NPS and crosses a small piece of State land and then a BLM sign notes you are on BLM. Flat area to camp at this border and more large flat spots behind on State lands also ( State land here allows 15d camping). HOWEVER, to get to this spot you have to enter the NPS Dinosaur National Monument and deal with an entrance fee, but if you are a Senior like me..it is free and you are good to come and go as you wish!. Note that on the NPS section of the Blue Mt Road they note " no trailers" not sure if that is enforced but could be an issue, however I have seen TTs camping on the State and BLM along this area. This dispersed is likely better suited to the van/ truck camper types. Once you leave the NPS the road goes from graded gravel to native surface dirt that could be an issue if wet. The cliffs on both sides of this dispersed camp area has glyphs but you have to work to find them! The Blue Mt Road then continues into a big scenic valley and then climbs steeply to the point of pines ridge area...would not go there unless you have a good overlander setup with good tires! Cell signal is good due to tower array in sight on top of blue mtn.
LegendThis is a primitive camping area by Sheep Creek Lake. No amenities, no established campsites, no toilets, no garbage dumpsters, no water, no cell signal. Road access is gravel graved. A primitive boat ramp is available. This lake seems to be more of a Fish and Game nursery lake for raising Colo River Trout.
Primitive camping near Vernal, Utah offers access to high desert terrain ranging from 5,000 to 8,400 feet elevation. The area's unique geological features include exposed rock formations dating back millions of years, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Weather patterns can change quickly in this region, with afternoon thunderstorms common during monsoon season.
Mountain biking at McCoy Flats: This trail system features 46 miles of singletrack trails suited for various skill levels. "Amazing spot to relax and take in the views of the mountains and valleys in the distance," notes Thomas G. at McCoy Flats MTB Trailhead.
Hiking near Dinosaur National Monument: Several trails offer scenic views and geological features. "We didn't end up staying here because the fire pit was small, maybe six rocks. It's right on a ledge and you're barely off the road," explains Shayli L. about dispersed sites near Dinosaur National Monument.
Wildlife viewing in higher elevations: The mountains above Vernal provide habitat for diverse wildlife. "I spent 25 days camp on top the mountain above the meadows and hiked well over 100 miles in the back country. The scenery and wildlife was amazing. Deer, birds, moose and mountain lions cover this range," shares Tyler S.
Cell service for digital nomads: Many dispersed sites maintain connectivity despite remote locations. "One of the best spots I have found for full time RV/Van life. Extremely quiet with amazing sunsets. Full service on AT&T and Verizon," notes Ryan G. about McCoy Flats MTB Trailhead.
Accessible toilet facilities: Several primitive camping areas include basic facilities. "This site is at the third new vault toilet. Lots of room for large TTs. No trash dumpsters and no water, but cell signal is excellent 5g five bars," explains Greg L. about McCoy Flats East Dispersed Camp.
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies provide excellent night viewing. "Had a fantastic AT&T service and the stargazing was unreal. During my last night, I did have some rodents try to get underneath of my hood so if you're going to be stationary for multiple nights, be aware," cautions Abby M.
High clearance vehicle requirements: Some remote areas require appropriate vehicles. "The dirt road is a sandy entrenched two track with a high center so high clearance is advised," notes a camper about accessing certain sites.
Seasonal considerations: Weather significantly impacts camping conditions. "This dispersed camping area is called the 'range study' site but there is no sign saying such. It is a very large open area along a dirt road FS #217 that runs down a flat open ridge toward the summit of this area," explains Greg L. about Range Study Area.
Party spots and trash issues: Some sites suffer from poor stewardship. "Not much flat ground for tent other than the lower portion nearest the highway. Plenty of good area for trucks or vans. A LOT of trash and broken glass scattered around," warns John C. about Dog Valley Camp.
Bathroom accessibility: Plan around available facilities. "Had a great stay at McCoy Flats, there were plenty of spaces to pull off the road and a few developed BLM sites, with vault toilets spread out regularly along the road," shares Casey.
Shade availability: Limited tree cover makes shade planning essential. "Dispersed camping at the back of Dinosaur National Monument. Some shade spots, some spots in canyon, some spots over looking blue mountain. I'm the only one here besides the wildlife!" reports Byron M.
Wildlife precautions: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation. "This area has some wide open spots with scattered quakey trees to camp within. Many dirt road options to take to get you into seclusion. It is great hunting for both Elk and Deer. Autumn is very beautiful but expect a lot of cows," advises Cortney M. about Range Study Area.
Pothole navigation: Road conditions impact larger vehicles. "Wide open BLM area 3 miles from Hwy but paved (potholes!) into the TH. Vault toilet but no water, trash or designated campsites. Cell signal is very good on all carriers," notes an RVer.
Site selection for larger rigs: Some areas accommodate big rigs better than others. "New campers to this site should recon first before hauling a TT up these narrow entrenched two-track sandy roads. The right fork is best IMO," advises Greg L. about McCoy Flats Juniper Dispersed.
Trailer restrictions: Check for vehicle limitations. "There is a sign at the beginning of the dirt road prohibiting trailers. I assume because if it rains the mud roads become unusable," warns Brian R. about Dinosaur National Monument access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Vernal, Utah?
Several dispersed camping options exist near Vernal in the Ashley National Forest area. Road #839 Dispersed Camping offers flat terrain with a smooth graded dirt road, making it accessible for most vehicles. It's close to Highway 44 with a 16-day stay limit. For a more scenic experience, Sheep Creek Lake Primitive Campground provides primitive camping with a boat ramp, though it lacks amenities like toilets or water. Other options include Forest Roads #838 and #604, though these have rougher access roads requiring high clearance vehicles. Most dispersed sites around Vernal are free with standard 14-16 day stay limits and require you to camp within 150 feet of developed roads.
What BLM land is available for camping around Vernal, Utah?
The Vernal area offers several BLM dispersed camping options. Lower Blue Mt Road BLM Dispersed is located just outside Dinosaur National Monument on Blue Mountain Road. It features flat camping areas at the border of BLM and state lands, though it's primarily suitable for overlanders. BLM 17B Road Dispersed Overlander provides scenic views but requires high clearance vehicles due to its sandy, entrenched two-track road with a high center. Note that this area leaves from Dinosaur National Monument, requiring a National Park Service access pass. BLM land typically allows 14-day stays and follows standard dispersed camping regulations with no services provided.
Is there free camping available near Vernal, Utah?
Yes, numerous free camping options exist around Vernal. Windy Park Camping Area in Ashley National Forest offers free dispersed camping with a 16-day limit. The only requirement is camping within 150 feet of a developed road. McCoy Flats East Dispersed Camp provides free camping on BLM land with vault toilets along the main access road and excellent cell signal. It's conveniently located just a few miles from Vernal and Walmart. Most dispersed sites in the area have no facilities like water or trash service, so come prepared with all supplies and follow Leave No Trace principles. Free camping is generally available year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions.
Keep Exploring
