Join the fun near Vernal. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Vernal is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Vernal, UT. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"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."
"Fun mountain biking trails. Couple of spots with fire rings. Only issue is someone is “camping” in their car right by the day use area, a non-camping area."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"Not a lot of other campers, great views, right in the monument. (Must pay entrance fee or arrive after 5)"
"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#
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!
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.
LegendA bit of a trashy area, glass, cans, shot shells, likely a weekend party spot for teen parties. No cell signal either.
This site is long ways from Vernal, so the McCoy flats BLM dispersed area is a much better option... Excellent cell signal, only a few miles into Vernal and a Walmart.. and it has new vault toilets and is free dispersed hanging with the MTB crowd
LegendRight off the highway you turn onto a dirt road. Then maybe 200 yards it forks off to the left on a little 2 track road. Take that off to the left there is a grassy area with a few spots. Verizon roaming minimal signal. There is a large rotting elk carcus here at the moment. This is not a destination, just a quick sleep site close to the monument
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Vernal, Utah, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, perfect for adventurers seeking a more rustic experience.
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.
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