Dispersed camping near Wellington, Utah offers temporary sites on public lands managed primarily by the Bureau of Land Management. Most dispersed areas around Wellington sit at elevations between 5,500-7,000 feet, with dramatic temperature fluctuations between seasons. The area's sandstone geology creates distinctive camping terrain with flat benches suitable for tents and vehicles interspersed with challenging washout areas.
What to do
Fossil hunting opportunities: At Buckhorn Draw Designated Campsite #17, campers can explore the surrounding canyon for paleontological discoveries. "Lots of roads off the main road to camp on. Was really busy during the weekend but slowed down a lot during the week," notes Ashlee T. The campsite serves as an excellent base for fossil enthusiasts.
OHV trail access: The Skyline Drive area provides direct access to multiple off-highway vehicle trails. According to one camper: "It was a beautiful spot, I drove past the 4 by the river and turned around and got the 3rd one. Not many people until around 9 to 1130 about 50 different cars left on the road, I don't know if there's ohv trails or what." The site's proximity to trails makes it popular with motorized recreation enthusiasts.
Night sky viewing: The CO2 Road Dispersed Campsite offers exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. One visitor observed, "Night time was really cool with some good stargazing, and there really weren't any cars on the dirt road, so that was also a plus." Bring binoculars or telescopes to take advantage of the dark skies.
What campers like
Seasonal weather benefits: The Canyon Rd Dispersed area provides variable conditions that some campers appreciate. "It was great for a quick stop close to two Maverick truck stops. Restaurants and tourist attractions. Industrial trucks up and down the main road but not very bothers," reports Julie H. The proximity to services makes this area practical for extended stays.
Privacy options: Secluded spots can be found at the Horse Canyon Road - Dispersed Open Area with minimal effort. "This site is pretty sweet! Right off the main road. There are sites closer to the road but I went a bit further to get away from the noise. I didn't see a single other person once I got to my site," notes Seanna M. Many spots offer isolation despite proximity to access roads.
Water features: Some sites along Skyline Drive provide stream access. One camper shared: "We found a spot by a beautiful stream with cool water. Great stargazing. Safe!" These water-adjacent sites are limited but highly sought after during summer months when temperatures rise.
What you should know
Seasonal insect concerns: Some areas experience significant insect activity. At Horse Canyon Road, one camper warned: "Not sure if it's the time of year but we were swarmed with gnats all around us and our rig. It was however a quiet and scenic easy pull off from the highway."
Road conditions vary: Access to Little Grand Canyon Dispersed Camping requires planning. "Road in from Castle Dale is very smooth, graded and oiled, until the last two miles. The nice road continues to the west rim," explains one reviewer. Check recent conditions before attempting access with low-clearance vehicles.
Cell coverage specifics: Coverage differs significantly by location and carrier. At Horse Canyon Road, one camper noted: "I kept driving past the map dot and further toward the canyon and as elevation increases, you get a 360 view of the valley below—it's incredible! Saw no one, but it's also the middle of winter. 2 bars of at&t cell service!" Signal strength often improves at higher elevations.
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: Broken glass has been reported at Horse Canyon Road areas. "Very secluded with half decent dirt/sand roads, just watch where you drive with some larger rocks and broken glass," warns Tanner S. Families should bring closed-toe shoes for all members.
Target cooler months: Summer temperatures can reach uncomfortable levels for young campers. The Wedge Overlook area offers more moderate conditions. One visitor reported: "We stayed here at the very beginning of October. It was 80 during the day and 40s at night, so dress accordingly."
Site selection timing: Popular family-friendly sites fill quickly during peak times. For Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area, one camper advised: "Quiet and easy to get to from road. Got crowded as the evening went on but plenty of room for all." Arrive early afternoon midweek for best site selection.
Tips from RVers
Water management: No water is available at these dispersed sites. At CO2 Road Dispersed Campsite, one RVer suggested: "This camping spot is a good place to stay if passing through to Salt Lake or to Moab. There is not much out here; however, the gas station before Wellington, is nice! The gas station has amazing coffee, and we discovered it has showers and laundry."
Weather preparation: RVers should be particularly vigilant about weather conditions. At CO2 Road, Chase R. cautioned: "Avoid this spot if it is raining at all as it will give your tires a nice coat of slick mud; even an off road tire can get stuck with this kind of sticky mud!!"
Level site hunting: Finding flat ground can require persistence. The Skyline Drive area offers some options: "We set up at the first site on the left as you enter and it is a nice one for a short term visit. The only draw-back is that it is close to a dirt parking lot that OHV owners use," notes Danny H.
