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Best Dispersed Camping near Woodruff, UT

47 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Woodruff, Utah spans multiple public land areas across Utah and Wyoming state lines. The region includes several free primitive camping options, with notable sites at Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area, Monte Cristo Pull-off, and Curtis Creek/Arbs Basin. These remote sites typically feature established fire rings but minimal other amenities. Franklin Basin and Green Canyon offer additional dispersed camping zones with varying levels of accessibility, while Fossil Butte National Monument BLM land provides more remote options for those seeking solitude.

Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation, with many unpaved and potentially challenging during wet conditions. The Fossil Butte BLM area features a steep 17% grade gravel road with hairpin turns that demands high-clearance vehicles, while Franklin Basin Road remains generally 2WD-friendly with good maintenance. Most areas lack drinking water, trash service, and hookups. Fire restrictions are common during dry seasons, and many sites operate on a 14-day stay limit. Several locations have vault toilets, including Green Canyon and Woodruff Narrows, but most are primitive with no facilities.

The dispersed camping experience varies significantly across these areas. Franklin Basin receives praise for its scenic value and river access. "2WD friendly road for MILES. You can drive well into Idaho. You can drive for about 1.5 hours up in here and see amazing river meadow mountain views," noted one camper. Green Canyon sites, while convenient to Logan, often show signs of heavy use with occasional trash issues. Woodruff Narrows provides lakeside camping with good privacy, though wind can be challenging. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with most remote areas having no connectivity. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly in the higher elevation sites, and many areas experience seasonal closures during winter months.

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Little Creek Campground

Little Creek Campground

18 min away

Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin

Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin

38 min away

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Woodruff, Utah (19)

    1. Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area

    7 Reviews
    Woodruff, WY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 777-4600

    "Very private boondocking area about 10 miles off the highway. Wide open area; fairly level in the campsites we saw."

    "I wandered in after dark and the dirt road was easy to navigate. No one was around for miles which was quite nice! A few people drove past (I assume to go hunting) but not much traffic noise."

    2. Woodruff Narrows Bear Riverside

    2 Reviews
    Woodruff, WY
    8 miles

    3. Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo

    8 Reviews
    Eden, UT
    19 miles

    "About 1/4 mile down a dirt road from Hwy 39 is a good single boondocking spot with a great view. Not for large RVs."

    "Two nice boondocking spots just a short drive on a tight dirt road off the highway. The campsite on the right is bigger, the one on the left is very small."

    4. Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin

    2 Reviews
    Woodruff, UT
    16 miles
    Website

    "Awesome time love the dirt road love love the trees the nature, everything about it basically the hills and country"

    "We stayed here for the night on our rooftop tent. It’s very quiet, barely any people. There’s man made firepits made out of rocks of people who have stayed here. It’s chilly and very pretty around."

    5. Green Canyon Dispersed Campground

    16 Reviews
    North Logan, UT
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 755-3620

    "About 15 mins outside of Logan up a beautiful canyon. Headed up around 4pm on a Saturday during Memorial Day weekend so didn’t have high hopes but found a spot with a fire ring almost immediately!"

    "Easy to find by putting the coordinates provided in Google Maps. Came in after dark and easily found a site about 1/4 mile or so up the road. Road is a bit bumpy but nothing major."

    6. Monte Cristo Pull-off

    1 Review
    Eden, UT
    23 miles

    "Picked a pull-off spot about 10 min up the highway and was really surprised. It went pretty deep and and truly felt like I was away."

    7. Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Garden City, UT
    37 miles
    +1 (435) 232-2674

    "You can drive well into Idaho. You can drive for about 1.5 hours up in here and see amazing river meadow mountain views. The views are truly amazing."

    "Amazing location especially because it’s close to bear lake!

    I heard it’s better in August, but if you camp way further down the mosquitos are absolutely miserable."

    8. Fossil Butte National Monument BLM

    3 Reviews
    Kemmerer, WY
    33 miles

    "Beautiful and remote area 10 miles up the road from the Visitor’s Center. Paved road that turns to dirt- both in great condition. High clearance vehicle needed, especially on the BLM land."

    "Not a lot of info listed for this location so adding a review to hopefully help out! We didn’t get to camp here but it made me leave “stars”.

    The drive into the monument is easy, zero issues."

    9. Blacksmith Fork

    Be the first to review!
    Paradise, UT
    23 miles

    10. Smithfield Dispersed Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Richmond, UT
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 320-8300

    "After you've passed the Smithfield campground there are plenty of spots on both sides of the road where you can pull off and have dispersed camping."

    "Stayed here for two nights, at the end of a dead end road, close to the creek. Real easy place to be."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Woodruff, UT

38 Photos of 19 Woodruff Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Woodruff, UT

47 Reviews of 19 Woodruff Campgrounds

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2022

    Fossil Butte National Monument BLM

    Spectacular!

    Beautiful and remote area 10 miles up the road from the Visitor’s Center. Paved road that turns to dirt- both in great condition. High clearance vehicle needed, especially on the BLM land. Visitor’s Center provided a map showing the location of the dispersed camping (road off to the left at the top). Strong internet access. Spectacular views!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo

    Boondocking site on a hill

    About 1/4 mile down a dirt road from Hwy 39 is a good single boondocking spot with a great view. Not for large RVs. Our 17 ft trailer with 4x4 was tricky to get into the spot because the loop was so small. Has a fire pit but with fire restrictions we didn’t have a fire. The view is fantastic of hills covered with aspen and fir trees. Quiet but cars can be heard now and then.

    There are many other boondocking spots in this area but this one is a good one.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2023

    Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo

    Beautiful and secluded

    Two nice boondocking spots just a short drive on a tight dirt road off the highway. The campsite on the right is bigger, the one on the left is very small. Very popular for hunters in September, so you'll have lots of people walking right by your camp. The views are beautiful, but it can get quite blustery. We weren't able to have a fire when we stayed there.

  • Steven E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2019

    Green Canyon Dispersed Campground

    Green Canyon Disbursed Campgrounds

    Green Canyon is one of Logan Utahs underrated and overused gems. The canyon itself is open for recreation of various kinds year-round.

    During the summer months when most of us like to go camping, there are between 15 and 25 sites available on a first-come first-serve basis. Some of these are groups sites that can accommodate large gatherings. Most sites have established fire rings, however the overall site condition as well as the condition of the fire ring is sometimes questionable. This is usually due to high volume. This Canyon is also notorious for high school Gatherings, so there is usually a lot of pallet wood burned. You will find on almost every trip Nails screws Staples and broken glass. Beer bottles beer cans and cigarette butts are also pretty common unfortunately. (Wear good shoes!) Aside from questionable condition of the campgrounds, it is easy to get to and free. And relatively close to Logan. So it's easy to see why I get so much use.

    Green Canyon is better known and more happily known for its trail that runs alongside the road. Local residents love this Trail for trail runs, or mountain biking. There are Vault toilets in the parking lot at the bottom, as well as at the very top where Green Canyon meets water shed Canyon.

    In the winter months the road is closed, and is groomed by a local group named Nordic United. They groom it for cross country skiing several times a week and after every good storm. Trail is also used during the winter for snowshoeing, as well as Fat Tire snow biking.

    To top it off in the winter at the top Powder Ridge ski touring also has a yurt you can rent if you are willing to cross country ski or Snowshoe to it. (See separate review).

    Overall Green Canyon only gets 3 out of 5 stars because of its high traffic and high litter volume. Remember to leave no trace and always leave it better than you found it!

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2020

    Green Canyon Dispersed Campground

    Easy Access

    This canyon is within the Cache National Forest. Just outside of Logan, UT. Super easy access to a neat little canyon. My Honda Civic was able to navigate the gravel road far back into the canyon. There are two restrooms - one at the trailhead and one down into the canyon a bit. Several spots with picnic tables. Many pullouts / camping spots with stone fire rings on either side of the road. There were tons of mountain bikers around, as there is a mountain bike / trail running / hiking trail that goes through the canyon as well. Kinda crowded on the weekend. Lots of trucks, razors, and ATVs. BUT the canyon itself is cool and pretty. There is even a cave up on the left coming in and we saw some people bouldering up there. Overall not bad for a free place to stay! Met some super kind folks in there.

  • Sherry N.
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area

    Great boondocking spot but long dirt road

    Very private boondocking area about 10 miles off the highway. Wide open area; fairly level in the campsites we saw. The road is okay if you go slowly; we came in with our 31’ class A pulling a 12’ box trailer. There’s a bathroom about 6 miles in. Good Verizon service.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping

    Amazing mnt views great road

    2wd friendly road for MILES. You can drive well into Idaho. You can drive for about 1.5 hours up in here and see amazing river meadow mountain views. The views are truly amazing. There are nice size and spread out dispersed camping spots along the way. Just make sure you stick to the gravel road as you go up, dont turn off. The road turns to dirt in idaho but is still 2wd safe until you get to a ver clear turn around. Beware of cows! They will be in several sections of the road but are friendly to cars and move out of the way. The sites can be a little buggy but many have direct river access or beaver pond access. If this place had cell signal it would be one of the best spots ever

  • Maddie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping

    Great for big groups

    Amazing location especially because it’s close to bear lake!

    I heard it’s better in August, but if you camp way further down the mosquitos are absolutely miserable.

    I went by myself on a Friday afternoon and it was super busy but there were still some spots for just a car right off the side of the road which worked fine for me since I was car camping, but I would be cautious if you aren’t car camping to make sure you show up earlier than I did (6pm).

    Also if you keep driving for maybe 20-30min down the road there’s even more beautiful spots, but it’s pretty rocky so be careful if you don’t trust your car/have low clearance. I got my car stuck in a ditch trying to pull into one of the further spots (10/10 don’t recommend) lol. Bumper is now falling off and I think one of the rocks gave my tire a leak.

  • Scott W.
    Jul. 12, 2024

    Fossil Butte National Monument BLM

    I wanted dark quiet and remote!

    And I got it at fossil butte. At north end of park is a 17% grade loose gravel narrow road with two hairpins - good luck! But northern end of park boundary is well marked. Dark dark sky and unbelievably quiet.

Guide to Woodruff

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Woodruff, Utah, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers a range of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Woodruff

  • The Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area provides stunning lakeside views, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and birdwatching. Campers have reported seeing moose and various bird species in the area.
  • For breathtaking fall foliage, consider dispersed camping near Monte Cristo, where the changing leaves create a picturesque backdrop. Visitors have praised the immaculate views and spacious sites available in this region.
  • The Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin area is known for its beautiful sunsets and quiet surroundings, perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy nature's beauty.

Top Activities for Dispersed Campers

  • Fishing and boating are popular activities at the Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area, where campers can enjoy a peaceful day on the water surrounded by stunning scenery.
  • Hiking enthusiasts will find plenty of trails near the Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping area, offering opportunities to explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the region.
  • If you're into hunting, the dispersed camping near Monte Cristo is a favored spot during the hunting season, attracting many outdoor adventurers looking for a secluded experience.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Fossil Butte National Monument

  • The Fossil Butte National Monument BLM offers a remote camping experience with spectacular views and a chance to explore the area's unique geological features.
  • Campers seeking solitude will appreciate the quiet atmosphere at Fossil Butte, where the dark skies provide excellent stargazing opportunities away from city lights.
  • The access road to the BLM land can be challenging, but those with high-clearance vehicles will find it well worth the effort for the stunning scenery and peaceful surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules for dispersed camping in the Woodruff area?

When dispersed camping in the Woodruff area, you must camp in designated dispersed camping zones only. Similar to regulations at Green Canyon Dispersed Campground, sites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, so always check current regulations before planning to have a campfire. Practice Leave No Trace principles, including proper waste disposal. Many areas like Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping require you to stick to established sites and existing fire rings. Maximum stay limits typically range from 14-16 days. Pack out all trash, as most dispersed sites don't provide garbage service. Always maintain appropriate distance from water sources (usually 100-200 feet) when setting up camp.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Woodruff, Wisconsin?

Dispersed camping opportunities near Woodruff can be found in the surrounding national forest areas. Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area offers private boondocking about 10 miles off the highway with wide open, fairly level sites. The area is accessible for larger rigs, as campers have successfully navigated it with a 31' class A towing a trailer. For those seeking a more riverside experience, Woodruff Narrows Bear Riverside provides spots with lake access and established pull-offs, some featuring pit toilets. Look for clear turnoffs from Highway 101, as some unmarked roads may lead to private property. Both areas offer true dispersed camping experiences with minimal facilities and maximum privacy.

Is there free dispersed camping available year-round in Woodruff?

Dispersed camping availability in the Woodruff area varies seasonally with some restrictions during winter months. Areas similar to Fossil Butte National Monument BLM may remain accessible year-round, though winter access typically requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles due to snow and mud conditions. Some access roads close during deep winter or spring thaw. Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo demonstrates how hunting seasons (particularly September) can significantly impact site availability. Weather patterns determine accessibility, with higher elevation sites closing earlier in fall and opening later in spring. When planning winter dispersed camping, prepare for extreme cold, bring adequate supplies, and check with local ranger districts about road closures and current conditions before heading out.

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