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Dispersed Camping

Recapture Reservoir

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Recapture Reservoir offers a dispersed camping experience near a body of water surrounded by open terrain. Temperatures can range from highs in the 90s during summer to lows in the 20s in winter. Nearby attractions include the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum and the scenic landscapes of Bears Ears National Monument.

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Location

Recapture Reservoir is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.66717028 N
109.4436391 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Connectivity

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    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
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    Verified by 1 user

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Recapture Reservoir needs a permit.


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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

13 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2025

Undefined messed up area

This place is a undefined, no signage, no infrastructure place. Two track pothole weedy roads going into unk deadends. Not a good place for a RV or travel trailer unless you have reconned prior. Not even sure of ownership but my map program says BLM. What a neglected crap hole. On the north side the one access road goes up toward the top of this lake and there are several crapped out campers looking like they have been there awhile. This place has the vibe of drunks, shooters and party fools on weekends...pass!

Way better option is the Devil's Cyn FS CG just a few miles to the north.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Recapture Reservoir by Greg L., August 27, 2025
  • Review photo of Recapture Reservoir by Greg L., August 27, 2025
  • Review photo of Recapture Reservoir by Greg L., August 27, 2025
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2025

Beatiful and plenty of space!

This one particular was one of the most beatiful dispersed camping areas we’ve visited. It is located on a shore of the lake (that you can swim in). We got lucky and didn’t have anyone else camping near us. We saw a couple of RVs in the area. Once you arrive, I suggest going to the right and drive about 300ft (100m) to a nice spot with table & benches. The only con of this place was: it’s a public place. We’ve seen one or two guys going there with dogs, heard some mad pick up drifting in the area etc. I personally would stay here again but if you have safety issues or travel alone then it’s up to you.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Recapture Reservoir by Petr K., August 5, 2025
  • Review photo of Recapture Reservoir by Petr K., August 5, 2025
  • Review photo of Recapture Reservoir by Petr K., August 5, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Dec. 23, 2024

Great campsite

This campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and offers some powered sites. I love geometry dash lite. Located just about 40 minutes from Calgary and near Bragg Creek, it provides a pleasant atmosphere with minimal noise. Most sites offer a good level of privacy. Rates are standard, and pets are welcome at no extra charge, as long as they are leashed. It's an excellent spot for hiking day trips!

Reviewed Oct. 2, 2024

Good convenient campsite

Was quiet and convienent to the local town. No signal but there is some at the bottom of the entrance.

WARNING: if you don't have an off-road capable vehicle don't listen to the GPS, it took us down a super sketchy back road. If you're coming from the North, go further down and use Radio Hill Rd to access this site.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed May. 31, 2024

Great lakefront cping

Much fuller and more crowded than 3 yrs ago when we visited. Took only place we found, closer to the dock and more traffic than preferred but still beautiful.

Sitedockside
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Dec. 30, 2023

Very Quiet

We stopped here in the off-season.  Very, very quiet with great views of lake and mountains.

Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2022

Easy access beautiful and quiet

Everything is in the title 😉 GPS point is not correct, we were looking for a small road but in fact it s at the end of the main road,on the right, just behind the park place. Here are our coordinates 37.666122, -109.442772 Well equipped with table and grill. Easy access to the water if the weather is good Beautiful view on the mountain Quiet despite the proximity with the road above

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Recapture Reservoir by Maxime A., November 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Recapture Reservoir by Maxime A., November 6, 2022
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Reviewed Oct. 20, 2022

Peaceful

A quick visit. Pulled in late and no problems finding a level spot by the water.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Recapture Reservoir by ingrid S., October 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Recapture Reservoir by ingrid S., October 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Recapture Reservoir by ingrid S., October 20, 2022
Reviewed Dec. 1, 2021

Decent enough stop for one night

Due to the lack of reviews we were unsure what we would be driving into. Upon arrival we noticed around half a dozen "sites" adjacent the reservoir. Most had a slight grade, but were overall fairly nice and clean. No Verizon service whatsoever, but we managed to regain service just up the road. Would stay again for a quick overnight before getting back on the road.

SiteNot numbered
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Recapture Reservoir by Connor N., December 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Recapture Reservoir by Connor N., December 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Recapture Reservoir by Connor N., December 1, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Recapture Reservoir?

Recapture Reservoir offers basic dispersed camping with several unmarked sites adjacent to the water. Each site typically includes a picnic table and grill. The camping area is primitive with no official facilities like bathrooms or showers. Some sites have a slight grade, so finding a level spot might require some searching. The camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are reportedly some powered sites available. Sites vary in size, with some accommodating RVs, though access can be challenging for larger vehicles on the unpaved roads.

Where is Recapture Reservoir located in Utah?

Recapture Reservoir is located near Blanding in southeastern Utah. The reservoir is approximately 40 minutes from the nearest major town. To reach the reservoir, avoid following GPS directions that might lead you down difficult back roads. If approaching from the north, use Radio Hill Road for better access. The actual location coordinates are around 37.666122, -109.442772. The campground is situated at the end of the main road, on the right side, just behind the parking area.

Do I need a permit to camp at Recapture Reservoir?

No permit is required to camp at Recapture Reservoir. The camping area operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place. The land appears to be managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), though signage is minimal. Since this is a primitive camping area with limited oversight, camping is generally free, but it's always advisable to check with local BLM offices for any recent policy changes before your trip.

What activities can visitors enjoy at Recapture Reservoir?

Visitors to Recapture Reservoir can enjoy a variety of water-based activities including paddle boarding, swimming, and fishing. The reservoir provides a scenic setting with views of the lake and surrounding mountains, making it ideal for photography and relaxation. The area offers opportunities for rock jumping into the water at certain points. Hiking around the shore is also possible. The location is generally quiet, especially during off-season, allowing for peaceful stargazing. Be aware that mosquitoes can be problematic during certain times of the year, so bringing insect repellent is recommended.