Starr Spring Campground

My stay at this secluded campsite from August 20th to 23rd was a welcome escape. With only two other campers in sight during my four-night stay, the spacious sites felt very private and peaceful. The area is also perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering quick access for off-roading. I was also able to easily find a safe target practice area within a mile of my campsite. The campsites are only $10 a night and run on the honor system, which was a great value. The highlight of the trip, however, was seeing my son’s reaction to the wildlife. He was thrilled to no end to have been able to pet a bat, a toad, and a salamander. The site is well-equipped, with two bathrooms and three water spigots. Just remember to bring your own drinking water, as the water from the spigots is likely non-potable. The creek that runs through part of the camp was a nice bonus, and the plenty of shade made the hot August days more bearable. Unfortunately, campfires weren't allowed during this time of year. We were also unlucky to not have a truly clear night the whole week, but whenever the clouds broke, the darkness was unbelievable, and you could see everything possible in the night sky. Since we were there during the new moon, this was one of the darkest sites in Utah. I think it would be better to go back in the fall to enjoy more moderate temperatures and a clearer view of the sky.

This BLM campground is head and shoulders above your typical boondock campsite, of which there are plenty in Utah. Better yet, it was empty when we arrived on a Sunday afternoon in mid July. It comes complete with 12 sites and a group area, picnic tables, fire rings and grill stands in every site, clean vault toilets, water standpipes and one heck of a view once you get out from under the luxuriant, shading scrub oaks. We heard about it from family members who are into rockhounding, and it does not disappoint. Definitely for the tent/small RV boondock crowd. There are no electric hookups or dump stations, but if you’re set up to go off the grid you might be able to fit a small RV or trailer in a couple of these sites. There is actually a spring nearby, so there’s a very small gurgling brook running through the campground. You’re a little higher up, so it’s a few degrees cooler than below, where you’re awed by the vast expanses of mesas and red-rock monuments you pass through to get here on SR 95 from Hanksville to the north or Blanding to the south. You’ll see the sign just past the 17-mile marker as you come south on the northern leg of 276. Fee is $10 per night. Half that if you have America the Beautiful senior pass.