State Land Road #144 Valley City Site

Off-road enthusiasts and stargazers find open terrain and reliable cell coverage at this dispersed camping area along State Land Road #144. Located approximately 30 miles north of Moab on Utah State Trust Lands, the site provides free camping across a desert landscape dotted with existing fire rings and scattered camping spots.

The gravel and dirt roads can accommodate big rigs, though access becomes challenging during wet conditions due to bentonite clay composition. Multiple reviewers warn against camping here if rain threatens, as the clay surface becomes impassable when saturated. Nomadic E. notes it's "perfect for solar, wind energy" and "perfect for Starlink, satellite tv/Internet." Cell service remains strong throughout the area, with towers visible along the nearby interstate corridor.

Campers can choose from sites close to the main road or venture deeper into the block for more separation from traffic. Daily mining truck traffic creates dust clouds, and highway noise carries during daylight hours but diminishes after dark. Wildlife includes foxes and free-ranging cattle, requiring secure food storage. The 15-day limit allows extended stays without permits.

For those wanting developed amenities, BLM 144 Dispersed sits just northeast with similar access conditions.

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Map & DirectionsState Land Road #144 Valley City Site is located in Utah near Thompson

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

38.87791685016644 N
109.8100295698463 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 33 users
    Last on 6/5/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 64 users
    Last on 6/5/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 15 users
    Last on 6/5/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 33 users
    Last on 6/5/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 64 users
    Last on 6/5/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 15 users
    Last on 6/5/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if State Land Road #144 Valley City Site needs a permit.

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General Info

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Reviews10 Camper Reviews - State Land Road #144 Valley City Site

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3.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Free dispersed camping 30 minutes from Moab with good cell service and multiple site options. Many visitors reported noise from highway traffic and trains, plus muddy road conditions when wet requiring 4WD.

Reviewed Jan. 31, 2025

So, so

I only have it 3 stars because it's nothing but a desert dirt lot for parking, you know like most of the desert SW. Otherwise, it's perfect for solar, wind energy. Perfect for Starlink, satellite tv/Internet and you are close to Moab, a fairly interesting town. We parked here for a few weeks in our van. Watched the daily sky divers, that was always cool. Great sunsets and sunrises.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of State Land Road #144 Valley City Site by Nomadic  E., January 31, 2025
  • Review photo of State Land Road #144 Valley City Site by Nomadic  E., January 31, 2025
  • Review photo of State Land Road #144 Valley City Site by Nomadic  E., January 31, 2025
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Dec. 18, 2024

Train lovers delight

Couldn’t be more perfect if you loved train horns blasting at intersections and coal cars rolling by combined with a steady hum of highway traffic from your cozy dirt pull out.

There are millions of acres of public land around here. This site is something I will not visit again. If I would’ve known better, I would’ve driven down the road another few miles. Looks like there is more camping that direction.

Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed Mar. 24, 2024

Klondike Camping

My friends and I get together over here quite often. It's nice and close to the highway, but if you keep going, you can get a ways out there, and there is even some fins and an arch if you go in a few miles. It can be pretty full but, there is almost always a spot open. It also has great off roading!

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of State Land Road #144 Valley City Site by Aaliyah B., March 24, 2024
  • Review photo of State Land Road #144 Valley City Site by Aaliyah B., March 24, 2024
  • Review photo of State Land Road #144 Valley City Site by Aaliyah B., March 24, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2023

Could be nice, but Traffic and Dust are quite bad.

I researched this area on Google Earth before heading down and thought it would be close to perfect.  Wrong!  It's almost 30 miles north of Moab, therefore it's FREE !  But in reality, upon arrival, the disappointment sets in.  The satellite images show campers scattered about well away from the roads.  But the paths to get to these areas have become so beaten, that getting to them would mean certain damage for rigs any larger than 20'.  With me having a 40' Toy Hauler, I was limited to setting up about 1000' off the highway, and within 150' of BLM Rd 144. <> This meant a lot of dust due to the heavy mining-truck traffic which came by 8-10 times a day, and a fair amount of vehicle traffic.  So, needless to say.. I'll be pulling out in the morning and will make a go of it at Courthouse Rock, about 12 south of here.  It's $10-20 per night, but clean and well enough off any high traffic road.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Barren Dust Bowl
    Play button icon
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2023

Giant gravel area

Nothing special but cell service was good and far enough from highway to not bother sleep

Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed May. 9, 2023

Good overnight stay in Moab area.

I stayed here two different night while hiking in the area. Level gravel surface, a few options to park for the night as you proceed further down the road. Road noise was loud during the day but quieted down late. No amenities. Had an average of 3 bars AT&T, enough to make calls and post on social media.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Apr. 18, 2023

Good because of the easy Highway access

Nothing except flat land here. But it's right off the highway and 30 minutes from Moab. Can see the cars on the highway but can't hear them. Rock fire pits are scattered about. Zero privacy. Open range. Full cell service w At&t. Great sunrises. I found a spot near the entrance, but plenty of space to roam around.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of State Land Road #144 Valley City Site by Malcolm C., April 18, 2023
  • Review photo of State Land Road #144 Valley City Site by Malcolm C., April 18, 2023
  • Review photo of State Land Road #144 Valley City Site by Malcolm C., April 18, 2023
Reviewed Dec. 18, 2022

Clean ans nice

No facilities other than rock fire pits. Not too much here other than cows roaming the area. Definitely should lock up all food before bed😂 Would stay here again.

Sitefront
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of State Land Road #144 Valley City Site by Brody Q., December 18, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2022

Great spot close to national parks!

All of the campsites (free & paid) are packed the closer to Moab you get so this spot was fantastic. Both national parks are within 45 minutes. This is dispersed camping so no amenities but it was very peaceful the 3 nights I stayed. There’s ample sites to pick from, rock rings at existing sites. Fantastic cell service and beautiful sunsets. I saw a fox running around one evening during sunset so don’t leave out food or trash at night. If there’s a chance of rain, be prepared with 4x4 as it gets very muddy very quickly.

Month of VisitMay
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of State Land Road #144 Valley City Site by Abby M., June 1, 2022
  • Review photo of State Land Road #144 Valley City Site by Abby M., June 1, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Apr. 16, 2022

State Land Dispersed Camping

This area is on road #144 close to Hwy #191. This is a block of State Land, it is not BLM. There are a scattering of dispersed sites with rock rings. No signage or any site #s. 15 day camping limit on this area of State Lands, no permits needed. However this area is a bentonite clay roads and DO NOT camp here if wet or possibility of significant moisture in future, you will get stuck. Good cell signal as in line of sight of towers on interstate to the north. The vegetation is low beat down shrubs, no shade.

https://trustlands.utah.gov/public-use/camping/

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of State Land Road #144 Valley City Site by Greg L., April 16, 2022
  • Review photo of State Land Road #144 Valley City Site by Greg L., April 16, 2022
  • Review photo of State Land Road #144 Valley City Site by Greg L., April 16, 2022
  • (19) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities or amenities are available at BLM 144 dispersed camping?

This is truly primitive dispersed camping with no formal facilities or amenities. You'll find rock fire rings at established sites but no toilets, water, trash service, or picnic tables. The area offers level gravel surfaces for parking and decent cell service (including AT&T coverage strong enough for calls and social media). The site is relatively flat with no privacy between camping spots. Visitors should come fully self-sufficient with all necessary supplies, including water, and be prepared to pack out all waste.

Is dispersed camping at BLM 144 completely free?

Yes, camping at State Land Road #144 Valley City Site is completely free. This is one of the main reasons it serves as an alternative to the often-packed and paid sites closer to Moab. There are no entrance fees, camping fees, or permits required to stay here, making it an economical option for visitors exploring the area. The 15-day stay limit applies, but there are no costs associated with camping at this location.

What are the rules and regulations for BLM 144 dispersed camping?

This State Land (not BLM) camping area has a 15-day stay limit with no permits required. Campers must use existing sites with rock fire rings and practice Leave No Trace principles. The area is open range, so expect livestock and secure food properly. No formal campsite numbers or signage exists. Practice responsible fire management and pack out all trash. Note that the area can become crowded during peak seasons, so arriving early to secure a spot is recommended.

Where is BLM 144 dispersed camping located in Utah?

State Land Road #144 Valley City Site is actually located on State Land, not BLM land, despite common confusion. It's situated close to Highway #191, approximately 30 miles north of Moab, Utah. This dispersed camping area provides relatively easy access to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, which are within about 45 minutes drive. The location offers good cell service and serves as a convenient base for exploring the greater Moab region without the crowds found closer to town.