Coal Mine Wash

Usually quite windy here, but the scenes are otherworldly. Camping allowed almost anywhere near factory butte area. Off road capable vehicle needed for a lot of it. I’ve been here a few times, got snowed on once. I took my 4Runner into the area further up by factory butte. Was okay with the stock 4Runner even in the snow but definitely need four wheel drive! Coal mine rd can be a bit washboarded.

Cool spot, we had it all to ourselves. Don’t drive into lot if the ground is soft. Make sure you secure your tent as well as possible the wind can get intense and can even pull your stakes out if the ground

In this area most of the land is BLM with a few pockets of State Land. So camping is widely available. There is little to no shade as it’s mostly desert landscape with no shrubbery.

I’ve stayed in the area twice. Once closer to the actual coal mine which is several miles down the road with a right hand turn. (Well marked). The other area with an incredible view of the badlands is a right hand turn when you are just about even with factory butte. (Not marked at all)

Easy area to find a place if you want a good dispersed campsite. There is a vault toilet at the head of the coal mine road just as you turn off hwy 24.