Utah Forest Road 13 Dispersed Camping, near Flaming Gorge, offers a rugged escape for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This area is perfect for tent camping, RVs, or even glamping, with spacious sites that provide a sense of privacy and tranquility.

Visitors rave about the ample space between campsites, ensuring you won’t be disturbed by neighbors. Many appreciate the natural beauty, with plenty of trees providing shade and a serene atmosphere. As one camper noted, “The camp sites are spacious and each one is far enough from each other that peace and quietness was never an issue.” 

The road leading to the area can be a bit bumpy, but it’s manageable for most vehicles. Campers have found that the rough terrain is worth it for the stunning surroundings and the chance to set up camp next to a stream or in a more wooded area. Hiking opportunities abound, making it a great spot for those looking to explore the outdoors.

While amenities are minimal—no drinking water, toilets, or trash services—this adds to the charm for many who prefer a more back-to-basics experience. Just remember to bring your own supplies and leave no trace. If you’re seeking a peaceful retreat with beautiful forest views, this location is definitely worth considering.

Camping in undeveloped areas (outside of designated campgrounds) is permitted. Please stay on existing roadways when accessing these undeveloped areas, and follow the practices in "Caring for the Forest" when camping in undeveloped areas. Camping in undeveloped areas must occurr within 150 feet of a designated route in Utah and within 300 feet of a designated route in Wyoming, at least 1/4 mile away from any administrative site, (boat ramps, guard stations, campgrounds, or visitor centers).

Utah Forest Road 13 Dispersed Camping

Searching for the best camping near Ashley National Forest, UT? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Ashley National Forest campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Ashley National Forest, UT. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Ashley National Forest

The Best Camping Near Ashley National Forest, Utah

This was one of my favorite finds during my trip through Utah earlier this summer. We were checking out Flaming Gorge and, predictably, all the campgrounds were booked full. I prefer cool dispersed camping anyway, so I decided to venture off some forest roads to see what I could see. And man, that paid returns!

As you head down this forest road (it is a bit rough, low-clearance cars might have a rough go of it, as well as full-sized RVs) you'll see multiple minimal dispersed campsites, most with small man-made rock firepits and nothing else. You're back in the trees, but they aren't overly heavy, so the light comes through just fine, and you'll have open spots as well. One dispersed site on the way to mine looked to have an incredible view, but alas, it was taken.

My site was very large, right where the fire road (more a trail really) seemed to split in two directions. Tons of flat ground for tents, a big healthy stone firepit, and plenty of wood around to harvest. Set up shop as soon as I found it and glad I did. So quiet, big and open, trees for the hammock - basically everything I look for when I try and find a cool place to camp. 

Highly, highly recommended. Would camp here again in a heartbeat. Unfortunately I was too excited to remember to get any good photos of the site itself, so instead, please drool over the shishkabobs I got going on the fire, and the trees at dusk.

Just off the highway, amazing dispersed camping!

FS road #13 has large diameter cobble base and makes for a bumpy road.  There are much better dispersed sites across the hwy on FS roads #839 and #838 for RVs and TTs.  I would not go up this road with a trailer unless you had a turnaround open.  This area is best suited to overlander tent and truck camper types. FS notes 16 day limit

Rocky road camp

We found a spot next to a stream on forest road 838. Very few campers in the area, all quiet and respectful. Road was rough, no problem for our Subaru Forester. Lots of hiking available in the area.

Beautiful forest camping

Lovely little spot. After reading reviews I opted for going on FS 838... There were large camp sites. There was a large group in one when I went by, and other sites that could fit maybe 4 or so cars. I sleep in my outback so I found a little spot. The road was pretty rough, some large divits and larger rocks on the road. I drive an outback so I just went slow and it was fine. It evened out around the corner, the but the beginning was rough. Enjoy it! It's a great spot for an over night and seemed to have a ton to do around the area, it was just a stopover for me. 

Pretty, rough road, FS 838

I followed the other reviewers advice and went with #838. There are tons of dispersed camping options in Ashley National Forest. I stayed at this site on a Monday and I was the only one there. 

Nice spot right off the road

Well spaced sites,  very private . Various sites to choose from, whether it’s more wooded or open area. Didn’t have anyone pass me through out my 2 nights there, I went for 4th of July weekend. Spotty Verizon and ATT service but still managed to be able to text and call as needed . 

Worth the drive 

We loved camping here after visiting Flaming Gorge! It was definitely worth the drive down because it loops us back up to I-80 on the western side of the gorge.

  

The road is bumpy but it's nothing a regular passenger car shouldn't be able to handle. The camp sites are spacious and each one is far enough from each other that peace and quietness was never an issue. There are some sites with fire pits and lots is dead wood that can be used. Plenty of shade from trees, but it does get breezy at night.

Photos of Utah Forest Road 13 Dispersed Camping

Real photos from real campers