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Map showing campground location near Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Camper submitted image from BLM Mix Pad Dispersed - Cathedral ValleyView 20 Photos
RoadsMap showing campground location near Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

BLM Mix Pad Dispersed - Cathedral Valley

8 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Quiet enough at night to hear the wind drop, the Mix Pad dispersed area sits on BLM land adjacent to the Cathedral Valley backcountry of Capitol Reef National Park, where the landscape opens into sandstone formations, gypsum sinkholes, and wide desert sightlines. The site itself has a flat, hardpacked surface that one reviewer compared to an old asphalt runway, which makes leveling straightforward for vans and rigs that can handle the access road. No developed amenities exist here beyond what campers bring with them, though fires are permitted and the BLM designation allows dogs.

Road conditions are the central variable. Warning signs at the entrance flag high-clearance requirements and flood risk, and those warnings carry real weight in wet conditions: washouts and water crossings along the full loop demand 4WD when the ground is saturated. In dry weather, multiple campers report the initial rough washboard smooths out and the road becomes manageable for taller two-wheel-drive vehicles. Cell reception is nonexistent regardless of carrier.

Wind is the other factor worth planning around. Tent campers have noted it can make camp life uncomfortable, while those in enclosed vehicles find the site calm once the gusts settle. "Very quiet at night out of the wind," notes Abraham. Nearby, Cathedral Valley Loop Dispersed — BLM Richfield offers another dispersed option along the same route for groups wanting to spread out. Budget a full day to take in the temples and gypsum sinkhole before settling in for the night.

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Map & DirectionsBLM Mix Pad Dispersed is located in Utah near Capitol Reef National Park

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

38.33900057 N
111.0310004 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 5/11/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 5/11/26

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • 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

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Reviews8 Camper Reviews - BLM Mix Pad Dispersed

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8 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the quiet, level camping spots on what appears to be an old asphalt strip. Wind conditions vary greatly between visits, and fire ring availability is inconsistent.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed May. 28, 2026

No car can make it?

So I arrived late and the sign scared me from entering. There is enough space on the side to park right beside the main road and sleep overnight. Not much traffic. I’d recommend getting here early to scout and see if the road is as bad as the sign says

Siteroadside
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Apr. 4, 2026

Full Day Drive with water crossing

This area is gorgeous and has so many views. Taking you through the back country of Capitol Reef National Park. If you plan to do the full loop there is a water crossing at one end, and several washouts throughout the drive that require high clearance 4 wheel drive in the wet season. Road is rough with lots of washboards.

Beautiful views, plan on a full day to see the temples and gypsum sinkhole. It’s worth the stop.

Included images/video from our trip out last June (very wet, did not camp) and our camping experience at the end of March of this year.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of BLM Mix Pad Dispersed - Cathedral Valley by Ashley R., April 4, 2026
  • Review photo of BLM Mix Pad Dispersed - Cathedral Valley by Ashley R., April 4, 2026
  • Review photo of BLM Mix Pad Dispersed - Cathedral Valley by Ashley R., April 4, 2026
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2024

Quiet and good

There are signs mentioning danger like "nearly no car can make this road" or "floods". The street is a little bit bumpy in the beginning but then fine.

For me it was perfectly fine and had a good sleep.

Absolutely no reception on any provider for me

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2023

Quiet BLM spot, beautiful evening and morning skies

Quite BLM spot (Cathedral Valley) with very few people around. Some very beautiful skies out here. Not a lot going on but we really enjoyed the peace and quiet and our kids enjoyed playing in the dirt. It was very calm during our visit, not windy at all. Easy road in for our ProMaster with very level spots. Part of it looks like an old asphalt runway.

Month of VisitOctober
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  • Review photo of BLM Mix Pad Dispersed - Cathedral Valley by James M., October 19, 2023
Reviewed Apr. 25, 2021

Windy Spot but Quiet

There were a decent amount of spots but it was incredibly windy and there were no fire rings. We made our own and enjoyed a nice fire but the wind makes it brutal when tent camping. All in all, great spot just outside of Capital Reef.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of BLM Mix Pad Dispersed - Cathedral Valley by Marshall M., April 25, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2020

Primo spot

One of the best campsites I've stayed at. Just a firepit and the landscape. Very quiet at night out of the wind. The dirt road should be accessible to most vehicles.

  • Review photo of BLM Mix Pad Dispersed - Cathedral Valley by Abraham , September 27, 2020
  • Review photo of BLM Mix Pad Dispersed - Cathedral Valley by Abraham , September 27, 2020
Showing results 1-8 of 8 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Cathedral Valley Campground in Capitol Reef National Park?

BLM Mix Pad Dispersed - Cathedral Valley is accessible via a dirt road that most vehicles can navigate. The road is a bit bumpy at the beginning but becomes easier as you progress. Despite warning signs that mention flooding dangers and difficult road conditions, standard vehicles can generally make it without issues. The campground features a long asphalt strip (the mix pad) that makes for easy identification. No 4x4 is specifically required, though conditions may change seasonally.

What facilities are available at Cathedral Valley Campground?

Facilities at BLM Mix Pad Dispersed - Cathedral Valley are extremely minimal. There are no developed amenities beyond some basic fire rings at certain sites, and some campers report needing to create their own. You'll find no water, toilets, or trash services. This is a true dispersed camping experience where the main feature is the surrounding landscape. Be prepared to pack in everything you need and pack out all waste. There's also no cell reception reported from any providers in the area.

Do I need a permit to camp at Cathedral Valley?

No permit is required to camp at BLM Mix Pad Dispersed - Cathedral Valley. This is a free dispersed camping area on BLM land that operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Since it's dispersed camping, there are no formal reservations needed. Standard BLM dispersed camping rules apply, including a typical 14-day stay limit. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and respecting the natural environment. Always check current regulations with the BLM office if you're unsure about specific requirements.

When is the best time to visit Cathedral Valley Campground?

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for visiting BLM Mix Pad Dispersed - Cathedral Valley. Wind can be a significant factor at this location, making tent camping challenging at times, though some visitors report perfectly calm conditions. Summer may bring excessive heat due to the exposed landscape with little shade. Winter camping is possible but prepare for cold desert nights. The area offers beautiful night skies year-round, with the open landscape providing excellent stargazing opportunities when conditions are clear.

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