The Mountain Region was simply made for camping. There’s not a lot on Earth that can match the natural beauty and wonder of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding area. No photos or first-person accounts will ever be able to do this part of the country justice. You have to see it, and camp it, to believe it.

Being located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a cheat code, but Saddle Mountain in Kaibab National Forest will use that advantage to take home No. 1 on the 2024 Best Places to Camp in the Mountain Region list. Sacred White Shell Mountain in Colorado is ranked No. 2 and BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed in breathtaking Moab, Utah, rounds out the Top 3. Even better, four of the Top 5 campgrounds in the Mountain Region are free. All you have to do is get there. You’ll be glad you did.

Check out these and the rest of this year’s Best Places to Camp Regional Award winners in the Mountain Region, which are based on reviews and ratings from The Dyrt’s vast community of campers.

1. Saddle Mountain — Kaibab National Forest — Arizona

Location: North Rim

What makes it great: On a remote side road near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, this dispersed camping area is a great find — the North Rim is less visited than other parts of the canyon, but even so, a free place to camp that offers both solitude and scenery is worth celebrating. Views from any of the North Rim overlooks are stunning, and these campsites are clustered around the very impressive Saddle Mountain overlook. Hikers can tackle trails to Saddle Mountain or south to Point Imperial; for the truly hardcore, the Nankoweap Trail leads to ancient granaries in the canyon wall. No amenities, but civilization is relatively nearby at Jacob Lake and North Rim village.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Stunning. Every summer I go on a road trip thru national forest all over the US and Kaibab is one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen, so much wildlife and elk and obviously the Grand Canyon, such a great camping spot and the sunrise there is like nothing you have ever seen.” — Shelby C

“Wow! This place is truly amazing, you can pitch your tent 5 feet away from the start of the canyon, not to mention the beautiful sunrises and sunsets! It is a long gravel road on the way here, 4WD definitely recommended.” — Emily

Campground details
Price: Free
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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2. Sacred White Shell Mountain — Colorado

Location: Blanca

What makes it great: Nestled up against the side of Blanca Peak, this dispersed camping area is very close to Great Sand Dunes National Park, and only about a five-minute drive from the excellent hike to Zapata Falls. It’s another great place for stargazing or night-sky photography. Fire pits are about the only amenity here, but supplies and civilization await in the nearby town of Alamosa.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“The sunset and lightning storms in the distance were breathtaking.” — Adam K

“Stunning views and amazing sunset. Not to mention that at night you could see every star in the sky. I stargazed until it was time to go to sleep. Also a couple kangaroo rats were running around my campsite and it made me so happy, since I was really hoping to see one while I was in this area.” — Amy C

“The best part about this area, aside from the views & the sunsets, is the access to the sand dunes natl park. We completely stumbled upon this area and it turned out to be one of the coolest day trips we’ve ever had. Highly highly recommend checking out the sand dunes.” — Ben R

Campground details
Price: Free
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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3. BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed — Utah

Location: Moab

What makes it great: It’s not easy to find a good, secluded campsite anywhere near Moab these days, but this area is along a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive road near Dead Horse Point State Park and within easy striking distance of Arches National Park. It’s just challenging enough to get to that you’re likely to have a choice of sites all to yourself. The camping area is high up on the mesa with amazing views over the red-rock canyon. Expect epic morning and evening views, peace and quiet, and starry night skies.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“This is so so worth it, the prettiest place I’ve ever camped. Million dollar view for free.” — Hannah G

“This is definitely the place with the best canyon views you can get! The spots are right on the edge of the cliffs (be careful with your pets and in the dark). Fire rings are right up on the edge so you can see the entire canyon while you hang out.” — Cortlan S

“Amazing views, will definitely go back. About 30 minutes from Moab and beautiful views on the way to the site too.” — Tracey M

“Best view EVER.” — Jannick V

Campground details
Price: Free
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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4. Belle Fourche Campground at Devils Tower — Wyoming

Location: Devils Tower

What makes it great: Camp among cottonwood trees beside the Belle Fourche River, just minutes from the Devils Tower National Monument (you can even hike there from the campground). Firewood, drinking water and flush toilets are available, as well as both RV sites (no hookups) and a few tent-only sites. There’s a general store and a trading post nearby, and the campground is also close to Prairie Dog Town.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“What an incredible place! Wyoming is beautiful and you can’t beat the area around Devils Tower. You can see the tower from all different angles.” — Kristi D

“Great spot right at the base of the monument.” — Emily T

“Saw some bison on the road in and lots of prairie dogs close to the entrance. So cute!” — N.M.

Campground details
Price: $20
Number of sites: 46
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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5. Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed — Idaho

Location: Murtaugh

What makes it great: A secretly cool area along an otherwise fairly bleak stretch of interstate highway near Twin Falls, this dispersed camping area is tucked away beside the Snake River. It’s a great place to hike and climb around, explore the rocky riverside terrain, or relax beside the falls. Campers can choose between spots right along the riverbank or driving a little farther (on a slightly rough road) for a ridge spot with wider views.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Great little trail along the river and falls. Perfect after a long day of driving. The area was super clean (lets all continue this!) and beautiful.” — Laurin

“Wasn’t sure what to expect but wow this area didn’t disappoint! Camped with our 3 kids for 2 nights along the river. Beautiful views, bring your fishing poles and kayaks! Tent or car camp but not accessible with trailers due to sketchy narrow road down to the canyon.” — Melissa R

Campground details
Price: Free
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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6. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — New Mexico

Location: Alamogordo

What makes it great: This well-maintained state park campground is the nearest one to White Sands National Park (about 30 minutes away). It’s located in the Chihuahuan Desert beside the cottonwood trees and pools of water in Dog Canyon. Also within the park is the historic home of its namesake, Oliver Milton Lee, who settled here in 1893. The campground offers tent and RV sites, some with picnic shelters and hookups. There’s drinking water, bathrooms and showers, friendly camp hosts, hiking trails and great views of Tularosa Basin.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Great state park. Clean and well thought out camping sites.” — James P

“Great spot with beautiful views. Stayed here last month and loved it so much we had to come back!” — Austin

“At the mouth of Dog Canyon this is a gem of a campground!” — James N

Campground details
Price: $10-$14
Number of sites: 42
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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7. Lost Dutchman State Park — Arizona

Location: Apache Junction

What makes it great: Surrounded by hiking trails and epic views, this state park campground is just outside of Phoenix but has great access to wilderness adventures. It’s notably tidy and well-maintained, with a ranger station on site offering programs for kids. Explore a network of trails by mountain bike or 4×4, or hike from the campground to the Superstition Mountains or the Flatiron, both within view. There’s also a nearby ghost town as well as the Lost Dutchman Museum down the road.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Lost Dutchman State Park isn’t just a campground, it’s an adventure paradise!” — Brad

“Best camping in the area! Lost Dutchman has amazing views, super clean facilities and spaced out sites. Highly recommend.” — Riley K

“We really enjoyed this park. Sites were nicely spaced. Beautiful view of mountain and amazing sunsets. Great hikes right from the campground.” — Mike T

Campground details
Price: $25-$35
Number of sites: 138
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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8. Makoshika State Park — Montana

Location: Glendive

What makes it great: Montana’s largest state park, this area is great for fans of fossils and badlands. (The name comes from a Lakota phrase for “bad lands.”) There’s a visitor center with interpretive displays and a gift shop. The park has lots of activities, including hiking trails, disc golf and kids’ programs. The campground has picnic shelters, firewood for sale, restrooms and drinking water. But the dinosaur lore is the highlight: 10 different species have been discovered here, and it’s a key stop along the Montana Dinosaur Trail.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Spectacular geography. Amazing trails, stunning scenery, very cool disc golf course. Would absolutely go back.” — Brad J

“What an amazing place! We arrived in the dark and woke up to the most amazing sunrise!” — Angie A

“One of the coolest state parks this side of the Cenozoic Period!” — Doug L

Campground details
Price: $4-$34
Number of sites: 28
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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9. Prospector Campground — Colorado

Location: Dillon

What makes it great: With views of Dillon Reservoir in the White River National Forest in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this high-altitude campground is a favorite among boaters and anglers. The campground also has easy access to the 50-mile Summit County trail system for hikers and bikers, as well as plenty of other hiking trails that lead to epic mountain views. Local wildlife includes elk and bighorn sheep. Campsites have picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets and drinking water, but no electrical hookups. A good base for exploring the fun mountain towns of Frisco and Silverthorne.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“This spot is amazing! Views are great! Campsites are spaced out and have plenty of space. Camp hosts were good!” — Kelsey C

“I can’t say enough about Prospector. One of my favorite places to camp in Summit County. Take in the views, the hikes, and all of the natural splendor that this area has to offer!” Jason F

“By far one of, if not the most, gorgeous campsite I’ve had the pleasure to stay at.” — Claire B

Campground details
Price: $26-$28
Number of sites: 105
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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10. Upper Teton View Dispersed — Wyoming

Location: Moran

What makes it great: Hard to beat the views of the craggy Teton Range from this aptly named dispersed camping area not far outside of Grand Teton National Park. A good base for exploring the area, it draws hikers, mountain bikers, anglers, photographers and outdoor adventurers looking to camp off the grid. The campsite is also close to Yellowstone National Park and several other hot springs areas. Campers here have a good chance of seeing the Milky Way, beautiful sunsets and buffalo.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Best view in the valley!” — Brad F

“Great spots and so close to the park!” — Jake

“If you have gear to go when it’s cold then it’s like you have the mountain to yourself! I went in November and had a blast! Got down to 16 degrees at night but had the right gear.” — Henry H

Campground details
Price: Free
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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Browse thousands of the best camping locations in the Mountain region:

See all Best Places to Camp awards here.