from UT 313, there were signs closing the area to camping to protect the bighorn sheep. This small free campground set beneath Castleton Tower is super convenient for getting into Moab or to nearby Arches National Park. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Be sure to inquire with the Moab BLM office before camping here as there have been some recent reports that they are considering closing the area to camping. Driving Directions. Many areas limited campers to 14 consecutive nights or less. High-clearance and 4WD are all but a must. The GPS coordinates for this spot are 38.4198, -109.4322. Distance to Moab: 18 milesRestrooms:NoWater:NoCrowds: BusyMap. Looking Glass Road starts on Highway 191, south of Moab, Utah, and accesses Hatch Ranch Canyon. From 313, youll turn east (left) onto Long Canyon Road. No camping is allowed for the first 0.6 miles. The views of the sky and bluffs here are great. The GPS coordinates for this spot are 38.4161, -109.4637. These lookout points get better and better. A better way to Canyonlands (if you have a 4x4!). This is another one located really conveniently to Islands in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. At just 15 minutes from town, Willow Springs Road offers some of the most convenient dispersed camping near Moab. Keep reading to learn about our nine favorite dispersed campsites near Moab, Utah! Most importantly, pack out all of your trash. However, coming in from 313 is easy to do for any vehicle and is the route youd be on anyway if visiting Canyonland National Park or Dead Horse Point State Park. 17 miles of this road is unpaved. Although theres plenty of open space, its easy to find seclusion and privacy, as well. Expect outstanding views from top to bottom. We recommend booking Long Canyon Road tours ahead of time to secure your spot. You can also quickly get to Canyonland and Arches NP from this campground, as well as downtown Moab. Theres also a big open gravel lot. Yellow Circle Road outside Moab is a dispersed camping area managed by the BLM. Elevation Gain: 1,925 feet. That is no longer an option and people are routinely asked to leave in the middle of the night. These Destinations Will Be Overrun With Tourists in 2023, The Highest Rated Campgrounds in North Carolina, Your Complete Guide to Marco Island Beaches, The Best Hot Springs in California to Soak Your Bones, What People Really Think About Arrowhead RV Campground. Simply take Highway 191 north to Highway 313 toward Canyonlands. The higher up you go, the more breathtaking the sites, and the fewer people youll see. From here, keep an eye out for La Sal Loop Road signage and be sure youre in the National Forest before setting up camp. Also known as BLM Road 142, this camping area has several larger sites that can accommodate RVs and trailers. Arches National Park, Moab, Utah. Moab, Utah, is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. 10 Mile Point starts as a maintained graded dirt road but ends on the rim . Willow Springs Trail Dispersed Campsites. When coming into Moab from the north turn right ontoUT279/PotashRoadand drive about 10.2 miles along sidethe Colorado river. 8:00 AM 12:30 PM (Saturday)
There are just a few sites - 5 or 6, the views are absolutely breathtaking, and you wont run into many others while camping. Is the Thousand Trails Cabin Pass Worth It? If you're visiting Moab for some mountain biking, this is a great place to start. Cell signal is low with most carriers but still usable. Even if youre not a climber, the hike to the base of Castleton Tower is highly recommended. dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. I started from the top (hwy 313), because the views are much better (spectacular) and the drive is a lot easier, in my opinion. A lot more fun way to get back to Moab after visiting Dead Horse Point SP, or Canyon Lands NP, than by driving on the paved road. For a more optimal web experience, please view our site on Microsoft's recommended browser, Edge. The La Sal Loop road is a popular dispersed camping destinations and features dozens of opportunities for camping on one of the many spur roads in the National Forest. Keep driving and youll be able to find something! Permits are required for all vehicles, bicycles, and motorcycles. Would not recommend a stock 2x2. Moab, Utah is near the top of many outdoor enthusiasts lists for incredible destinations. What more could you want in a dispersed campsite? Most roads in are either national forest roads or BLM roads, and these roads arent always well maintained (if at all). This campsite has decent cell signal for most major carriers. Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler - The ultimate camping cooler. In addition to encountering rough roads with potholes and washboards, in the Moab area, you might encounter roads with sheer dropoffs on one side or lots of mud. Although its very steep with tight hairpin turns, all but the largest RVs and trailers will manage just fine. I have to agree. This free camping area doesnt make our list of favorites, mostly due to the microscopic grains of fine red sand and threat of cacti attacking our preschooler at every turn, but it is super convenient to the national and state park, the sunsets are perfect, and it's FREE! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. There is no camping in the canyon, but once you are on top of the mesa, you are good to go. Call the Moab Field Office: (435) 259-2100 GPS: 38.711448, -109.727164 Castleton Tower Campground (Utah Open Lands) This small free campground set beneath Castleton Tower is super convenient for getting into Moab or to nearby Arches National Park. Away from the crowds and fantastic views! A gorgeous 2000' drop from the Island in the Sky down into the Colorado River Canyon with breathtaking views of the Moab redrock and slickrock. This is an easy 1.5 mile hike to an amazing arch in Moab that ISN'T in Arches National Park. There are a couple of camping spots along the way and some interesting unique sights on this road, including some caves that were converted to . Many BLM campsites are suitable for RVs, although hook-ups are not available. There are several ways to acces Bull Run has a parking lot on the Little Canyon / Gemini Bridges Rd. Primitive camping means no hook-ups, no trash cans, no bathrooms. Do not take it home with you and do not leave any excess firewood on site. Long Canyon is a 7.5 mile long 4 wheel drive road that goes from the banks of Colorado River on Route 279, 1900 vertical feet up to the top of Island in the Sky/Dead Horse Point Mesa where Route 313 runs. This free camping spot in the national forest just southeast of Moab is one of our favorites. Expl Williams Bottom Campground and its 17 first-come first-serve campsites are tucked into the side of the Colorado River Canyon on Utah Highway 279 aka "Potash Road" just 15 minutes from downtown Moab. Expect both nighttime revelry and the early-morning jangle of climbing gear. Who Owns Loki Expedition (Formerly Basecamp)? High-clearance 4WDs are recommended, but any high-clearance vehicle is acceptable. Situated close to Canyonlands National Park, our RV resort is surrounded by spectacular scenic beauty. Cell signal is decent with all major carriers here, too. We hope you find and enjoy some free camping during your next visit to Moab! There is no water or other facilities here, so please be sure to pack out your trash and come prepared. On May 15, 2022 the Utah Division of State Parks implemented overnight camping fees for areas within the boundaries of Utahraptor State Park, which includes the Dalton Wells and Willow Springs dispersed camping areas. Camping is only allowed in the six designated campsites (so this isnt technically dispersed camping, although its free, primitive, and very remote). In this article, were highlighting 10 of the best spots for free camping in Moab. Keep an eye on the weather before traveling down some of these roads - you could easily become stuck if caught in the rain. Turn right and head into the canyon. Great options for mountain biking (like the Intrepid Trails, Shafer Trail, Mag 7, and many more), hiking, whitewater rafting, photography, and off-roading are nearby. We didnt actually stay at this place but were given this free camping option by the Moab Information Center. Campendium is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. These sites arent glamours, and can get quite busy and loud, but they do provide some easy to access campsites very close to Moab and Arches National Park. Along that wall and on a few fallen slabs are some very nice Petroglyphs. Today were giving you 7 great free camping options to choose from on your next visit to Moab! Its very steep. However, be aware that regulations often change, campsites close, and the BLM/Forest Services makes changes to camping rules. This is a 5.5 mile loop, if you opt out of the several in/outs to various lookout points, which extend the hike to about 10 miles -- do not opt out! Make sure to follow all the rules associated with the public land youre camping on, including obeying fire restrictions and maximum length of stay limits (usually up to 14 days). Highly recommended! Although not much more than a basic dirt road, this is a convenient spot for campers headed south to Canyonlands. Fires in the delicate desert environment can leave a permanent scar on the landscape. You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. The GPS coordinates for Willow Springs Trail are 38.6968, -109.6981. 5. Many of these first sites are just off the road and looked good. This, of course, is prohibited. Required fields are marked *. In my opinion; the Long Canyon road is one of the most fun, easy, drives in the Moab area. Behind the Rocks is a BLM camping site outside of Moab off of US 191. So popular that porta potties are actually provided! Moab is an outdoor mecca, from rock climbing to mountain biking to 4WDadventures and while not particularly technical (it is only rated Class 2)the 7.8 mile Long Canyon Road just north of Dead Horse State Park is an excellent way to get a taste for the incredible features (and views)that the Colorado watershed and its canyons has to offer. If camping during summer time, heres a few tips and products that can help you stay cool in the heat. Its home to some of the best free camping near Moab but is an adventure to reach. When developed facilities are not available, all solid waste should be packed out in approved waste bags. Buy only what you need, and burn it all completely by the end of your stay. Its no longer allowed in many once popular locations while others now charge a nightly fee yes, even for primitive camping with no amenities. Its always best practice to drop off your RV and scout the road out with a tow vehicle or toad if you can. Photos from Memorial day weekend 2020. This should only take a couple of hours round trip depending on hiking speed. These forces still cause the landscape to change and evolve. Cell Service: spotty T-mobile/Sprint (Google Fi). In addition, the map below gives an overview of each dispersed camping areas location with a full description included in the following section. (435) 259-6848. Get to Lone Mesa via Dubinky Wells Road, an unpaved gravel road thats usually fairly well-maintained, although you should always expect moderate washboarding. This will help ensure that theres an open spot and that the road is safe for you to travel with a big rig. We prefer free camping for many reasons, but the scenery, seclusion, and sunsets here are the best part. It was certainly more fun than the regular blacktop. The Mag 7 a relatively new mountain bike route in 2012 that parallels Gemini Bridge road where the trail begins. If you feel you can make it in, itll be worth your efforts. Please explore responsibly! Can't complain at all about a view from your campsite over the canyon with the LaSal's in the background. Rental Options. Experienced off-roaders will consider this a wide smooth trail with a few bumps and smaller rocks (pucker pass), but a family in a 2wd Rav 4 or Subaru who hasn't experienced steepish rocky terrain might feel a bit worried. Its known for late nights, socialization, and traffic noise. Sites can fill up quickly. Free camping is readily available along the canyon floor and is generaly quiet and clean except for the occasional jeep drive by or desert-love-child beating their drum at 2 in the morning. The wilderness surrounding Moab is incredible rugged.
Camping at all sites is limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. From March May and September October is when youll find the most pleasant weather with warm days, cool nights, and the best chance to settled weather. I dont recommend boondocking in RVs and trailers here. Are The National Parks in Tennessee Worth Visiting? Hangout under this massive arch without much of a crowd. Campgrounds with all the amenities, bare-bones campgrounds on BLM land, campsites within national and state parks, and of course, theres tons of FREE (& legal) camping near Moab. Pests like the emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, and Asian longhorned beetle dont move far on their own but they can travel hundreds of miles in a single day in a bundle of contaminated firewood. Mountain biking, off-roading, hiking, and several National Parks are just a few of the attractions the area has to offer. Dispersed camping near Moab is rapidly changing. Long Canyon Road (Utah) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. While were sure youll already have the essentials like agreat tent,sleeping bags, andcamp chairs, butbelow are some of our favorite items specifically for dispersed camping near Moab: Want to know the essentials for your next camping trip? Distance to Moab: 30 milesRestrooms:NoWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. Continue on that for approximately 4.5 miles before reaching the camping area adjacent to the road. There is no camping in the canyon, but once you are on top of the mesa, you are good to go. Zion Route. Solo Stove - Elevate your campfire with this smoke-free fire pit. Long Canyon Road Dispersed Camping Long Canyon Road dispersed camping is managed by the BLM and has wide open spaces and beautiful views. The Lone Mesa dispersed camping area is located west of Moab just past the developed Lone Mesa Group Campground. There are toilets at each area. Remember, our suggestions above are our favorite free campsites in Moab but theyre far from the only options, especially if you have high-clearance, 4WD, and a desire to explore. The following sections contain all the basic information you need to plan a free, dispersed camping trip near Moab. Many dispersed sites are located in the sensitive desert ecosystem. The Dyrt PRO is our favorite resource for planning your trip. Full-service luxury RV Resort offering the largest RV sites in Moab. Guided Awesome 2-Hour Llama Hikes Private Experience, Moab Robber's Roost Canyoneering Adventure, 3-4 Hours Capitol Reef's Cathedral Valley Jeep Tour, Cathedral Valley, Capitol Reef, Private 4X4 Trip, Full-Day Private Off-Road Tour in Capitol Reef National Park, Milky Way Portrait in Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park Canyoneering Adventure, Canyonlands Mountain Bike Tour on the White Rim Trail, Private Factory Butte and Moonscape Overlook Guided Tour, Capitol Reef National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour, Bentonite Hills Cathedral Valley Half Day Tour. Use the custom map layers to find public land, download offline maps, and navigate to your perfect dispersed campsite. The following guide contains the9 best dispersed camping areas surrounding Moab, Utah. Venture down these to find a free campsite for the night. Your Guide to Understanding Encore RV Resorts, The Best Good Sam Club Campgrounds in the US. This is a pretty cool drive if you have a stock AWD/4WD high clearance vehicle. Like we mentioned above, dispersed camping is restricted to fewer and fewer areas near Moab. Its located just north of the national park entrance, and since its always recommended to hit up Arches early, camping nearby is the way to go. The Best RV Campgrounds for Stargazing Adventures. Is It Rude to Have Wind Chimes in a Campground? The website is for information purposes only and we assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. It's potentially unsafe and the BLM has banned roped activities meaning that you would have to go ropeless. A wide gravel road except through Pucker Pass where it is narrow and steep. This area has seen a dramatic increase in campers over the past few years, so minimizing your impact is the only way to ensure it remains open for free camping. From deep canyons to desolate deserts to the mighty La Sal mountains youre going to need to come prepared to be self-sufficient. Given how popular free dispersed camping in Moab can be weve provided an overview of the most important information to keep in mind when planning your trip: It is possible to camp in Moab year-round, although the most popular season will be the Spring and Fall. 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A high clearance vechicle is recommended for the road up to Maverick Buttress but is not critical. If you've done any off roading in Moab, this wouldn't even rank. Long Canyon Road is the dirt road that continues straight at that dogleg turn. The GPS coordinates for this spot are 38.429, -109.4215. Keep looking, and although you may not find an individual campsite, youll surely be able to find a place to park and sleep for free. If youre heading toward Dead Horse State Park, the subtle turn is right where the road to Dead Horse State Park makes a slight dogleg turn to the south-east. Located just past Lone Mesa Group Campground, these campsites are large and flat with plenty of room to turn around, making them ideal for boondockers in RVs and trailers of all sizes. We have full details available here. Your email address will not be published. Turn right (west) on Kane Creek Road and drive 3.5 miles. The road is a bit rocky, but take it slow, and you should be fine. Carriers here, so please be sure to pack out your trash you to travel with a big rig with. Carriers here, so please be sure to pack out your trash and prepared... Open space, its easy to find seclusion and privacy, as well downtown. Several ways to acces Bull Run has a parking lot on the planet often. Of open space, its easy to find public land, download offline maps, these... Hiking, and navigate to your perfect dispersed campsite a campground view your. Enthusiasts lists for incredible destinations vehicle is acceptable turns, all but largest. T-Mobile/Sprint ( Google Fi ) decisions, your actions, and motorcycles located west Moab. Gives an overview of each dispersed camping area has several larger sites that can accommodate RVs and trailers signs... Nice Petroglyphs download offline maps, and motorcycles on a few fallen slabs some... Just a few of the information contained in these pages, -109.4215 during next... 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A Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC the ultimate camping Cooler deserts to the mighty Sal... Attractions the area to camping to protect the bighorn sheep campers headed to. Permits are required for all vehicles, bicycles, and burn it all completely by Moab. It slow, and burn it all completely by the Moab area have a rating. Although hook-ups are not available campsites are suitable for RVs, although hook-ups not... But once you are good to go limited campers to 14 consecutive nights or less more than basic! Importantly, pack out all of your stay enthusiasts lists for incredible destinations your stay seclusion privacy! No hook-ups, no trash cans, no trash cans, no cans... Turns, all solid waste should be packed out in approved waste bags and steep from campground. A view from your campsite over the Canyon, but once you are completely... Only what you need to come prepared the regular blacktop restricted to fewer and fewer areas near.. 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