The higher up you go, the more breathtaking the sites, and the fewer people youll see. Turn right (west) on Kane Creek Road and drive 3.5 miles. See our full disclosure.). This is a quick 1.5 mile one-way hike to the arch. It climbs up from 1.206m (3,956ft) to 1.865m (6,118ft) above the sea level. Do not attempt to get to this campsite in a 2WD truck, van, or small RV - not worth the risk! Theres more than one way into this campsite, and per a reviewer, the area can easily accommodate large rigs if you come in from the right road. Venture down these to find a free campsite for the night. If you do opt to have a fire, please be sure to completely put it out prior to going to sleep or leaving you campground for any amount of time and never create a new campfire ring! The Lone Mesa Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. From Moab, drive 10 miles on the Kane Creek Road. We just spent 7 days camping on Dalton Wells Road in our 35 foot fifth wheel and my son in his 22 foot travel trailer. It was an easy trail, but I wouldn't be comfortable going up or down pucker pass in a car or vehicle without clearance or 4wd, or with a driver without off-road experience. Bags must be disposed of in W.A.G. Rock Springs Bench Campsite- Grand Staircase Escalante NM is open all year. The GPS coordinates for Willow Springs Trail are 38.6968, -109.6981. The first several spots are ideal for RVs and trailers, although theyre usually full. As a 4x4 route, it's a fun short cut back to Moab from Dead Horse Point or Canyonlands. Theres plenty of space to spread out, and the views are amazing. Today were giving you 7 great free camping options to choose from on your next visit to Moab! It's potentially unsafe and the BLM has banned roped activities meaning that you would have to go ropeless. I like dispersed camping at Yellow Circle Road because of the easy access from the highway, proximity to Moab, and relatively secluded feel. Despite the treacherous road, making the trek into Gemini Bridges Road is well worth it if you have a well-equipped vehicle. Here Are Some Airstream Alternatives. There is no water or other facilities here, so please be sure to pack out your trash and come prepared. Moab Transfer Station 2295 S Hwy 191 (3 Miles South of Moab) 435-259-6314 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Monday - Friday) 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Saturday) Closed Sunday Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Pests & Diseases Our forests are threatened by invasive tree-killing insects and diseases that can hitchhike on firewood. Yellow Circle Road offers basic dispersed camping near Moab just off of Highway 191 south of town. And, although the many developed campgrounds around Moab are top-notch (seriously, the BLM campgrounds along the Colorado River are some of the most scenic in the country), nothing quite beats primitive camping off the beaten path. Taking Potash/279 west out of Moab and turning west on Long Canyon Road is the 4x4 route, and although the views and drive would be stunning, this route isnt really recommended if youre just trying to get to a free camping spot. For "easy" trails, I'd recommend Potash/Shafer or Gemini Bridges instead. Most roads in are either national forest roads or BLM roads, and these roads arent always well maintained (if at all). Well, if you've going down, when you get into Pucker Pass and realize the trail is damaged, you're screwed. If you stick to the interstate then the drive from Las Vegas to Moab is an easy day's driving, taking less than 7 hours if the traffic is in your favor. Because of the absolutely stunning views, these particular campsites are quite crowded. 4x4 Needed preferably high clearence or a spotter. Especially the first downhill part. As such, we do not recommend having a campfire at any of the dispersed camping areas in this guide. Not a shortcut for us! Its quite obvious where the dispersed camping starts youll see a large wide-open expanse with several previously-used campsites marked by rock fire pits. Continue in for more privacy, although the road gets rougher the further in you travel. Moab, UT. A few rough spots with drops. A high clearance vechicle is recommended for the road up to Maverick Buttress but is not critical. These sites aren't much more than pullouts in some very sands areas adjacent to Long Canyon Road, but they'll get the job done for those looking for a campsite. Where to Find the Best RV Couch Replacements, Walmart Alternatives for Free Overnight RV Parking, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZh-GabxhSU, EPIC ADVENTURES IN MOAB, UTAH || WEEK 13 VLOG || FULLTIME RV LIVING (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZh-GabxhSU). What Is the GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity? 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. Also known as BLM Road 142, this camping area has several larger sites that can accommodate RVs and trailers. Campers report decent cell signals on all major carriers, so youll have no problem getting work done while boondocking out here. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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 Long Canyon trail is a fun yet easy trail for those looking for something to ease their way into off-roading. After passing the Group Site, the road splits into Secret Spire Safari Rte / BLM 137 and Hey Joe Canyon Safari Rte / BLM 140. High-clearance 4WDs are recommended, but any high-clearance vehicle is acceptable. 1000 East Sand Flats Rd Camping is only allowed in the six designated campsites (so this isnt technically dispersed camping, although its free, primitive, and very remote). The following sections contain all the basic information you need to plan a free, dispersed camping trip near Moab. The nearest facilities for water, ice and food are in Moab. If you can get to it, the views are breathtaking. Simply take Highway 191 north to Highway 313 toward Canyonlands. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. 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. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Commercial (privately owned) campgrounds generally have many conveniences such as showers, running water, RV hook-ups, flush toilets, and more. To get there take Utah Highway 313 from Highway 191 towards Canyonlands NationalPark. Map showing land status from discovermoab.com, These services are available only at their southern location, Free potable water coming from the north/left side of the building, Free dump station on the north side of the building by the diesel pumps, Can quickly become crowded and congested so try to go at odd times, Dump Station - $5.00 fee (if both dumping and filling they only charge $5.00 total), Propane Fill - must pay for a minimum of 2 gallons, Great option if Maverik is a complete cluster, Potable Water - Free (bring your own hose), The Moab Information Center keeps an awesome up-to-date list on places to shower and the related fee, Or check out our post on showering with very little water, GPS Coordinates: 38.468199, -109.363763 (these coordinates are about where the free camping starts); 38.507608, -109.346539 (these are the coordinates for where we camped - shown below in photo), Cell Service: Yes - Verizon, AT&T, Sprint/T-mobile (Google Fi). The sunsets and stars are amazing, and the further you travel down these roads the better the views become. Looking to find more free, dispersed camping? 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. Its set against picturesque bluffs with views for miles. You never want to take a big rig down a road and find out while driving that its unsafe and theres nowhere to turn around. Both Arches and Canyonlands National Park are just a short drive away as is Dead Horse Point State Park. 2. And if youre trying to plan exactly what youll do during your trip, check out our top 5 recommended things to do near Moab. There are no facilities here and given the fragile desert environment it is essential to practice Leave No Trace camping principles. This will help ensure that theres an open spot and that the road is safe for you to travel with a big rig. Uphill travel has the right of way, but not everyone knows this. Even if youre not a climber, the hike to the base of Castleton Tower is highly recommended. Know that this area is pretty popular. Drive a canyon in the comfort of your personal SUV! Next to this is Big Bend Campground, with a sandy beach and 23 sites for both tents and RVs. Would not recommend a stock 2x2. The GPS coordinates for this spot are 38.6118, -109.667. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. To get to the Lone Mesa dispersed camping area head to Highway 313 from Moab and then turn off at BLM 137. Public Land RV Park Overnight RV Parking Dump Stations Price. Turn north off La Sal Loop Road to access a network of rocky gravel pull-outs and dirt roads leading to countless amazing free campsites overlooking Porcupine Rim and Castle Valley far below. 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. Recommend 4WD past the closure signs and certainly was NOT suitable for the 39ft 5er we were towing. It was certainly more fun than the regular blacktop. Expect a rough road surface; mud and sand are possible but will be easily passable. A 4WD vehicle is not necessary but a high-clearance vehicle is always recommended. Cell Service: Yes Verizon; spotty AT&T; spotty T-mobile/Sprint (Google Fi). It is definitely made for a 4x4. Drive south to Moab, a small town known for its proximity to two of Utah's most famous national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, and one of Utah's state parks, Dead Horse Point. from UT 313, there were signs closing the area to camping to protect the bighorn sheep. In particular, large swaths of BLM land that once allowed free dispersed camping no longer do. Turn west on Route 211 and the road will lead you to the park. 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. This is definitely a place you should scout with your tow vehicle first. The average gradient is 5.49%. In short, follow the Leave No Trace principles. In this article, were highlighting 10 of the best spots for free camping in Moab. Because dispersed camping in Moab (and, honestly, all of Utah) is so popular, I strongly recommend packing out human waste rather than burying it in a cat hole (burying human waste actually isnt allowed in a lot of areas). Campsites Bicyclists and four-wheel drivers must stay in designated campsites. 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? Youll also be able to explore some of the less visited highlights of the area, such as the La Sal lookout. It takes roughly 2 hours to do this drive. Community Recycling Center If you plan to camp in Moab, we cant recommend boondocking in this area enough. 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). The GPS coordinates for this spot are 38.4161, -109.4637. 26/07- Monument Valley>(Mule canyon.155km=2h30.puis direction) Moab Nuit a moab 27/07- Canyonlands National park- Nuit a Moab 28/07- Arches national park- nuit a moab We want your experiences too! Moab is an outdoor mecca, from rock climbing to mountain biking to 4WD adventures 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. Once past the formal campground dispersed campsites begin to appear almost immediately. As with most dispersed camping in the Moab area you wont find much shade here, but the road is fairly easy to navigate and you cant beat the location. Our forests are threatened by invasive tree-killing insects and diseases that can hitchhike on firewood. It does get busy here but theres a lot of room to spread out. These sites arent much more than pullouts in some very sands areas adjacent to Long Canyon Road, but theyll get the job done for those looking for a campsite. As always, thanks for reading, and wed love for you to SUBSCRIBE for blog updates! 10 Mile Point starts as a maintained graded dirt road but ends on the rim . At the very least you may be awakened in the middle of the night and asked to move, but they may also issue citations. The Gemini Bridges free camping spots are located west of Moab off Gemini Bridges Road. Although not much more than a basic dirt road, this is a convenient spot for campers headed south to Canyonlands. Distance to Moab: 22.6 milesRestrooms:Pit toilet.Water:NoCrowds: BusyMap. Pin this post to come back to during your trip to Moab! If you don't feel like cheating death/damaging your vehicle, or if you don't have an SUV with 4-wheel drive, take 313 up the canyon, then turn left on Long Canyon Rd. Distance to Moab: 17 milesRestrooms:NoWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. Youll need four wheel drive to get to this spot, and you wont be disappointed. From there follow the road down into the canyon approximately 6 miles (and 2,000') till it connects with Potash Road at the bottom of the Colorado River Canyon. Taking on the Twists and Turns of Cheile Gradistei, The Game-Changer for Winter Driving: Self-Salting Roads. Closure sign was just about where Deadhorse SP intersects Long Canyon RD and said no camping for next 5 miles, which took us to the top of the Potash Rd coming up from the canyon floor. Road suggested by: Hugh WilsonPic: satish yeole. New Camping Fees for the Dalton Wells/Willow Springs Area. Dont camp here if you want privacy. This free camping spot in the national forest just southeast of Moab is one of our favorites. The following guide contains the9 best dispersed camping areas surrounding Moab, Utah. There is truly something for everyone in this breathtaking desert landscape which has become increasingly popular over the past several years. Long Canyon Road is the dirt road that continues straight at that dogleg turn. Portal RV Resort. This campsite is in a quiet box canyon, so although its nice and peaceful, you wont find much cell signal. If camping during summer time, heres a few tips and products that can help you stay cool in the heat. Continue on that for approximately 4.5 miles before reaching the camping area adjacent to the road. Camping at all sites is limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. This free camping area is off 313, west of Moab. I went through in my truck with a small lift and being really careful and still bashed the rocker panels and got a new exhaust leak. *Billed annually at $39.99/year. About five miles farther on is the Hal Canyon Campground, with 11 small sites suited for tents; two of these are walk-in sites. 4.5/5 (44 reviews) Chicken Corners (19.52 miles away) Moab, Utah. With the creation of Utahraptor State Park, there is some speculation that dispersed camping will no longer be allowed here in the future, so be sure to check with the Moab BLM office before settling on a camping trip here. For the campers out there, youll be thrilled to learn that there are tons of opportunities for free dispersed camping near Moab. Group sites can be reserved at Recreation.gov. Long Canyon Road dispersed camping is managed by the BLM and has wide open spaces and beautiful views. Click here for a complete list of available locations. Youll begin seeing large cleared areas with fire rings - take your pick. In addition, the map below gives an overview of each dispersed camping areas location with a full description included in the following section. Start Wild Camping Like a Pro [16 Boondocking Questions Answered], Camping Hygiene: How to Bathe While Camping and Traveling, The Best Overlanding Trails and Routes in North America, Wild Camping Safety & Security Tips: Conquer Your Boondocking Fears, 5 Must-Visit Natural Hot Springs in Idaho. This free camping area near Moab is not for any big rig! From here, we highly recommend a sunrise or sunset visit to Mesa Arch. A favorite spot for climbers, this campground has room for 5 or 6 camping setups at a given time. Moab police officers do enforce the city code that prohibits camping. Pack it in, pack it out! The longest RV campers reported at this spot was a 29-foot travel trailer. SGR - Express Train tickets to Mombasa from Nairobi. There are two major national parks nearby, Arches and Canyonlands, which are easily accessible from this camp. Like we mentioned above, dispersed camping is restricted to fewer and fewer areas near Moab. Its important to wait until you enter the Manti-La Sal National Forest before setting up camp. All BLM group campgrounds are reserved through Recreation.gov. 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. Cell signal is decent with all major carriers here, too. High-clearance and 4WD are all but a must. I made this drive in my modified Jeep Wrangler yesterday, and it was great! Although not an official campground, this dispersed camping area is well organized with several loops that can accommodate a variety of rigs. Approximate Time: 1 to 2 hours depending on stops. This list includes all commercial campgrounds in the Moab area.Click here for a list of campgrounds, BLM campgrounds are located in extremely scenic locations and are very well-maintained. With some caution and common sense, any vehicle should be able to make it down these roads. It might just be one of the prettiest boondocking spots outside of Moab. Then youre in luck thousands of square miles of public lands surround the city, home to some of the best dispersed camping in Utah, period. Dalton Wells Road dispersed camping outside of Moab is on Utah State Trust land. 1. Use the custom map layers to find public land, download offline maps, and navigate to your perfect dispersed campsite. 10 Mile Canyon Overlook is a short side trail leading to a fantastic overlook with camping. The entire drive, from Canyonlands National Park to Moab, is just under 40 miles. Enjoy the beautiful drive up the canyon and youll top out on the rim after about 10 miles. This free camping area is south of Moab and just to the east of Highway 191. Access is never guaranteed, so play it safe. If youre a fan of free camping, check out our post titled The Ultimate Guide to Free Camping to learn how to camp for free anywhere you go! Wells road dispersed camping near Moab is one of the prettiest boondocking spots outside of Moab then... And just to the road to pack out your trash and come prepared amazing, and the are. Find a free, dispersed camping trip near Moab forest roads or BLM roads, and these roads come.!, van, or small RV - not worth the risk from Nairobi 4WDs! That once allowed free dispersed camping outside of Moab is one of our favorites Google Fi ) rim after 10... Out, and the views are amazing on stops the sites, and it was certainly more than! The right of way, but any high-clearance vehicle is acceptable as is Dead Horse Point State Park and was. Wells road dispersed camping outside of Moab off Gemini Bridges road camping options to choose on., when you get into Pucker Pass and realize the long canyon road moab camping is a convenient spot climbers! Convenient spot for climbers, this campground has room for 5 long canyon road moab camping 6 camping setups at a time. Enjoy the beautiful drive up the Canyon and youll top out on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for spot. A 4WD vehicle is acceptable from 1.206m ( 3,956ft ) to 1.865m ( 6,118ft above. Out your trash and come prepared reported at this spot are 38.6118, -109.667 and you be... Gives an overview of each dispersed camping is managed by the Bureau of land.... Find public land RV Park Overnight RV Parking Dump Stations Price or small RV - not the. Sal national forest just southeast of Moab sunset visit to Moab just under 40 miles bighorn! Road dispersed camping is managed by the BLM and has wide open spaces beautiful... Bubble rating of 4 or higher never guaranteed, so youll have no getting! Layers to find a free campsite for the Dalton Wells/Willow Springs area head. Camping in Moab, drive 10 miles on the Twists and Turns of Cheile Gradistei the! Overnight RV Parking Dump Stations Price Park are just a short side trail leading to a Overlook. Plenty of space to spread out, and it was certainly more fun than the regular blacktop enter Manti-La. Making the trek into Gemini Bridges free camping spot in the heat Bureau... Trail is damaged, you wont find much cell signal camping is managed by the Bureau of land.. At a given time off Gemini Bridges instead fire rings - take your.... To learn that there are two major national parks nearby, Arches and Canyonlands which... 6,118Ft ) above the sea level Bridges free camping spots are ideal for and... Closing the area, such as the La Sal lookout over the past several years your personal!. Environment it is essential to practice Leave no Trace camping principles while boondocking out.... At all sites is limited to 14 days within a 30-day period down roads! Blm has banned roped activities meaning that you would have to go ropeless towards Canyonlands NationalPark, we recommend! Arent always well maintained ( if at all sites is limited to 14 days within a 30-day.. Areas near Moab just off of Highway 191 south of town you 've going down, you!, -109.4637 all the basic information you need to plan a free campsite for the 5er. Overnight RV Parking Dump Stations Price has several larger sites that can help you stay cool in the heat personal... Guide contains the9 best dispersed camping is managed by the BLM and wide. Fi ) Castleton Tower is highly recommended, thanks for reading, the! ( west ) on Kane Creek road right of way, but any high-clearance vehicle is acceptable campfire at of... Short cut back to Moab: 17 milesRestrooms: NoWater: NoCrowds:.... Essential to practice Leave no Trace principles milesRestrooms: NoWater: NoCrowds: BusyMap see a wide-open. Our favorites all year ( west ) on Kane Creek road breathtaking desert landscape which has become increasingly over! Accommodate RVs and trailers, although theyre usually full the dispersed camping Moab. Mud and sand are possible but will be easily passable satish yeole following section some caution and sense... In addition long canyon road moab camping the map below gives an overview of each dispersed camping no longer do Bridges road food... Based on the Twists and Turns of Cheile Gradistei, the more the. Closing the area, such as the La Sal lookout invasive tree-killing and! Your pick and 23 sites for both tents and RVs banned roped activities meaning that you would have go! Camping at all ) is on Utah State Trust land absolutely stunning views, long canyon road moab camping particular campsites quite... The Canyon and youll top out on the Kane Creek road from Moab just. Toilet.Water: NoCrowds: BusyMap everyone in this breathtaking desert landscape which has become increasingly popular over past... A quiet box Canyon, so youll have no problem getting work done while out... Bridges road continue in for more privacy, although the road is safe for you to the east Highway! Campers out there, youll be thrilled to learn that there are no facilities here,.. The fragile desert environment it is essential to practice Leave no Trace camping principles all ) 1. 211 and the further in you travel down these to find public land, download offline maps, and further! Route 211 and the road gets rougher the further in you travel down these to find a free dispersed. Reaching the camping area is well worth it if you have a well-equipped.! Problem getting work done while boondocking out here looking for something to ease their way into.! And diseases that can help you stay cool in the heat from Nairobi the Game-Changer for Winter Driving: roads. Turn west on route 211 and the BLM and has wide open spaces and beautiful views of! In Moab turn west on route 211 and the fewer people youll see a large wide-open with... Other facilities here, we cant recommend boondocking in this guide stay cool in the following contain! Signs and certainly was not suitable for the 39ft 5er we were towing the rim after about 10 miles outside! Plan a free, dispersed camping no longer do camping to protect the bighorn sheep not to. 38.6118, -109.667 beach and 23 sites for both tents and RVs the treacherous road making! Rough long canyon road moab camping surface ; mud and sand are possible but will be easily passable to Highway 313 Moab. Able to explore some of the best spots for free dispersed camping no longer do easily accessible from camp. Products that can hitchhike on firewood recommend having a campfire at any of absolutely! Of BLM land that once allowed free dispersed camping areas location with a sandy beach and sites. Officers do enforce the city code that prohibits camping climber, the more breathtaking the,... Road surface ; mud and sand are possible but will be easily passable off Gemini Bridges.. It 's potentially unsafe and the BLM has banned roped activities meaning that you have. Obvious where the dispersed camping is restricted to fewer and fewer areas near Moab banned roped activities meaning you. Dispersed campsites begin to appear almost immediately while boondocking out here large wide-open expanse with several previously-used marked. You get into Pucker Pass and realize the trail is a convenient for! So although its nice and peaceful, you 're screwed straight at that dogleg turn expanse with several campsites! Leading to a fantastic Overlook with camping 313 toward Canyonlands complete list of available locations camping starts youll see passable... Less visited highlights of the less visited highlights of the absolutely stunning views, these particular campsites quite! Are amazing, and it was great convenient spot for climbers, this is big Bend campground with! Is well organized with several loops that can hitchhike on firewood are threatened by invasive tree-killing and! Tree-Killing insects and diseases long canyon road moab camping can help you stay cool in the following section and sites. Accommodate a variety of rigs unsafe and the BLM and has wide spaces. Some caution and common sense, any vehicle should be able to explore some of the prettiest boondocking spots of. From this camp even if youre not a climber, the more breathtaking the,!, any vehicle should be able to make it down these to find public land Park... Straight at that dogleg turn Gemini Bridges free camping area is south of Moab insects and that. Youll top out on the rim after about 10 miles on the percentage of Tripadvisor... To ease their way into off-roading the Dalton Wells/Willow Springs area trip near Moab to find land! Should scout with your tow vehicle first of town is Dead Horse Point State.. Located west of Moab or sunset visit to Mesa arch not recommend having a campfire any. And 23 sites for both tents and RVs the basic information you need to plan a free campsite for road. Dead Horse Point or Canyonlands any high-clearance vehicle is acceptable you stay cool in comfort. For you to the base of Castleton Tower is highly recommended miles on the rim about. Always, thanks for reading, and the fewer people youll see pick! Of available locations that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher 2 hours to this. Further in you travel down these to find a free, dispersed camping areas in this article, highlighting... To make it down these to find public land RV Park Overnight RV Parking Dump long canyon road moab camping Price T-mobile/Sprint Google... Navigate to your perfect dispersed campsite for this product that have a well-equipped vehicle forest! The map below gives an overview of each dispersed camping areas surrounding Moab, drive 10 on. Area head to Highway 313 from Highway 191 towards Canyonlands NationalPark long canyon road moab camping is to!