Enjoy views to the east of the La Sal mountains and watch as the canyons glow at sunset from your camp. In short, follow the Leave No Trace principles. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. There are lots of nearby trails to explore. During the summer months Moab can get very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. There are five designated sites that are all located on BLM land here, and no camping is permitted outside of these sites. Because of the absolutely stunning views, these particular campsites are quite crowded. Click here for a complete list of available locations. At the very least you may be awakened in the middle of the night and asked to move, but they may also issue citations. Weve put together this Moab dispersed camping guide to help you see your best options for camping, navigate the various rules, and find a great free campsite in the area. Airstream Too Expensive for You? Situated west of Moab and close to the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands is the BLM 340 dispersed camping area. Moab Rappeling Adventure: Medieval Chamber Slot Canyon 38 Recommended from $107.70 per adult Arches National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour 50 Recommended Full-day Tours from $14.99 per adult 2022 Moab Canyoneering Adventure 95 Recommended from $163.12 per adult Flatwater Fun: Moab Stand Up Paddleboarding 64 Recommended Adventure Tours from Taking on the Twists and Turns of Cheile Gradistei, The Game-Changer for Winter Driving: Self-Salting Roads. Its best for tents and vans, although small RVs and trailers will fit. 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! Lone Mesa campground is a BLM-managed site outside of Moab that can accommodate any size RV. You want the northern road which is Mineral Point/BLM 340. Get to Lone Mesa via Dubinky Wells Road, an unpaved gravel road thats usually fairly well-maintained, although you should always expect moderate washboarding. There are two approaches to this free camping area near Moab. One reviewer says if you have a trailer, you should only enter from the north off 189 via Blue Hills Road to Mill Canyon Road then to Bartlett Washington Road. The following guide contains the9 best dispersed camping areas surrounding Moab, Utah. If you bike the trail as an out and back, the first half is a mean uphill. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Dont camp here if you want privacy. The longest RV reported here was 35 feet. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. The town of Moab is approximately 15 minutes away and has dining, shopping, sports rentals, tour companies and museums. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Although its very steep with tight hairpin turns, all but the largest RVs and trailers will manage just fine. The views of the sky and bluffs here are great. Expect outstanding views from top to bottom. 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. Perhaps more importantly, you don't have to work that hard to find some quality riding and classic Moab views. Call the Moab Ranger District: (435) 259-7155. 555 South Main Street, Moab UT 84532. Work your way up to the cliff above. Save this activity for the daytime or avoid it altogether. Turn right and head into the canyon. The GPS coordinates for this spot are 38.6118, -109.667. Campgrounds in Moab Utah: Campendium has 967 reviews of Moab RV parks, state parks and national parks making it your best Moab RV camping resource. Well, if you've going down, when you get into Pucker Pass and realize the trail is damaged, you're screwed. But even with other campers around, we found this free camping area to stay pretty quiet. It climbs up from 1.206m (3,956ft) to 1.865m (6,118ft) above the sea level. The GPS coordinates are 38.7536, -109.7296. After a rain the road may be impassable. Because this is such a popular place to camp, its extremely important to practice good stewardship, including the Leave No Trace principles, to ensure that the campground isnt closed permanently. I started from the top (hwy 313), because the views are much better (spectacular) and the drive is a lot easier, in my opinion. 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. 17 miles of this road is unpaved. Please be sure to pack out all of your trash and minimize your impact as much as possible. If you're visiting Moab for some mountain biking, this is a great place to start. That is no longer an option and people are routinely asked to leave in the middle of the night. Located on the south side of the Colorado River, Portal is only a few minutes from downtown Moab & a 5-minute drive to Arches National Park. Not so great with all the air B&B camper trailers. Manti-La Sal National Forest remains the best place for free dispersed camping near Moab. The GPS coordinates for this spot are 38.4198, -109.4322. But if you have the time and patience, keep driving! 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. With recreation increasing on Utahs public lands every year, improper disposal of human waste can lead to: Whenever possible, use developed toilet facilities. Top ways to experience Long Canyon Road and nearby attractions Do it like a local! So popular that porta potties are actually provided! That means you cannot dig/bury human waste. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. Elevation Gain: 1,925 feet. 4WD and high clearance are required to access this area. Yellow Circle Road is located on BLM land about 11 miles south of Moab just east of Highway 191. Call the Moab Field Office: (435) 259-2100. 8:00 AM 5:00 PM (Monday Friday) Closed Sunday. Its very steep. This free camping spot in the national forest just southeast of Moab is one of our favorites. 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? *Billed annually at $39.99/year. Everyone is talking about this route and it is all great. Per reviews, one of the roads in is rough with a sheer cliff on one side (from 191), but accessing this area from 313 is a bit easier. Im not sure how many days you can camp here at a time. It isnt super convenient if youre wanting to come and go from Moab, but if youre looking to escape the crowds (and find cooler temperatures! Long Canyon Road is the dirt road that continues straight at that dogleg turn. Should You Camp at the Thousand Trails Chehalis Resort? Listings Map. Public Land RV Park Overnight RV Parking Dump Stations Price. Your email address will not be published. To get to the free dispersed camping, drive past Horsethief Campground and youll quickly begin to see lots of cleared areas and fire rings intended for free dispersed camping. Generator hours are from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Worth noting - Mineral Road/Horsethief Trail runs parallel to Mineral Point/BLM 340 which goes past Horsethief Campground. Distance to Moab: 14 milesRestrooms:NoWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Campers have found adequate cell signals among all major carriers, too. Use common sense and caution when passing other vehicles. This campsite doesnt disappoint. Theres also a big open gravel lot. Get here by taking Kane Creek Road from Moab. Based on the wonderful reviews, I hoped to stay here in Sept 2022 when we made our tour of the Utah Big 5. Full-service luxury RV Resort offering the largest RV sites in Moab. 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In this article, were highlighting 10 of the best spots for free camping in Moab. Be sure to check out our other camping guides in the area: Looking to find more dispersed campsites? Illegal campsites discovered in city limits will be dismantled and removed, including all property associated with the campsite. Merci beaucoup, Multi-day Tours 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours, 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours Adrenaline & Extreme Tours, Canyoning & Rappelling Tours 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours, River Rafting & Tubing Ski & Snow Tours, Canyoning & Rappelling Tours Adrenaline & Extreme Tours, 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours Hiking & Camping Tours. You can download it here. 8:00 AM 12:30 PM (Saturday) 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. If youre lucky, you might even see a hot air balloon in the wee morning hours. Please always follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles when dispersed camping, especially packing out all of your trash, including human waste. Please note that most individual campsites are available on a first come first served basis only and No reservations are accepted. Many of . This camping spot is only 15 to 20 minutes from Arches National Park, too. Instead, youll get very convenient camping that can be accessed by most vehicles. MOAB FIELD OFFICE 82 E. DOGWOOD AVE. Moab UT 84532. It handled beautifully though. Arches National Park, Moab, Utah. Uphill travel has the right of way, but not everyone knows this. 2023 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. Wheres your favorite free camping in Moab? 2. The further back you head the rougher the road gets, so keep that in mind if you have a low clearance vehicle. And dont forget to read about our recommended Top 5 Things To Do In Moab. There are 20 individual campsites arranged in 10 camping areas. 3. 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. These lookout points get better and better. The description is "Easy. The higher up you go, the more breathtaking the sites, and the fewer people youll see. From here look for BLM 340, signed for the Horsethief Campground. Available Campsites. more. After heavy rainstorms, Pucker Pass may be more difficult. For campground inquiries, please call: 435-259-2100. The longest RV campers reported at this spot was a 29-foot travel trailer. Drive past the group campground and youll see this large camping area on your right. 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. My favorite campsites here are those located near La Sal Lookout Point. Bags must be disposed of in W.A.G. bag (Waste Alleviation and Gelling Bags) is recommended. Zion Route. 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. The first spots at the beginning of the road are easy to access for any sized rig, and youll likely find yourself sharing any large open sites with others (who might pull in late and/or leave early). One of our favorite things about dispersed camping is the lack of need for any permits or fees to be paid. The GPS coordinates for this spot are 38.429, -109.4215. The abundance of BLM land along with Manti-La Sal National Forest means there will be a dispersed campsite to suit any needs. It's easy to get in with any car, but it can be crowded. Check out The Dyrt PRO to get campsite reviews, offline maps, and the best map layers for finding public dispersed camping! There is no water or other facilities here, so please be sure to pack out your trash and come prepared. W.A.G. In my opinion; the Long Canyon road is one of the most fun, easy, drives in the Moab area. From here, we highly recommend a sunrise or sunset visit to Mesa Arch. Klondike Bluffs offers a very convenient dispersed camping area just north of Moab, UT. It is illegal to camp inside city limits unless you are in a designated campground. However, you can skip the only modest part of the trail, where the West and East rims of the trail meet at the neck: this area is crowded, and for families/less physically capable folks who come by the b Mountain Bike the Intrepid Trail System in Dead Horse Point SP, Hike the West and East Rim Loop at Dead Horse Point. 700 miles. This is a quick 1.5 mile one-way hike to the arch. The Lone Mesa dispersed camping area is located west of Moab just past the developed Lone Mesa Group Campground. Why Do People Put Pool Noodles on Their RV Slideouts? We pulled in late two nights in a row and didnt see anyone else in the area. Driving in Rain or Snow: Which is more dangerous? To get to the free campsites, turn off of 313 onto BLM 137 as if youre going to the Lone Mesa Group Site. Although the road is very rough, for those with the right vehicle it is a straightforward drive to get here from Moab. The nearest facilities for water, ice and food are in Moab. Jump to the free campsite you want to learn more about: Or, use our Moab dispersed camping map to browse the areas best free campsites. This is a pretty cool drive if you have a stock AWD/4WD high clearance vehicle. Related Post: Best Apps to Find Dispersed Camping. This is the perfect location for visiting Arches National Park or exploring some the areas popular mountain biking trails. 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. Klondike Bluff Road dispersed camping is a free camping area outside Moab on State Trust Land. Our forests are threatened by invasive tree-killing insects and diseases that can hitchhike on firewood. Slick rock, slick rock with sand, and sand. And if youre trying to plan exactly what youll do during your trip, check out our top 5 recommended things to do near Moab. Contact & Location. The Dyrt PRO is our favorite resource for planning your trip. Long Canyon Road, Utah: Address, Long Canyon Road Reviews: 4.5/5. Access is never guaranteed, so play it safe. All of the campsites here boast awesome 360 views of the surrounding desert scenery. This camping area can get quite muddy after rain, so its worth scouting it out ahead of time. Long Canyon Road. I've been going down to Moab for the last 10 years or so and this is by far my favorite place to camp! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Some rough spots to get thru. 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. You wont get any privacy here as there arent any trees to speak of, but you will get convenient access to Moab, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point State Park. For the best experience, you'll want to experience the trail top to bottom where you'll drive down into Long Canyon. Reviewers have reported that some roads in the area will require high clearance and 4WD to explore, but you can find plenty of spacious campsites toward the beginning of the area. Most people will park at the top parking lot of the Mag7/Gemini Bridges Trail Complex next to Highway 313. There is no camping in the canyon, but once you are on top of the mesa, you are good to go. Fires in the delicate desert environment can leave a permanent scar on the landscape. Required fields are marked *. 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. The ground is mostly fine red sand and there are some small juniper trees scattered around. Category Filters. A few rough spots with drops. 2 Adventure Tours from $384.62 per group (up to 4) Guided Awesome 2-Hour Llama Hikes Private Experience 6 from $109.00 per adult Moab Robber's Roost Canyoneering Adventure 10 Recommended Adventure Tours from $299.00 Utah Free Camping Moab Lone Mesa Dispersed Camping Lone Mesa Dispersed Camping BLM Write a Review Dubinky Well Rd. Please bring a portable toilet or pack out all of your waste.