15 Best Places for Dispersed Camping in Moab in 2024
LOOKING FOR THE BEST PLACES TO DISPERSE CAMP IN MOAB?
You are in the right place because the 15 best dispersed Moab campsites are all featured here. How do we know they are the best? We have traveled in our RV since 2010 and have been to every one of these Moab boondocking sites.
We love to visit Moab and is one of our favorite destinations to visit in our RV.
If you’re planning to visit Moab for dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, you’ll be blown away by the dramatic scenery and how much space there is. Moab also has a laundry list of campsites, and this is great because you’ve more than enough options to ensure you find a nice spot for boondocking.
We have dispersed camped in Moab on many occasions, and in our guide below, we’ll share some of the best BLM camping near Moab. These are great spots that anyone can use. Some are better than others, depending on the location you want to be in, and the size of your RV.
Read on for the best-dispersed camping near Moab, Utah.
15 Best Spots for Dispersed Camping in Moab in 2023
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30-Day Free Trial1. BLM 144 Road (Crescent Junction, Utah)
Distance to Moab: 30.9 Miles, a 35-minute drive
Cell Service: Verizon 4G/5G, T-Mobile 4G/5G & AT&T 4G/5G
Coordinates: 38.87687320145461, -109.8124077651211 or 38.959325489918236, -109.73233472291712
BLM 144 is a great option for those who want their own space and have a big rig. There are so many options available on this road. If you are arriving late and you want to make sure you have a spot that is easy to get into, this should be your first place to try.
It’s not far from Arches National Park and Canyonland National Park, so if you are visiting the national parks in the area and you don’t want to be too crowded. This is going to be a great option for you.
The cell service is also impeccable, and beautiful sunsets are amazing. If you have an OHV or other off-road vehicle, you can drive it all around the area with lots of back roads to explore. There are also amazing stars to see at night since you will get very little light pollution in this area.
You must not leave your food outside or trash at night because of animals. And if it rains, be prepared with a 4×4, as it gets muddy quickly. This is a great option for group sites. The BLM road is also fairly large. You can access it from the 191 or the I-70. We typically access from the I-70 area.
2. Gemini Bridges Camping
Distance to Moab: 28.2 Miles, 39-minute drive
Cell Service: One bar (AT&T 4G), non-existent for others
Coordinates: 38.612202, -109.665496
Lower Gemini is a popular free camping location near Arches Nation Park. It’s a breathtaking location, and it primarily consists of dirt roads and trails at the base of amazing hiking mountains. While this is an awesome place to camp, it is not overly easy to get to and is not very large.
The Lower Gemini terrain is somewhat intense, and depending on the weather and conditions, it may take a while before you arrive at your destination. If you have a 4×4 vehicle and are all right going over a few rocks, then this could be a place worth checking out. You won’t have a lot of others here, typically because of the terrain.
3. Cottermine Road
Distance to Moab: 13.9 Miles, 21-minute drive
Cell Service: 3 Bars
Coordinates: 38.698374, -109.708278
There are several quite awesome camp locations to set up at Cottermine Road. And the best part is there’s no limitation to the length of an RV you can camp with. The site is just below a hillside, so you can nestle against some of the hills, which is nice. The location is not too far off of the 191 that heads into Moab, and you will be fairly close to the Mill Canyon Dinosaur area that many families enjoy visiting.
The gravel road is also friendly, and you shouldn’t have a problem with your SUV or Sprinter van, even when it’s rainy. Yet, you’ll enjoy some of the stunning views of the Moab area and the serenity that comes with dispersed camping.
4. La Sal Loop Road
Distance to Moab: 27 miles, 43-minute drive
Cell Service: Fantastic service
Coordinates: 38.468199, -109.363763
La Sal Loop is an awesome spot for primitive camping in Moab. It’s situated on the southeast of Moab and provides a pristine escape location from the crowded town.
This is the prettiest area for dispersed camping because you can go up into the La Sal Mountains, which are beautiful. The La Sal Loop Road is pretty long, so you can drive down it ways to find the spot that suits your needs.
While the terrain is fairly easy, it is not flat. We would not recommend going too far down this road in the winter, in the dark (unless you have been before), or if it is going to rain or has rained recently. This area has a lot of roads to explore and lots of boondocking options. Another road in the area that offers good boondocking is Yellow Circle Road.
As is typical for lots of boondocking, the farther down the road you go, the fewer campers and the better the scenery. This definitely follows that same rule. The more interior and farther from the entrance you get, the more scenic spots you see and fewer campers.
If you ever have any questions about the area and boondocking/ dispersed camping, give the Moab Ranger District a call at 435-259-7155. They are always great at answering questions and giving loads of great information.
5. Willow Springs Road (Now Utah Raptor State Park)
Distance to Moab: 16.8 miles, a 30-minute drive
Cell Service: Cell service varies depending on location. Moderate to none
Coordinates: 38.696832, -109.6981
Willow Springs Road is one of our favorite places to camp. It is a great place for large and small travel trailers, motorhomes, and any other RV. If you have a large group, there are some nice open areas where you can set up a fantastic group site.
However, this is no longer a true dispersed camping area, and it is very popular because it is one of the closest boondocking areas to Moab.
It is no longer a free camping area. There is a fee to camp here, but it is only $15 dollars, so if you are running late or you want to find a good area before you go off and boondock for the first time in a new place, start here for a night, go find your dispersed campsite and then move.
While it’s hugely popular with RVers, and perfect for socialization, if you are a smaller rig, you can find more secluded spots in the park but remember that this area can get busy during the more popular times of the year.
6. Yellow Circle Road
Distance to Moab: 14.6 miles, 26-minute drive
Cell Service: Yes – Verizon, AT&T, Sprint/T-mobile
Coordinates: 38.428397, -109.420829
Yellow Circle Road is south of Moab and consists of multiple larger areas where you can camp for free. The easy access from the highways and proximity to Moab makes it an awesome camping location; It also boasts stunning views from any direction.
This area is fun because it is close to Ken’s Lake and Faux Falls. These are both fun areas to explore.
One of the downsides of this area is that it is further away from Arches and Canyonlands. However, it is not that far from the southern end of Moab.
It’s easy to access Yellow Circle Road with any rig, and while it’s generally popular with many campers, it’s serene and quiet. The roads can be washed out, and some of the camping areas are easier to get to than others, so if you have a larger rig, you will want to go slow and make sure you are experienced with the area or find your site in the day.
7. Klondike Bluffs
Distance to Moab: 17.9 miles, 26-minute drive
Cell Service: reasonable service- Verizon 4G, T-Mobile 4G & AT&T 4G
Coordinates: 38.7536, -109.7296
Klondike Bluffs is a great camping location outside Moab State Trust Land. It has large and wide swathes of land, accommodating any RV. The Klondike Bluffs roads connect into the Utah Raptor State Park but are on the farther north end. It is believed this dispersed camping area is or will be part of the Utah Raptor State Park and will therefore be a paid campsite of around 15 dollars a night.
The cell reception on all major carriers is reasonable, so you should have some reasonable service in this area. This area between the Klondike Bluffs and Willow Springs Road is large. If the Wilson Springs Road area is full or has too many people, you can check out this area. It is a little further away from Moab, so it will not fill up as fast.
However, you should keep in mind that this area is large, so you should not have too much problem finding a spot even when it is on the busy side.
8. Dalton Wells Road (BLM 142)
Distance to Moab: 18.3 miles, 33-minute drive
Cell Service: Decent service (2 bars)- Verizon 4G, T-Mobile 4G & AT&T 4G
Coordinates: 38.7112, -109.7033
Dalton Wells Road is similarly located on Utah State Trust Land. As with most locations on the list, Dalton doesn’t disappoint. The area is large and leads into other reasonable campsites that are all on the northern end of Moab, Utah. There is one thing to keep in mind when going to this area. There is a new Utah Raptor State Park, and this dispersed camping could now be part of that park.
It’s situated against picturesque bluffs with scenic views. And if you get lucky enough, you might spot hot air balloons in the morning. The large swathes of land can accommodate any RV size, but the cell reception is low.
9. Lone Mesa Campground
Distance to Moab: 20.3 Miles, 26-minute drive
Cell Service: Decent Coverage Verizon 4G/5G, T-Mobile 4G/5G & AT&T 4G/5G
Coordinates: 38.64392756382878, -109.81920990128923
Lone Mesa Campground is off 313 and west of the Moab area. There is a large loop that can fit all sizes of RV and motorhomes, but once you turn off of the 313, your road will be dirt, so you should use some caution. Some of the other dispersed camping areas are much closer to the main hwys
This area is more common to those who frequent the area and is a little more of a secret spot, but some of that is for the fact that it is not off the larger 191 HWY like many of the other dispersed camping areas. Those who visit this area really enjoy it and give it high ratings, so it is definitely a spot that you could enjoy.
10. Strike Ravine Campground
Distance to Moab: 16.4 Miles, 26-minute drive
Cell Service: Little to no coverage
Coordinates: 38.4198, -109.4322
Strike Ravine Campground is situated on BLM land and has open space with awesome views of the mountains. However, the terrain can get challenging, especially when it rains; therefore, you should be prepared with a capable vehicle. This is also an area that is not ideal for those with larger vehicles.
At the GPS coordinates, there is a large parking area where people park trailers for UTV use.
As you go farther down the road, you may find some smaller tent or car camping areas. This is a secluded area, and the dispersed camping options are more limited than many of the other options. If you have a tent or a camper van and you don’t want to be camping next to people, this would be something to look at.
Another major issue is the low cell signal. But all that is the price you pay for a scenic and incredible view of what Mother Nature offers.
11. Bartlett Wash
Distance to Moab: 23.6 Miles, 38-minute drive
Cell Service: Little to no coverage
Coordinates: 38.7176, -109.7855
Bartlett Wash is along the Bartlett Washington Road. The camping is most along Bartlett Washington Road. This is the type of dispersed camping where you camp right off of the road, and there aren’t large areas open to set up a camp. It’s near trails and can sometimes get noisy, but the serenity and quietness are decent.
It’s also secluded, and there’re multiple ways to get to the campsite. But what wins most campers is the awesome scenery and nature views.
12. Behind the Rocks Campsites
Distance to Moab: 18.7 Miles, 37-minute drive
Cell Service: Decent signal for most carriers
Coordinates: 38.42332576728535, -109.43919030741453
Behind the Rocks, Campsites is outside Moab of US 191 and is an awesome location, especially when the campsites at Moab are crowded. When camping here, there are multiple loops off of the main road where you can camp. When you first start down Behind The Rocks Road, you will see a sign that states there is no camping for the next two miles.
You will need to drive down the road for a couple of miles before you can boondock. However, there really are not many good spots you would want in those first two miles.
Most of the sites are easy to spot because they are offshoots that loop and are marked, as you can see in the picture above.
The sites back up against the rocks, making it a fun place to camp. Do keep in mind that this can be one of the muddier roads if it rains, and on some of the roads, there are decent washouts. We made it down the road in our little Ford Focus we pull behind us, so it is not overly challenging, but with rain, you would not be able to get very far.
There’s a lot to love about this location, including a decent cell service reception and plenty of RV space to camp. If you take it slow, you should be fine. The best spots are farther down the road.
13. Potash Road Dispersed Area
Distance to Moab: 17 miles
Cell Service: None
Coordinates: 38.49797743329591, -109.65551413417253
Potash Road Dispersed area has dozens of campsites, so it’s easy to find a spot you like. There’re several roads leading to Potash and eventually into Canyonlands. This is a favorite for those who have 4×4 vehicles and are smaller campers. The roads in this area can be sandy and should be driven with a suitable vehicle.
There are multiple different roads off of the Potash Road you can camp down. Some require that you drive a distance before you can camp and advise four-wheel drive. This is a beautiful area to camp if you can because it is along the Colorado River and it also leads into the Canyonlands National Park.
On this road, you are in the canyon, so you have tall rock formations, and you will even pass Jug Arch, which is a cool arch right off Potash Road.
We love this area but didn’t venture around it too much because we didn’t typically have a 4×4 vehicle with us on our road trips.
14. BLM 143 Road
Distance to Moab: 23.4 miles, 25 minutes
Cell Service: 1 to 3 bars
Coordinates: 38.828630, -109.765932
BLM 143 camping in Moab is located north of Moab, off US Highway 191. The camping location is north of a mountain bike trail, so a great option for those who love mountain biking on trails.
Once you’re at the BLM 143 camping in Moab, you’ll enjoy plenty of open spaces and existing fire rings. There’s also a network of roads leading to Arches National Park, Canyonland National Park, and Copper Ridge Dinosaur Track Site.
It is unsure if this has become part of the Utah Raptor State Park, as the local government has started to make a large portion of the dispersed camping right off the 191 into a paid state park area.
15. Castleton Tower
Distance to Moab: 22.7 miles, 30 minutes
Cell Service: Good 4G coverage for most carriers, except US Cellular
Coordinates: 38.64179962419429, -109.37726428675948
This is an awesome place to camp, but it is only for those who are car camping or camping in a camper van. The area is not big and can get crowded because it is a popular spot for those who are rock climbing the Castleton Tower. Depending on the time of year or the day you are wanting to stay here can make a big difference if you find a place.
You do not have to be climbing to stay in the area, but The campground is a popular location for those who are. The camping is not level, so you might find it hard to have a level spot.
Utah Raptor State Park
Distance to Moab: 14 miles, 16 minutes
Cell Service: Some service depending on where you camp and your provider 0-3 bars
Coordinates: 38.698977970790004, -109.68019656756375
Utah Raptor State Park has taken over multiple areas that once were dispersed camping. The area now costs $15 dollars a night, but a lot of people will find it worth it. The GPS coordinates are towards the southern part of the park.
This is where we camped during our last trip to Moab, and we had a great experience there. It is big rig friendly, and you can easily drive to dinosaur tracks and is a short drive to the back entrance of Arches National Park. This is great for when the park closes because you can still get in a back way if you have a 4×4 vehicle.
The RV sites are flat, but the entrance is a little rough. While many people don’t like to pay the 15 dollars a night, this cost has been going into creating campsites and vault toilets which can be very convenient. We loved staying here because of the beautiful scenery and the wide open spaces.
For those in a car camper, some designated campsites are smaller, so you can still have your own space in individual sites. The area has loads of camping spots, making it a good option for large groups who want to be close to Moab and the National Parks.
The night sky is great in all of these dirt road campgrounds. We love the added space when BLM camping that the Raptor State Park offers. You may stop here for a night before you find your ideal dispersed camping area, especially if you are coming in late.
Dispersed Camping in Moab Rules and Regulations
The following are some of the dispersed Moab BLM camping restrictions and regulations to follow when free camping in Moab. These rules apply to all the primitive sites in Moab.
The most basic principle that all dispersed campers should adhere to is the Leave No Trace (LNT) Rule. LNT is simply a set of outdoor ethics rules put in place to promote the conservation of the outdoors.
- One of the little know rules for primitive BLM camping near Moab is you’re legally obligated to dispose of human waste. Pack your waste instead of burying it in a cat hole. It’s illegal in Moab.
- It’s also required that all vehicles stay on the road. Driving on dirt roads is fine, and you can even car camp in Moab, provided you stay on the road in an area that specifically allows dispersed camping. Making new trails is something Moab has taken great lengths to ensure does not happen.
- You also need to be self-contained and prepared to pack it in and out. Pack all your trash, and leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. I like to bring a big trash bag to store all my trash.
- It’s also important you don’t build new fire rings. The best spots are invariably where a clearing and fire pit already exists.
- And last but not least, be mindful of the existing ecosystem. For example, don’t mark rocks, destroy plants, or cut or gather wood, and don’t set your camp near a river or source of water (should be at least 100 feet away).
Most of these rules are simply basic common sense, but, state land can be rather complicated. However, generally, calling a local forest station will help clear up questions if you have them.
Where is dispersed camping allowed in Moab?
You can legally camp in most national forests, and BLM land in Moab, provided it’s not close to developed campgrounds. we’ve spent a better part of our time primitive camping life on all sorts of public lands, and we think dispersed camping is an awesome experience many enjoy.
Check the Bureau of Land Management Lands and National Forests to see the land status of a particular location.
You’re pretty much allowed to camp in any of the highlighted areas unless otherwise posted. The general rule is free BLM camping in Moab is allowed anywhere without a “no camping sign” on forest service land or BLM.
The dispersed camping location should be far away from developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, trailheads, or picnic areas. Another important general rule is you cannot camp in a single location for more than 14 days. However, BLM and national forest lands at times have different limits.
Best Time to Go Camping in Moab
Fall is the best time to go camping in Moab. Fall is ideal because of the pleasant weather; you don’t have to deal with crazy summer heat, cold winter nights, or rainy spring days. We went camping in mid-October in Moab and had amazing weather.
While we were there, we used a little bit of heat overnight and some AC during the day, but the temperature fluctuations weren’t bad at all. We did not have to worry about getting stuck in the mud and had great weather to enjoy.
One thing to remember is that Fall is the high season, which means you have to contend with crowds.
Spring is also a great time to go camping in Moab. You may have to deal with a little bit more rain and wind, but both are manageable during this time.
Things to Do in Moab
There are so many activities to do in Moab. While most people think hiking is the only activity, there’re plenty of other awesome outdoor activities you could add to your itinerary when dispersed camping in Moab.
For more detailed options, go through our list of the best activities to do when free BLM camping in Moab.
Go Hiking
Hiking is among the most popular activities to do when free camping in Moab. Arches is our favorite hiking location. It’s not a large park, and you can do plenty of short hikes in one morning.
If the Delicate Arch is going to be on your list, we highly recommend you be on the trail no less than 5:30 am, especially if you hope to take some nice shots without 40k Instagrammers in the picture. Start your hike early. And for heat purposes, the earlier, the better.
The Chesler Park Loop in the Needle District of Canyonland has some pretty fantastic hikes, but they are challenging. The views are stunning, and you’ll enjoy descending through The Joint.
And for a lesser-known hike location in the Arches National Park, consider the Tower Arch. Some of our family’s favorite hikes in the area Mesa Arch, Corona Arch, and Jeep Arch.
Rent a Jeep
As an alternative to hiking, consider hiring an ATV or Jeep, and driving out to North Canyonlands. Taking your Jeep to the Slickrock is another favorite activity. It’s a must for sunset hours and a great way to enjoy the scenery while the vehicle does all the hard work.
It’s important to mention that some of the Jeep terrains are tough trails and can be demanding. Most of the off-road trails are made for high-clearance vehicles with true off-road capabilities.
We recommend booking a Moab Jeep Tour if you don’t have your own vehicle for this kind of terrain.
Drive the 4×4 Trails
Once it gets too hot to hike, you can spend your afternoon exploring the town or driving up the river gorge on the 4-by-4 trails.
There’re a lot of trail options, including the famous White Rim Trail and Shafer Trail. For even more of a thrill, Hell’s Revenge and Fins and Things are two 4×4 trails with daring slickrock areas. If you drive further south of Moab, you’ll hit the Monument Valley/Four Corners.
Highway 128 along Colorado is also an awesome diversion, including Onion Creek, and has plenty of rough roads to explore. Some of the trails are a little scary, especially when going down switchbacks to get to the bottom. The 1500’ drop-offs to your side are also hair-raising, but that’s part of the fun.
Visit the National Parks
Moab is also the best place to be if you want to visit some of the interesting national parks in the US.
Dead Horse Point State Park is one of our favorite locations. It is just before Canyonlands National Park. Camping near Canyonlands is gorgeous at sunrise and sunset, and we don’t think you can go wrong spending your time there.
We suggest you follow the trail leading to the Island in the Sky. Here, you’ll enjoy picturesque Canyonlands looking west.
Another awesome location is Corona Arch. It’s outside Arches National Park, and you’ll enjoy stunning views of gorgeous arches.
What to Bring When Camping in Moab
The only “facilities” dispersed camping in Moab offers are those provided by Mother Nature: trees, grass, mountains, etc. Therefore, you must be self-sustaining when you do primitive camping in Moab.
In addition to the essentials or basic stuff, here’re are other gear you shouldn’t miss when primitive BLM camping near Moab.
Garmin GPS Navigator
When heading out for primitive camping in Moab, we suggest you get a GPS Navigator app and learn how to read maps.
It’s easy to get lost in Moab, and familiarizing yourself with navigational maps and GPS readers is a great way to ensure you can navigate safely into public land.
Pop Up Shower And Shower Tent
Being able to shower anywhere with absolute privacy and always remaining clean when Moab dispersed camping is a game changer.
The best pop-up shower tents provide us with more than enough space to shower. More importantly, they’re discrete to use and offer privacy from prying eyes.
▶ SHOP Pop Up Shower And Shower Tent
Cell Phone Booster
In the hilly terrains of Moab, the signal can sometimes get spotty and sometimes even drop. Having a cell phone booster, however, will reliably get you a strong signal where you would have a single bar.
Of course, a cell phone booster won’t pull a signal out of thin air or where it doesn’t exist, but it may mean the difference between email-only communication and the ability to do web conferencing or streaming video.
we would recommend the WeBoost Drive 4G-S.
Solar Panels
We are a proponent of solar power. It’s not only convenient but provides a nice supplement to your generator.
Solar panels don’t use gas, are noiseless, and don’t need to be started or stopped. They need good sun exposure, which is why you also need a good generator as a backup.
Before installing solar panels, you must figure out your RV or van power requirements. Consider adding an RV battery for boondocking to your camping arsenal too!
Pop-Up Picnic Table
Picnic tables are handy for camping breakfast food preparation and serving. They are also a great place to play camping games. Choose the one with adjustable height and one you can level the legs on uneven ground.
Outdoor Camp Rug
There’re many reasons you should consider an outdoor rug when drying camping in Moab.
The terrain here can be dirty, and an outdoor camp rug will keep you from tracking the dirt and everything into your rig.
Propane Fire Pit
Propane fire pits are necessary for providing warmth and cooking, especially where fire restrictions are already in place.
RV Leveling Blocks
The land on Moab is far from uneven, which may make your RV uncomfortable.
But you can avoid all of that with leveling blocks. Before setting your rig, use the RV leveling block to steady and level your RV for maximum comfort, safety, and function.
FAQ: Dispersed Camping in Moab
Can you camp on BLM land in Moab?
BLM has plenty of developed campgrounds in Moab for outdoor enjoyment. These awesome locations are on scenic routes along natural features such as lakes, rivers, canyons, and hills.
Does Moab have dispersed camping?
Yes, there’re plenty of locations in Moab where you can free camp. In these locations, no fees or permits are needed.
Can you free camp in Moab?
The abundance of public free land in Moab means plenty of opportunities for Moab dispersed camping. There’re plenty of locations where you can pull up and set up your camp, with no fees or permits required.
Is there dispersed camping in Arches National Park?
No, however, there are excellent places for dispersed camping near Arches, just not inside. You can check out Forest Road 144, Behind the Rocks Road, or many other options. We give you all the details above.
Can you camp anywhere on BLM land in Utah?
Primitive camping can happen in most public, and BLM land, provided it doesn’t conflict with authorized location or adversely affects wildlife.
Conclusion: Dispersed Camping in Moab
We hope this gives you everything you need to know about primitive BLM camping near Moab. Of course, this is not a definitive list, as there’re plenty of other campgrounds, but these are among the most popular and scenic. BLM land goes on for miles and miles. Exploring is part of the fun.
Hopefully, you’ll find a way to an amazing and free campsite in Moab and enjoy your stay in the desert!
More Moab Adventures
11 Best Hotels Near Canyonlands National Park
Poison Spider in Moab: A Fun 4×4 Trail
Fins and Things in Moab: A Complete Trail Guide
Hell’s Revenge: A Complete Trail Guide
