We are in the early planning stages of a trip to Utah next May. We will be visiting Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, and the Glen Canyon/Monument Valley areas. We plan on taking a pop-up camper and would like to find some out of the way places to camp. My Question is about camping in BLM areas. I would like any info I can get such as rules for camping,(i.e. can we camp pretty much anywhere or are there designated ares.) how to find BLM lands, any fees, etc. Also any recommended readings, maps, publications? Would also love to hear from some folks who are familiar with these areas who may know about some "hidden gem" campsites or campgrounds. Thanks
2008 Dodge Big Horn 1500
2008 Starcraft Starstream 28RBS
Minnie and Ginger (the wiener dogs)
Navy veteran
Around Moab, there are quite a few limitations on where you can boondock. Go to the Moab BLM camping page for info on boondocking and also info on some of the BLM CG's in the area. Here is a detailed PDF map showing the dispersed camping restricted areas.
For BLM CG's, we enjoy those along the river, esp. UT 128. But in May, CG's and even prime boondocking areas fill quickly, esp. on weekends.
As noted, if you're heading into the Grand Staircase-Escalante NM area, you'll need to visit one of several visitors center to get a free camping permit. For developed CG's, the Calf Creek campground near Boulder is quite nice, esp. if you have a PUP. North of Boulder, there are several NF CG's off the highway, although you may need to check to see if they are open in May. We like Singletree CG up there.
We just got back from Utah a couple of weeks ago, and one of the places that we stayed at was a BLM camp a few miles from Dead Horse State Park, between Canyonlands and Arches Park. It is a new park, and very nice. I think it is $10 a night, no hookups, water, or sewer dump, but very nice sights, and restrooms. It is called Horsetheif Campground, less than a mile off the main road. The sights at Dead Horse, Arches, and Canyonlands are very tight and small. this is much better than any of them. Have a great trip, that is beautiful country.
Mike
2003 Dodge 2500 CTD, 4X4,
1994 Alpenlite 26'fifth wheel
See picture in profile.
We also stayed at Horsetheif Campground in 07 for 4 days and enjoyed it, it's real dark out their and you can see the milk-way and that alone was worth camping their
Great info. Horsethief campground is one that I had made a mental note of during some of my searches. Any ideas for campgrounds in the Glen Canyon area? We would also like to do some hiking in these areas if anyone has any recommendations.
Monument Valley is on tribal lands and the camping is limited. The Moab area is great but crowded.
Email the district BLMs and NF offices for the information you want.
We just finished a months camping in Utah and two weeks in New Mexico, we did not have nearly enough time.
We found some campgrounds closed in September and some will not be open in May if you are looking for campgrounds.
There is also another BLM campground pass HorseThief and just before the turn off to Dead Horse Point State Park. The view is breath taking, we had camped there in June of 2008 for a couple of days.
Offline
