9 FREE Camping Areas Near Moab, Utah
The Moab, Utah area is full of great campsites. Campgrounds with all the amenities, bare-bones campgrounds on BLM land, campsites within national and state parks, and of course, there’s tons of FREE (& legal) camping near Moab.
Today we’re giving you 9 great free camping options to choose from on your next visit to Moab! And if you’re trying to plan exactly what you’ll do during your trip, check out our top 5 recommended things to do near Moab.
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Need-To-Know About Free Primitive Camping Near Moab
Primitive camping means no hook-ups, no trash cans, no bathrooms. Be prepared to boondock.
If camping during summer time, here’s a few tips and products that can help you stay cool in the heat.
Respect the land! Pack it in, pack it out!
If camping for free on BLM Land in Moab, portable toilets or human waste bags* are required.
Camp in areas that have been previously used (look for fire rings and obviously cleared areas).
Only drive on established roads.
No cutting or gathering wood.
Keep an eye on the weather before traveling down some of these roads - you could easily become stuck if caught in the rain.
If driving a bigger rig, always scout out any questionable areas before heading down.
Many online resources say to find free camping along Potash Road. That is no longer an option and people are routinely asked to leave in the middle of the night.
The Moab BLM Office can be reached at 435-259-2100 if you need someone to field any questions related to primitive camping.
Map showing land use status from discovermoab.com
Tips and Resources When Boondocking near Moab
Maverik Gas Station
These services are available only at their southern location
985 US 191
GPS Coordinates: 38.558304, -109.543397
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
Farm & City Feed & RV Supply
850 S Main Street
GPS Coordinates: 38.5599, -109.5469
Potable Water - $5.00 fee
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
Shell Station
2420 Spanish Trail Rd
GPS Coordinates: 38.528644, -109.502464
Potable Water - Free (bring your own hose)
Propane Fill - minimum purchase of $5.00
Shower Facilities
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
Free Camping in Moab
1. Manti LaSal National Forest
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)
Elevation: between 6693’ and 7670’ or so
Distance to Moab: 16-25 miles / 25-45 minutes
This free camping spot in the national forest just southeast of Moab is one of our favorites. It isn’t super convenient if you’re wanting to come and go from Moab, but if you’re looking to escape the crowds (and find cooler temperatures!), head to this free spot.
As soon as La Sal Loop Road enters the Manti La Sal National Forest, you’ll start seeing free camping. Many of these first sites are just off the road and looked good. But if you have the time and patience, keep driving!
The higher up you go, the more breathtaking the sites, and the fewer people you’ll see. We drove long enough to find a large open free camping spot back off the main road and we boondocked all weekend, only hearing a few other vehicles drive by.
This road should be easy for any vehicle to navigate, although high clearance may be required to get back into some campsites.
2. Yellow Circle Road
GPS Coordinates: 38.428397, -109.420829
Cell Service: Yes - Verizon, AT&T, Sprint/T-mobile (Google Fi)
Elevation: 5347’
Distance to Moab: 12 miles / 18 minutes
This free camping area is south of Moab and just to the east of Highway 191. Follow your GPS and go past the “no camping for 0.6 miles” sign. You’ll begin seeing large cleared areas with fire rings - take your pick.
The first spots at the beginning of the road are easy to access for any sized rig, and you’ll likely find yourself sharing any large open sites with others (who might pull in late and/or leave early). But even with other campers around, we found this free camping area to stay pretty quiet.
The road continues up and around, becoming more difficult to navigate. If you are able to get farther in you may be able to snag a smaller individual site with a little bit of shade.
3. Behind The Rocks Road
GPS Coordinates: 38.419083, -109.477516
Cell Service: yes T-mobile and AT&T (as far back as we explored)
Elevation: 5,200 feet
Distance to Moab: 16 miles / 31 minutes
Behind the Rocks Road is a Moab free camping area on BLM land, south of town. Be sure you’re following Behind the Rocks Road, not Behind the Rocks Safari Route.
Camping isn’t permitted on the first 2 miles of Behind the Rocks Road, but there’s a sign clearly marking where the free camping begins. Soon after the sign, you’ll start seeing designated and numbered spots to choose from - take your pick!
Cars and RVs should be able to manage this road in dry conditions, but may be limited on which side roads can be safely explored. Use your best judgment and scout ahead! There are a few sandy sections on the main road that could cause problems after heavy rain.
Like most free camping spots in Moab, you’ll be parked on red sand with minimal shade from juniper or desert shrubs, and with jaw dropping views to appreciate.
If you aren’t crunched for time it may be worth heading further down the road. There are 4x4 routes, sandstone domes and fins, natural arches - all waiting to be explored!
4. Gemini Bridges Road
GPS Coordinates: 38.612202, -109.665496
Cell Service: No
Elevation: 4669’
Distance to Moab: 14 miles / 36 minutes
This free camping area near Moab is not for any big rig! 4WD and high clearance are required to access this area. Do not attempt to get to this campsite in a 2WD truck, van, or small RV - not worth the risk!
The Gemini Bridges free camping spots are located west of Moab off Gemini Bridges Road. If you’re able to get out to these sites, they are sure to please! You’ll be camped in Bride’s Canyon looking up at some towering red rock formations.
There are just a few sites - 5 or 6, the views are absolutely breathtaking, and you won’t run into many others while camping. The ground is mostly fine red sand and there are some small juniper trees scattered around.
Be sure your vehicle is fueled up and equipped for this road before starting out, and check the weather for any upcoming rain.
5. Long Canyon Road
GPS Coordinates: 38.541042, -109.722856
Cell Service: spotty T-mobile/Sprint (Google Fi)
Elevation: 6079’
Distance to Moab: 30 miles / 40 minutes
There are two approaches to this free camping area near Moab. One requires a high clearance 4x4 vehicle with an experienced driver, and the other is accessible to anyone.
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 isn’t really recommended if you’re just trying to get to a free camping spot.
However, coming in from 313 is easy to do for any vehicle and is the route you’d be on anyway if visiting Canyonland National Park or Dead Horse Point State Park. So if looking for free camping near Canyonlands or Dead Horse Point, these spots are right between the two!
From 313, you’ll turn east (left) onto Long Canyon Road. About 2-3 miles down Long Canyon Road you’ll start to see cleared spots with fire rings. We pulled in late two nights in a row and didn’t see anyone else in the area.
This free camping area doesn’t 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!
6. Lone Mesa Area
GPS Coordinates: 38.642739, -109.820469 (these coordinates take you to the first split in the road)
Cell Service: not dependable
Elevation: 5279’
Distance to Moab: 21 miles / 28 minutes
This free camping area is off 313, west of Moab. To get to the free campsites, turn off of 313 onto BLM 137 as if you’re going to the Lone Mesa Group Site. After passing the Group Site, the road splits into Secret Spire Safari Rte / BLM 137 and Hey Joe Canyon Safari Rte / BLM 140. There is free camping down both routes.
With some caution and common sense, any vehicle should be able to make it down these roads. The main road is maintained, but some scouting may be required when turning in to certain campsites.
Just look for any cleared area that’s obviously been camped in. Keep driving and you’ll be able to find something! If you went right at the split (onto Secret Spire Safari Rte / BLM 137) you’re headed in the direction of the free camping area also referred to as Dubinky Well Road.
The sunsets and stars are amazing, and the further you travel down these roads the better the views become.
7. Mineral Point / BLM 340
GPS Coordinates: 38.590363, -109.840694
Cell Service: probably not!
Elevation: 5741’
Distance to Moab: 25 miles / 34 minutes
We didn’t actually stay at this place but were given this free camping option by the Moab Information Center. This is another dispersed campsite located really conveniently to Islands in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park.
Worth noting - Mineral Road/Horsethief Trail runs parallel to Mineral Point/BLM 340 which goes past Horsethief Campground. You want the northern road which is Mineral Point/BLM 340.
Horsethief Campground is located right at the corner of 313 and Mineral Point. To get to the free dispersed camping, drive past Horsethief Campground and you’ll quickly begin to see lots of cleared areas and fire rings intended for free dispersed camping.
Although it's always wise to check road conditions and upcoming weather predictions, it sounds like this road is maintained well enough for any vehicle to handle. And the variety of sized sites means any length camper should be able to settle in here.
8. Cotter Mine Road
GPS Coordinates: 38.710697, -109.729169
Cell Service: no T-mobile, yes AT&T
Elevation: 4,600 feet
Distance to Moab: 17 miles / 26 minutes
This free camping area is north of Moab, and is near the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite and the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone Trail. So if you have any dino enthusiasts in your group, check out this spot!
When driving north out of Moab, turn left onto Mill Canyon Road. At the big parking lot, veer left, towards Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite. When the road splits soon after passing the Tracksite, stay towards the left again, which is Cotter Mine Road/BLM 215. Look for a turn off on the right side of the road, and that’s your spot! From 191, it’s only about 2 miles on the dirt road. If those sites are full, continue down Cotter Mine Road and keep your eyes out.
High clearance vehicles are probably best, but we did see some small SUVs getting in and out of the camping area with only a little bumper damage. And like all dirt roads in this area, use your best judgment if they are wet or if rain is in the forecast!
There are 7 free camping sites at this particular location, along with a walk-in area for tent camping. You’ll be camping on red dirt with a gorgeous red rock backdrop. Some of the sites are bigger than others, although none are spaced super far apart from each other, so expect to have neighbors within eyeshot.
Juniper and small desert shrubs give some shade, but not the kind of shade you’ll be able to park your camper under. You may be able to find a shady place to park your camp chair though!
9. Willow Springs Road (*Once Free, Now Cheap)
GPS Coordinates: 38.696832, -109.6981
Cell Service: Yes Verizon; spotty AT&T; spotty T-mobile/Sprint (Google Fi)
Elevation: 4430’
Distance to Moab: 13 miles / 15 minutes
Willow Springs Road, known for late nights and socialization, has historically been a super popular free camping area in Moab, likely because of how easy it is to access and because of its close proximity to Arches National Park - it’s located just north of the park entrance.
In 2021, Willow Springs Road became part of Utahraptor State Park and there’s now a $15 fee to camp here overnight. The money is put towards porta potty upkeep and general improvements to the area, as its popularity was requiring more maintenance than possible without funds to budget towards the area.
Utahraptor State Park/Willow Springs Road is still holding a spot on this Moab free camping list, and here’s why! If it's late and dark, if you’re striking out elsewhere, if you want to remain close to town, or if your vehicle is too big to explore many of the other areas, this is your spot.
There are tons of open and flat sites (great views though!), so you can find literally hundreds of spots to park and camp for the night here, and any sized rig could call this area home for the night, even if you pull in late.
If you are able to arrive early and can explore long enough and far enough down the road you might luck into one of the smaller sites - maybe even one with boulders and small trees for privacy and shade.
We hope you find and enjoy some free camping during your next visit to Moab! And don’t forget to read about our recommended Top 5 Things To Do In Moab.
If you’re 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!
As always, thanks for reading, and we’d love for you to SUBSCRIBE for blog updates!
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