Community Forums

Jeff426 · 03-17-2013, 10:42 AM

Hey Everybody,

Can anyone make a recommendation for some boondock sites in southern Utah in mid May. Watchman is jammed up which is where we wanted to be but I'm sure there are much better options. We would rather boondock
Let me know what you think and thank you in advance!!!

Jeff

Doggy Daddy · 03-17-2013, 01:05 PM

Check out these sites for numerous free camping and boondocking on Public Lands.
Free Campgrounds for RVs and
RV Camping

vermilye · 03-17-2013, 01:58 PM

If you arrive early enough in the day, in May I suspect you can find a site in the South campground in Zion. I had no problem in mid June...

Jeff426 · 03-17-2013, 05:11 PM

Thanks very much for your input, Keep em coming!!

Jeff

Pianotuna · 03-17-2013, 10:43 PM

Hi,

Here is my favorite site for low cost and free campsites: Free Campsites

okmunky · 03-18-2013, 09:45 AM

I docksocked near Bryce Canyon National park last Spring and plan to go back to Southern Utah this Spring. It is a fascinating place!

Stop at the Dixie National Forest info center near the western end of State Hwy 12 for their recommendations. Also, stop at the Ruby's Inn campground and pick up a map of the ATV routes in the area. Then just explore by toad. There are plenty of places where you can leave your rig.

We stayed just outside Bryce Canyon. There are Forest Service roads to the left and right off the road heading into the park that lead to boondocking areas. Don't let the No Camping signs scare you away. They only mean at that spot. Go down the dirt road about 1/2 mile or so and you will find spots where others have camped.

I want to check out some of the areas down State Hwy 12 east of Bryce. There is a Forest Service office in Escalante, Utah that will issue you a free permit. Southern Utah has some of the most unique geographic features I have ever seen and I'm excited about the chance to explore more of it.

elkhornsun · 03-19-2013, 11:29 PM

We have had no problems at the BLM campgrounds any time of the year. Most people want the hookups for their big screen TV's and air conditioners. You do want to get to the campground by mid-afternoon to be sure to get a spot.

For most RV folks they are not on the radar and not even considered. Only downside is that information about the campgrounds tends to be very sketchy and not often kept up to date.

We ran into huge crowds during founders' week in Utah last fall and the BLM campgrounds were a blessing.

Jeff426 · 03-20-2013, 12:38 PM

Thank you very much!

Scottybdivin · 03-21-2013, 09:02 PM

Great topic. I am heading to UT in October. Looking at BLM campsites outside of Moab on the Colo River. It looks like there are only 3 or 4 that can handle big rigs. I'm looking at a mid week arrival. I have also looked at Dead Horse Point SP. There is electricity but no water, and reservations can be made about 4 months in advance. Does anyone have any knowledge of these campgrounds?

vermilye · 03-22-2013, 09:11 AM

I stayed at Dead Horse State Park this summer in one of the non reservable sites. It did take 2 days to get a site - the middle of the week is the best time & you need to be at the ranger station early. As you noted, they have electricity, but no water - be sure to fill your tank in Moab.

Scottybdivin · 03-23-2013, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vermilye

I stayed at Dead Horse State Park this summer in one of the non reservable sites. It did take 2 days to get a site - the middle of the week is the best time & you need to be at the ranger station early. As you noted, they have electricity, but no water - be sure to fill your tank in Moab.

Thanks for that information. What was your opinion about the RV park and the State Park? Since my dates are known, I will attempt to make reservations on the date they are available. There is a chart on their website showing the specific date you can make a reservation for a given time slot. In my case for Oct, it is June 27. I have it in my calendar.

You by chance didn't happen to pass through the BLM campsites? They are on the Colo River and look pretty decent, but w/o any hookups. I found one of them on Campsite Photos.com I love that website. I used it to find a spot for our trip to Big Bend NP in two weeks.

vermilye · 03-23-2013, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottybdivin

Thanks for that information. What was your opinion about the RV park and the State Park? Since my dates are known, I will attempt to make reservations on the date they are available. There is a chart on their website showing the specific date you can make a reservation for a given time slot. In my case for Oct, it is June 27. I have it in my calendar.

You by chance didn't happen to pass through the BLM campsites? They are on the Colo River and look pretty decent, but w/o any hookups. I found one of them on Campsite Photos.com I love that website. I used it to find a spot for our trip to Big Bend NP in two weeks.

If you can get a reservation, go for it since there are not that many non reservable sites. Check the site - no all have electricity. As to the park, even if you don't stay in the park, a drive to the point is well worth the view. There are a number of hiking trails available.

I have never stayed at the BLM campgrounds - they were full the few times I have driven past them. Most of them are on the river; nice views, but a bit crowded compared to other BLM campgrounds.