Dispersed camping (boon docking) around Moab

Hey ya'll. The girl and I are heading to Moab for 7 days this May and rather than renting a condo like we normally do, we will be equipped with our RTT and dispersed camping supplies.

I was hoping some people wouldn't mind sharing their favorite spots to stop and camp for the night (free camping, not campgrounds). We are looking for beautiful views, awesome red rock cliffs, or river/creeks nearby. Between my RZR and my truck, no trail is too rough and we can get to most places.

If you don't feel comfortable sharing your favorite places with the world, maybe you could PM me?

See everyone on the trails!

 

Sub'd for ideas for a similar trip.

 

Area BFE south (I think) of town. Just donate some coin in the box that goes toward maintenance of the area. Lots of great stuff to mess around on there too. Outside of town by 15ish minutes. @NYCO I'm sure would have more.

 

I'm in

 

As far as I know, the most dispersed it gets is existing spots and fire rings. You cant just zoom around the desert and find a nice spot. Some places have toilets, most free ones dont. When camping without a toilet, you must pack in and pack out... EVERYTHING (no digging a hole and popping a squat).

This site is a good starting point.
https://freecampsites.net/#!Moab, UT, United States

Willow Springs Rd is just north of Arches NP, it is an easily accessible dirt road with a lot of pull offs. It gets a bit more technical as you approach where it enters Arches NP, but I am not sure how close to the park the campsites disappear.

Basically across the main road (Hwy 191) from Willow Springs is Highway 313, there are pay campsites, group campsites and also free campsites.

There was a free campground NE from Moab off 128 called Onion Creek but I have heard it is closed, not sure if the pay area is still there.

There is a BLM or Forest service campground which is west from Moab on the south bank of the Colorado River. It is a pay campground, maybe 15 spots, picnic tables, fire rings and a toilet.

I am not sure of anything south of Moab.

And there are two spots on that free campsites website that are just north/south of I-70. Which is a little bit of a drive to Moab.

 

some new regulations coming out regarding camping in san juan and grand counties, http://thepetroglyph.com/all-public-land-users-beware/

good to familiarize yourself with them.

 

PM sent...but look at google earth and familiarize yourself with the camping regulations of the areas...you can usually see where disbursed camping has been established

 

Wow. Basically don't do anything anywhere. I agree with a lot of it, but restricting land like that is too far. Fun police!

 

actions of some effect all

seems like with the utv craze, a lot more toy haulers are setting up shop for extended time causing extra stress on the disbursed camping options along 191 and 313...

most of the guidelines are straight forward if you go off the "leave no trace" and "pack in pack out" principals...

be mindful on what you put in a campfire. don't destroy the surrounding lands to collect wood. don't leave shit everywhere. and if you plan to camp where you're visible from the road, expect more regulations. these areas are beautiful, and we don't need a bunch of people rolling in for the week creating havoc on the lands that are highly visible. most people who camp off the grid respect the lands a bit more.

 

so enjoy the lands responsibly...as i'm sure you will

 

Oh ya. Most times we don't even set up a fire. And leave it cleaner than before. It's so frustrating when people act like animals and destroy the very beauty they were trying to embrace by camping.

 

Heading out to Moab in the early part of May. Does anyone have experience with camping there? Do I need reservations or will first come first serve be totally swamped? Trying to piece this together and plan a trip. Thoughts?

 

http://www.cruisemoab.com/ May 3-8 if you'll be there around that time frame

 

As has been mentioned, most of the camping that is relatively near to Moab is in designated camp sites. Some are still fairly remote and primitive. The closer to town and roads you get the more regulations and limitations. Many sites are still first come first serve but some require reservations.

Area BFE is a large area owned by offroaders and has lots of space for camping (free), however it's not the most scenic of places. It's not ugly, but there is just so many beautiful places around Moab that BFE seems a bit bland for scenery. Donations are suggested and appreciated so that the area can be maintained and improved (and kept free) for campers/offroaders. No facilities.

I've camped in many of the sites along the Colorado River to the east and to the west of town. If you go toward the east, most of the sites are on the south side of the river. If you head west there will be sites on both sides, the north being accessed from Potash Road and the south being accessed by Kane Creek Road. Some access to Pit Toilets.

Sand Flats road is another area close to town with lots of designated sites. There is a fee station and the sites will have some access to pit toilets.

 

In addition to Cruise Moab happening during those dates, there is also a Bronco (Ford) event happening the same time. I don't know how big it will be, but since we're getting into the prime season in Moab it will be pretty busy about every weekend, and a bit less crowded during the weekdays.

@NYCO are you going to CM?

 

That's great. I had seen that BLM has some sites. Goose island, onion creek, oak grove, big bend, etc. Having never been to the Moab area I didn't know if these spots filled up quick or what I should expect. Id like to mess around and see the area alittle but I'm really just looking to stay the night, get up and be on my way. After a long day of driving I would like to know atleast there will be some sort of place to lean on for planning purposes.

 

I would plan on it being quite busy and it could be difficult to find a campsite.

 

Thanks for the link, lots of great info

 

will still be in VT at that time...we realized we belong out west, so we're migrating our way back later in May...first trip when we get back will be for rock therapy

 

Ill be in Moab around the 24th of May or so.