Dirty Devil Primitive Camping

Perched at 8,000 feet where the mighty slopes of Mount Ellen begin their ascent, Lonesome Beaver Campground offers five intimate campsites surrounded by some of Utah's most dramatic alpine scenery. This remote outpost serves as your gateway to the legendary Bull Creek Pass Backcountry Byway and provides a rare opportunity to witness North America's free-ranging bison in their natural mountain habitat.

UT

Tucked away in the heart of Sawmill Basin, Lonesome Beaver Campground lives up to its name as an intimate five-site retreat perched above 8,000 feet. Though the journey in requires navigating some challenging roads, those who make the trek are rewarded with a pristine high-elevation escape complete with all the essential amenities—from picnic tables and fire rings to potable water and accessible facilities.

McMillan Spring Campground, Henry Mountains Field Station, 380 South 100 West, Hanksville, UT, 84734, USA

Perched high in the Henry Mountains at 8,400 feet, McMillan Spring Campground offers a serene escape into a pristine Ponderosa Pine forest. This intimate nine-site campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its sweeping vistas and cool mountain air. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and benches, creating the perfect basecamp for your mountain adventure. Seasonal potable water flows from May through September, while well-maintained restrooms ensure comfort during your stay. For equestrian adventurers, the campground features corrals, livestock water access, and dedicated horse troughs, making it a favored destination for riders exploring the high country. Come fall, the campground transforms into a premier staging ground for big game hunters seeking the abundant wildlife that roams these elevated forests.

380 South 100 West, Hanksville, UT 84734, USA

Nestled at the southeastern base of majestic Mount Hillers, Starr Springs Campground offers an intimate escape into Utah's geological wonderland. This hidden gem features twelve thoughtfully spaced individual campsites and one spacious group site, each equipped with picnic tables, sturdy benches, fire rings, and grills for memorable outdoor meals. A meandering nature trail invites exploration, while modern restrooms and fresh potable water ensure comfort in this remote setting. Known as a sanctuary for rock hounds and geology enthusiasts, Starr Springs draws those seeking solitude and natural beauty. Late-season hunters also prize this tranquil basecamp, where the absence of crowds allows for deep connection with the landscape.

HC-60 Box 1, Lake Powell, UT 84533, USA

Escape to the tranquil solitude of Natural Bridges Campground, where 13 intimate campsites await beneath the protective canopy of ancient juniper trees. This first-come, first-served haven offers the perfect blend of rustic camping and natural beauty, with each site thoughtfully equipped with a fire grill, picnic table, and dedicated tent pad. While you'll trade modern conveniences like electricity and running water for starlit evenings and desert silence, fresh drinking water is just a short trip away at the visitor center. Here, vault toilets and the whisper of wind through juniper branches are your only amenities—exactly as a true wilderness experience should be.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Escape to the untamed shores of Lake Powell at Hite Primitive Camping, where adventure seekers discover a raw, authentic camping experience far from the crowds. This remote wilderness area invites you to pitch your tent along pristine shorelines and hidden desert alcoves, accessible by rugged vehicle trails or by boat across the shimmering waters. With no designated sites or modern amenities, Hite offers true solitude under endless desert skies. Come prepared for self-sufficient camping—bring your own water, portable toilet facilities, and everything needed for responsible Leave No Trace practices in this spectacular backcountry setting.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

380 South 100 West, Hanksville, UT 84734, USA