Split Mountain Group Campground

4.50

140 reviews

PO Box 128, Jensen, UT 84035, USA

Quick Facts

4,800 ft

Price

$6 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Peak season is from ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Dinosaur National Monument site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

4,800 ft

Price

$6 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Peak season is from ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Dinosaur National Monument site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Split Mountain Group Campground

$6.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

During peak season, group sites cost $40 per night. In the off-season, when water is unavailable, the camping fee is reduced to $12 per night. Senior...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$40.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-781-7700dino_information@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 140 reviews

88 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswatersites

Some mention

reservation

"Split Mountain Group Campground has mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights the stunning views, clean facilities, and diverse recreation options. Negative comments focus on offseason challenges, red ant infestations, and high winds."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 128, Jensen, UT 84035, USA

Split Mountain Group Campground

PO Box 128, Jensen, UT 84035, USA

Driving directionsSplit Mountain Campground is located approximately 12 miles north of US Highway 40. Take Utah State Route 149 from Jensen, Utah. It is about 4 miles east of the Quarry Visitor Center along Cub Creek Road.

The campground is accessible via Utah State Route 149, a paved road with no seasonal closures directly indicated. There are no mentions of challenging terrain, but it is noted that high elevation snow could impact nearby roads.

Nearby places

Jensen (12 miles, approximately 15-20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

No specific information is provided regarding grocery or camping supply locations. Fuel and essentials may be available in nearby Jensen, Utah.

Best Time to Camp at Split Mountain Group Campground

Experience the full drama of high desert seasons at Split Mountain, where summer days can soar past 100°F, painting the landscape in shimmering heat waves that dance across the sagebrush. July brings the quintessential desert camping experience, with cool 50°F mornings perfect for coffee by the river before temperatures climb toward their century mark. Afternoon thunderstorms occasionally sweep across the canyons, transforming dry washes into temporary waterways. When winter arrives, it blankets the higher elevations in snow, creating a stark and beautiful contrast against the red rock formations while the campground itself remains accessible for hardy cold-weather adventurers.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

High desert summers exceed 100°F; water activities available but heat and bugs noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Peak season through early Oct; pleasant weather and active river recreation likely.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring (peak-season start mid-April) offers good water access and pleasant hiking.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Off-season is quiet but reviewers warn of freezing temps and limited water/amenities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 18, 2025 - October 1, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season is from mid-April through early October. Off-season begins in early October and ends mid-April. Exact dates vary based on weather conditions.
Current Alerts: Seasonal water availability and fire restrictions are common. Winter closures affect amenities like drinking water and flush toilets.

About Split Mountain Group Campground

Nestled along the banks of the legendary Green River at 4,800 feet, Split Mountain Group Campground offers a front-row seat to one of nature's most dramatic geological performances. Here, beneath the towering presence of Split Mountain's ancient cliffs, modern adventurers find themselves camping in the shadow of prehistory. The nearby Split Mountain Boat Ramp provides direct river access for water enthusiasts, while the fascinating Quarry Exhibit Hall invites visitors to step back 150 million years and walk among the fossils of earth's ancient giants.

Split Mountain Group Campground caters to group camping with sites that accommodate tents and RVs. It operates year-round, with different amenities available during peak and offseason.

Historical SignificanceThis remarkable landscape has captured human imagination for millennia, from the ancient Fremont people who left their mysterious petroglyphs on canyon walls to the hardy homesteaders who tried to tame this wild country. Today's visitors can explore Josie's Cabin, where one remarkable woman lived alone for decades in this remote wilderness, or follow petroglyph trails to discover rock art that has endured for centuries. But the true stars of Dinosaur National Monument are the fossilized remains of creatures that ruled this land long before humans arrived—massive bones embedded in cliff faces that tell the story of a very different world.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of high desert seasons at Split Mountain, where summer days can soar past 100°F, painting the landscape in shimmering heat waves that dance across the sagebrush. July brings the quintessential desert camping experience, with cool 50°F mornings perfect for coffee by the river before temperatures climb toward their century mark. Afternoon thunderstorms occasionally sweep across the canyons, transforming dry washes into temporary waterways. When winter arrives, it blankets the higher elevations in snow, creating a stark and beautiful contrast against the red rock formations while the campground itself remains accessible for hardy cold-weather adventurers.

ElevationPerched at 4,800 feet above sea level, the campground occupies a sweet spot in the high desert ecosystem where the Green River has carved its patient path through eons of rock. From this vantage point, campers enjoy commanding views of Split Mountain's dramatic facade—a geological masterpiece where the river literally splits an entire mountain in half. The elevation provides relief from the intense heat of lower desert regions while still maintaining the stark beauty and clear skies that make this landscape so memorable.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient Fremont Cottonwoods spread their gnarled branches along the riverbank, offering precious pockets of shade in this sun-drenched landscape. Between these desert patriarchs, aromatic sagebrush fills the air with its distinctive scent after rain. The star of the show remains Split Mountain itself—a testament to the unstoppable force of water over time, its heavily eroded faces revealing millions of years of geological history in colorful layers. The Green River flows past in its endless journey, its waters reflecting the changing moods of desert light from dawn's first glow to sunset's final flames.

Geological RegionSet within a remarkable semiarid landscape where elevations sweep from 4,700 to 9,000 feet, the campground occupies a unique position along the Green River corridor. This is high desert country at its finest, where Fremont Cottonwoods cluster along life-giving waterways while hardy sagebrush dominates the uplands. The defining feature remains Split Mountain—a geological wonder where the Green River has performed the seemingly impossible feat of carving directly through a mountain rather than flowing around it. This dramatic landscape tells the story of immense geological forces, ancient seas, and the patient work of wind and water over millions of years.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins any time on the scheduled arrival date.

Check-out

Check-out is by 12 PM the day after the scheduled arrival date.

Stay Limit

Stay limits are capped at 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each campsite accommodates up to 25 people.

Groups

Each group site accommodates up to 25 people and six vehicles. Some reviews noted a lack of shade structures or centralized gathering spaces.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of four group sites, accommodating up to 25 people each. Sites are dispersed with interior lots having shade and riverfront lots exposed to the sun.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityDuring the off-season, all sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Issues with walk-up sites being reserved but left vacant have been cited in reviews.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date, with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations for group sites are penalized if made within 14 days before check-in, forfeiting the first night's fees.

AccessibilityThe campground is mostly flat and wheelchair accessible, but users may require assistance moving around. RVs and trailers are allowed, although facilities such as hookups and dump stations are unavailable.

Site SizeEach group site can accommodate up to 25 people and six vehicles, making it suitable for large gatherings.

PrivacyThe sites are described as spacious and well-spaced, offering privacy for group camping. "Spaces are spaced out nicely," one reviewer noted.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesFor shade, choose interior group sites with mature cottonwoods. Riverfront sites are scenic but exposed to the sun.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Split Mountain Group Campground is a hub for diverse recreation opportunities. Activities include hiking on trails such as 'Sound of Silence' and 'Swelter Shelter,' river rafting on the Green and Yampa Rivers, wildlife viewing, and exploring historical and cultural sites such as Fremont petroglyphs and Josie's Cabin.

HikingThere are numerous trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, including 'Sound of Silence' and 'Swelter Shelter.' "Consider a walk down from the Quarry Building to the Visitor Center," suggested one reviewer.

FishingFishing on the Green River is popular, but no specific details about species or fishing regulations are provided.

BikingNo designated biking trails are mentioned, but biking is possible in the surrounding areas of Dinosaur National Monument.

BoatingBoating and rafting are highlights, with access to the Split Mountain Boat Ramp and multi-day trips down the Green and Yampa Rivers. Permits are required for private trips.

Wildlife viewingThe area offers opportunities for viewing diverse wildlife, though no specific species are listed.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsExploration of Fremont petroglyphs, dinosaur fossils, and historical sites such as Josie's Cabin provides rich educational opportunities.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are present, necessitating proper food storage. Users also report issues with red ants and periodic sandstorms.

Active AlertsSeasonal water availability and fire restrictions are common. Winter closures affect amenities like drinking water and flush toilets.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in provided fire grates. Seasonal fire restrictions may apply.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services, including a hospital, are not explicitly mentioned. However, users are advised to check Dinosaur National Monument for visitor information and emergency contacts.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection and recycling bins are available year-round, ensuring campers can manage waste effectively.

Water FeaturesThe campground is on the Green River, adjacent to the Split Mountain Boat Ramp. Riverfront sites are available.

Camp HostSeasonal hosts are on-site. Reviews mention helpfulness, with one host responding appropriately during a tubing-related rescue.

Weather at Split Mountain Group Campground

Reviews

4.5

140 reviews

Recommended

Split Mountain Group Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Split Mountain Group Campground has mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights the stunning views, clean facilities, and diverse recreation options. Negative comments focus on offseason challenges, red ant infestations, and high winds.

Review Summaries

Based on 140 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praised the scenic beauty, clean bathrooms, spacious sites, and proximity to Dinosaur National Monument. "The bathrooms were always spotless," and "Amazing view from the campsite to the...

Based on 140 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include red ants, wind turning into sandstorms, and limited amenities during the offseason. "The red ants are everywhere," and "Ground was filled with red ants," were frequent remarks.

Based on 140 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray for red ants and provisions for the offseason, including water. "Bring your own water in winter," advised a reviewer. Consider early or late hikes to avoid the heat: "Best early or...

Based on 140 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight high temperatures and bugs, but more water-based activities are available. Winter reviews focus on the quiet atmosphere but warn about freezing temperatures and lack of water.

Based on 140 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cottonwoods add much-needed shade." "The breathtaking landscape makes up for the muggy river." "The scenery is out of this world, and the bathrooms were always spotless."

Based on 140 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site D: Complaints about red ants and high winds. Site A: Praised for proximity to the river and spacious layout. "Love the group campground," said one visitor about Site C.

Based on 140 reviews