For my Birthday weekend we decided we wanted to camp outside of Moab to test out our new pop-up camper. We headed for Castle Valley to find a place on the river, but the river is so high right now that all the sites but two were closed. All the campsites along the river outside of Castle Valley are paid sites and first-come, first-served and fill up quickly. So where to go for the weekend when you have a camper and no idea where to camp?
What we found was right off of Highway 191 North of Arches National Park: Willow Springs Road. Dispersed camping on Willow Springs Road outside of Moab, Utah, offers outdoor enthusiasts a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of the region. Nestled in the heart of the desert, this area offers miles of pristine wilderness waiting to be explored.
Before embarking on your outdoor adventure, it is important to understand the guidelines for dispersed camping in this area. As with any wilderness area, there are rules and regulations in place to protect the delicate ecosystem and ensure the safety of visitors. It is crucial to be aware of these regulations and adhere to them throughout your stay.
One of the most important rules to follow when dispersed camping on Willow Springs Road is to pack out all trash and waste. This means bringing your garbage with you when you leave and practicing Leave No Trace principles. Ensuring that the area remains free of litter is crucial to preserving the natural beauty of the area and preventing harm to local wildlife.
Another critical consideration when dispersed camping in this region is fire safety. Due to the arid climate, fires can easily spread and cause catastrophic damage. Therefore, it is vital to make sure that fires are only built in designated fire pits and that they are fully extinguished before leaving the area. Additionally, it is essential to never leave a fire unattended or burn anything other than wood or charcoal.
When selecting a camping site, it is important to note that dispersed camping on Willow Springs Road is only allowed in designated areas. These areas are marked by existing fire rings or established camping sites. Camping outside of these designated areas is not permitted and can result in hefty fines.
While dispersed camping offers an incredible opportunity to connect with nature, it is also important to remember that you are in the great outdoors and that there are inherent risks associated with spending time in the wilderness. It is crucial to come prepared with the proper gear and equipment, including adequate shelter, water, and food. And always make sure to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
One of the biggest draws of dispersed camping on Willow Springs Road is the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding landscapes. The area is known for its towering red rock formations, sweeping desert vistas, and astonishingly clear night skies. It is a paradise for mountain bikers as there are several trails right off this road, and anyone looking to reconnect with nature in a meaningful way.
Apparently you can also hike Willow Springs Canyon so I’ll leave that description by linking one of my favorite bloggers here.
There isn’t much shade out here except for a few Juniper trees so it’s more ideal for those with campers or vans rather than tent camping. The wind was also pretty insane our first night there and the ground is quite hard so staking a tent in would be tedious. I highly recommend bringing a luggable loo or some other form of disposal for human waste as there is only one set of port-o-potties on the south side of the area and there is no water.
Overall, dispersed camping on Willow Springs Road outside of Moab, Utah is an incredible opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the desert in a unique and meaningful way. As long as visitors adhere to the guidelines and regulations in place and respect the fragile ecosystem, they will have an unforgettable experience in this stunning wilderness.
If you are looking to camp along the river by Castle Valley, make sure that the sites are open before traveling there or just have a backup plan! For us, our backup plan turned out amazing!
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