The best campgrounds near Ballard, Utah with climbing

If climbing is your focus, Ballard delivers. You’ll find over 200 campsites in the area that put you close to sandstone crags and quiet, boulder-strewn valleys. Most spots average around $40 a night, but you can snag a site for as little as $35 if you book ahead. Top picks include Utah Lakeside Retreat (18 reviews), right on the water’s edge, Carter Family Property (15 reviews) with wide-open views, and HIBERNATION STATION (14 reviews) for a quieter stay. Most sites allow campfires, have toilets, and welcome pets. When you’re not climbing, you can hike, swim, or try snow sports in winter. Ballard works best for climbers who like their mornings crisp and their evenings around a fire.

95% (39)

Top-rated campgrounds

If climbing is your focus, Ballard delivers. You’ll find over 200 campsites in the area that put you close to sandstone crags and quiet, boulder-strewn valleys. Most spots average around $40 a night, but you can snag a site for as little as $35 if you book ahead. Top picks include Utah Lakeside Retreat (18 reviews), right on the water’s edge, Carter Family Property (15 reviews) with wide-open views, and HIBERNATION STATION (14 reviews) for a quieter stay. Most sites allow campfires, have toilets, and welcome pets. When you’re not climbing, you can hike, swim, or try snow sports in winter. Ballard works best for climbers who like their mornings crisp and their evenings around a fire.

95% (39)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Carter Family Property

96%

(24)

31mi from Ballard · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Jensen, UT

Ever wanted to camp on the Green River? Well we invite you to come stay on our property and do just that. Come injoy white sandy beaches nestled in around trees right on the green river where the only sounds you'll hear, are the sounds of nature. Enjoy fishing, tubing or kayaking down the river or even 4-wheeling (depending on the time of year)

2. Ward Family Ranchette & Homestead

100%

(4)

48mi from Ballard · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Dinosaur, CO

We own a beautiful 5 acre property with awesome mountain views in front of the Dinosaur National Monument in Dinosaur Colorado. We look forward to sharing both with you! Dinosaur is a great location and it's 5 minutes from the property to the CO side of the Dinosaur National Monument and less than 30 minutes from the UT side and the Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Visitor Center. There are full service gas stations, restaurants, cannabis dispensaries, as well as a convenience-store, liquor store, RV Park, and electric vehicle charging station in town just minutes down the road. There are several well known hiking trails within a short drive in every direction from the campsite. The Dinosaur campsite is well suited for tent & RV camping. Pulling in campers and motorhomes into this campsite will be very easy. Direct year-round access to the property is off of HWY 40. Pets will also be allowed without restrictions.

3. Utah Lakeside Retreat

87%

(31)

27mi from Ballard · 8 sites · RVs · Duchesne, UT

Private family property on open land.Learn more about this land:Camp a 5-15 minute walk (depending on time of year/ water levels) from Starvation Reservoir near Duchesne, Utah on a private 5.5 acre property with another 5.5 acres clear to the lake shore. Open ranch type space with small trees spread around property. Spaces leveled and cleared throughout. Great for camping, hanging out, bonfires, and water based activities!

4. Price Field Office

4 sites · Price, Utah

The Price Bureau of Land Management Field Office is perfect for any number of outdoor activities, but we’ve gotta give a major hat tip to the phenomenal river-based recreation that’s going on out here. Evidence of water’s work on the landscape is obvious everywhere you go, whether you’re on the water itself or simply exploring a deep canyon. The scenery is openly amazeballs, but these canyons also let you catch a glimpse of what life would have been like for explorers of the past, and it’s a downright fascinating experience. For water lovers, what to do is a no-brainer…set out on a rafting and camping trip! Beginners should always go with a trip outfitter or with experienced friends. Conditions can change quickly in this part of the country, and as you’ll be able to see from the landscapes, this is definitely a place of extremes. Mostly, it’s just extremely awesome.

Toilets

Campfires

5. Red Fleet State Park

30 sites · Vernal, Utah

Red Fleet State Park: A Landscape of Adventure and Prehistoric Wonders.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Fossil Valley RV Park

26mi from Ballard · 31 sites · Vernal, UT

Nestled in the heart of Utah's Dinosaurland, Fossil Valley Campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty and convenient access to local amenities. This serene retreat allows you to unwind beneath the shade of towering trees while enjoying the comforts of being close to town. Our campground is ideally situated within easy walking distance of a variety of restaurants, shops, and parks, making it the perfect base for your adventures. Explore the stunning landscapes of Dinosaurland, take a dip in nearby swimming holes, or engage in outdoor activities that showcase the region's natural wonders. At Fossil Valley, you can experience the tranquility of nature without sacrificing the conveniences of modern life. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an action-packed vacation, our campground provides the ideal setting for creating lasting memories.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

7. Dinosaur National Monument

100%

(12)

84 sites · Jensen, Utah

Jurassic Park lovers, rejoice! Some of the best dinosaur tracks in the world are found here.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

8. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

90%

(94)

2666 sites · Levan, Utah

2.1 million acres of unique wilderness scenery just begging to be explored.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Ballard

Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins

32mi from Ballard · 4 sites · in Price Field Office

Red Fleet Campground

34mi from Ballard · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Red Fleet State Park

100%

(4)

Split Mountain Group Campground

38mi from Ballard · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Dinosaur National Monument

100%

(7)

Green River Campground

38mi from Ballard · 76 sites · Tents, RVs · in Dinosaur National Monument

100%

(1)

Rainbow Park Campground

43mi from Ballard · 4 sites · in Dinosaur National Monument

Hoop Lake Campground

44mi from Ballard · 44 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

East Fork Blacks Fork Trailhead

47mi from Ballard · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

China Meadows Trailhead Campground

50mi from Ballard · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Stories from the community

S

Shelly

November 2025

23 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Carter Family Property

Surrounded by trees and crunchy fall leaves! We booked last minute and Kayla was very responsive and accommodating. We had water and power and all the quiet and peace we needed. Kayla is quick to respond to messages and happy to help! We will stay again!

T

October 2025

26 ft travel trailer

Group trip

2 nights at Carter Family Property

We very much enjoyed our stay here. It was very easy to park the trailer and very very minimal we had to do to level the trailer. Access to water and electricity was awesome. And a very short walk to the river to go fishing. Will definitely stay here again. Kayla and here husband were amazing hosts.

D

Dan

September 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ward Family Ranchette & Homestead

Awesome property with an amazing host! The history in this area is incredible and it’s the perfect home base to get to both sides of the national monument. Do yourself a favor and do the Harper’s Corner hike while you’re here. The location was super easy access to everything in the area and the gated fence made us feel safe at night. Epic sunsets and incredible stargazing. Would definitely stay here again for multiple nights if we have time to check out more of the area!

A

Alysia

July 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Carter Family Property

I had an amazing time. Peace and calm, exactly what I needed.

t

thomas

July 2025

25 ft travel trailer

1 night at Carter Family Property

The property was very nice. Backed straight up to the river with incredible views. Easy in and out. Very close to dinosaur national monument as well.

Robert

June 2025

40 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Carter Family Property

Nice spot in Jensen and close to dinosaur National Monument. The site was nice and being so close to the river was great. The water was chilly but refreshing. My dog loved swimming. The river sand was super soft. All in all, we had an excellent time and would love to come back. Kayla is super helpful and responsive. There was power and water at the cottonwood site, power was 120 volt extension cord.

H

Heather

June 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Carter Family Property

Kayla communicated well when we had to come late. Signs guide you to your spot. Great location by the river! Will definitely try to stay here if we’re ever in the area again!

E

Erin

June 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Carter Family Property

Site was flat with a quick path down to the river views! Sunset did not disappoint. Thank you Kayla!

G

Gaia

June 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Carter Family Property

It was lovely to be right next to the river and Kayla and Wyatt and their daughter Hayzlee were excellent hosts. The first day there was quite a bit of beach in front of our camper and our daughters loved playing in it. Then the water came up and there wasn’t as much left by the end, but that’s the nature of being on a river! The Riverside campsite is pretty tricky to get into with a trailer… Just a heads up depending on the size rig you have and your navigating in tight spaces skills! Kayla and Hayzlee and watched our dog for us two different days so we could go into the monument unencumbered. Thanks so much!

Barbara

May 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Carter Family Property

Very easy to find nice private backyard that backs up to the green river. Heard birds singing all night long by the river and then got to photograph a beautiful California quail on my way out this morning. Kayla was very responsive and tried to anticipate everything I might need.

Jamie

May 2025

40 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Carter Family Property

Peaceful camping spot! It was closer to the house than I thought, but the positioning of the spot made it completely private with our trailer and truck. Never noticed any noise from the home. The beach access was amazingly beautiful. Water was slow running so it would be great to paddle out onto. Bugs were not an issue like we expected. Kayla's communications were helpful and polite. Will stay here again on future trips to Dino!

c

chuck

May 2025

36 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Carter Family Property

Great spot to park our motorhome. Very private and secluded. The river was a 30 second walk to the sandy shore. Easy to find the place. Kayla was a great host. I would stay here again.

V

Vickie

May 2025

23 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Carter Family Property

Kayla was an excellent host. We had a delay getting to her property and she was communicative, and supportive of our late arrival. The site was simple, level, quiet, isolated, and the services worked great. We have no complaints, would stay there again, and recommend it to other travelers. As a bonus the property is only moments from Dinosaur N. M. and the Green River.

S

Stephen

May 2025

35 ft travel trailer

1 night at Carter Family Property

This site is fantastic. Very private and with access to the Green River. Sunset over the river was absolutely beautiful.

Stephanie

March 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Carter Family Property

This is the second time that we stayed here. We love the view of the green river! They had everything we needed: water & electric. Had a nice campfire. We would stay here again & highly recommend Kayla’s land!