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The best forest camping near White Mesa

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Looking for the perfect camping experience near White Mesa, Utah? Hipcamp has got you covered with over 500 options to choose from! Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, you'll find the ideal accommodation type to suit your needs. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $15, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. Check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews, such as The Views at Gateway (243 reviews), Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), and High Sage Hogans (137 reviews). Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like trash disposal, toilets, and potable water. And if you're into horseback riding, hiking, or wind sports, this is the perfect spot for you! So pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty of nature at its finest.

98% (461)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sunset Over Bears Ears National Monument

1. Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

96%
(625)
10mi from White Mesa · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Blanding, UT
Watch the sun come up over the Sleeping Ute Mountain in Colorado and enjoy a gorgeous sunset as the sun sets over the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. We are off the grid and have no electricity or water. Our graveled camping sites are easy to access. We are located next to a paved road. You do not need high clearance vehicles or 4-wheel drive. Camp in a natural high desert environment consisting of cedar and pinion trees, Brigham tea, sagebrush, etc. Great views of the night sky. An ancient Indian mound is on site. The Five Kiva Ruin and Nations Natural Bridge are within hiking distance. Minutes away is the town of Blanding with restaurants, hospital, gas stations and a dump station. Its only a short drive to five different National Monuments: Bears Ears, Natural Bridges, Rainbow Bridge, Hovenweep, and Canyon of The Ancients. Take a scenic drive over the Blue Mountain and Elk Ridge. Southeastern Utah is full of archeology history to hike and explore.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from 
$25
 / night
Retro camper

2. Indian Canyon Ranch

95%
(112)
18mi from White Mesa · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Monticello, UT
Indian Canyon Ranch is a rugged, isolated, off grid property which focuses on enjoying the outdoor beauty of our little corner of the spectacular American South West. Please be advised, that during heavy rain four-wheel drive may be necessary but in all cases low clearance vehicles are not ideal on the last section of road but if you arrive before dark and go slow any vehicle can make it. If you arrive after dark the last bit of road looks more challenging than it actually is due to shadows on the surface caused by the head lights. Units are not heated. Please plan to show up before dark for the best experience and ease of finding the location. Indian Canyon Ranch is proud to be an independent, off grid property with limited solar power and water available. There are no RV hook ups available but there is limited solar power in the rental units and in the communal area but not in the primitive campsites. Campsites are primitive camping only. Showers in the main communal area are solar powered and only hot with the sun and for an hour or so after sunset Joe purchased this property in 2008. At that time, it was 8 acres, and it is now at 20 acres continuous property. The ranch is situated 2 miles off the highway down a bumpy dirt road on the edge of the national forest, this gives you a feeling of being in the wilderness. The south and east sides are boarded by canyons and ruins. All other private properties in the area are 10 acres or more so are well spread out and sparsely populated. All the structures on site were brought here piece by piece and were salvaged from construction projects in Yosemite and Grand Canyon national parks. Water is manually hauled in and the power in the kitchen area is solar generated so please be conscious of water and power use.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
Canyon Trails Ranch

3. Canyon Trails Ranch

100%
(104)
38mi from White Mesa · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cortez, CO
The homestead was built in 1911 and was one of the original postal pickups in the area.  The ranch is located between Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and backs up to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Our family has lived in McElmo Canyon for over 40 years and the campground has hosted camping and outdoor educational groups since 1965. We are a family run ranch with an operating hay farm, horseback riding business, and carriage shop.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Manti-La Sal National Forest

4. Manti-La Sal National Forest

100%
(16)
328 sites · Ferron, Utah
Trivia time! Which part of Utah contains the densest black bear and largest elk population? The Manti-La Sal National Forest, of course! How about this one: where does most of the coal mined in Utah come from? Well, 85% of it is mined right here in the Manti-La Sal. This special forest is full of natural surprises, like lofty mountaintops, lush meadows, cavernous sandstone canyons, plus plenty of water. If it sounds like there’s a ton of diversity here, that’s because there truly is! All of this diversity means that there’s a lot to do out here. Near Moab, the forest is home to the La Sal Mountains with their tall peaks and narrow canyons. To the north, on the Wasatch Plateau, you’ll be yearning for your next road trip along the Huntington and Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byways (also called the Energy Loop). And when it comes time to hit the hay at night? You guessed it—there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
San Juan National Forest

5. San Juan National Forest

97%
(41)
696 sites · Rico, Colorado
Hike through the rugged wilderness or take a scenic drive in this expansive national forest.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

6. Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

100%
(1)
39mi from White Mesa · 1 site · Lodging · Cortez, CO
Play in nature, relax in comfort. 2 spacious safari-style tents nestled in a small orchard with big views of Canyon of the Ancients. Your stay includes a private bathhouse with indoor and outdoor showers. Both tents have king beds and outdoor lounging areas and share a central campfire area. Clifftop hiking with views as far as Mesa Verde. We only accept one reservation at a time so the camp is all yours. The Details The Orchard Camp includes two large safari-style tents, each with a king bed, water cooler, mini-fridge, sheets & towels. The tents share cooking and camp amenities like a two burner Coleman stove and a propane-fueled "fire pit," and games like corn hole. Your private Bathhouse offers two sinks, two showers, two toilets, an outdoor shower and an outdoor sink for your dishes. The Orchard, with its young fruit trees and wildflowers, is your private garden. The Property You'll have access to roam much of this 38 acre property which includes a hay farm, cliffside and clifftop trail and a section of McElmo Creek. We just ask that folks stay away from the private residence on site, which is well-marked. We love pets and kids but due to the Wildlife with a capital W (and the occasional skunk) with whom we share this land we must limit our guests to humans ages 8 and up. Southwest Colorado is a land of extremes. We get hot, cold and everything in between. The tents are canvas so we offer electric blankets and small space heaters for colder days, and fans for the warmer days. And in advance, we apologize for the high cleaning fee. When you're here you'll understand why with the large showerhouse and all its windows, the large canvas tents and big decks, etc.
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
$175
 / night
Mesa Verde Farm and studio

7. Mesa Verde Farm and studio

100%
(1)
47mi from White Mesa · 2 sites · Lodging · Lewis, CO
Quietly located on a small organic farm and artist's compound, our straw bale adobe cabin is 20 mins from the park entrance, and has amazing views of Mesa Verde and the Four Corners area. With ancient Anasazi ruins and a private canyon on this 135-acre property, you'll have room to relax and explore. The space This is an incredibly unique space thoughtfully furnished with original art and handmade furniture. The Canyon Cabin includes a queen size bed, a table for two, a small bathroom with shower, small refrigerator, microwave, ipod docking device for your music, two burner cooktop, coffee pot, microwave, and outdoor grill. Guest access Guests have access to the vegetable gardens and greenhouses for cooking tasty meals. In the summer we grow an abundance of tomatoes, summer squash, green beans, broccoli, peppers, and some melons. In the winter, our upper greenhouse grows a variety of greens-- lettuce, spinach, kale, and chard. Other things to note Check in and check out times are flexible. We have our property's second guest house listed on AirBnb as well if you are traveling with a party of four.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$165
 / night

Looking for the perfect camping experience near White Mesa, Utah? Hipcamp has got you covered with over 500 options to choose from! Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, you'll find the ideal accommodation type to suit your needs. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $15, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. Check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews, such as The Views at Gateway (243 reviews), Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), and High Sage Hogans (137 reviews). Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like trash disposal, toilets, and potable water. And if you're into horseback riding, hiking, or wind sports, this is the perfect spot for you! So pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty of nature at its finest.

98% (461)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sunset Over Bears Ears National Monument

1. Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

96%
(625)
10mi from White Mesa · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Blanding, UT
Watch the sun come up over the Sleeping Ute Mountain in Colorado and enjoy a gorgeous sunset as the sun sets over the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. We are off the grid and have no electricity or water. Our graveled camping sites are easy to access. We are located next to a paved road. You do not need high clearance vehicles or 4-wheel drive. Camp in a natural high desert environment consisting of cedar and pinion trees, Brigham tea, sagebrush, etc. Great views of the night sky. An ancient Indian mound is on site. The Five Kiva Ruin and Nations Natural Bridge are within hiking distance. Minutes away is the town of Blanding with restaurants, hospital, gas stations and a dump station. Its only a short drive to five different National Monuments: Bears Ears, Natural Bridges, Rainbow Bridge, Hovenweep, and Canyon of The Ancients. Take a scenic drive over the Blue Mountain and Elk Ridge. Southeastern Utah is full of archeology history to hike and explore.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from 
$25
 / night
Retro camper

2. Indian Canyon Ranch

95%
(112)
18mi from White Mesa · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Monticello, UT
Indian Canyon Ranch is a rugged, isolated, off grid property which focuses on enjoying the outdoor beauty of our little corner of the spectacular American South West. Please be advised, that during heavy rain four-wheel drive may be necessary but in all cases low clearance vehicles are not ideal on the last section of road but if you arrive before dark and go slow any vehicle can make it. If you arrive after dark the last bit of road looks more challenging than it actually is due to shadows on the surface caused by the head lights. Units are not heated. Please plan to show up before dark for the best experience and ease of finding the location. Indian Canyon Ranch is proud to be an independent, off grid property with limited solar power and water available. There are no RV hook ups available but there is limited solar power in the rental units and in the communal area but not in the primitive campsites. Campsites are primitive camping only. Showers in the main communal area are solar powered and only hot with the sun and for an hour or so after sunset Joe purchased this property in 2008. At that time, it was 8 acres, and it is now at 20 acres continuous property. The ranch is situated 2 miles off the highway down a bumpy dirt road on the edge of the national forest, this gives you a feeling of being in the wilderness. The south and east sides are boarded by canyons and ruins. All other private properties in the area are 10 acres or more so are well spread out and sparsely populated. All the structures on site were brought here piece by piece and were salvaged from construction projects in Yosemite and Grand Canyon national parks. Water is manually hauled in and the power in the kitchen area is solar generated so please be conscious of water and power use.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
Canyon Trails Ranch

3. Canyon Trails Ranch

100%
(104)
38mi from White Mesa · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cortez, CO
The homestead was built in 1911 and was one of the original postal pickups in the area.  The ranch is located between Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and backs up to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Our family has lived in McElmo Canyon for over 40 years and the campground has hosted camping and outdoor educational groups since 1965. We are a family run ranch with an operating hay farm, horseback riding business, and carriage shop.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Manti-La Sal National Forest

4. Manti-La Sal National Forest

100%
(16)
328 sites · Ferron, Utah
Trivia time! Which part of Utah contains the densest black bear and largest elk population? The Manti-La Sal National Forest, of course! How about this one: where does most of the coal mined in Utah come from? Well, 85% of it is mined right here in the Manti-La Sal. This special forest is full of natural surprises, like lofty mountaintops, lush meadows, cavernous sandstone canyons, plus plenty of water. If it sounds like there’s a ton of diversity here, that’s because there truly is! All of this diversity means that there’s a lot to do out here. Near Moab, the forest is home to the La Sal Mountains with their tall peaks and narrow canyons. To the north, on the Wasatch Plateau, you’ll be yearning for your next road trip along the Huntington and Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byways (also called the Energy Loop). And when it comes time to hit the hay at night? You guessed it—there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
San Juan National Forest

5. San Juan National Forest

97%
(41)
696 sites · Rico, Colorado
Hike through the rugged wilderness or take a scenic drive in this expansive national forest.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

6. Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

100%
(1)
39mi from White Mesa · 1 site · Lodging · Cortez, CO
Play in nature, relax in comfort. 2 spacious safari-style tents nestled in a small orchard with big views of Canyon of the Ancients. Your stay includes a private bathhouse with indoor and outdoor showers. Both tents have king beds and outdoor lounging areas and share a central campfire area. Clifftop hiking with views as far as Mesa Verde. We only accept one reservation at a time so the camp is all yours. The Details The Orchard Camp includes two large safari-style tents, each with a king bed, water cooler, mini-fridge, sheets & towels. The tents share cooking and camp amenities like a two burner Coleman stove and a propane-fueled "fire pit," and games like corn hole. Your private Bathhouse offers two sinks, two showers, two toilets, an outdoor shower and an outdoor sink for your dishes. The Orchard, with its young fruit trees and wildflowers, is your private garden. The Property You'll have access to roam much of this 38 acre property which includes a hay farm, cliffside and clifftop trail and a section of McElmo Creek. We just ask that folks stay away from the private residence on site, which is well-marked. We love pets and kids but due to the Wildlife with a capital W (and the occasional skunk) with whom we share this land we must limit our guests to humans ages 8 and up. Southwest Colorado is a land of extremes. We get hot, cold and everything in between. The tents are canvas so we offer electric blankets and small space heaters for colder days, and fans for the warmer days. And in advance, we apologize for the high cleaning fee. When you're here you'll understand why with the large showerhouse and all its windows, the large canvas tents and big decks, etc.
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
$175
 / night
Mesa Verde Farm and studio

7. Mesa Verde Farm and studio

100%
(1)
47mi from White Mesa · 2 sites · Lodging · Lewis, CO
Quietly located on a small organic farm and artist's compound, our straw bale adobe cabin is 20 mins from the park entrance, and has amazing views of Mesa Verde and the Four Corners area. With ancient Anasazi ruins and a private canyon on this 135-acre property, you'll have room to relax and explore. The space This is an incredibly unique space thoughtfully furnished with original art and handmade furniture. The Canyon Cabin includes a queen size bed, a table for two, a small bathroom with shower, small refrigerator, microwave, ipod docking device for your music, two burner cooktop, coffee pot, microwave, and outdoor grill. Guest access Guests have access to the vegetable gardens and greenhouses for cooking tasty meals. In the summer we grow an abundance of tomatoes, summer squash, green beans, broccoli, peppers, and some melons. In the winter, our upper greenhouse grows a variety of greens-- lettuce, spinach, kale, and chard. Other things to note Check in and check out times are flexible. We have our property's second guest house listed on AirBnb as well if you are traveling with a party of four.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$165
 / night

Public campgrounds near White Mesa

sweet little campsite for the night--complete with picnic table and fire pit! (AND potable water faucet located near extremely clean/fresh outhouse).
100%
(3)

Devils Canyon Campground

20mi from White Mesa · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manti-La Sal National Forest
Nizhoni Campground

Nizhoni Campground

23mi from White Mesa · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manti-La Sal National Forest
Dalton Springs Campground

Dalton Springs Campground

29mi from White Mesa · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manti-La Sal National Forest
Buckboard Campground

Buckboard Campground

29mi from White Mesa · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manti-La Sal National Forest
Ferris Canyon Campground

Ferris Canyon Campground

46mi from White Mesa · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest
Burro Bridge Campground

Burro Bridge Campground

48mi from White Mesa · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest
McPhee Recreation Complex Campground

McPhee Recreation Complex Campground

50mi from White Mesa · 54 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Stories from the community

Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
J
Jane
October 2025
24 ft campervan
With pets
1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
We loved Sunset. It was quiet with no highway traffic yet not off a beaten path or hard to find with the directions provided. The walk to the natural rock bridge and 5 kiva site was such an added bonus!
See more
View of the Abajo Mountain
O
Outside18
October 2025
35 ft Class C
3 nights at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
Nice quiet spot, clean porta potty, garbage disposal & picnic tables provided. The Hipcamp.com info needs to be added to the bulletin board.
See more
Indian Canyon Ranch
d
daniel
October 2025
Tent
1 night at Indian Canyon Ranch
I had an emergency happen, Joe understood I had already paid, so when I return, he will make it better. Good people here! Dan G
See more
Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
E
Eric
October 2025
Tent
1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
Campground is in a secluded location with easy access to the trailheads and visitor's center. We found a campsite in the back on a loop that didn't get much traffic and allowed some space from the road. There was a large flat tent area in the back part of the site. Restrooms were decent.
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Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
A
Annette
October 2025
Tent
1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
Cassie and Evan responded quickly when I texted them. The site is gorgeous and so nice and quiet as well as easy access from the main road.
See more
Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
R
Randy
October 2025
28 ft fifth wheel
With pets
Weekend Trip to Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
With lots of rain making boondocking a bit dicey, it was great to have another option. This campground is kinda like an RV park but with more room between sites and great short hikes close by. Good gravel road and pads within the camp were a welcome break from muddy clay. If you don't need hookups or other amenities this is a solid choice. Never saw more than 20 percent occupied.
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Campsite 4
D
Dennis
October 2025
23 ft campervan
1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
Very beautiful area and a wonderful setup! Highly Recommended
See more
5 Kiva Ruin
M
Marcy
October 2025
Tent
1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
We greatly enjoyed our two day stay. The location is beautiful. Both nights we watched the sun set over Bears Ears and watched a full moon rise to the east. The campground is very well maintained, easy to find and convenient to Blanding. Best of all was how quiet the location is! Definitely take the time to walk to the end of the road and see the 5 Kiva Ruin!
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Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
L
Lin
September 2025
17 ft Class B
1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
The campsite was easy to find and close to town, but on a quiet and peaceful location.
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Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
E
Elizabeth
September 2025
16 ft car
Weekend Trip to Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
Good location. Porta Potty was clean. I would camp there again.
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Every night was like this.
S
Shyra
September 2025
24 ft Class C
1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
Cassie and Evan’s campground was amazing! We needed somewhere pretty last minute traveling from Arches National Park to The Grand Canyon in an RV. We absolutely loved how beautiful and off grid it was and the surroundings! They explained how to get there perfectly and the bathrooms were quite clean for porta potties. They give you their personal number if needed. We didn’t have time to walk around the surrounding areas but would love to come back and explore! Will definitely recommend and hope to stay again in the future!
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View of the Abajo Mountain
G
Gordon
September 2025
19 ft campervan
1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
It was a nice quiet campground. The portal potty was clean and didn’t smell. Peg and I had a nice quiet evening there. Thanks Cassie
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View of the Abajo Mountain
F
Farrah
September 2025
21 ft travel trailer
With pets
Weekend Trip to Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
Great location for exploring the area! Nice quiet spot.
See more
Campsite 4
C
Carmen
September 2025
Tent
3 nights at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
I love staying at Sunset! Every time I am in the area I look forward to such a wonderful spot. Thank you for always hosting!
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Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
S
Sarah
September 2025
Tent
2 nights at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
Very sweet little spot, beautiful views, and some nice walks right off-site.
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View of the Abajo Mountain
T
Thad
September 2025
26 ft travel trailer
4 nights at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
I've stayed here before. Clean, hard packed sites that stay mud free even after a rain...have a 26' toy hauler. This trip I spent 7 days here. Close to town without feeling it. It's high ground with good views... even see Bears Ears on horizon. I'm generally a remote boondocks camper, but this is one of my exception locations. Even the porta johns are unbelievably clean. I think paid camping sites are generally too expensive these days, but this place is kind of unique.
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Indian Canyon Ranch
S
Steven
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Indian Canyon Ranch
Remote camping with cool hiking and great support facilities available (community kitchen, shower, etc.), and Joe is very accommodating.
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Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
J
Jackson
August 2025
16 ft car
1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
Great site for an overnight stay! Easy to access, thanks.
See more
Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon
M
MARCI
July 2025
With kids
Weekend Trip to Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon
This place exceeded my expectations by A LOT. The hosts put a lot into extra work to make this nice and you get a lot for the money. Highly recommend!!
See more
Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
R
Remy
July 2025
Tent
1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road
Great place to stay! Super quiet, not many people coming by and a beautiful clear view of the sky :)
See more

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Manti-La Sal National Forest
100%
(16)
Manti-La Sal National Forest
Ferron, Utah
San Juan National Forest
97%
(41)
San Juan National Forest
Rico, Colorado
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular White Mesa trips

River, stream, or creek camping
Camping with a private bathroom
Camping with horseback riding
Great views camping
All
Camping with wildlife watching
RV parks & camping
Glamping with wifi provided

Top parks near White Mesa

Crawford State Park
Navajo Lake State Park
Moab Field Office
Aztec Ruins National Monument
Heron Lake State Park
Sugarite Canyon State Park
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Tonto National Forest

Top cities near White Mesa

Grand Junction
Montrose
Farmington
Green River
Denver
Salt Lake City
Colorado Springs
Albuquerque

Best camping near me

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