White Pocket Trailhead
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you're looking for a unique place to camp in your RV within Arizona's Vermilion Cliffs National Monument area, you'll definitely want to consider the White Pocket Trailhead. Even though there aren't any developed campgrounds or hookups for RV travelers, there are several dispersed camping sites nearby that are ideal for self-contained RVs. You won't need a reservation either, which is great for spontaneous travelers who prefer flexible itineraries. The biggest factor you'll want to consider is reaching the trailhead since the final miles of road have deep sand and rough terrain. This is why the BLM recommends traveling in a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach the trailhead safely.
Quick Facts About RVing in White Pocket Trailhead
• RV Friendly: Limited; small 4WD rigs only • Max RV Length: Compact rigs recommended • Camping Type: Dispersed camping • Reservations: No • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None onsite • Potable Water: Bring your own • Cell Service: Spotty to none • Pets: Allowed • Roads: Unpaved, sandy, and rocky • Best Season: Spring and fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Free dispersed camping on BLM land • Great for adventurous RV travelers • Dark skies with minimal light pollution • Easy basecamp for exploring White Pocket • Self-contained camping experience • Access to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument • Peaceful desert setting
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Virgin River Trail
Virgin River Trail is a point-to-point trail that is great for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trail has an elevation gain of about 239 feet. Length: 11 miles Intensity: Easy
Sullivan Canyon Trail
Sullivan Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail that runs through Paiute Wilderness. A walk along the trail takes you to the magnificent Virgin River Recreation Area, where you can enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing. However, biking is prohibited on this trail. Length: 15 miles Intensity: Easy
Owen's Loop
Owen's Loop is a pet-friendly trail that is located about 3.5 miles from White Pocket Trailhead. It is excellent for bicycling and hiking and offers visitors a captivating journey through stunning vistas and breathtaking natural scenery. Length: 2.7 miles Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
One of the most popular fishing destinations near White Pocket Trailhead is the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. It is located 10 miles from the trailhead and features multiple fishing areas, including Dixie National Forest. The forest has over 90 fishable lakes, including Deer Creek Lake, where anglers can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth basses, and walleyes. Other lakes in the forest that are ideal for fishing include Navajo Lake, Hendrickson Lake, Flat Lake, and Chriss Lake.
Climbing
Located about 26 miles from White Pocket Trailhead, Welcome Spring is an ideal rock climbing destination for both experienced and amateur climbers. The area has an elevation gain of about 5,000 feet. It offers numerous climbing spots, including Cathedral Rock, a north-facing limestone cliff. Other classic climbing spots in Welcome Spring include the Wailing and Sumo Walls.
Wildlife Viewing
Situated about 34 miles from White Pocket Trailhead, Zion National Park is home to more than 291 bird species, including hummingbirds, ravens, falcons, and quails. It also features over 78 mammal species, including bighorn sheep, rock squirrels, foxes, and bats, and over 37 reptile and amphibian species, including rattlesnakes and lizards. Visitors can also visit Sand Hollow State Park, which is located approximately 13.5 miles from White Pocket Trailhead. Some wild animals you are likely to spot in the area include bobcats, coyotes, desert snakes, foxes, and rabbits.
Picnicking
Visitors are allowed to have a picnic at any spot at White Pocket Trailhead. Since there are no developed amenities like fire rings and picnic tables around the trailhead, visitors can find a cozy spot, spread out their picnic blankets, and enjoy a meal amidst the tranquility of the surrounding landscape.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
There aren't any established BLM RV camping spots at White Pocket Trailhead. However, you can try out one of the many Bureau of Land Management campgrounds near the trailhead, such as the Red Cliffs Campground, which is located 19 miles from White Pocket Trailhead. This BLM RV camping spot has over 11 campsites equipped with potable water, picnic tables, and shaded shelters. The campground charges $15 per night and $5 for day use. Alternatively, visitors can visit the nearby Quail Creek RV Park. This RV park provides free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and bathrooms with hot water. You can always find BLM campgrounds by searching "BLM camping near me."
Dispersed Camping
If you're comfortable camping without hookups, the White Pocket area is a great spot to boondock. Most dispersed camping sites in the area have stay limits of 14 days within 28 days. You'll also need to follow all BLM camping guidelines, including packing out all of your trash, using Leave No Trace principles, and following all seasonal fire restrictions. Since you'll be out in a remote area, you'll want to pack plenty of drinking water, food, and other essential supplies. You'll also want to account for limited or nonexistent cell service if you plan to use your phone for navigation.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: Camper vans are one of the best options for White Pocket, especially if they're equipped with four-wheel drive and good ground clearance. Their compact size makes it much easier to navigate the sandy access roads and fit into primitive campsites. • Travel Trailers: Small, off-road-capable travel trailers can work if they're towed by a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Larger trailers are much more difficult to maneuver and aren't a practical choice for this trip. • Fifth Wheels: Most fifth wheels are better left at home. The combination of deep sand, uneven roads, and a large turning radius makes getting to White Pocket especially challenging. • Class A Motorhomes: Class A motorhomes aren't recommended for this destination. Their large size and limited maneuverability make the rough access road a poor match. • Class B Motorhomes: A four-wheel-drive Class B motorhome is one of the best ways to visit White Pocket. It offers the comfort of an RV while still being compact enough to handle the remote terrain. • Class C Motorhomes: Most Class C motorhomes are too large for the drive to White Pocket. Smaller, high-clearance models may be suitable, but it's important to carefully consider the road conditions before making the trip.
Free Camping 
Sand Cove Primitive Camping Area is a popular Bureau of Land Management free camping spot located 21 miles from White Pocket Trailhead. There are about 12 campsites in the area, and only a maximum of 20 people are allowed to camp together at one campsite. Additionally, visitors are only allowed to stay in the area for a maximum of seven days.
RV Rentals Near White Pocket Trailhead Plan your next adventure
Planning your White Pocket Trailhead BLM trip
Planning a trip to White Pocket Trailhead during the wet season is not recommended since the roads in the area can be dangerous to maneuver when it rains. Scheduling your trip in the summer also has some disadvantages since the area is usually extremely hot and has very few shaded areas. Winter is an excellent time to visit White Pocket Trailhead since the area is usually less crowded. Before leaving for your trip to this site, remember to pack essential gear and supplies, including sturdy hiking boots, comfortable clothing, adequate food, sunscreen, hats, sufficient water, and navigation tools like maps and a compass. You can also design a detailed itinerary to optimize your time and make the most of your visit. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Before you head to White Pocket in your RV, be sure to fill up the fuel tank and the refrigerator. Depending on where you camp, you may be anywhere from 45 minutes to more than an hour from the nearest grocery store or gas station. If you plan to cook with propane-powered appliances, you'll also want to make sure your propane tank is full. Some of the best areas to stock up on supplies include Kanab, Utah, or Page, Arizona, both of which offer grocery stores, fuel stations, propane refills, and other essential services for dispersed camping. It's especially important to download maps for the trip so that you can access them offline since cellular coverage is limited throughout much of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
Leave No Trace 
Before heading to White Pocket Trailhead, you should note that the BLM requires visitors to adhere to the "Leave No Trace" principles so as to minimize environmental impact. Human waste should be disposed of in catholes, which should be dug about six to eight inches deep. Also, all guests are required to set up camp at least 200 feet from water sources. Visitors are also advised to use the designated fire rings so as to limit fire impact.
White Pocket Trailhead Location
The trailhead can be accessed from House Rock Valley Road (BLM 1065). To reach House Rock Valley Road from Kanab, UT, drive east on Highway 89 for 38 miles to arrive at Page, AZ. Afterward, travel west on Highway 89 and drive for 36 miles to reach the south end of House Rock Valley Road. Travel 9.3 miles north of Highway 89A and then turn onto BLM 1017. Drive east for 6.2 miles until you come across BLM 1087. Continue driving northeast on BLM 1087 until it splits into BLM 1086. Proceed on BLM 1086 and stay on the left side until you arrive at White Pocket Trailhead. BLM Arizona Strip District Office Address: 345 East Riverside Drive, St. George, UT 84790 Ready to visit White Pocket Trailhead? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at White Pocket Trailhead
• Morning: Use one of these delicious RV breakfast recipes to feed your family before you head over to White Pocket. You'll love taking pictures of the unique rock formations and swirling sandstone patterns and exploring the area in the morning because of the cooler temperatures. Just keep in mind that there aren't any designated hiking trails, so be sure to watch your footing and keep a comfortable pace so you don't lose your bearings. • Afternoon: Make your way back to the RV for lunch and then take some time to relax around your campsite. There may be other RVers nearby that you can chat with about their favorite places to explore in the area. • Evening: Cook dinner over the campfire and spend the evening relaxing at your campsite. Once the sun goes down, you'll enjoy gorgeous views of the night sky thanks to the remote desert setting.
Nearby Attractions
• Wire Pass Trailhead: This trailhead is only about 45 minutes from White Pocket. It gives you direct access to Wire Pass and the famous Buckskin Gulch slot canyon. This area is well-known for its towering rock walls and incredible hiking opportunities. You will need a day-use permit, which you can get at recreation.gov. • The Wave (Coyote Buttes North): If you enjoy exploring unique landscapes, you'll definitely want to make the one-hour trip to The Wave, one of the Southwest's most sought-after hiking destinations. But you'll need to plan your visit in advance, since you can only access the area through a permit lottery. • Lees Ferry: If you want access to the Colorado River, you can't go wrong with visiting Lees Ferry in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from White Pocket). The area includes a developed campground and a boat launch, making it ideal for RV travelers who want to fish or spend time on the river.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my RV all the way to White Pocket? Driving to White Pocket in an RV is a great way to check out the surrounding BLM lands, but the drive is best suited for smaller rigs, including camper vans and Class B motorhomes. Larger setups, like Class A motorhomes or fifth wheels, will have trouble navigating the final stretch with its deep sand and uneven terrain. Do I need a permit to visit White Pocket? You won't need a permit to explore White Pocket, but you may need one to visit nearby attractions, like The Wave (Coyote Buttes North) or Wire Pass. You'll want to plan your itinerary ahead of time to make sure you have any required permits before you arrive. Are there restrooms at White Pocket? You can find vault toilets at the White Pocket Trailhead. Just remember to bring toilet paper with you since restrooms aren't always stocked with supplies. Can I bring my dog to White Pocket? Yes, you're allowed to bring your furry friends to White Pocket as long as you keep them supervised at all times. Packing plenty of waste bags will make it easier to clean up after your pet. Is White Pocket a good destination for first-time boondockers? As long as you're traveling in a rig that can easily navigate the access roads, White Pocket is a great place for first-time boondockers thanks to its free dispersed camping and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that several of the dispersed camping locations are very remote, so it's best to pack lots of food, water, fuel, and other essential supplies.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
When you take time to carefully choose your RV rental for your trip to White Pocket, you'll have a much more enjoyable experience. Compact, self-contained RVs are usually the most practical choice since you can easily maneuver them on the rough terrain and backcountry routes. These rigs also tend to fit better in the dispersed camping sites. You'll also want to make sure your rig has the right amenities for the conditions, depending on the time of year you visit. For instance, you may need an RV with a reliable heater if you plan the trip for colder months. Explore RV rentals in Kanab to find the right option for your trip to White Pocket Trailhead.