BLM Camping

Chicken Corners Trailhead


The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

One of the most iconic backcountry destinations near Moab, UT, is Chicken Corners Trailhead. Situated within BLM-managed public lands, the area is best suited for RV travelers looking for primitive camping and off-road adventure near Moab. Dispersed camping is available nearby without reservations, although the rugged roads beyond the pavement are best suited for smaller RVs and high-clearance vehicles. This area offers breathtaking views of the Colorado River, the rugged desert landscape, and towering red rock cliffs.

Quick Facts About RVing in Chicken Corners Trailhead

RV Friendly: Yes (high-clearance and 4WD vehicles recommended beyond the pavement) • Max RV Length: No official maximum (smaller RVs and camper vans are best suited) • Camping Type: Primitive dispersed camping nearby • Reservations: Not required • Hookups: No •Dump Station: No • Potable Water: No • Cell Service: Limited to none • Pets: Allowed • Roads: Paved access followed by rugged dirt 4WD roads • Best Season: Spring and fall

Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area

• Incredible red rock canyon scenery • Scenic drive through Kane Creek Canyon • Primitive dispersed camping nearby • Easy access to Chicken Corners Trail • Close to Moab's outdoor attractions • Excellent stargazing and dark skies • Ideal basecamp for off-road adventures

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Fisher Towers Trail

You won't have to drive far north of Moab to find this trail. The trail takes you to an overlook. From there, you'll have an astounding view of the Fisher Towers. Length: 5 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

The Colorado River passes through Moab. You can rent a raft or kayak or take a guided tour down the river. Ken's Lake Recreation Area has a reservoir just 10 miles outside town. Entrance is free, and you can go boating and fishing.

ClimbingClimbing

Canyonlands is where to head for climbing, and the Island in the Sky sandstone towers are the primary point of interest. Technical rock climbing doesn't require a permit.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

The Colorado Plateau is home to many species you might see depending on your location. Desert bighorn sheep frequently migrate through the area and are protected in many places, but you might also see mule deer, mountain lions, desert cottontails, and black bears. Bird watchers love this area. Between year-round inhabitants and seasonal migrants, there are 270 different bird species you can find in the area, ranging from turkey vultures and white-throated swifts to juncos and canyon wrens.

Picnicking

Plan a picnic in the La Sal Mountains at the Oowah Lake Campground. Picnic tables, pit toilets, and hiking trails await you here. A dense forest surrounds this picturesque place, so it's a great spot to spend an afternoon unwinding. Also, the Warner Lake Campground is another lakeside picnic spot with aspen groves and serene meadows where everyone can relax.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

Chicken Corners has a few designated spots for dispersed camping that are technically Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, but they're at spots down the unpaved 4x4 trail. You can set up at Waypoints 6, 7, or 10 with your off-road vehicles, but RV camping isn't possible at these locations. Fortunately, Moab is very close by with campgrounds that welcome RVs. The biggest is Moab KOA, with 153 RV sites with hookups. At this pet-friendly campground, you can swim, enjoy a campfire, sit in a hot tub, or spend time on the playground.

Dispersed Camping

There are dispersed camping opportunities throughout the designated BLM lands located near Chicken Corners Trailhead. These primitive campsites along portions of Kane Creek Road operate on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no hookups, dump stations, potable water, trash service, or restroom facilities. Seasonal fire restrictions may be implemented during dry periods, so check current BLM fire notices before your trip. RV travelers will need to bring sufficient food, fuel, water, and supplies before leaving the town of Moab. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. Camper vans, smaller RVs, and off-road-capable vehicles are well suited for the area's rugged access roads. Most BLM dispersed camping allows stays of up to 14 days within a 28-day period, although local restrictions may apply.

Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?

Chicken Corners Trailhead is best for RV travelers who enjoy remote camping and off-road adventures. The trailhead is accessed by a rugged four-wheel-drive route, and there's dispersed camping available on nearby BLM lands along Kane Creek Road. The paved roads near Moab swiftly transition into rougher roads that become increasingly challenging beyond the access area for the trailhead. • Camper Vans: Camper vans are an excellent choice due to their compact size and ability to navigate rougher roads throughout the area. • Travel Trailers: Travel trailers are suitable for nearby dispersed camping areas. However, larger trailers should avoid the more rugged sections of the trail. • Fifth Wheels: Fifth wheels are best left at established camping areas near Kane Creek Road rather than taking them farther along the trail. • Class A Motorhomes: Class A motorhomes are not recommended beyond the main access roads due to the rugged and narrow terrain. • Class B Motorhomes: Class B motorhomes are one of the best RV options for visiting Chicken Corners Trail due to their easy maneuverability and off-grid capabilities. • Class C Motorhomes: Class C motorhomes are well suited for the primitive camping opportunities and are safe to drive on maintained access roads.

Free Camping Campground Icon

Bureau of Land Management free camping is permissible once you get more than 20 miles outside Moab, and there are plenty of spaces for primitive and dispersed camping. Dubinky Well Road has a dozen sites along the eastern side of the road, and Cotter Mine Road has 10 sites north of SR 313 and close to Highway 191. Black Ridge Area, Gemini Bridges Road, and Dripping Springs Area all have six campsites available.

RV Rentals Near Chicken Corners Trailhead Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Chicken Corners Trailhead BLM trip

Chicken Corners and the area around Moab sit on the Colorado Plateau, and the high desert climate is something that you need to prepare for. Highly variable weather can mean temperature shifts of up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit in just one day. If you want to come when the best daytime weather happens, aim for April, May, September, and October. These months feature plenty of sunshine and temperatures ranging from 60 degrees up to 80 degrees. Summer weather hits the triple digits frequently that produce pop-up afternoon storms. Winter temperatures commonly get below freezing, and the ice and snow close many roads and trails. For more planning information, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving

Chicken Corners Trailhead is a remote backcountry destination with very limited services. Planning ahead and knowing what to expect is the key to a successful visit. There are no hookups, potable water, dump stations, fuel stations, or stores at the trailhead itself. You can stock up on supplies in the town of Moab and enjoy camping at some of the developed campgrounds in that area. Cell service is limited and may be unavailable throughout much of the trail. Access begins on paved roads before transitioning to rugged dirt roads that require higher clearance. Fuel, propane, groceries, and RV supplies are available in Moab before heading into the backcountry.

Leave No Trace Leaf

Camping on BLM property around Moab means following certain rules and regulations. Vehicles must stay on established roads, and you can't make rock markings anywhere you spend time. Everything you pack in also has to be packed out. That does include human waste, so have portable toilet bags handy. Don't leave trash in existing fire rings or build new fire spots. Also, don't gather or cut wood that's around you.

Leave No Trace
Location

Chicken Corners Trailhead Location

Starting from the intersection of Center and Main Streets in Moab, head south for 0.6 miles on Main Street. When you get to Kane Creek Road, turn right. Follow that through its intersection with 500 West Street and a pair of sweeping curves. Keep going into the river canyon. You can't ride non-licensed vehicles until the pavement ends. Address: 82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT 84532 Ready to visit Chicken Corners 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 Chicken Corners Trailhead

Morning: You can easily begin your adventure by driving Kane Creek Road through the scenic Kane Springs Canyon. You can take in the dramatic red rock scenery and stop at the overlooks along the Colorado River. • Afternoon: Continuing across Hurrah Pass and exploring the famous Chicken Corners overlook is an absolute must. This gives you panoramic views of Canyonlands National Park and the Colorado River. You can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and photography. • Evening: In the evening, heading back toward the town of Moab or your designated dispersed campsite will allow you to enjoy a relaxing dinner beneath the desert sky. As the sun sets, the surrounding cliffs will glow with different colors, creating an unforgettable backdrop for stargazing and a peaceful outdoor evening.

Nearby Attractions

Some of the most spectacular outdoor destinations near Moab surround Chicken Corners Trailhead. From scenic overlooks and national parks to 4x4 trails, there are many opportunities for extending your RV adventure. •Hurrah Pass: About 10–15 minutes from Chicken Corners Trailhead. This scenic mountain pass lies directly along the access route and offers sweeping views of Kane Creek Canyon. It's a popular stop for photographers and off-road enthusiasts. • Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky: About an hour from the trailhead, this district of Canyonlands National Park features dramatic overlooks, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the Colorado and Green Rivers. It's one of Utah's most iconic national park destinations. • Kane Creek Canyon: About 20–25 minutes away. The scenic drive through Kane Creek Canyon follows towering sandstone cliffs, creek crossings, and beautiful desert scenery. It's one of the most picturesque routes near Moab and provides access to several backcountry recreation areas. • Dead Horse Point State Park: About 1 hour away. Just north of Moab, this spectacular state park overlooks a dramatic bend in the Colorado River nearly 2,000 feet below. Visitors enjoy hiking, photography, mountain biking, and some of the best sunset views in Utah. • Arches National Park: About 1 hour 15 minutes away, Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, towering fins, and scenic hiking trails. It's a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Moab area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my RV all the way to Chicken Corners Trailhead? Yes. However, the type of RV truly matters. Initial access roads from Moab are paved, but they transition to rugged dirt roads along Kane Creek Road. Camper vans, smaller RVs, and vehicles with higher ground clearance are your best options. Is camping available near Chicken Corners Trailhead? Yes. There are primitive dispersed camping areas available on the designated BLM lands near Kane Creek Road. There are no hookups, potable water, dump stations, or developed campground amenities in these locations. There are also developed campgrounds closer to the town of Moab that offer more accommodations. Do I need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach Chicken Corners? Having a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended when traveling the Chicken Corners Trail beyond the trailhead area. The route includes steep grades, rocky terrain, and uneven surfaces that aren't suitable for standard passenger vehicles. Be sure to always check the trail and weather conditions ahead of time to ensure smooth travel. Are pets allowed at Chicken Corners Trailhead? Yes. Pets are permitted on BLM-managed lands as long as they're kept under control with a leash. Owners should clean up after their pets and keep them away from cliff edges and wildlife. Be sure to provide plenty of fresh water, especially during the warmer months of the year. When is the best time to visit Chicken Corners Trailhead? Both spring and fall are the ideal times to visit this area because temperatures are generally mild. This makes it comfortable for sightseeing, hiking, and four-wheel-drive adventures. Summer temperatures can get extremely hot, while winter weather can create muddy and icy roadway conditions. What should I bring for my visit? It's best to pack plenty of drinking water, food, fuel, navigation tools, and emergency supplies before you leave the town of Moab. Cell service is limited to nonexistent throughout much of the trailhead area, so offline maps are a good idea. Since there are no services at the trailhead, you should be prepared to be completely self-sufficient during your backcountry adventure.

Rent the Right RV for This Trip

Start planning your Chicken Corners Trailhead adventure by choosing the right RV that matches the rugged conditions of this iconic Moab landscape. Class B motorhomes, camper vans, and small travel trailers are excellent options for nearby dispersed camping and exploring the surrounding BLM roads. Be sure to plan your trip carefully by stocking up on fuel, water, food, and other essentials before leaving the town of Moab, as there are no amenities at the trailhead itself. Plan your next trip to Chicken Corners Trailhead in Utah, and book your RV from these RV rentals in Moab.