Dirty Devil River

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

Located between Capitol Reef National Park and Canyonlands National Park, Dirty Devil River area represents the road less traveled, a remote, beautiful, and less-well-known area that gives visitors a welcome break from the crowds found at the more famous sites. With sheer cliffs and the cloudy waters that give the site its name, the Dirty Devil offers hiking, horseback riding, camping, rafting, kayaking, and biking. The area is famous for Robbers Roost, a hideout used by Butch Cassidy and his gang, and its remoteness to this day ensures a chance for visitors to experience the authentic solitude and beauty of the desert. Your visit to the area may have you wondering, “Is there BLM camping near me?” There are several Bureau of Land Management campgrounds scattered in this wild part of Utah, some of them with RV facilities. BLM camping is appealing because it gives visitors access to stay on public lands, often at a discount or even for free. While some areas require a permit, these often come at no cost. BLM campgrounds can offer popular amenities like showers, toilets, picnic areas, and other extras that rival their privately owned counterparts.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Poison Spring Canyon Trail

A gravel road running the length of Poison Spring Canyon makes this hike relatively easy. Sandstone cliffs, expansive views, and a chance to cross the Dirty Devil River make this a memorable foray into the Utah landscape. Length: Up to 16 miles Intensity: Easy

Burr Point Trail

This graded gravel road is just as much fun for riding ATVs as it is for hiking. The road stretches from just above Bullfrog through Capitol Reef National Park to the town of Boulder, Utah. Sandstone formations and scenic vistas make it a rewarding location for hiking, but visitors should bring adequate water and supplies since the area doesn’t feature many services. Length: Up to 75 miles Intensity: Easy to intermediate

Fishing and Boating

While the high salinity of the Dirty Devil River keeps it from supporting many fish species, nearby Lake Powell has bass, catfish, and carp fishing. The area around Bullfrog Marina is closest to Dirty Devil and has several fishing areas. Dirty Devil River makes a great location for whitewater rafting or kayaking, offering Class I and II rapids at certain points. There are accessible put-in and take-out areas in Hanksville, Poison Springs, and Hite.

Climbing

The sandstone cliffs that form the canyon flanking Dirty Devil River make a tempting climbing destination for experienced climbers, but they should not be attempted by novices because the area’s remoteness makes getting emergency assistance difficult. Two Step Canyon offers challenging rock faces for intermediate climbers.

Wildlife Viewing

The wide vistas of Burr Point and the surrounding area make an excellent spot for observing hawks, golden eagles, big horn sheep, lizards, quail, and other desert fauna. The Great Basin rattlesnake is native to the area, so it’s best to avoid placing your feet in rocky crevices or near sagebrush. If you see a snake, give it a wide berth and look for others because they often travel in pairs.

Picnicking

Dirty Devil River ends where it meets Lake Powell, near Bullfrog Marina. There are picnicking facilities that include public toilets and other helpful amenities. The remoteness of Dirty Devil allows for visitors to create their own picnicking spots when they find a place suitably scenic and convenient. Level spots on the banks of the Dirty Devil River make a peaceful and cooling respite, especially during the heat of the day.

Other

Riding off-road vehicles is a major draw in the Dirty Devil River area. It’s important to pack adequate fuel, water, snacks, and appropriate clothing if you’re venturing out for the day since stores and gas stations are rare.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Amenities are basic at Hite RV Campground, but all the necessities for RV camping like full hookups, picnic areas, toilets, and a small nearby store are on offer. The views are stunning, as the sandstone formations offer an intricate desert backdrop by day and the dark skies offer boundless stargazing by night. Located near the town of Torrey, Utah, Sleepy Hollow Campground offers showers, bathrooms, ample space for each site, picnic tables, Wi-Fi, water, and electric hookups. The site is pet-friendly, and many of the pull-through RV spaces offer trees for shade and privacy. There is an on-site dump station for convenient waste disposal.

Free Camping

There is Bureau of Land Management free camping just off of the highway at Sandthrax Campground. There are no services and no amenities, so it’s vital to come prepared with food, water, and adequate battery power. Cell service can also be spotty, so visitors may want to download local maps or carry a hard copy of area maps for times when service is absent. The site offers appealing views and plenty of space for overnight parking.

RV Rentals Near Dirty Devil River Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Dirty Devil River BLM trip

You can check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping before heading out on your visit to Dirty Devil River. The particular beauty of the Dirty Devil River area is its sheer sandstone formations, but these stunning canyon walls can often funnel dangerous floodwaters. If the weather calls for cloudy skies and possible rain, don’t enter the slot canyons or hike in areas where there’s no safe way to get to higher ground. The summer offers beautiful weather in this part of Utah, but temperatures can climb above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it very important to carry a gallon of drinking water per person per day. Sunscreen, a hat, a jacket for chilly desert nights, and bug spray are also recommended.

Leave No Trace

The wildness of BLM sites is part of their appeal, but this remote character often means there are fewer places to dispose of trash. The BLM as implemented the "Leave No Trace" guidelines to to insure these lands maintain their integrity. It’s imperative to help maintain the beauty of wild places by packing any items you bring with you back out again. Not only will future visitors appreciate your efforts, but local wildlife will also be happier and healthier with less waste in their habitats.

Dirty Devil River Location

You can reach Dirty Devil River by heading south from Hanksville, Utah on Highway 95. Drivers will want to stay on the route for 42 miles until encountering the Dirty Devil River scenic overlook at 37.9013° N, 110.3988° W before entering the community of Hite. Address: Henry Mountains Field Station 380 South 100 West Hanksville, UT 84734 Latitude/Longitude: 38.376619, -110.625926 Ready to visit Dirty Devil River? 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.