Fantasy Canyon
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
RVers looking for a mind-expanding journey through a surreal landscape will enjoy a trip to Fantasy Canyon, a Bureau of Land Management destination known for its otherworldly sandstone outcroppings. The area features towering spires called hoodoos sculpted by wind and water over the centuries. Due to the site’s fragility, overnight camping is prohibited in the 10-acre recreation area closest to the most stunning rock formations. Fortunately, travelers can enjoy boondocking nearby on BLM tracts in the Uinta Basin or use one of the primitive, first-come, first-served spots near the Fantasy Canyon parking kiosk. Camping in the BLM lands surrounding the canyon is free — no reservation or entry permit needed. Developed campgrounds with hookups are less than an hour's drive away near Vernal, “Utah’s Dinosaurland.”
Quick Facts About RVing in Fantasy Canyon
• RV Friendly: Limited • Max RV Length: None specified • Camping Type: Dispersed camping • Reservations: No • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None • Potable Water: Bring your own • Cell Service: Spotty to none • Pets: Allowed if leashed • Roads: Paved 4 miles outside the site’s perimeter; rugged gravel and dirt oil field service roads near the rock formations • Best Seasons: Spring and fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Delicate yet alien terrain • Proximity to intricate rock formations • Spectacular sunsets • Clear-sky stargazing in Uinta Basin • Great for dispersed solitary camping • Unforgettable scenery • Accessible from U.S. Route 40 and Utah State Route 45 • Less than an hour away from Vernal, UT
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Fantasy Canyon Loop
The Fantasy Canyon Loop offers a spectacular, panoramic view of Fantasy Canyon's red rock formations and rolling sandstone hills. The loop trail is well-marked, with various signs painted on the rocks. This trail has an elevation gain of 55 feet, making it suitable for visitors who prefer a short and easy hike. Visitors are allowed to bring their dogs along on this trail, provided they are always kept on a leash. The best time to hike this trail is from March to October when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. Length: 0.6 miles Intensity: Easy
Fossil Discovery Trail
The Fossil Discovery Trail is located 38.3 miles from Fantasy Canyon. This out-and-back trail traverses through inclined rock formations and features a wide range of fossils such as dinosaur bones. This trail can be accessed through the Quarry Visitor Center or the Quarry Exhibit Hall, both situated at Dinosaur National Monument. The Fossil Discovery Trail has an elevation gain of 200 feet, making it a moderately challenging hike. The trail lacks shade and can be quite hot during the summer season. Length: 1.2 miles Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
Visitors at Fantasy Canyon can relish a fishing and boating experience at the Steinaker Reservoir, which is located 46 miles north of Fantasy Canyon. This 800-acre reservoir is home to various fish species, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill. However, visitors are requested to comply with Steinaker Reservoir's fishing regulations when fishing in the reservoir.
Climbing
The area surrounding Fantasy Canyon is home to some of the most challenging climbs in Utah. Take a short drive to the Dinosaur National Monument, which is located less than 40 miles from Fantasy Canyon. This site boasts one of the best rock-climbing terrains in the area. It allows visitors to scale through cliffs, rock towers, and ledges.
Wildlife Viewing
There are various species of plants and wildlife at Fantasy Canyon. Visitors can spot different species of birds, such as the common raven, bald eagle, and songbird. The area is also home to mammals like mule deer, coyotes, black-tailed jackrabbits, porcupines, rock squirrels, and cottontails. There are also different types of snakes and lizards in the area.
Picnicking
Picnicking is one of the most popular activities visitors can engage in at Fantasy Canyon. The site has picnic tables that are located in the parking lot. Visitors can pack a picnic basket and enjoy their meals at the site's picnic area.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
Since Fantasy Canyon is a day-use-only area, visitors interested in overnight camping can choose one of the various RV camping sites around the area. Vernal/Dinosaurland KOA Campground, located 39.4 miles north of Fantasy Canyon, offers spacious RV sites, full hookups, internet, cable TV, 50-amp power services, pull-through sites, laundry services, and showers. This campground also features a pool, pavilion, volleyball court, and playground. Another great RV camping choice near Fantasy Canyon is Fossil Valley RV Park. It is situated 39.6 miles from Fantasy Canyon. This RV park offers full hookups, laundry services, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers. The site also provides pull-through sites, cable TV, and 30/50 amp power services.
Dispersed Camping
Free dispersed camping is allowed outside Fantasy Canyon in public lands managed by the BLM Vernal Field Office. You can drive up to 300 feet off established public BLM roads to select a primitive campsite, where you may stay up to 14 days in a 28-consecutive-day period. Glen Bench Road and Coyote Wash Road are unpaved dirt access routes that extend around 17 miles southwest off State Route 45. During dry weather, they can accommodate standard 2WD and 4WD passenger vehicles, but they can become slick and impassable in rainy weather. Traveling in a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle can reduce your risk of getting stuck. Bring emergency supplies like an air compressor, tire repair and towing gear, a first aid kit, and plenty of drinking water. Abide by Leave No Trace principles, and pack out all waste when you depart. For more ideas on making primitive camping easier, read our guide on RV water fill and dump stations. Be aware that Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect for all BLM-managed lands in Utah, including the areas surrounding Fantasy Canyon. Campfires, wood stoves, and charcoal grills are not allowed. Portable gas or propane stoves with an on-off switch are allowed. Smoking is allowed inside an enclosed vehicle, trailer, or building. Portable gas or propane camp stoves are allowed if they have an on/off switch and/or a shutoff valve. Generators are permitted if they have a spark arrestor.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
During a visit to Fantasy Canyon, it’s best to drive smaller 2WD or 4WD RV classes with high clearance and off-road capabilities. 4WD vehicles are preferred. Roads off U.S. Route 40 and Utah State Route 45 are rugged and turn into greasy, wet clay when it rains. Muddy roads can trap even 4WD vehicles, so avoid visiting the area in wet weather. Camper Vans: A high-clearance, 4WD camper van is a good choice for navigating the dirt roads near Fantasy Canyon. A 2WD camper van is also an acceptable choice. Travel Trailers: A travel trailer is not ideal for visiting Fantasy Canyon because it could get stuck or damaged while driving the dirt access roads. However, if you leave the trailer at your campsite while you visit the recreation in your tow vehicle, it may be a reasonable option. Fifth Wheels: A fifth wheel can be difficult to navigate on unpaved roads with tight turns and limited turnaround space. If you choose to travel in this type of RV, you should leave it at your campsite while you visit the canyon in your tow vehicle. Class A Motorhomes: Class A motorhomes are not well-suited to a visit to Fantasy Canyon. Driving on unpaved dirt roads could easily lead to damaging these large, low-clearance rigs. Class B Motorhomes: Class B motorhomes can be a good choice for driving to the recreation area if they have a heavy-duty suspension that can withstand rough roads. Class C Motorhomes: Class C motorhomes can be top-heavy and unstable on dirt roads, and they are too large to maneuver in tight turnarounds, making them a poor choice for your trip.
Free Camping 
There are various Bureau of Land Management free camping sites near Fantasy Canyon. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is located 101.2 miles north of Fantasy Canyon. It features various camping sites and campgrounds. This recreation area provides amazing mountain views, grassy plains, trout fishing sites, hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife creatures. The numerous water bodies in the area provide boating and swimming opportunities. However, this site does not feature essential modern facilities like showers, restrooms, and toilets.
RV Rentals Near Fantasy Canyon Plan your next adventure
Planning your Fantasy Canyon BLM trip
Fantasy Canyon is always open to visitors throughout the year. However, the area's climate varies with different seasons. During the summer, the area's temperatures can reach above 100°F, while during the winter, the temperatures can dip below 30°F. The best time to visit this site is during the fall and spring when the temperatures are warm and dry. Depending on the time of the year they visit this site, visitors are advised to pack appropriate clothes that suit the area's weather conditions. Visitors should note that Fantasy Canyon lacks shade structures, so they are advised to bring sun protection along. Campers should also pack enough food and water for the day and bring sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and bug spray. 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
Fantasy Canyon is in a remote area with no potable water. You will not be able to buy food, fuel, or supplies in the recreation area or in the BLM lands nearby. Vernal, UT, which is a little less than an hour's drive from the basin ravine, is the closest stop for groceries, water, gas, and camping gear. Because cellular service is unavailable at Fantasy Canyon, many visitors rely on offline GPS and paper maps while traveling. Check the National Weather Service forecast for weather updates near Vernal. The UDOT Traffic Website provides condition alerts for paved roads. Contact the Vernal BLM field office for direct inquiries about dirt road conditions. The Uintah County Sheriff's Office, Uintah County Search & Rescue, and local interagency dispatch provide emergency and search and rescue services.
Leave No Trace 
BLM regulations require all campers visiting Fantasy Canyon to adhere to "Leave No Trace" principles. To begin with, visitors should dispose of their trash at the appropriate trash bins. Also, visitors should avoid touching or damaging the site's historical artifacts and rocks. In addition, campers are requested to use the existing trails and follow the markings to ensure minimal environmental damage.
Fantasy Canyon Location
To arrive at Fantasy Canyon from Vernal, UT, drive north on S Vernal Avenue towards W Main Street, then turn right at the first cross street onto US-40 E/E Main Street. Keep driving on US-40 E for four miles, then make a right turn onto State Highway 45 S/1500 E Street and drive for 20.3 miles before turning right onto Glen Bench Road. After driving for 7.9 miles on Glen Bench Road, you will arrive at Fantasy Canyon. The site will be on your left. Address: Glen Bench Road, Vernal, UT 84078 Ready to visit Fantasy Canyon? 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 also have your RV to return to for the night. You'll also 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 Fantasy Canyon
• Morning: Wake before dawn, eat breakfast, and then drive to Fantasy Canyon to enjoy the sunrise and solitude before the heat settles in. Wander the half-mile trail loop as soft light illuminates the sandstone formations. Look out for desert lizards, and sidestep the pygmy rattlesnakes among the rocks. Then head back to the parking area when the sun gets high. • Afternoon: Pause to rest and get a bite to eat at your RV or campsite, then drive north for about 53 minutes to the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum in Vernal. Here, you can gaze at a 90-foot skeleton of Diplodocus and watch scientists work with dinosaur bones in a fossil lab. You can also view Fremont culture and local Ute heritage artifacts in the anthropology hall. Before you head back to Fantasy Canyon, take a picture with Dinah the Pink Dinosaur in the east end of Vernal. • Evening: Drive back to Fantasy Canyon in time to watch the sunset. As the light turns golden, the coloring of the sandstone hoodoos will become more intense and come into high relief against the changing skies. Watch the shadows create ghostly figures that move across the landscape, and head back to your campsite when the stars come out.
Nearby Attractions
The BLM lands at Fantasy Canyon are an ideal place for RV travelers to explore along the Arizona-Utah border. It’s a great spot to enjoy boondocking, hiking, and scenic drives as you create unforgettable memories. While you’re visiting the area, these attractions might interest you: Dinosaur National Monument: This huge, 210,000-acre protected area that straddles the Utah-Colorado line is world-famous for its fossils and desert landscapes. The side near Jensen, Utah, features the world-famous Quarry Exhibit Hall and Jurassic-age dinosaur fossils. The “Canyons Side” near Dinosaur, CO is home to the 2,500-foot-deep Green and Yampa rivers and offers world-class whitewater rafting. The site is about an hour’s drive north from Fantasy Canyon. McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs: This fantastic, private archaeological site showcases ancient Fremont Culture rock art stretching across a 200-foot-tall sandstone cliff face. The 800- to 2,000-year-old carvings feature square-shouldered human figures with elaborate headdresses, necklaces, and shields. The ranch is a little over an hour north of Fantasy Canyon. Red Fleet State Park: This scenic recreation area is about an hour’s drive north of Fantasy Canyon. It features a mud flat containing hundreds of fossilized dinosaur footprints along the edge of a reservoir. These 200-million-year-old tridactyl tracks frame calm waters that are highly popular for watersports. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing, and more during their visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to hike at Fantasy Canyon in the morning or late afternoon? To hike Fantasy Canyon during the cooler hours, wear a lightweight long-sleeved T-shirt, a fleece or windbreaker, hiking pants, and high-traction running shoes or hiking boots. What time of day is best for visiting Fantasy Canyon? Sunset is the best time to visit because it allows you to enjoy cool temperatures and beautiful views. Temperatures can get dangerously hot when the sun is high. Why is camping prohibited in Fantasy Canyon? The BLM designated Fantasy Canyon as a day-use-only site to protect its unique, fragile rock formations. Allowing overnight camping increases the risk of vandalism and irreversible damage to the site. Is Fantasy Canyon ADA-accessible? Fantasy Canyon is not ADA-accessible, though it may be possible but challenging to navigate for visitors with limited mobility. The site’s single vault-pit toilet meets ADA spaciousness standards, but it’s difficult to access via wheelchair. Are there park rangers or BLM personnel at Fantasy Canyon? No park rangers are stationed on-site at Fantasy Canyon, but BLM law enforcement rangers routinely patrol the area to ensure the landscape remains unharmed.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
When you’re planning a trip to Fantasy Canyon, renting the right RV will ensure you have the best time possible. A high-clearance, 4WD camper van is the perfect choice thanks to its off-road ability and compact size. Taking a smaller rig on your trip will make it more convenient to explore destinations in Utah and Colorado, including Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Manti-La Salle National Forest. To book your vehicle, visit our RV rentals in Vernal page ahead of your journey to Fantasy Canyon.