Henry Mountains
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Henry Mountains is a great destination for RV travelers because of its mountain scenery and outstanding opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking and ATV riding. Visitors often spend much of their time watching the free-ranging bison herds and hiking to panoramic overlooks. The site offers a nice mixture of camping experiences, including dispersed and developed campgrounds. Most of the roads start out paved and then turn into gravel, with some becoming narrow or rocky. RV setups of all sizes are welcome. The BLM recommends using a four-wheel-drive vehicle with sturdy tires to reach the campground safely.
Quick Facts About RVing in Henry Mountains
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Varies (smaller and mid-size rigs are recommended on many mountain roads) • Camping Type: Developed campgrounds and dispersed camping • Reservations: No (first come, first served) • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None onsite • Potable Water: Available seasonally only at the developed campgrounds • Cell Service: Spotty • Pets: Allowed (keep supervised at all times) • Roads: Paved highways, gravel roads, and some rocky mountain roads • Best Season: Late spring, summer, and fall (many higher-elevation roads and campgrounds are inaccessible in winter)
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Excellent basecamp for spotting free-ranging bison • Three developed campgrounds plus dispersed camping • Miles of remote backroads to explore by RV • Direct access to hiking and birdwatching • Peaceful camping far from crowded tourist destinations • Dark skies with outstanding stargazing opportunities • Easy day trip to Capitol Reef National Park • Ideal destination for self-contained RV adventures
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Mount Ellen Peak Trail
Mount Ellen is the highest point in the Henry Mountains, and the out-and-back trail to reach the peak takes approximately three to five hours to complete. The terrain is steep and rocky in some places, so be prepared. Due to snow, Mount Ellen Peak Trail is only open from May to November.
Length: 5.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Sulphur Creek Waterfall Hike
The Sulphur Creek Waterfall Hike is an out-and-back trail that begins at the Capitol Reef Visitor's Center, which is two hours northwest of the Henry Mountains. The trail takes hikers along a gentle creek and, eventually, to a small, beautiful waterfall. The route tends to be relatively wet, so you may want to bring along water shoes. Most likely, you won't see too many people on the trail, and you'll probably have the best experience between May and September. Unfortunately, you won't be able to bring your dogs with you.
Length: 1.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Five Mile Wash
Five Mile Wash, two hours and 10 minutes northwest of the Henry Mountains, features breathtaking views of surrounding domed mountain summits and the eastern plateau below the Henry Mountains. The trail is rocky, and in certain sections, you will have to climb over fallen rocks.
Length: 2 miles one-way
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing & Boating
If you enjoy fishing for catfish, then you'll absolutely love angling near the Henry Mountains. The Colorado River flows about 25 miles east of the BLM site, and there are numerous accessible areas and sandy beaches from which you can cast your fishing line. In addition to catfish, you may also catch a few bass and sunfish. An hour and 28 minutes north of the Henry Mountains is the Birch Creek Reservoir, where you can try to catch rainbow and tiger trout.
Climbing
Many adventurous climbers head to the Henry Mountains to give the remote crags a try. The rock in the area is considered to be exceptional, and the points of high elevation offer extraordinary views of the region. There are also opportunities for bouldering and sport climbing at both the Capitol Reef and Canyonlands National Parks.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife enthusiasts will have several excellent options to choose from in the Henry Mountains area in terms of observing unique animals. The mountain range itself is one of the only areas in the country that contains a herd of bison, and you may very well get a chance to see it with your own eyes. You'll also have a good shot at spotting some cool creatures by visiting either of the nearby national parks or the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which is an hour and a half south of the Henry Mountains. A few of the many species you may see include mountain lions, bobcats, desert bighorn sheep, and elk.
Picnicking
If you're looking to enjoy a picnic at the Henry Mountains BLM site, travel 27 minutes to the northeast to reach the Dandelion Flat Picnic Area. This area has an elevation of 8,000 feet and includes many picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, potable water, and benches. The surrounding aspen and pine trees provide ample shade. You could also picnic at the Hog Springs Recreation Area, which is an hour and a half southeast of the Henry Mountains. This spot is located along the Bicentennial Scenic Byway. Along with picnic tables, restrooms and grills, there are also ancient petroglyphs and pictographs on the canyon walls and a trail leading to a waterfall and pool.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
Instead of Bureau of Land Management free camping, maybe you'd rather go RV camping near the Henry Mountains site somewhere that provides a full range of amenities. Duke's RV Park is an hour and 11 minutes northeast of the Henry Mountains, and there are back-in and pull-through full-hookup sites as well as showers and restrooms, a coin-operated laundromat and a pet area. At the Offroad RV Resort, an hour and 20 minutes north of the Henry Mountains, the full-hookup RV sites are spaced far apart to make room for large RVs and other vehicles. However, in order to reduce the impact on the natural environment, there aren't any public bathrooms, laundry facilities, or Wi-Fi. There is cell service, though.
Developed Campgrounds
McMillan Springs Campground • Largest developed campground in the Henry Mountains • Nine campsites surrounded by ponderosa pines • Horse corrals available for equestrian campers • Seasonal potable water and vault toilets • Convenient access to hiking and wildlife viewing Lonesome Beaver Campground • Five secluded campsites beside Lonesome Beaver Reservoir • Reached by a narrow, rocky mountain road • Surrounded by shady aspen trees • Vault toilets and seasonal water access • Best suited for smaller, high-clearance vehicles Starr Springs Campground • Located at the southern end of the Henry Mountains • 12 individual campsites plus one group site • Picnic tables, grills, and fire rings • Seasonal drinking water and restroom facilities • Short interpretive nature trail nearby
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is allowed in many locations throughout the Henry Mountains, provided you follow BLM regulations. You can choose from forested mountain campsites, backcountry camping, and areas with remote wildlife viewing. • Best suited for self-contained RVs • Quiet camping away from larger groups • 14-day stay limit • No reservations or permits • Pack out all trash • Bring your own water and supplies • No restroom facilities
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: Their compact footprint makes mountain roads and dispersed camping much easier to enjoy. Four-wheel drive capabilities are a plus in some situations. • Travel Trailers: Mid-size trailers are a practical choice for both campgrounds and forest roads. Make sure that you have a vehicle strong enough to pull your trailer on rocky, steeper roads. • Fifth Wheels: Expect tighter turns on mountain roads, making developed campgrounds the better option. • Class A Motorhomes: Reserve these for the easier-access campgrounds instead of remote backcountry roads. • Class B Motorhomes: Perfect for travelers wanting maximum flexibility throughout the Henry Mountains. • Class C Motorhomes: Offer plenty of living space without feeling oversized on most access roads, though there are a couple of exceptions where inexperienced drivers may struggle.
Free Camping 
If you reach the Henry Mountains and are looking for RV sites, do a search for "BLM camping near me." You can stay at any of the three beautiful Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds in the area. McMillan Spring Campground, Lonesome Beaver Campground and Starr Springs Campground all accommodate RVs and offer a peaceful camping experience. The campsites at each spot are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each of the on-site camping areas features picnic tables, fire grills, water, parking spaces and pit toilets.
RV Rentals Near Henry Mountains Plan your next adventure
Planning your Henry Mountains BLM trip
When you're planning your visit to the Henry Mountains BLM site, you'd be wise to check the weather forecast ahead of time. During stormy seasons, the area and roads can be somewhat hazardous. Ideally, the best time to plan a trip to the site is spring or summer. If you do any hiking, climbing, or mountain biking around the area, be especially careful, and watch where you're walking or riding. The combination of the rocky landscape and high elevation can make for treacherous circumstances if you're not careful. Additionally, since the site is in such a remote area, bring lots of emergency supplies in your RV with you, and plan for having spotty cellular reception. 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
Henry Mountains doesn't have any on-site grocery stores or gas stations, so be sure to stock up on groceries and fuel before you arrive. If you're staying on the eastern side, Hanksville is the closest town and takes about 30-45 minutes to reach. If you're on the western side, Loa is the closest town and is about 45-60 minutes away. Using a weather radio to listen to the forecast is a good idea since conditions can suddenly change, especially if you're visiting during late spring or early fall. You may not be able to keep up with weather alerts on your cell phone because service is usually spotty, particularly when you venture deeper into the mountains.
Leave No Trace 
If you do your part, you can help keep the Henry Mountains BLM site looking clean and beautiful. All you need to do is treat the area with respect and make an effort to minimize your impact on the land. Pick up after yourself, be courteous of other visitors and leave everything in nature as you found it. Give any wildlife you encounter plenty of space, limit your camping to durable surfaces, and keep your fires small and within designated pits and rings.
Henry Mountains Location
To reach the Henry Mountains BLM site from Hanksville, Utah, hop onto UT-95 S, and follow it for about 10 miles. Then take a right onto BLM 0095/E. Fairview Ranch Rd., and continue for 2.7 miles. Take a slight left onto Back Road, and then after three more miles, turn right onto Granite Rd./Ranch Rd. After 0.6 miles, you will take a left to, once again, turn onto Back Road before driving 0.9 miles and turning left onto Lonesome Beaver Rd./Sawmill Basin Rd. Then after about 7.5 miles, you will enter the boundaries of the BLM site.
Ready to visit the Henry Mountains? 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 Henry Mountains
• Morning: Get out your camera to take stunning photos of the sun rising over the mountains. Cook a delicious breakfast to get everyone energized for a full day of fun as you explore the backcountry roads and hike through the alpine forests. Wild turkeys during the morning provide an exciting wildlife encounter to start your day. • Afternoon: Keep an eye out for the bison herds as you make your way to a scenic mountain overlook. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy beneath the pine trees. The afternoon is the ideal time to rest around the RV. • Evening: Take a stroll along one of the forest trails and then head back to the RV to prepare a campfire to cook dinner over (if fire restrictions allow). Enjoy the views with minimal light pollution.
Nearby Attractions
Mars Desert Research Station • Approximately 35-40 minutes from the Henry Mountains • See the world-famous Mars simulation research facility • Learn how scientists prepare for future Mars missions • View the distinctive habitat from the designated public area • Photograph one of Utah's most unique landmarks • Experience the surrounding Mars-like desert landscape • Easy stop while exploring the Hanksville area Little Egypt Geological Site • Roughly 45-50 minutes from the Henry Mountains • Wander among hundreds of uniquely shaped sandstone hoodoos • Explore the area at your own pace without marked trails • Capture incredible photos of the unusual rock formations • Enjoy a peaceful destination with fewer visitors than nearby parks • Great place for sunrise and sunset photography • Easy destination for a short afternoon adventure Cathedral Valley • About 1 hour from the Henry Mountains • Drive through one of Capitol Reef's most remote districts • Admire towering sandstone monoliths and cathedral-like formations • Stop at the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon • Photograph dramatic desert landscapes with very few crowds • Discover colorful badlands and expansive desert overlooks • Perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a less-traveled scenic drive
Frequently Asked Questions
How many different developed campgrounds are there in the Henry Mountains? Henry Mountains offer three developed campgrounds to choose from, none of which come with hookups. They are McMillan Springs, Lonesome Beaver, and Starr Springs. Is there plenty of space for dispersed camping? Yes. And because there is so much space for dispersed camping, it's easy to find a secluded spot. You'll enjoy a peaceful camping experience with beautiful mountain views. Is there an onsite RV dump station? No. The closest dump station depends on which side of the mountain you're on. If you're camping on the eastern side, you'll want to use the dump station in Hanksville. If you're staying on the western side, the closest one is in Torrey. Can I bring my pets? Yes. Just be sure to clean up after them and keep them supervised at all times. Pets must be on a leash (under six feet) if you're staying at one of the developed campgrounds. Would a camper van or fifth-wheel work better? You'll likely find it easier to navigate the narrow mountain roads and dispersed camping spots in a smaller camper van. Fifth wheels are ideal for the developed campgrounds. Are you allowed to ride ATVs? Yes, but you must make sure the ATV is properly registered and equipped with an approved spark arrestor.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Ground clearance and turning radius are two important factors to consider when choosing an RV because the mountain roads in the Henry Mountains can be narrow and rocky. If you rent a smaller RV with higher ground clearance, this can make your trip much more enjoyable, especially if you intend to explore the backroads. You'll also want to think about the rig's fresh water capacity and holding tank size since there won't be any hookups or dump stations nearby. If you plan to bring an ATV, you may find it helpful to rent an RV with an attached toy hauler. Find the ideal Richfield RV rental for your trip to the Henry Mountains by exploring the different rigs available through RVshare.