The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located in southern Utah, the towering Henry Mountains lie just an hour and 46 minutes northeast of the beautiful Capitol Reef National Park. The majestic peaks are located in a span of federal land under the protection of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government agency that protects public land all over the country. Visitors looking to enjoy BLM camping will find several well-kept campgrounds at the site, and there are also opportunities for primitive camping in the area. The area also features unique geological formations, fascinating wildlife and plenty of nearby hiking trails. Plus, with two national parks found in the region—the aforementioned Capitol Reef National Park and Canyonlands National Park, which is three hours to the northeast, outdoor recreational opportunities are abundant.
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
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, 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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
