The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management oversees public lands in all 50 states of the country. The agency is responsible for preserving these lands for future generations and managing them for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy today. You can stay at developed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds to access recreational areas in Utah. These sites usually charge a small fee which is used to maintain the facilities. You also have the option to stay in BLM dispersed camping areas, which are free of charge, but do not offer any amenities. Lonesome Beaver Campground is in the Henry Mountains in southeast Utah. At over 8,000 feet in elevation, it offers striking views of the Sawmill Basin below. Visitors can enjoy tent or RV camping at this campground, hiking in the mountain range, or fishing in the many nearby creeks. In addition, this BLM site is between two national parks. Capitol Reef National Park is a little over 50 miles to the west while Canyonlands National Park is 140 miles to the east.
The trail leading to Mount Ellen's summit is quite strenuous but worth it because you will be rewarded with amazing views. Mount Ellen is the tallest peak in the Henry Mountains and reaches 11,500 feet. Length: 5.6 miles Intensity: Difficult
Found within Capitol Reef National Park, this trail leads to the Strike Valley Overlook. Along the way, you will see seven rock arches and views of the valley below. At the top, you will see the Henry Mountain Range to the east. Length: 10.3 miles Intensity: Moderate
Mount Pennel has the second tallest peak in the Henry Mountains. You will walk on a rough dirt road for the first few miles of the hike. After that, it is a steep ascent to the summit. To the southeast, you will see the Colorado River. Length: 8 Miles Intensity: Difficult
The Cottonwood Wash Trail features slot canyons and sandy paths with moderately challenging rock scrambles. At the trail's turnaround point, you will find a cliff face that requires technical gear to ascend. Length: 6.5 miles Intensity: Moderate
Just outside of Lonesome Beaver Campground is Granite Creek, which is stocked annually with trout. For more extensive fishing options, head southeast to Trachyte Creek, a 10-mile-long creek featuring nearly 20 tributaries, all of which are part of the greater Lake Powell area. There, you may catch species ranging from smallmouth, largemouth, and striped bass to walleye, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. You are permitted to take motorized or non-motorized boats for an outing on Lake Powell.
Poison Springs Road is a 38-mile OHV out-and-back route that starts from Highway 95 east of Lonesome Beaver Campground. It descends into the progressively narrower and steeper Poison Canyon, where it begins to follow Poison Creek until it crosses the Dirty Devil River. At this point, it ascends into North Hatch Canyon. The turnaround point is on the outskirts of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This excursion is suitable for ATVs, dirt bikes, and high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles.
Lonesome Beaver Campground has a few amenities for RVers, including potable water, vault restrooms, and five campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. There is no fee to stay at this campground although guests are encouraged to make a campground donation. While this campground may work for smaller RVs, larger motorhomes will have trouble navigating the drive to the site. For RV camping elsewhere, consider staying at Hite RV Campground, which is 42 miles to the southeast. It has sites suitable for larger rigs and electric and water hookups. This campground is popular with RVers who want to kayak, canoe, or raft in the Colorado River.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in the area around Lonesome Beaver Campground as dispersed camping. Dispersed camping is also allowed in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. If you are looking for more options during your RV trip, search "BLM camping near me" online.
This area of Utah is known for sudden thunderstorms, so you should monitor the weather conditions as your arrival time gets close. These storms may make driving conditions unpredictable once you leave the highway as washouts are possible. If you plan to have a campfire at Lonesome Beaver Campground, you must bring firewood as none is available at this site. Finally, when recreating, you should have a hat, sunscreen to protect your skin, and bug spray to ward off mosquitoes. BLM camping offers a budget-friendly way to experience the fantastic geography of the Henry Mountains. However, when you stay at one of the country's many Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, you will likely be without electricity and other amities. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping in areas with few services.
The BLM asks that campers and visitors to Lonesome Beaver Campground follow Leave No Trace guidelines. These guidelines include picking up after yourself, not disturbing wildlife, and leaving anything you find where you discovered it. By following Leave No Trace guidelines, you can do your part to make sure public lands stay pristine for the next camper.
From Hanksville, Utah take Sawmill Basin Road south for 23 miles. This road will take you to the campground. Latitude and longitude: 38.110846, -110.777323 Ready to visit Lonesome Beaver Campground? 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.
