Paiute Trail
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Paiute Trail, a managed BLM property, is the perfect destination for RV goers who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV riding opportunities. This trail encompasses over 970 miles of Utah's scenic landscape, ranging from vistas and meadows to rugged canyons. This BLM location offers six campground areas dispersed throughout the trail. All campgrounds come well equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. While there aren't water or dump stations available, the closeness to the many miles of the Paiute Trail is well worth it for RV campers.
Quick Facts About RVing in Paiute Trail
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: No official maximum (varies by campsite) • Camping Type: Primitive camping, dispersed camping, and RV camping • Reservations: Varies by campground (many dispersed sites are first-come, first-served; developed campgrounds may require reservations) • Hookups: No • Dump Station: No • Potable Water: No • Cell Service: Spotty at best • Pets: Allowed (typically under control/leashed where required) • Roads: Dirt, gravel, and rocky OHV/ATV trails with some paved access roads • Best Season:May-October
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• More than 900 miles of main trail with over 2,000 miles of connected routes • Ride directly from campgrounds • Free dispersed BLM camping • Scenic mountain and desert views • Multiple trail loops to explore
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Barney Lake Trail
The Barney Lake Trail is a beautiful trek that takes you through a landscape filled with aspen and spruce trees. At the trail's end, you'll reach the pristine Barney Lake, a serene location perfect for a picnic or a tranquil moment of reflection. Length: 6 miles round trip Intensity: Moderate
Monroe Peak Trail
Monroe Peak Trail is a strenuous but rewarding path for those seeking an adventurous hike or bike ride. The trail leads you to the top of Monroe Peak, offering an incredible vista from the summit. The way is steep and challenging, but the view is more than worth the effort. Length: 14 miles round trip Intensity: High
Hoover Peak Loop
Hoover Peak Loop is a relatively less demanding route for hiking and biking. The trail encircles the base of Hoover Peak, providing diverse scenery that changes with the seasons. Expect a moderate incline throughout. Length: 8 miles round trip Intensity: Moderate
Great Basin Pathway
The Great Basin Pathway is an excellent choice for beginners and families. This flat, paved path provides an easy trek through diverse vegetation and open vistas. It is also wheelchair accessible. Length: 4 miles round trip Intensity: Low
Paiute Pass Trail
Paiute Pass Trail is a picturesque trail that elevates steadily, giving a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. This path is better suited for experienced hikers and bikers due to the steep incline and potentially tricky footing. Length: 10 miles round trip Intensity: High
Fishing and Boating
Paiute Trail is surrounded by a host of freshwater bodies teeming with fish. Located just 25 miles south of Marysvale is Otter Creek State Park. The park's centerpiece, Otter Creek Reservoir, is a renowned hotspot for rainbow trout fishing. The Piute Reservoir is still closed about 15 miles south of Marysvale. This lake is known for its abundant rainbow trout and smallmouth bass populations. Both reservoirs offer boating facilities, providing a splendid opportunity for water recreation near the Paiute Trail.
Wildlife Viewing
Paiute Trail offers an array of wildlife viewing opportunities. Keep your eyes open for mule deer, elk, and mountain lions. In the sky, you might spot golden eagles and red-tailed hawks.
ATV Routes
The Paiute ATV Trail system is divided into multiple distinct routes, allowing you to experience a variety of terrains and landscapes.
Main Paiute Trail Loop
Main Paiute Trail Loop is the backbone of the Paiute Trail system, covering approximately 275 miles. This trail offers various terrain types, from high mountain terrains to arid desert expanses. It's known for its elevation changes, rising from around 5,000 feet in the valleys to over 11,000 feet at its peak. It is accessible directly from Marysvale, which lies at the center of the loop.
Beaver Canyon Trail
Beaver Canyon Trail starts in Beaver City, approximately 50 miles from Marysvale. It travels 15 miles up into the Tushar Mountains and meets up with the main Paiute Trail.
Gold Belt Trail
Gold Belt Trail starts just north of Marysvale, taking you through the picturesque Gold Belt mining area and Piute Reservoir before it rejoins the main Paiute Trail.
Gooseberry Trail
Gooseberry Trail splits from the main Paiute loop at the Shingle Creek trailhead, approximately 40 miles northeast of Marysvale. It explores the eastern flanks of the Pavant Range and provides beautiful views over the Sevier Valley.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds near Paiute Trail is available at several fantastic locations. One such location is the Sam Stowe Campground. This BLM campground is less than a 20-mile drive east from the center of the Paiute Trail. Equipped with five RV sites, it offers picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, ensuring a comfortable camping experience. If you're looking for BLM camping near me, the Adelaide Campground is situated approximately 30 miles northwest of the Paiute Trail's midpoint. This Bureau of Land Management campground features a total of six BLM RV camping sites, each with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets. Though neither campground provides water or dump stations, they offer the tranquility and proximity to nature that many RV campers seek.
Developed Campgrounds
The Paiute Trail includes several developed BLM campgrounds that provide a more traditional camping experience than dispersed sites. Most campsites include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, but there are no hookups, dump stations, or potable water. Site sizes vary by campground, so larger RVs should verify accessibility before arriving. Some campgrounds are first-come, first-served, while others may accept reservations depending on the managing agency.
Dispersed Camping
While there is free dispersed camping permitted on the BLM land for the Paiute Trail, these campsites are primitive. This makes camping along the Paiute Trail a real boondocking experience. Camp only in previously used sites when possible, pack out all trash, and follow Leave No Trace principles to help protect the surrounding public lands. Fire restrictions may be in effect during dry periods, so check current BLM fire restrictions before arriving. You can camp anywhere on the BLM-managed public lands alongside the trail unless the area is posted as specifically closed to camping. Some popular dispersed camping areas can be found along Circleville, Junction, Marysvale, Kingston, and other trail access points. Camping is generally limited to 14 days. Some of the gravel and dirt roads might be steep, pitted, and muddy.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: Camper vans are one of the best choices for dispersed camping along the Paiute Trail. Their compact size makes them well suited to navigate the narrow access roads. • Travel Trailers: Small to mid-sized travel trailers are great for many dispersed camping areas throughout this BLM area. • Fifth Wheels: Fifth wheels can access various dispersed campsites along the maintained roads. Avoid unmaintained roads. • Class A Motorhomes: Smaller Class A motorhomes can comfortably fit within the dispersed camping sites if they have good road access. Longer motorhomes may struggle. • Class B Motorhomes: Class B motorhomes can be a great choice for dispersed camping along the trail. Their compact size makes them easier to navigate on narrow roads. • Class C Motorhomes: Class C motorhomes can access many dispersed camping areas throughout the Paiute Trail region. Smaller models have the easiest access, while the longer units should stick to more established roads.
Free Camping 
Several Bureau of Land Management free camping options along the Paiute Trail exist. One such site is the Fremont Indian State Park and Museum, about 20 miles southwest of Marysvale. Here, dispersed camping is permitted outside of developed recreation areas. Likewise, the Beaver Bottoms, found approximately 15 miles north of Marysvale, also allow dispersed camping on BLM land. This area is abundant in wildlife and offers serene riverside camping spots. When BLM RV camping at these locations, remember to abide by all guidelines and regulations to preserve these natural environments for future visitors.
RV Rentals Near Paiute Trail Plan your next adventure
Planning your Paiute Trail BLM trip
When planning a trip to the Paiute Trail, dressing in layers is advisable. Take along a good quality, detailed trail system map, and ensure your compass or GPS device is fully functional. Also, pack ample water and high-energy snacks for your hike or bike ride. It's essential to carry a first aid kit with you and a multi-tool and safety gear such as a headlamp, whistle, and a compact emergency blanket. If you plan on camping during your stay, there are several considerations to make. Ensure you're familiar with the camping rules and regulations in the area, including where you're allowed to set up camp and any restrictions regarding campfires. Pack light, easy-to-cook meals and a way to store food securely away from wildlife. For more insights and helpful tips on BLM camping, visit our blog at BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Before you head out to the BLM dispersed camping along the Paiute Trail, plan carefully. There is no potable water, hookups, dump stations, or trash service at these dispersed campsites, so pack out everything you bring. It's important to arrive with full fresh water tanks and empty holding tanks. Restaurants, groceries, fuel, and RV supplies are available in many nearby trail communities like Richfield, Marysvale, Junction, and Circleville. Cell phone service is very unreliable throughout much of the region. It's best to download offline maps before your trip. It's also a good idea to bring drinking water, extra food, fuel, and basic repair supplies. Propane refills are available in nearby communities such as Richfield and Marysvale.
Leave No Trace 
Adhere to the "Leave No Trace" principles to preserve the natural environment for future visitors. This includes packing out all trash, respecting wildlife, and minimizing campfire impacts.
Paiute Trail Location
The Paiute Trail is centrally located within the beautiful state of Utah. One popular trailhead is located near the quaint town of Marysvale, Utah, which provides all the necessary amenities and is situated just a few miles from the trail. In addition, the trail system is easily accessible from surrounding towns, including Junction, approximately 18 miles south, and Circleville, around 25 miles south. Monroe is about 50 miles west. Ready to visit Paiute Trail? 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 a 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 Paiute Trail
• Morning: Wake up to the mountain air and enjoy your breakfast at your RV before heading out onto the Paiute Trail. You can easily cast a line in the Sevier River or Bullion Canyon Reservoir or even take a short hike to Bullion Falls before the temperatures get too hot. • Afternoon: You can spend your afternoon exploring iconic sections of the trail, including Kimberly Mine, Bullion Canyon, and the many scenic overlooks in Fishlake National Forest. • Evening: Heading back to your RV to relax after a full day on the trail can allow you to unwind while taking in the views of the surrounding mountains. Before the sun sets, you can enjoy a peaceful walk along the Sevier River.
Nearby Attractions
• Bullion Canyon: Located just outside of Marysvale, Bullion Canyon provides a great combination of ATV riding, rich mining history, and scenic hiking. This is about a 5 to 10-minute drive from the dispersed camping areas near Marysvale. • Fishlake National Forest: Well known for its cool mountain air and alpine scenery, Fishlake National Forest offers an excellent blend of wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, and hiking. This is about a 20 to 30-minute drive from the dispersed camping areas near Marysvale. • Big Rock Candy Mountain: This is a colorful geological area that's famous for its natural mineral springs and vibrant rock formations. This is about a 10 to 15-minute drive from the dispersed camping areas near Marysvale. • Fremont Indian State Park and Museum: This park offers one of the largest collections of Fremont Indian rock art in the Utah area. This is about a 20 to 25 minute drive from the dispersed camping areas near Marysvale. • Otter Creek State Park: About a 30-minute drive from portions of the Paiute Trail, Otter Creek State Park is another favorite when it comes to kayaking, boating, and fishing. The reservoir is well stocked with trout and provides a serene setting for afternoon getaways from the various ATV trails in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dispersed camping free along the Paiute Trail? Yes, dispersed camping on the BLM land along the Paiute Trail is free unless otherwise posted. Campers can expect to use the existing campsites for a period of up to 14 days. After those 14 days, you are required to move at least 25 miles away from your original campsite. Can I bring a large RV to Paiute Trail BLM camping? Many dispersed camping areas throughout the region do accommodate larger RVs, but accessibility really depends on the specific access road. Before driving in, it's best to check the road conditions for things like steep grades, loose gravel, and narrow sections. Pre-plan by checking the weather to make sure the roads you want to drive on are compatible with your RV. Where can I dump my RV tanks near the Paiute Trail? There are no dump stations near the BLM dispersed camping areas. It's best to plan on arriving with empty holding tanks. You’ll also need a plan for what to do with them after you leave. Are there grocery stores and fuel stations nearby? Yes, many nearby communities have grocery stores, fuel stations, restaurants, and other basic services. Some popular options include Circleville, Junction, Marysvale, and Richfield. Is cell service reliable at Paiute Trail dispersed campsites? Cell service is fairly inconsistent throughout much of the region, with many remote camping areas having weak or no signal. It's best to download offline maps before your trip. You’ll also want to keep this in mind when it comes to potential emergencies.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
If you're planning to visit the Paiute Trail, renting the right RV can make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable. Since most BLM camping along this trail is dispersed, a self-contained RV with plenty of fresh water storage and an empty holding tank is the best choice. Class B and Class C motorhomes, truck campers, and small to mid-sized travel trailers are excellent options because they handle gravel roads more easily. Browse RV Rentals in Richfield to find the right RV for exploring the Paiute Trail and surrounding public lands.