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BLM Camping

Red Cliffs National Conservation Area


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 administers camping areas on public lands. These camping areas charge just a nominal fee for their use. The Bureau of Land Management camping area known as the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is almost 46,000 acres. It covers many kinds of terrain, such as deserts, mountains, and much of the Great Basin. The stone formations and their preserved dinosaur tracks will be of interest to most visitors. These tracks date back to the Jurassic Period, more than 140 million years ago. Bryce Canyon National Park is only about 130 miles from the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. It is the only national park within a four-hour drive of the area. Red Cliffs National Conservation Area has 11 official Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Three of those have pull-through sites. The Bureau of Land Management rules regarding lengths of stay in any one location limit you to 15 days out of 30 days. In all cases, do not leave your campsite or possessions unattended for more than 72 hours. If you do, you risk your belongings being confiscated and thrown away.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Red Reef Trail

This trail is the most popular in the area. You can bring your dogs along this trail but they must be on a leash. This trail has lots of foot traffic. Length: 3.5 miles Intensity: Moderate

Dino Cliffs Trail

There are 17 dinosaur tracks preserved in the rock along the trail. Length: 0.5 miles Intensity: Easy

Quail Creek Canyon Loop

For experienced hikers, the Quail Creek Canyon Loop provides tough canyoneering, and steep ascents climb as high as 4,000 feet. However, the hike is peaceful because there aren't a lot of folks taking this trail. Length: 28 miles Intensity: Difficult and strenuous

Grapevine Trail

Along with hikers, this also makes for a fun ride for mountain bikers. Length: 5.3 miles Intensity: Difficult

ClimbingClimbing

Snow Canyon State Park is nearby and has many acceptable climbing routes throughout the canyon. For experienced climbers, there are vertical climbs along the Hellhole Trail. These are technical climbs of at least 5.4 in difficulty, requiring ropes and other equipment.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

Even in the a desert, dozens of wildlife species exist, including snakes, amphibians, mammals, and birds. Throughout the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, you can spot everything from sharp-shined hawks to desert tortoises. Some of these species are endangered. Interacting with protected species, such as the desert tortoise, is prohibited.

Picnicking

Each of the 11 campgrounds at the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area has designated picnic areas. The rules outside of those sites say, "No picnicking." However, you can build campfires in some regions that have official fire rings, such as the Lowland Zone or anywhere in the Upland Zone. Fires of all kinds are prohibited during periods with high fire risk. To ensure you can have a picnic where you want to go, check with the Bureau of Land Management before setting out.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

At the 11 campgrounds, the RV camping is almost primitive. There are no hookups. The only amenities are trash pickup and a tent pad. There are no reservations available for these sites. There is a 14-day limit on stays at any of the campsites. The cost of these campsites is $15 per day, and an additional charge of $5 per day per vehicle.

Aside from the limited facilities on-site for BLM RV camping, there are nearby RV campgrounds that provide more amenities. The Zion View RV Park is a good example. It has full hookups and pull-through sites available. The Red Ledge Park and Campground include amenities such as a pool, hot tub, and showers. Finally, the St. George RV Park and Campground is another excellent choice and has internet connectivity.

Free Camping Campground Icon

Bureau of land management free camping is not available anywhere within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area other than in the Upland Zone. Sand Cove is about 20 miles from the nearby town of St. George and provides free camping access. You must secure a permit to boondock in Sand Cove, however. The same rules apply regarding lengths of stay at Sand Cove and the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area.

RV Rentals Near Red Cliffs National Conservation Area Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Red Cliffs National Conservation Area BLM trip

As the name implies, this is a desert area. It will be hot during the day and cold at night, so you should bring clothing for both temperatures. You must also have enough water for any hiking trips you plan to take. A good rule is to bring a gallon of water per person every three hours of hiking in the desert. If you're going to be backpacking, getting two gallons per person is better. Always bring more than you think you're going to need. Because of the sun's intensity for most of your daytime hikes, bring sunblock, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. If you plan to hike in areas with snakes, be aware of procedures should a venomous snake bites you. Also, bring a first-aid kit and salt tablets. If you're going to be out of coverage for your cell phone, then it's prudent also to bring along an emergency notification device. Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. When heading out, notify someone where you're going and how long you expect to be gone. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

Be sure to follow the principles of "Leave No Trace" when visiting a BLM site. This means don't leave anything behind, and don't take anything with you. It's crucial for maintaining the area and not affecting wildlife.

Leave No Trace
Location

Red Cliffs National Conservation Area Location

When thinking about BLM camping near me, it's easy to get to the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. To get there from Washington, Utah, follow East Telegraph Street west to Red Cliffs Drive. Then, take Red Cliffs Drive to Cottonwood Springs Road. Follow that north a short distance to the conservation area. Address: 345 East Riverside Drive, St. George, Utah, 84790 Ready to visit the Red Cliffs National Conservation area? An RV Rental is a fantastic 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 to 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.