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BLM Camping

Spruce Canyon WSA

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Spruce Canyon WSA is a wilderness study area in Utah not far from Moab. It includes deep canyons, with Cottonwood Canyon serving as its southern border. More than 50 percent of the WSA suffered damage from a fire in 2002 and is still in the process of regrowing. Hunting and horseback riding are some of the popular activities within the area. There are also several Bureau of Land Management campgrounds that are open to the public.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Hunter Canyon Trail

Take a four-hour trip around the Hunter Canyon Trail to explore cottonwood trees and other natural features. There is a parking area near the canyon that may be hard to see due to the brush covering it.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Little Canyon Trail

You don't need much mountain biking experience to hit this trail, which runs for more than two miles. Some of the challenges you'll come across include ledges and drainage ditches.

Length: 2.2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Portal Overlook Trail

Enjoy beautiful views of the Colorado River and La Sal Mountains along this hiking trail. You can reach it through JayCee Park and spend more than three hours hiking on it.

Length: 2.0 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Gravitron Trail

One of the roughest trails around, Gravitron has steep chutes that make you pick up speed. The elevation also drops by 300 feet and then climbs again to make your head spin.

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Stairmaster Trail

With an elevation gain of 910 feet, this trail will work your whole body. The hike takes you around the Moab Rim and offers some nice views of the canyon below.

Length: 0.8 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing & Boating

Medicine Lake is a nice place to fish because it covers two acres and has roads that you can drive your RV over. The five acres of Warner Lake make it another popular fishing spot, but other spots include Hidden Lake and Don's Lake. July through September marks the best time to fish in mountain lakes, while May and June are better for reservoir fishing. Rainbow trout are common around the Spruce Canyon WSA.

People come from all across the country for boating along the Colorado River. Half-day rafting trips are perfect for those who don't have a lot of time to spend. Local guides also offer one-day trips and trips that last for multiple days. You can also take canoes and kayaks onto the water by yourself.

Climbing

Granary Canyon is a popular rock climbing spot that has six different repels of up to 200 feet. Take Highway 313 to Longs Canyon Road to reach it. Though Morning Glory only has two repelling spots, it is shorter and better for beginners. You can access it via Sandflats Road in Moab.

Wildlife Viewing

Though Spruce Canyon WSA suffered some fire damage, some wild animals such as black bears and mountain lions still live there. You may see elk coming down into the canyon for food and water too.

Picnicking

It's easy to find picnicking spots around Spruce Canyon WSA. Head toward the Colorado River to enjoy a spot by the water or stick to the tables near Bureau of Land Management free camping sites.

Hunting

To hunt in and around Spruce Canyon WSA, you need a permit. Utah charges different rates based on whether you are a resident and how old you are. A basic hunting license is valid for a full year.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

In addition to Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, there are places that offer RV camping with more amenities. ACT Campground has 21 RV sites and 19 tent sites. This Moab campground allows pets and has free Wi-Fi. Moab KOA has more than 150 full hookup RV sites and offers fun activities daily during the summer camping season. You can also book a stay in the Pack Creek Campground with its individual and group camping sites or choose one of the 80 full hookups in Slickrock Campground.

Free Camping

Searching for "BLM camping near me" when you arrive in Spruce Canyon WSA helps you learn about the Twilight Campsite, which is north and free to use. The Stone Cabin Recreation Site is west of the wilderness area and does not charge a fee. You'll also find free camping available along the Green River as well as some boat-in sites.

RV Rentals Near Spruce Canyon WSA Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Spruce Canyon WSA BLM trip

None of the BLM RV camping and primitive spots allow you to reserve your spot in advance. If you plan on staying at one, make sure you get there as early as possible and set up your camp. You should also have a backup plan of where you'll camp if you get to Spruce Canyon WSA and find that all of the spots are taken. Most of the nearby trails are far from people and campsites. You should let others know your plans for the day and use caution if you see animals.

Get extra help planning your Spruce Canyon WSA trip with some BLM camping tips.

Leave No Trace

Always keep your RV on the marked roads and avoid driving into the canyons. You should never drive off-road due to the damage you can do to the environment. If you bring anything in, take it back out with you. This includes both trash and human waste. As there aren't any toilets, you'll need either waste disposal bags or a portable toilet. Both personal waste and other types of garbage can impact the animals in the canyon. Unless you have a fire ring on your site, do not start a fire. The dry conditions in Spruce Canyon WSA make it prone to fires, which can quickly spread across the acres. The wilderness area is still recovering from the last wildfire. You'll find many rocks around the WSA, some of which people defaced with graffiti. You should not write on those rocks or take them home with you.