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 (BLM) protects over 23 million acres of public land in Utah. These lands offer various activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. Developed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are frequently near popular destinations, charge a small fee, and many have amenities like picnic tables and restrooms. Alternatively, you can camp for free on most public lands in the Beehive State, except in day-use areas or where prohibited to protect wildlife. You can find excellent camping spots during your RV trip by searching "BLM camping near me" on your smartphone or tablet. The Upper Big Bend Campground is 11 miles northeast of Moab in central-east Utah. It offers views of the Colorado River and reddish rock canyonlands. This area of Utah is popular for hiking, world-class mountain biking trails, watersports, and wildlife viewing. Arches National Park is less than a 15-minute drive away, and Canyonlands National Park is 36 miles to the west.
This trail follows Professor Creek into a canyon that narrows until the turnaround point, where there is a 30-foot waterfall. On a hot day, you can wade into the pool to cool off, and the canyon walls provide shade for much of the hike. It is recommended that you wear waterproof hiking books because you will have to cross the creek several times. Length: 8.4 miles Intensity: Easy
The Grandstaff Canyon Trail follows a stream to a steep incline up to Morning Glory Bridge. The bridge is 243 feet long and is the sixth-longest natural rock span in the country. At the route's highest point, you get an incredible view of a stream running through a reddish rock canyon. Length: 4 miles Intensity: Easy
This route is a moderately challenging mountain biking trail in the Sand Flats Recreation Area. Most of the single track has a smooth rock surface with occasional dirt and sand stretches. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the La Sal mountains to the east and the Colorado River meandering below cliffs to the north. The ride takes about two hours, but if you plan to take pictures and explore some side trails down to the water, you can make this excursion a day trip. Length: 9.4 miles Intensity: Moderate
The Colorado River runs adjacent to the Upper Big Bend Campground, and anglers can fish for catfish, bass, and sunfish from its sandy banks. At Rocky Rapid Public Boat Ramp, 9 miles northeast of the campground, boaters can use the launch to embark on a paddling adventure. In addition, it has a large parking lot, shaded picnic tables, and restrooms.
Big Bend Bouldering Area is within walking distance of the campground and offers 94 technical bouldering routes. However, it also has plenty of easy climbs suitable for kids and people with little experience. Nearby, Take Out Beach also has bouldering opportunities and several bolted sports routes, including The Cinema and The Theater. You should be aware that the Wingate Sandstone in this area of Utah is porous and will break when wet. Waiting 24 hours after a rainstorm before embarking on your climbing adventure is recommended.
The area around Upper Big Bend Campground is home to large mammals like desert big horn sheep, mule deer, and mountain lions. You may also see kangaroo rats and desert cotton-tail rabbits scampering around while exploring. Birders can scan the area around the Colorado River to spot great blue herons and hawks hunting for fish. Finally, reptile lovers can look out for western-collared, desert-spiny, and northern whiptail lizards.
The Upper Big Bend Campground has picnic tables that you are welcome to use even if you are not staying overnight. In addition, several parks in Moab have picnic grounds. If you have kids in your group, Swanny City Park has a playground, water park, and a restroom.
The BLM RV camping at Upper Big Bend Campground is only suitable for small RVs like campervans. However, the Big Bend Recreation Site is about a half mile away, can accommodate large RVs, and has picnic tables, restrooms, and a sandy beach.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is allowed on public lands throughout the area near the Colorado River. The Potash Road dispersed camping area is popular for sites near the river, mountain views, and clear starry nights. Alternatively, camping along Gemini Bridges Road offers access to several hiking trails.
If you have flexibility when planning your trip, consider visiting the Upper Big Bend Campground area in the spring or fall. In summer, temperatures soar to 105 degrees, and the winters are frigid. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated in this desert environment whenever you visit. You should have a gallon of water per day for every group member. Hikers should monitor the weather for rain because flash floods can quickly make some canyon trails in the area dangerous. You should also download the information you need or purchase maps before exploring the area because cell phone reception can be unreliable. BLM sites in Utah are a great way to stay close to popular destinations on a budget. They also offer solitude and an outdoor experience often lacking at privately owned campgrounds. However, it can be challenging to plan for everything you will need to stay comfortable when overnighting in areas with few services. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Visitors to Bureau of Land Management camping areas are responsible for following Leave No Trace principles. Since many BLM sites do not have trash cans, you should plan ahead by having garbage bags to clean up your camping site when you leave. Additionally, only use marked trails when exploring and keep your distance from animals. Finally, leave objects and plants where you found them to reduce your impact on the local environment.
To get to Upper Big Bend Campground from Moab, drive east on UT- 128 for 8.1 miles. Just past the eight-mile marker, you'll see the sign for the campground. The campground is on the left, with a single building and the official BLM campground information sign visible from the road. GPS Coordinates: 38.64933, -109.48819 Ready to visit Upper Big Bend 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.
