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) oversees 22.8 million acres of public land in Utah, which is just under half of the state's land mass. Developed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in Utah often have amenities like potable water and picnic tables. You can also find free dispersed camping spots in BLM areas that usually have level sites to park your RV and set up camp. The BLM asks that you use these spots when they are present to reduce your impact on the natural habitat. They also ask that you use existing fire rings when possible and obey local fire restrictions. The White House Campground sits in a gorgeous valley between towering sandstone buttes and the Paria River. It was initially constructed in the 1970s and renovated only a few years ago to incorporate a trailhead that leads to the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. This site is about 43 miles east of the city of Kanab. In addition, it is on the southern edge of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, known for its breathtaking landscape, dinosaur fossils, and rock art. Zion National Park is 87 miles to the west and Bryce Canyon National Park is 122 miles to the north.
This trail is less than four miles east of the campground and can be accessed off Highway 89. It is a great place to see some unique hoodoos, which are rock formations with reddish tops and white bottoms resembling toadstools. Length: 1.8 miles Intensity: Easy
The Buckskin Gulch to Wire Pass Trail is less than 12 miles west of the campground. This path takes you down into a rocky gully and over several water crossings. You'll find amazing views of the sandstone cliffs as well as historic pictographs. If hiking the trail after a rainstorm, you may want to wear sturdy boots with good traction because the trail often gets muddy. Length: 11.2 miles Intensity: Moderate
The San Juan River is an excellent spot for fishing and whitewater rafting. Some fish you can catch include largemouth bass, pike, crappie, rainbow trout, and carp. All visitors interested in floating the river must obtain a permit through the Bureau of Land Management.
You may spot black-tailed deer, badgers, elk, black bears, and mountain lions from the campground or while hiking in the area. Birding enthusiasts may see golden eagles, canyon wrens, falcons, robins, finches, California condors, and hawks. Some local endangered species you may encounter are bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and the southwestern willow flycatcher.
You can plan a picnic at the Maze Rock Art Site or at the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument kiosk. If you have children in your group, you may want to head 30 miles south to Page, which has a park with tables, restrooms, and a playground.
Utah's Kane County has one of the darkest skies in the western part of the country. The Stellar Vista Observatory in Kanab takes advantage of the minimal light pollution by hosting several star parties throughout the year. Kodachrome Basin State Park is another fantastic Dark Sky-certified area. This site is at an elevation of 5,800 feet, providing stunningly clear views of the nighttime sky.
White House Campground offers BLM RV camping and is one of the most popular camping spots in the area because of its terrific location near the Paria Canyon Wilderness and Zion National Park. There are seven RV camping sites and an additional five tent camping areas. The campsites come with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets. The nearby Paria Contact Station offers trash disposal services and drinking water. All of the sites here cost $12 per night. If you are looking for more amenities than BLM sites offer, there are full-service campgrounds like Dark Sky RV Campground near Kanab. Dark Sky offers full-hookup sites, a convenience store, a modern bathhouse, and an enclosed dog park.
You can boondock your motorhome along Highway 89. Bureau of Land Management free camping is also available at the Hog Canyon OHV Trail System and Sand Springs Campground. Off-roading enthusiasts with toy haulers or towing OHVs often stay overnight at both sites. Another popular local spot is the Meadows Dispersed Coral Pink Sand Dunes Camping Area, which offers basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. To find other free sites once you arrive in the area, search "BLM camping near me" on your smartphone or tablet.
When exploring the area around White House Campground, always travel with more water than you think is necessary. Each member of your group may drink more than a gallon of water a day to stay hydrated because of the dry environment. While you should have light clothing to wear in daylight, don't forget to bring along some warm layers for the evenings, as temperatures in desert environments drop rapidly after sunset. Cell service is shoddy at best, so ensure you have printed maps and guidebooks or have downloaded the necessary information. BLM camping opportunities in Utah offer an excellent opportunity to get away from busy campgrounds and a low-cost way to enjoy your vacation. However, staying comfortable at these sites can take some careful planning. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The "Leave No Trace" principles include planning your trip before you go, packing out your trash, sticking to the trails, and minimizing campfire impacts. Always respect local wildlife as well as your fellow campers. You should also appreciate local cultural heritage sites and pictographs by limiting your interactions to observation only. Leave all fossils, artifacts, and natural objects where you find them.
From Kanab, drive about 43 miles east on Highway 89. Turn right onto White House Trailhead Road, and continue for another two miles to find the campground on the left. GPS Coordinates: 37.07993889, -111.8902833 Ready to visit White House 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.
