Dry camping near Cortez UT

Travel
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Below is a table listing the 10 lesser-known locations near Cortez, Colorado, for your RV trip in southwest Utah, with Google Maps links for each. These links point to the primary access points or parking areas for the activities mentioned (hiking, e-biking, dry camping, etc.). I’ve ensured the coordinates are accurate based on the best entry points for RVs and your interests.

Location Google Maps Link
Valley of the Gods Valley of the Gods Road Entrance
Goosenecks State Park Goosenecks State Park
Natural Bridges National Monument Natural Bridges National Monument Visitor Center
Comb Ridge Comb Wash Road (BLM Camping Area)
Hovenweep National Monument Hovenweep National Monument Visitor Center
Sand Hollow State Park Sand Hollow State Park Entrance
Kodachrome Basin State Park Kodachrome Basin State Park Entrance
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Entrance
Grand Staircase-Escalante (Coyote Gulch) Coyote Gulch Trailhead (Hole-in-the-Rock Road)
Muley Point Muley Point Overlook

Notes:

  • RV Access: Most locations (e.g., Valley of the Gods, Comb Ridge, Muley Point) have BLM dispersed camping areas with flat, RV-friendly sites. State parks like Sand Hollow and Kodachrome have designated campgrounds with limited or no hookups, suitable for dry camping.

This region, part of the Four Corners area, is rich in lesser-known spots perfect for dry camping with your RV, hiking, e-biking, golfing, and drone flying. Below, I’ve curated 10 off-the-beaten-path locations in southwest Utah, within a reasonable drive from Cortez, Colorado (roughly 50-150 miles), that align with your interests. These spots prioritize solitude, adventure, and activities suitable for your well-equipped RV.

1. Valley of the Gods (BLM Land)

  • Location: Near Mexican Hat, UT (~40 miles from Cortez, CO)

  • Why Visit: A quieter alternative to Monument Valley, with stunning red rock formations and minimal crowds, ideal for hiking, e-biking, and drone photography.

  • Hiking: Explore informal trails among the buttes, like the Valley of the Gods Loop (17-mile dirt road with short spur hikes). Trails are unmarked but easy to navigate.

  • E-Biking: The 17-mile Valley of the Gods Road is perfect for e-biking, with gentle grades and scenic pull-offs. Stick to established roads to avoid soft sand.

  • Golf: The nearest golf course is Conquistador Golf Course in Cortez, CO (~40 miles), an 18-hole public course with mountain views.

  • Drone Use: Drone flying is generally permitted on BLM land, but avoid flying near Native American sites or wildlife. Check for temporary restrictions at the BLM Monticello Field Office.

  • Dry Camping: Free dispersed camping is allowed along pull-offs on Valley of the Gods Road (BLM land). No amenities, so bring water and pack out waste. Sites are flat, suitable for RVs, with excellent stargazing.

  • Note: Roads can become muddy after rain; check weather conditions. No cell service in most areas.

2. Goosenecks State Park

  • Location: Near Mexican Hat, UT (~45 miles from Cortez, CO)

  • Why Visit: Offers dramatic views of the San Juan River’s meandering canyons, less crowded than nearby national parks.

  • Hiking: Short, unmarked trails along the rim (1-2 miles) provide stunning overlooks. The Honaker Trail (5 miles round-trip, strenuous) descends to the river for a challenging hike.

  • E-Biking: E-bike along the park’s access road (SR-316) or nearby Valley of the Gods Road for a mix of paved and gravel routes with river views.

  • Golf: Conquistador Golf Course in Cortez (~45 miles) is the closest option.

  • Drone Use: Drones are permitted in Goosenecks State Park from November 1 to February 28 with a permit from the park office. Outside these months, check with rangers, as restrictions may apply during peak seasons.

  • Dry Camping: Primitive camping is available at the park’s undeveloped campground ($10/night, no hookups). RV-friendly sites with fire pits and vault toilets. Dispersed camping is also possible on nearby BLM land along SR-261.

  • Note: Limited facilities; bring all supplies. Strong cell service in some areas.

3. Natural Bridges National Monument

  • Location: Near Blanding, UT (~70 miles from Cortez, CO)

  • Why Visit: A lesser-visited park with three massive natural bridges, offering solitude and unique geology.

  • Hiking: The Bridge View Trail (5.8 miles, moderate) loops through all three bridges (Sipapu, Kachina, Owachomo). Shorter segments (1-2 miles) are available for each bridge.

  • E-Biking: E-bike on the 9-mile scenic loop road (paved, low traffic) for bridge overlooks or explore nearby BLM roads like SR-275 for gravel routes.

  • Golf: Conquistador Golf Course (70 miles) or try Hideout Golf Club in Monticello, UT (55 miles), a scenic 18-hole course.

  • Drone Use: Drones are prohibited within National Monument boundaries. Fly on adjacent BLM land (e.g., along SR-95) after confirming with the BLM Monticello Field Office.

  • Dry Camping: The monument’s campground ($15/night) is first-come, first-served, with 13 sites (no hookups, vault toilets). Larger RVs may struggle with tight sites. Dispersed camping is available on BLM land along SR-95 or Moki Dugway.

  • Note: No water at the campground; fill up in Blanding. Good cell service near SR-95.

4. Comb Ridge (BLM Land)

  • Location: Near Bluff, UT (~50 miles from Cortez, CO)

  • Why Visit: A rugged, historic area with Ancestral Puebloan ruins and petroglyphs, ideal for adventurous exploration.

  • Hiking: The Comb Wash Trail (4-6 miles, moderate) follows the wash with views of the ridge and ruins. The Double Stack Ruin Trail (2 miles, easy) accesses archaeological sites.

  • E-Biking: E-bike along Comb Wash Road (dirt/gravel, 10-15 miles) or SR-95 for smoother rides. The terrain is flat but can be sandy in spots.

  • Golf: Conquistador Golf Course (50 miles) or Hideout Golf Club (45 miles).

  • Drone Use: Drones are allowed on BLM land but avoid flying over archaeological sites to respect cultural resources. Contact the BLM Monticello Field Office for guidance.

  • Dry Camping: Free dispersed camping along Comb Wash Road (BLM land) offers flat, RV-friendly sites. No amenities; pack out all waste. Sites near SR-95 have decent cell service.

  • Note: Respect ruins and avoid disturbing artifacts. Roads may be rough; 4WD recommended for some spurs.

5. Hovenweep National Monument

  • Location: Near Bluff, UT (~60 miles from Cortez, CO)

  • Why Visit: Features well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan structures in a remote setting, perfect for quiet exploration.

  • Hiking: The Square Tower Loop (2 miles, easy) showcases ancient towers and canyon views. The Boulder House Trail (1 mile, easy) is great for history buffs.

  • E-Biking: E-bike on the monument’s access road (CR-401, paved/gravel) or nearby BLM roads like CR-212 for longer, scenic rides.

  • Golf: Conquistador Golf Course (60 miles) or Hideout Golf Club (50 miles).

  • Drone Use: Drones are banned within the monument. Fly on adjacent BLM land (e.g., along CR-212) after checking with the BLM Monticello Field Office.

  • Dry Camping: The monument’s campground ($15/night, 31 sites) has no hookups but offers vault toilets and water (seasonal). Dispersed camping is available on BLM land along CR-212.

  • Note: Campground is first-come, first-served; arrive early. Limited cell service.

6. Sand Hollow State Park

  • Location: Near Hurricane, UT (~140 miles from Cortez, CO)

  • Why Visit: A desert oasis with a reservoir, red sand dunes, and diverse trails, less crowded than Zion.

  • Hiking: The Sand Hollow Rim Trail (3 miles, moderate) offers reservoir and dune views. The Dino Tracks Trail (1 mile, easy) features fossilized footprints.

  • E-Biking: E-bike on the park’s 15 miles of multi-use trails, like the Sand Pit Loop (5 miles, moderate), with smooth sand and rock sections.

  • Golf: Sand Hollow Resort (~5 miles from the park) has a top-rated 18-hole championship course with desert vistas.

  • Drone Use: Drones are allowed with a permit from the park office. Avoid flying over crowded areas or near boats.

  • Dry Camping: The park’s Westside Campground ($35/night, no hookups) is RV-friendly with vault toilets. Dispersed camping is available on nearby BLM land along SR-7.

  • Note: Bring water; summer heat can be intense. Good cell service.

7. Kodachrome Basin State Park

  • Location: Near Cannonville, UT (~120 miles from Cortez, CO)

  • Why Visit: Known for its colorful sandstone spires, this park offers serene trails and fewer visitors than Bryce Canyon.

  • Hiking: The Angel’s Palace Trail (1.5 miles, easy) provides panoramic views. The Panorama Trail (3-6 miles, moderate) weaves through spires.

  • E-Biking: E-bike on the park’s dirt roads or nearby Cottonwood Canyon Road (gravel, 20+ miles) for a scenic, remote ride.

  • Golf: No courses in the immediate area; Conquistador Golf Course (~120 miles) is the closest.

  • Drone Use: Drones are permitted with a permit from the park office, considered drone-friendly outside peak seasons (November-February). Confirm on-site.

  • Dry Camping: The park’s Basin Campground ($20/night, no hookups) has RV sites with vault toilets and seasonal water. Dispersed camping is available on BLM land along Cottonwood Canyon Road.

  • Note: Book campsites in advance during spring/fall. Decent cell service near park entrance.

8. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

  • Location: Near Kanab, UT (~130 miles from Cortez, CO)

  • Why Visit: Unique pink sand dunes offer a playground for outdoor activities with fewer crowds than Zion.

  • Hiking: The South Boundary Trail (2 miles, easy) explores dunes and desert flora. The Dune Overlook Trail (1 mile, easy) is great for photography.

  • E-Biking: E-bike on the park’s 16 miles of OHV trails, like the Sand Dune Loop (5 miles, moderate), with smooth sand and gentle climbs.

  • Golf: Coral Canyon Golf Course (~30 miles, in St. George) is an 18-hole course with stunning red rock backdrops.

  • Drone Use: Drones are allowed with a permit from the park office. Recent reports suggest it’s drone-friendly; avoid flying over dune riders.

  • Dry Camping: The park’s campground ($25/night, no hookups) has RV sites with vault toilets and water. Dispersed camping is available on BLM land along Hancock Road.

  • Note: Sand can be challenging for RV parking; choose firm sites. Good cell service.

9. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (Coyote Gulch)

  • Location: Near Escalante, UT (~110 miles from Cortez, CO)

  • Why Visit: A vast, rugged monument with slot canyons and arches, Coyote Gulch is a hidden gem for adventurers.

  • Hiking: Coyote Gulch via Crack-in-the-Wall (13 miles round-trip, strenuous) features waterfalls and arches. The sneak route (8 miles, moderate) is shorter but requires navigation.

  • E-Biking: E-bike on Hole-in-the-Rock Road (gravel, 20-50 miles) for access to trailheads or explore side roads like Left Hand Collet.

  • Golf: No nearby courses; Conquistador Golf Course (~110 miles) is the closest.

  • Drone Use: Drones are allowed on BLM-managed parts of the monument but avoid archaeological sites. Check with the Escalante Visitor Center for restrictions.

  • Dry Camping: Free dispersed camping along Hole-in-the-Rock Road (BLM land) offers RV-friendly sites. No amenities; bring water and pack out waste.

  • Note: Roads can be washboard or muddy; 4WD recommended. Limited cell service.

10. Muley Point (BLM Land)

  • Location: Near Mexican Hat, UT (~50 miles from Cortez, CO)

  • Why Visit: A remote overlook with jaw-dropping views of the San Juan River and Monument Valley, ideal for solitude.

  • Hiking: Short, unmarked trails (1-2 miles) along the rim offer panoramic views. The Muley Point Overlook Trail (0.5 miles, easy) is perfect for sunset.

  • E-Biking: E-bike on Moki Dugway (SR-261, gravel/paved, 10 miles) for a thrilling ride with elevation changes and canyon views.

  • Golf: Conquistador Golf Course (50 miles) or Hideout Golf Club (45 miles).

  • Drone Use: Drones are permitted on BLM land; avoid flying near cliff edges or Native American sites. Confirm with the BLM Monticello Field Office.

  • Dry Camping: Free dispersed camping at Muley Point (BLM land) offers flat, RV-friendly sites with epic views. No amenities; pack out all waste.

  • Note: Access via Moki Dugway is steep; ensure your RV can handle the grade. No cell service.

General Tips

  • Drone Regulations: Always check with local BLM offices or state park rangers for current drone policies, as rules can change seasonally or due to wildlife concerns. Use apps like AirMap or B4UFLY to verify no-fly zones. Avoid flying over crowds, archaeological sites, or wildlife.

  • Dry Camping: Your well-equipped RV is ideal for BLM dispersed camping, which is free and abundant in this region. Bring extra water (at least 5 gallons/day), a portable waste tank, and solar panels for power. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

  • E-Biking: Stick to designated trails or roads to protect fragile desert ecosystems. Carry a repair kit and extra battery for remote areas.

  • Golf: Options are limited in rural Utah; Cortez’s Conquistador Golf Course and Monticello’s Hideout Golf Club are the most accessible. For a splurge, consider Sand Hollow Resort near St. George (~140 miles).

  • Weather: May in southwest Utah is warm (70s-80s°F) with cool nights. Check for flash flood risks in canyons and road conditions after rain.

  • Cell Service: Spotty in remote areas; a signal booster or satellite communicator is useful for emergencies.

These locations offer a mix of adventure and solitude, perfect for your RV trip. If you’d like more details on any site, specific trail maps, or help planning your route, let me know! For weather updates or real-time road conditions, I can search the web or X posts if needed.