Dinosaur National Monument - Camping

Dinosaur National Monument by US-Parks

Free backcountry permits are required for overnight stays outside established campgrounds. For experienced backpackers, there are many opportunities for backcountry camping at Dinosaur National Monument. The beauty and solitude are inspiring. But the terrain is isolated and rugged, and it is very difficult to find water in the backcountry. Good planning is essential.

There is one designated backcountry location in the park. It is at the confluence of Jones Hole Creek and Ely Creek, along the Jones Hole hiking trail. Reservations are required to use this location. Call 435-781-7700 for reservations.

There is no lodging within Dinosaur National Monument. However, the nearby communities of Vernal, Utah, Dinosaur, Colorado, and Rangely, Colorado, have lodging. Local organizations can provide current information on opportunities within their communities.

Utah Welcome Center

Jensen, UT

435-789-4002

Colorado Welcome Center

Dinosaur, CO

970-374-2205

Dinosaurland Travel Board

Vernal, UT

435-789-6932

800-477-5558

Rangely Chamber of Commerce

Rangely,CO

970-675-5290

Craig Chamber of Commerce

Craig, CO

800-864-4405

Campgrounds you can reserve online

Red Fleet State Park Campground

Mileage:24 mi

Description: Nestled among scenic red slick-rock formations, Red Fleet Reservoir offers excellent boating and year-round fishing. This picturesque state park is located 10 miles north of Vernal just off Highway 191. It's a great base for exploring nearby Dinosaur National Monument, Utah Field House of Natural History Museum, and Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Several years ago, a dinosaur trackway dating back 200 million years was was discovered in the area. A 1.5 mile marked trail leads to the dinosaur track and interpretive site. The trail is 3.5 miles from the park entrance.
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Limber Flag Yurt Campground

Mileage:28 mi

Description: The Limber Flag Yurt is located on the Ashley National Forest at approximately 9,000 feet in elevation. It is approximately 20 air miles north of Vernal, Utah and provides year-round primitive lodging for Forest visitors. The Yurt is open for reservations all months except November, April and May. This facility is approximately 314 ft. (
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Big Pine #1 Campground

Mileage:30 mi

Description: This is a boat-in campsite along the Green River, located about 3 miles below the Little hole Boat Site. At 6000', this area is typical of a high dessert community that offers natural shade. Each site is equipped with a pinic table, fire ring, tent pads, benches, and screening for a portable toilet. Services in the area include: Flaming Gorge Recreation Services 435-885-3191 -- raft rental, guided fishing, convenience store, shuttle service, tackle, gas, auto repair, showers, and pay telephones. Green River Outfitter 435-885-3338 -- guided fishing, convenience store, tackle, gas, and shuttle service.
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Big Pine #2 Campground

Mileage:30 mi

Description: This is a boat-in campsite along the Green River, located about 3 miles below the Little Hole Boat Site. At 6000', this area is typical of a high dessert community that offers natural shade. Each site equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, tent pads, benches, and screening for a potable toilet. Services in the area include: Flaming Gorge Recreation Services 435-885-3191 -- raft rental, guided fishing, convenience store, shuttle service, tackle, gas, auto repair, showers, and pay telephones. Green River Outfitter 435-885-3338 -- guided fishing, convenience store, tackle, gas, and shuttle service.
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Colton Guard Station Campground

Mileage:30 mi

Description: This Forest Service cabin is located in the Colton Hollow area, approximately 5 miles west of US Highway 191, near Vernal, UT on the Ashley National Forest. Colton Guard Station was built in 1933 and served as the summer residence for Forest rangers who patrolled the Ashley National Forest on horseback prior to the age of modern vehicles. With the onset of modern vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive, cabins such as Colton became used less frequently for administrative purposes. The Ashley National Forest, Vernal Ranger District, has chosen to rent this Guard Station to the public so that they can enjoy a rustic experience similar to the first rangers. The cabin is closed during April and May. During the warm season (Mid-June to Mid-September), this cabin has running water, a flush toilet, and a shower. The kitchen has all basic amenities including sink, propane stove/oven, refrigerator, table, and four chairs. There is a basic assortment of pots, pans, dishes, and utensils, but bringing your own supplies is always a good idea. There is a combination grill and fire ring located outside. The cabin has a wood-burning stove as a heat source. During the cold season (Mid-September to mid-June) most amenities are shut off. There is no water, no indoor toilet, and no shower. The refrigerator is turned off. The operable amenities are an outdoor vault toilet, propane cook stove, and a wood-burning stove for heat. There is one bunk bed (2 twin-size) and one futon (double) in the cabin that will sleep four people. No linens, bedding, or pillows are provided. people. Level parking is provided for a maximum of 2 RV / camp-trailers. There is ample room for tent camping outside. The maximum capacity for overnight visitors at the Colton Guard Station complex is 12 people.
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Steinaker Group Areas Campground

Mileage:30 mi

Description: Sandy beaches, swimming, boating and waterskiing top the list of activities at Steinaker. Anglers enjoy fishing year-round for rainbow trout and largemouth bass. Located in the heart of Dinosaurland, the park is seven miles north of Vernal, just off Utah Highway 191 in northeastern Utah. Off-highway vehicle riding areas are nearby.
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Steinaker State Park Campground

Mileage:30 mi

Description: Sandy beaches, swimming, boating and waterskiing top the list of activities at Steinaker. Anglers enjoy fishing year-round for rainbow trout and largemouth bass. Located in the heart of Dinosaurland, the park is seven miles north of Vernal, just off Utah Highway 191 in northeastern Utah. Off-highway vehicle riding areas are nearby.
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Cottonwood Camp Campground

Mileage:31 mi

Description: This is a boat-in campsite along the Green River, located about 3 miles below the Little hole Boat Site. At 6000', this area is typical of a high desert community that offers natural shade. Each site is equipped with apinic table, fire ring, tent pads, benches, and screening for a portabletoilet. Services in the area include: Flaming Gorge Recreation Services 435-885-3191 -- raft rental, guidedfishing, convenience store, shuttle service, tackle, gas, auto repair, showers, and pay telephones. Green River Outfitter 435-885-3338 -- guided fishing, convenience store, tackle, gas, and shuttle service.
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Grizzly Ridge Yurt Campground

Mileage:31 mi

Description: The Grizzly Ridge Yurt is located on the Ashley National Forest at approximately 9,200 feet in elevation. It is approximately 20 air miles north of Vernal, Utah and provides year-round primitive lodging for Forest visitors. The Yurt is CLOSED for the 2008 season for renovations This facility is approximately 314 ft. (
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Lodgepole Ashley Nf Campground

Mileage:32 mi

Description: This campground is located in the Ashley National Forest near Flaming Gorge, UT and Rock Springs, WY. This is not the Lodgepole located in the Uinta Forest in Utah near Provo/Orem, UT. The campground is located in northeastern Utah among lodgepole pine and quaking aspens. A campground host is on site. There is a fire grate at each site. Restroom facilities are provided. First-come, first-serve sites are available.
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Note: All mileage numbers are "as the crow flies"