ATV Camping
Arizona Strip Camping – Fredonia AZ
The Trails
Arizona Strip (AKA North Rim of the Grand Canyon)
Rating
- Arizona Strip ATV Camping Rating: 5 (out of 5 stars)
- Arizona Strip Trails Rating: 4.6 (out of 5 stars)
Rates
- RV w/hookups: N/A
- Dry Camping: Free
- Cabins: N/A
Services
- None
Although there are a few campgrounds available, for the best ATV access we recommend free dry camping.
In some places, finding clear, level places to camp can be difficult, but here it’s no problem. Just plan to arrive early so you’re not stumbling around the desert at night.
The Arizona Strip is comprised of almost 2 million acres north of the Grand Canyon at the border of Arizona and Utah.
This region is considered some of the most remote and rugged land in the lower 48.
There are no towns, services or amenities out here, so come prepared!
Kept isolated by the broad expanse of the Grand Canyon, visitors from the south have to literally drive around the Grand Canyon in order to get here.
Endless Camping And Riding Opportunities
But visitors that do make the journey are rewarded with a treasure trove of endless camping and off roading opportunities.
One popular ride is Whitmore Canyon.
The Great Western Trail and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes are both part of the Arizona Strip.
There are 4,000 miles of dirt roads to explore. Many roads lead to remote scenic vistas overlooking the Grand Canyon where you may be the only person within a 50 mile radius.
Unlimited free dry ATV camping opportunities.
BLM: Arizona Strip
Diamondfield Jack Campground – Hansen, ID
The Trails
Sawtooth ATV Trails
Rating
- Diamondfield Jack Campground Rating: 4.7 (out of 5 stars)
- Sawtooth ATV Trails Rating: 4.4 (out of 5 stars)
Rates
- RV w/hookups: N/A
- Dry Camping: Free (14 day limit)
- Cabins: N/A
Services
- Paved road access
- Drinking water
- ADA toilets
- Picnic tables
- Fire rings
- Warming shelter
This is kind of an unusual campground. In the winter it’s an overflow parking lot for the Magic Mountain Ski Resort, but in the summer it turns into a lovely secluded ATV camping area with 8 campsites.
The sites are a good size and can accommodate RVs and trailers with TOADS. I don’t think I’d try my luck with a bus or huge RV, but small to medium sized rigs will be fine. 5 sites are back ins, 3 are pull through sites.
Over at Idaho Campground Reviews, a guy kindly took pictures of all the sites.
The good news is that because the road leads to a ski resort it’s paved and in good condition.
The Diamondfield Jack Trailhead is just south of the campground and you can ride there and access the trails from the campground.
According to the local ATV club, the Magic Valley ATV Riders, it’s possible to ride from Diamondfield Jack to Jackpot Nevada.
Riders will enjoy a big cluster of <50” trails as well as some dedicated motorcycle trails at Diamondfield Jack. But full sized vehicles can also enjoy the area on the miles of forest service roads available for exploring.
Camp Creek Campground – Zortman MT
The Trails
Little Rocky Mountains Trails
Rating
- Camp Creek Campground Rating: 4.9 (out of 5)
- Little Rocky Mountains Trails Rating: 4 (out of 5 stars)
Rates
- RV w/hookups: N/A
- Dry Camping: $10 (first come, first serve)
- Cabins: N/A
Services
- 20 Camping spaces
- Restrooms
- Drinking water
- Picnic shelters
- Tables
- Fire-rings
- Garbage collection
This campground is in an area called the Little Rockies, a heavily timbered, isolated mountain range floating out in the middle of the plains.
Off roaders can enjoy over 100 miles of ATV trails though the forests and mountains. Trails run right through the campground, so access is easy. (Plenty of hiking is also available).
Bird lovers will be interested to know that this remote region is part of Montana’s Northeastern Plains Birding Trail with opportunities to view the Nutcracker, Red Crossbill and Red-naped Sapsucker.
Remote Montana Getaway
Located near the metropolis of Zortman MT, population 26. If you’re looking to get away from it all, this is your place.
Even by Montana standards, this place is remote.
Zortman has a small country store with snacks, drinks and some limited food about 8 minutes down the road from the campground. There is also a restaurant, Miner’s Club, as well as a gas station for convenience.
I dug far and wide to come up with an ATV trail map for this area, but came up empty. I couldn’t find anything online. Maybe a local forest service office might have a motor use map.
But, trails are prolific, so you won’t have any difficulty finding a place to ride.
Like to rough it in the RV with hookups?
Campgrounds With ATV Trails: Ride In Ride Out
Lakeview Gunnison Campground – Almont CO
The Trails
Taylor Park Trails
Rating
- Lakeview Gunnison Campground Rating: 4.5 (out of 5 stars)
- Taylor Park Trails Rating: 4.7 (out of 5 stars)
Rates
- RV w/electric: $30
- RV Dry Camping: $22
- Tents: $22
- Day Use: $4 (if you’re occupying a campsite for day use)
- Cabins: N/A
Services
- Vault/Pit toilets
- Dump station
- 6 ADA campsites
- Wood is available for sale
Although this forest service campground may be short on amenities, it more than makes up for it with views and off roading opportunities.
This is a busy campground, so reservations are recommended, but they do set aside some for first come, first serve.
Located on the shores of Taylor Park Reservoir, this campground enjoys water views as well as views of the surrounding Sawatch Mountains.
Enjoy Some Of The Best Off-Roading In Colorado
Taylor Park is well known as having some of the best off roading in Colorado. Best not only in available trail miles, but best also in accessibility and beauty.
Taylor Park is home to many well known trails including: Tin Cup, St. Elmo ghost town, Hancock Pass and the Alpine Tunnel.
Taylor Park ATV Guide Book
This is the book we use and recommend for Taylor Park and this part of Colorado. It’s from Fun Treks, one of the best and most well known offroad guide book publishers.
This book features 100 trails, 92 of which are open to unlicensed OHVs.
- 26 Easy / Family Friendly Rides
- 32 Moderate ATV Trails
- 42 Advanced Trails
Each trail write up includes turn-by-turn directions, GPS waypoints, trail description, detailed rating, ride time, distance and elevation.
Fishing boats and pontoon boats are available for rent at the marina near the campground.
At 9,400’, campers need to be prepared for a shorter camping season, colder temperatures, and unpredictable weather. Campground is open mid June through the end of September.
This is bear country, so you’re required to properly store food.
If you’re not camping overnight, be prepared to carry out your trash or expect to pay $5 per bag of trash.
Forest Service: Motor Use Map of Taylor Park
Oaks Park Campground – Vernal, Utah
The Trails
The Outlaw Trail
Ashley National Forest ATV Trails & Roads
Rating
- Oaks Park Campground Rating: 4.4 (out of 5 stars)
- ATV Trail Rating: 4.3 (out of 5 stars)
Rates
- RV w/hookups: N/A
- Dry Camping: Free
- Cabins: N/A
Services
- Vault toilet
This small campground has 11 sites located on the shore of Oaks Park Reservoir.
The sites aren’t large, but this campground gets very light use, so it’s usually not an issue. There are a couple larger sites closer to the water which you should definitely snag if they’re available.
Only RVs and trailers under 20’ are allowed.
Enjoy The Challenging Outlaw Trail
The 38 mile long Outlaw Trail isn’t for amateurs – it’s about half moderate – half advanced with a small section of easy.
Although the route can be done in a day, bring your A game and plan for a rough challenging ride.
If you’re not up for the challenging Outlaw Trail, there is plenty of other off roading available
The whole area is part of the Ashley National Forest which is open to off roading with roads and trails crisscrossing the region. Ashley National Forest ATV Trails
You can ride out onto the ATV trails from the campground.
The Outlaw Trail Brochure With Map
Idleglen Trailhead – Grand Lake CO
The Trails
Stillwater Pass
Grand Lake Trail System
Rating
- Idleglen Trailhead ATV Camping Rating: 4.5 (out of 5 stars)
- ATV Trail Rating: 4.4 (out of 5 stars)
Rates
- RV w/hookups: N/A
- Dry Camping: Free
- Cabins: N/A
Services
- Pit toilets
At the trailhead is a very large parking area that can accommodate RVs and trailers of all sizes.
This is a very busy trail system, so expect company – especially on weekends. It’s not a party area, so it’s usually quiet at night, but it is super busy.
If you’d like a bit more solitude, on the way to the Idleglen Trailhead are many nooks where you can tuck in for the night.
There’s a fork where you go left to the Idleglen Staging Area – if you go right there are also more secluded camping nooks.
For big rigs, your best bet is to just camp at the trailhead.
Grand Lake/Arapaho NF Summer Trail Map North
Grand Lake/Arapaho NF Summer Trail Map South
Bessey Recreation Complex and Campground – Halsey NE
The Trails
Bessey OHV Trail System
Rating
- Bessey Campground Rating: 4.5 (out of 5 stars)
- Bessey OHV Trail System Rating: 4.2 (out of 5 stars)
Rates
- RV w/electric: $20
- No Electric / Tent: $15
- Day Use: $5
- Cabins: N/A
Services
- Vault toilets (all year)
- Flush toilets (summer)
- River swimming
The Bessey Campground provides campers with direct trail access to the 36 miles of the Bessey OHV Trail System.
Riders will enjoy sandy trails through trees and grasslands as well as two open riding areas called the Hill Climb and the Dismal
Located in central Nebraska’s Sandhills, this riding area is one of the very few riding areas in Nebraska open to the general public.
One interesting claim to fame for the Halsey region of the Nebraska National Forest is that it’s the world’s largest hand-planted forest. No small feat considering it’s 90,000 acres.
After riding all day, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Middle Loup River which runs past the campground. Or grab the kids and head over to the stocked Bessey Fish Pond.
Bessey Recreation Complex and Campground
Brown Springs Campground – Farmington NM
The Trails
Glade Run Recreation Area
Rating
- Brown Springs Campground Rating: 4.7 (out of 5 stars)
- Glade Run Recreation Area Rating: 4.4 (out of 5 stars)
Rates & Services
- Dry Camping: Free (but you need a BLM permit)
- Cabins: N/A
Services
- Vault toilets
- Pavilion
Location, location, location.
With only 10 sites, this small desert campground doesn’t offer much in the way of amenities, but the off roading can’t be beat.
Small OHV Park For Big Adventure
The campground includes a new small OHV park with a training track for children and a skills trailing track.
But, the real riding is at the Glade Run Recreation Area which has 19,000 acres with 2 off-highway vehicle use zones.
Glade Run has 42 miles of desert trails and a 3,800 acre open OHV area with desert, washes, slick rock and hills. The area is also very popular for its extreme rock crawling opportunities.
The Brown Springs Campground is located within the Glade Run Recreation Area with easy access to the trails.
Abbot Creek Campground – Prospect OR
The Trails
Prospect OHV Trail System
Rating
- Abbot Creek Campground Rating: 4.4 (out of 5 stars)
- Prospect OHV Trail System Rating: 4.8 (out of 5 stars)
Rates
- Camping: $14
- Extra vehicle: $6
- Day use: $5
- Cabins: N/A
Services
- Campground host
- Vault toilet
- Garbage disposal
- Grey water sump
- Firewood for sale
- Picnic tables
- Fire pits
Nestled deep in an old growth forest of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest this campground gets you off the beaten path.
Although this campground has 25 sites, off roaders need to be aware that OHVs are only allowed in sites 1-5. If you’re staying in one of these 5 ATV camping sites, you have ride in ride out access to the trails.
The Prospect OHV Trail System is one of the best riding area in Oregon with 250 miles of trails, a play area with tracks, a sand pit and jumps.
There’s no drinking water available at this campground, so come prepared.
No big rigs, this campground can only accommodate trailers up to 35’ in length.
Bobcat Meadow Campground – Pine Valley CA
The Trails
Corral Canyon OHV
Rating
- Bobcat Meadow Campground Rating: 4.9 (out of 5 stars)
- Corral Canyon OHV Rating: 4.7 (out of 5 stars)
Rates
- Dry ATV Camping: Free (but you need a $30 National Forest Adventure Pass)
Services
- Vault toilets
- Fire rings
First come first serve campground with 20 campsites that can accommodate vehicles up to 27’ in length.
Located at 3,800”, this higher elevation desert campground provides a bit of relief from the lower desert heat.
Although this campground is open year round, it’s still possible to get freezing temperatures and an occasional dusting of snow at this elevation.
Camping is in an oak grove with excellent views of the surrounding desert.
The Bobcat Meadow Campground is located within the Corral Canyon OHV area with direct trail access.
Coral Canyon OHV has 50 miles of varied terrain that takes you as high as Bronco Peak at 4,169”. It’s a scenic area with rocky outcroppings, low lying shrubs and lovely vistas.