Yellow Circle Road
Region: Moab & Southeast Utah | Land Manager: BLM (Moab Field Office) | Cost: Free
Red rock desert near Moab, representative of the Yellow Circle Road area. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Yellow Circle Road is the easiest free camping to reach from Moab, and that's both its best feature and its biggest catch, it's popular, so aim to arrive by early-to-mid afternoon on weekends. Sites are spread along a dirt road climbing into the foothills south of town, with open red rock views and, on a clear night, a glimpse of the Milky Way overhead.
Quick Facts
| Distance from Moab | About 11 miles south on US-191, then onto the dirt road |
| Road & Clearance | Lower sites are fine for 2WD sedans with decent tires; the road gets rockier and steeper the further up you go, where high clearance helps |
| Rig Suitability | Tents, vans, and most RVs at the lower tiers; big rigs should stop at the first open flats |
| Amenities | None, no water, no toilets, no trash service |
| Cell Signal | Generally good (multiple carriers report solid coverage) |
| Best Season | Spring and fall; summer gets hot with little shade |
| Stay Limit | 14 days within a 28-day period, standard BLM rule |
Map
Getting There
From Moab, head south on US-191. About 11 miles out you'll see BLM signage marking the camping corridor, the first 0.6 mile stretch is off-limits to camping, so continue past the signs before pulling off. The road climbs in tiers; lower sites are large, flat, and easy to reach, while higher sites require more careful driving but reward you with better views and more privacy.
What to Expect
Sites are unnumbered and informal, marked mostly by existing fire rings. There's minimal shade, so plan around the sun if you're camping in the warmer months. Wind can pick up in the evening, and red dust gets into everything when it's dry, closing up your rig before a windy afternoon will save you some cleanup. Watch your step in a few areas where broken glass has been left behind by previous campers.
Good to Know
Pack out everything, including trash and toilet waste, this area has no facilities. Fires are generally allowed when there's no active restriction in place, but always check current fire conditions with the BLM Moab Field Office before you strike a match. Because this is one of the most visited free camping corridors near Moab, previously used sites are your best bet for staying inside the rules and minimizing new impact.
Camping out here for a few nights? A properly sized solar and battery system means you can run your fridge, lights, and even A/C without needing to break camp for a charge. See what an off-grid power setup looks like →