Dewey Bridge Campground

For Utah locals, the red rock playground of Moab is a siren call to adventure, offering landscapes unlike anywhere else. While Moab itself bustles with energy, sometimes the true beauty of our state is found in the quieter, more scenic spots just a little further afield. Dewey Bridge Campground, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and situated along the iconic Colorado River, offers a distinctive camping experience that blends breathtaking natural beauty with a touch of local history.

Utah is celebrated for its dramatic geology and its vast opportunities for outdoor recreation. Dewey Bridge Campground embodies the raw, untamed spirit of the Moab area, providing a more rustic and peaceful alternative to the busy campgrounds closer to town. Imagine setting up camp with the majestic red rock formations of Professor Valley and Fisher Towers as your backdrop, and the constant, soothing flow of the Colorado River just steps away. Whether you're a tent camper seeking a dark sky for stargazing, an RVer looking for a scenic pull-through, or an adventurer planning a river trip, Dewey Bridge Campground provides a unique basecamp. This article will delve into what makes Dewey Bridge Campground a special place for Utah locals, covering its location, the services you can expect, its captivating features, and why it might be the perfect spot for your next unforgettable Utah outdoor escape.

Dewey Bridge Campground is located on Dewey Bridge Campground Road, near Moab, UT 84532, USA. More specifically, it’s approximately 29 miles east of the junction of US Highway 191 and Utah State Route 128 (also known as the scenic River Road). This distance means it's "Kind of far from Moab," as one reviewer noted, taking about 40-45 minutes to drive. However, this distance contributes to its more serene and less crowded atmosphere compared to campgrounds closer to the bustling town.

Accessibility to Dewey Bridge Campground is generally good, as it's directly off paved Utah State Route 128. While the road into the campground itself might be shorter, the approach along SR 128 is straightforward and scenic. The campground accommodates "tents and small RVs," though some reviews mention "quite a few big RVs around," indicating that larger rigs can sometimes find spots, though "RV parking is limited" for bigger trailers and motor coaches. Individual sites can typically accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet. It is crucial to be aware that there is "NO CELL SERVICE" at Dewey Bridge Campground, emphasizing its remote nature and the opportunity to truly disconnect. Despite being further from Moab, the "great views and cool history of the bridge" (referring to the remains of the historic Dewey Bridge, which burned down in 2008) make the drive worthwhile, especially for those seeking a less urbanized Moab experience.

• Campsites: Dewey Bridge Campground offers a mix of individual and group campsites. There are 7-8 individual sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additionally, there are 2-3 group campsites (Sites A, B, and C) which can be reserved in advance via Recreation.gov.
• Site Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill, providing essential features for comfortable outdoor living and cooking.
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are provided throughout the campground, helping to maintain sanitation.
• Trash Collection: Trash receptacles are available at the campground, making it easy for campers to dispose of their waste and adhere to "Leave No Trace" principles.
• Boat Ramp/River Access: The campground offers "River access if you want it," and is known for having a boat ramp, making it a convenient "put-in" point for small boats and rafts on the Colorado River. However, note that "mostly daily runs of the Colorado are done from lower onion creek."
• No Potable Water: It is important for all campers to know that there is no potable (drinking) water available at Dewey Bridge Campground. Visitors must bring their own water supply.
• No Hookups: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at any of the campsites, promoting a primitive, off-grid camping experience suitable for self-sufficient campers.
• Limited Cell Service: As noted by reviews, there is generally "NO CELL SERVICE" at the campground, offering a genuine opportunity to disconnect.
• Life Jacket Requirement for River Access: Due to potentially treacherous river undercurrents, life jackets are required for every member of your group when accessing the Colorado River from the campground.

• Stunning Landscape and Views: The primary highlight is the "great" landscape with "great views" of the surrounding red rock formations like Entrada Bluffs, Fisher Towers, and Professor Valley. It definitely feels like a "unique place in Utah."
• Riverside Location: Being "next to the Colorado River was also very cool," providing scenic beauty, the soothing sound of flowing water, and direct access for water activities like fishing (channel catfish are common catches) or small boat launching.
• Historic Significance: The presence of the "cool history of the bridge" (remains of the historic Dewey Bridge) adds a unique cultural element to the natural setting.
• Dark Skies for Stargazing: "It was dark enough to do some stargazing," making it an excellent spot for astronomy enthusiasts to enjoy the clear desert night sky.
• Easy Tent Setup: Reviewers found it "easy enough to find places for tents," suggesting relatively flat and accommodating tent pads.
• Accessibility to Popular Road: While one review noted being "often through out the night awaken by headlights and loud car engines," its location near a popular scenic road (Highway 128) means easy access to other attractions.
• Proximity to Kokopelli's Trail: The campground is located near Kokopelli's Trail, a popular 142-mile multiple-use trail connecting Loma, CO to Moab, UT, offering excellent mountain biking, hiking, and four-wheeling opportunities.
• Ideal for Self-Sufficient Campers: The lack of potable water and hookups makes it perfect for those who enjoy a more rustic, off-grid experience and are prepared to be fully self-reliant.
• Access to Other Recreation: Besides river activities and Kokopelli's Trail, the area offers extensive opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and OHV trail riding. Nearby Moab (about 45 minutes away) offers dining, shopping, and tour companies.
• Quiet Atmosphere (mostly): Despite being near a road, many find the campground generally quiet, especially outside of peak traffic hours, allowing for peaceful relaxation amidst the natural beauty.

Address: Dewey Bridge Campground Road, Moab, UT 84532, USA

Phone: (435) 259-2100

Mobile Phone: +1 435-259-2100

This phone number connects you to the Moab Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which manages Dewey Bridge Campground. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding campground conditions, site availability (especially for first-come, first-serve individual sites), current fire restrictions, and any regulations or advisories, it is highly recommended to contact the BLM Moab Field Office directly before your trip. Group site reservations for Dewey Bridge can be made through Recreation.gov.

Dewey Bridge Campground offers a genuinely unique and authentic outdoor experience that is particularly well-suited for Utah locals. For those of us who live here, there's a deep-seated appreciation for the striking red rock landscapes and the quiet solitude that can be found just beyond the more crowded tourist hubs. Dewey Bridge provides exactly that, making it an excellent choice for your next adventure.

Firstly, its location directly on the Colorado River, set against a backdrop of "great views" of iconic formations like Fisher Towers and the historic Dewey Bridge remnants, offers a quintessential Moab-area experience without being in the thick of town. This allows for a more peaceful and personal connection with the landscape. For Utahns who frequently engage in river activities, its convenient boat ramp and river access are a huge plus, offering an easy launch point for a day on the water.

Secondly, while the "NO CELL SERVICE" might deter some, for many Utah locals, this is a distinct advantage. It presents a rare opportunity to truly disconnect from digital distractions and immerse oneself in the natural world. The "dark enough to do some stargazing" skies are another significant draw, providing an awe-inspiring celestial display that is a highlight of camping in our desert environments.

The fact that it's a BLM campground, with basic amenities and a focus on self-sufficiency, aligns perfectly with the ethos of many experienced Utah campers. It encourages responsible recreation and adherence to "Pack It In, Pack It Out" principles, ensuring these beautiful areas remain pristine. Despite being "kind of far from Moab," this distance is a feature, providing a quieter ambiance while still keeping the town's amenities and the national parks within a reasonable drive for day trips. Dewey Bridge Campground isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's an invitation for Utah locals to rediscover the serene beauty, rich history, and profound quiet that define the wild heart of our incredible state.

Dewey Bridge Campground

Dewey Bridge Campground Road, Moab, UT 84532, USA