Hatch Point Campground

Hello, fellow Utahns! Are you yearning for an authentic desert camping experience, far from the crowds and bright city lights? Look no further than Hatch Point Campground, a hidden gem nestled on a mesa top near Monticello, Utah. This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground offers a unique opportunity to connect with the raw, untouched beauty of our state's southeastern landscapes. If sweeping vistas, unparalleled stargazing, and a quiet, remote setting are what you seek, Hatch Point Campground is a destination you'll want to add to your list.

Hatch Point Campground is designed for those who appreciate a more rustic and self-sufficient camping adventure. It’s a place where the grandeur of Utah’s red rock country unfolds before your eyes, and the silence of the high desert allows for true relaxation and contemplation. While it’s certainly off the beaten path, the reward is an immersive experience in nature that few other places can offer. This article will provide you with all the essential details about Hatch Point Campground, including its remote location, the facilities it provides, its stand-out features, and how you can get in touch to plan your next memorable Utah escape.

Hatch Point Campground is located near Monticello, UT 84535, USA. It sits on a mesa top, approximately 56 miles southwest of Moab, making it a more remote alternative to the often-busier campgrounds closer to Moab's core attractions. To reach this secluded spot, you'll typically drive 32 miles south of Moab on Highway 191 to the Canyon Rims Recreation Area turn-off. From there, you'll travel approximately 15 miles west on a paved road, then turn right onto a graveled road towards Anticline Overlook, continuing for about 9 more miles to the campground.

It's important for locals to note that accessibility to Hatch Point Campground involves traveling about 16 miles of dusty, graded gravel road. While these roads are generally all-weather and can be accessed by an average sedan with careful navigation, a higher-clearance vehicle or a 4x4 will certainly provide a smoother and more comfortable ride, especially if the roads have recently seen adverse weather. This remote access contributes significantly to the campground's quiet and unspoiled atmosphere, ensuring that those who make the journey are truly seeking a genuine wilderness experience. Despite its remoteness, the panoramic views and profound solitude that await are well worth the effort for those prepared for a less developed setting.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides well-maintained vault toilets, which are regularly stocked with toilet paper and often include hand sanitizer.

• Trash Cans: Plenty of trash cans are available throughout the campground, making waste disposal easy and encouraging visitors to keep the area clean.

• Picnic Tables: Each of the 10 campsites is equipped with a sturdy picnic table, perfect for outdoor dining and meal preparation.

• Fire Pits with Grills: Every campsite features a fire pit, complete with a grill grate, allowing for campfires (when conditions permit) and outdoor cooking.

• Designated Campsites: There are 10 individual campsites, some of which are pull-through, suitable for trailers or smaller Class C RVs, while others are best for vans, overlanders, or tent camping (though tent campers should be prepared for potentially rocky ground and bring plenty of rocks for securing pegs).

• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are required, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips.

• Remote and Quiet Location: Hatch Point Campground is notably more remote than other nearby campgrounds, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed camping experience, far from crowds and noise.

• Exceptional Stargazing: Due to its isolated mesa-top location and clear high-desert skies, the campground offers phenomenal opportunities for stargazing, with minimal light pollution.

• Panoramic Views: Situated on a mesa, the campground provides stunning, sweeping views of the surrounding red rock canyons and vast landscapes, perfect for photography and admiring Utah's unique scenery.

• Suitable for Various Vehicle Types: While a gravel road leads to it, the campground accommodates a range of vehicles, from vans and overlanders to smaller RVs and tent campers.

• Proximity to Overlooks: It’s relatively close to other scenic points like Anticline Overlook and Needles Overlook, offering additional opportunities for sightseeing and exploration.

• True Dry Camping Experience: As there is no potable water available at the campground (contrary to some outdated literature, visitors MUST bring their own water), it provides an authentic dry camping experience for those seeking self-sufficiency.

While direct booking for Hatch Point Campground is generally not available as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, for general inquiries about BLM campgrounds in the Moab/Monticello area, you can use the following contact information:

Address: Monticello, UT 84535, USA

Phone: (435) 259-2100 (This number is associated with the BLM Moab Field Office, which oversees this area and can provide general information.)

Mobile Phone: +1 435-259-2100

For us Utahns, Hatch Point Campground represents the quintessential desert escape that many of us crave. We understand the allure of wide-open spaces, silent nights, and skies ablaze with stars, and this campground delivers on all fronts. Its remote location, while requiring a bit of a drive on a gravel road, is precisely what makes it so appealing. It weeds out the casual visitor, ensuring that those who make the journey are truly invested in experiencing the solitude and raw beauty of Utah’s southeastern high desert.

The key features, like the well-maintained vault toilets, ample trash cans, and individual fire pits with picnic tables, provide essential comforts without detracting from the rustic charm. We appreciate these basic amenities, which allow us to focus on what truly matters: connecting with nature. For tent campers, while the ground can be rocky, the abundance of natural resources (rocks!) for securing tents is a testament to our adaptability and resourcefulness as outdoor enthusiasts.

Perhaps the most compelling reason Hatch Point Campground is ideal for locals is its unparalleled stargazing. Far from the light pollution of our cities, the night sky here is a breathtaking spectacle, a reminder of the vastness of the universe and our place within it. This experience alone is often worth the drive for many Utahns seeking a profound connection with the cosmos. Furthermore, the panoramic views of the surrounding red rock canyons are a constant reminder of the geological wonders that define our state.

It’s a perfect spot for those with vans, overlanders, or smaller RVs looking for a dry camping experience, as well as tent campers prepared for a more primitive setup. This self-sufficient style of camping is often preferred by seasoned Utah campers who prefer to carry their own water and necessities, embracing the true spirit of backcountry exploration. Hatch Point Campground isn't just a place to sleep; it's a destination for rejuvenation, inspiration, and an authentic taste of Utah's magnificent desert wilderness. We encourage you, our fellow Utahns, to discover the peace and beauty that await you at Hatch Point Campground.

Hatch Point Campground

Monticello, UT 84535, USA