Potato Bottom Campground B

For those of us who are drawn to the raw, untamed beauty of Utah, the red rock country around Moab and Canyonlands National Park holds a special allure. It's a landscape of immense scale, ancient history, and endless adventure. Among the many incredible camping opportunities, Potato Bottom Campground B offers a distinct and unforgettable experience for those truly looking to immerse themselves in the heart of this iconic wilderness. Situated along the legendary White Rim Road, this primitive campsite provides a unique riverside perspective of Canyonlands that few get to witness.

Potato Bottom Campground B is more than just a place to set up camp; it's a critical stop along one of Utah's most famous backcountry routes. While a reviewer notes that it might not have the "better views" compared to some other White Rim sites, its value lies in its direct proximity to the Green River and the unique challenges and rewards it presents. It's a place where the pervasive fine sand of the desert becomes part of the experience, reminding you that you are truly in a wild and untamed environment. For Utah locals who relish a genuine backcountry challenge and the solitude that comes with it, Potato Bottom offers a profoundly impactful outdoor adventure.

As experienced outdoor enthusiasts, we understand that true wilderness often comes with its own set of considerations, such as the potential for mosquitoes, especially near water sources in early summer. However, these are minor challenges when weighed against the incredible opportunity to camp so intimately with the landscape of Canyonlands. Potato Bottom Campground B calls to those prepared to embrace nature on its own terms, offering a peaceful, secluded haven for permitted adventurers exploring the breathtaking expanse of the White Rim Road. It's a chance to connect with Utah's iconic red rock country in a way that is both personal and unforgettable.

Potato Bottom Campground B is located within the vast and awe-inspiring Canyonlands National Park, near Moab, UT 84532, USA. Specifically, it is one of the designated backcountry campsites along the renowned White Rim Road. This places it approximately 66 miles (and about 8.5 hours of estimated drive time) from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center when traveling clockwise along the White Rim Road. It is situated on the lower elevations, close to the Green River.

Accessing Potato Bottom Campground B is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and appropriate equipment. The White Rim Road is a challenging 100-mile loop that demands a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle or a well-equipped mountain bike. Standard passenger vehicles cannot navigate this route. The road features steep grades, rocky sections, and deep sand, which can become impassable during or after rain. Therefore, visitors, especially locals familiar with Utah's rugged terrain, must be prepared for true backcountry travel.

Overnight stays at Potato Bottom B, like all White Rim Road campsites, require a mandatory backcountry permit obtained from the National Park Service. These permits are highly sought after, especially during the spring and fall peak seasons (mid-March to May and September to October), and often need to be reserved months in advance through a lottery system or online reservation platform. The remote location ensures a high degree of solitude and offers unique perspectives of Canyonlands that are inaccessible to casual visitors, making the challenging journey well worth the effort for prepared Utah adventurers.

• Primitive Backcountry Campsite: Potato Bottom B is a primitive designated campsite, designed for a true wilderness experience. It is one of three sites within the Potato Bottom camping area (A, B, and C).
• Suitable for Tents and Trailers/RVs: While primitive, the sites are generally spacious enough to accommodate tents or smaller trailers/RVs, though larger rigs (over 30 feet) might find maneuvering challenging on the White Rim Road itself.
• Vault Toilets: Each site or camping area along the White Rim Road, including Potato Bottom, is equipped with a private vault toilet for human waste disposal. This is a critical amenity as human waste must be packed out or deposited in these designated facilities.
• Picnic Tables: While not explicitly confirmed for every Potato Bottom site in all external descriptions, similar White Rim sites typically include a picnic table.
• Fire Rings/Grates: Designated fire rings are usually present, though open fires may be restricted or prohibited depending on current park regulations and fire danger levels. Campers should always check current conditions.
• No Potable Water: There is absolutely no potable drinking water available at Potato Bottom Campground or anywhere along the White Rim Road. Campers must carry in all the water they will need for their entire trip.
• No Shade: The sites are typically open with limited natural shade from the sun. Campers should bring their own shade structures. Cottonwood trees may offer some seasonal shade, as noted by a reviewer.
• No Hookups: As a primitive backcountry site, there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups.
• Permit System: Access to the campground requires an overnight backcountry permit, which must be reserved in advance through the National Park Service.

• Riverside Location: Potato Bottom Campground is situated directly near the Green River. This proximity offers a unique vantage point of the river and provides the calming sounds of flowing water, contrasting with the often-dry desert landscape.
• Incredible Landscape Views: While one reviewer suggested other sites might have "better views," the sheer grandeur of Canyonlands National Park means that every location on the White Rim Road, including Potato Bottom, offers breathtaking vistas of canyons, mesas, and the expansive desert sky. Sunsets here are particularly noted as "beautiful on the rocks."
• Unparalleled Seclusion and Quiet: As a backcountry site accessible only by permit and demanding travel, Potato Bottom offers profound solitude. Reviewers describe it as "probably the most secluded and quietest spot you'll ever camp," making it ideal for those seeking true peace and quiet.
• Fine Sand Experience: The unique geological composition of the area means "the sand is finer than the finest baby powder," providing a soft ground but also a pervasive element of the camping experience.
• Access to White Rim Road Adventure: Staying at Potato Bottom is an integral part of completing the iconic White Rim Road loop, a world-renowned multi-day adventure for 4x4 vehicles and mountain bikers.
• Wildlife Encounters: The natural setting offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. One reviewer even mentioned an "owl visited our campsite during the night, which was awesome!"
• Stars and Dark Skies: Being far from urban light pollution, Potato Bottom offers incredible opportunities for stargazing, showcasing the brilliant night skies of the Colorado Plateau.
• Cottonwood Shade: Some sites are located under cottonwood trees, providing valuable shade in the desert environment, especially welcome during warmer months.
• Primitive and Authentic Experience: The lack of extensive amenities reinforces a truly authentic backcountry camping experience, encouraging self-reliance and deep immersion in nature.

Address: Canyonlands National Park, Moab, UT 84532, USA

Phone: (435) 719-2100 (This number is for the Canyonlands National Park General Information/Visitor Center, not a direct line to the campground, as it is a primitive backcountry site.)

Mobile Phone: +1 435-719-2100 (Same as above)

For permit reservations and detailed information about the White Rim Road and its campsites, including Potato Bottom, visitors should refer to the official National Park Service website or Recreation.gov. It's crucial to consult these resources for up-to-date conditions, fire restrictions, and permit availability.

For us, the residents of Utah, Potato Bottom Campground B on the White Rim Road represents a quintessential red rock adventure that truly embodies the spirit of our state's wild beauty. While it demands a certain level of preparedness and the journey itself is part of the challenge, this is precisely what makes it so appealing to local outdoor enthusiasts. It's not a crowded, easily accessible spot; it's a secluded haven that requires effort to reach, rewarding you with unparalleled solitude and breathtaking views of Canyonlands National Park.

The unique experience of camping directly by the Green River, surrounded by the distinctive fine sand and the towering canyon walls, offers a profound connection to the landscape. For those who understand and appreciate the nuances of primitive camping – including being prepared for potential mosquitoes in certain seasons – Potato Bottom provides an authentic, unfiltered encounter with nature. It allows us to truly disconnect from the urban grind and immerse ourselves in the quiet grandeur of our own backyard.

Whether you're embarking on a multi-day 4x4 expedition, a challenging bikepacking trip, or simply seeking an escape into the profound quiet of the desert, Potato Bottom Campground B delivers. It offers a chance to witness the incredible sunsets, marvel at the dark night skies, and experience the raw beauty that defines Utah. For any Utahn ready for a genuine backcountry adventure and the peace that comes with it, Potato Bottom is an unforgettable destination that showcases the very best of our state's wilderness offerings.

Potato Bottom Campground B

Canyonlands National Park, Moab, UT 84532, USA