Wood Hill Campground

Introduction / Overview

Wood Hill Campground, located on vacant land near Price, Utah, represents a unique and evolving concept in the local camping scene. Unlike a traditional, established campground with designated sites and full amenities, Wood Hill is more of a developing area with a vision for future improvements. For locals in the Carbon County area, this spot is known less as a formal campground and more as a large, open area on a hill where camping has been a long-standing, informal practice. The property's status is a mix of private, trust, and federal lands, which has led to some confusion among visitors regarding its official capacity and the fees associated with it. Despite this, it has become a recognizable spot for those seeking a convenient overnight stop or a quick escape from town.

The core identity of Wood Hill is its potential and its current state as a pay-it-forward camping location. The concept is that a small fee, which some have observed as around $20, contributes to future developments and improvements, such as a planned ropes course and enhanced campsites. For residents of Price, supporting this vision is seen as a way to invest in local recreation. While the current state of the area may appear to be more of a collection of impromptu fire rings than a formal campground, its natural setting and accessibility from the highway make it a practical spot for overland rigs and RVs looking for a quick and easy place to pull over for the night, especially for travelers en route to popular destinations like Moab or the San Rafael Swell.

Location and Accessibility

Wood Hill Campground is located on vacant land near Price, UT 84501, USA. Its exact location is easily identifiable by the large plateau it sits on, with access roads that lead up the hill. The primary access point is from the local roads in Price, with a main parking lot on the hill itself. It is worth noting for all visitors that the roads to the top are unpaved. This detail is a crucial piece of information for those driving standard vehicles, as a paved road would make the area much more accessible for all types of cars and campers. The current condition of the road might present a challenge, particularly in wet or snowy conditions.

Despite the unpaved road, the site's accessibility is one of its main draws for a specific type of camper. It's a convenient and easy-to-reach stop for those on their way to major outdoor hubs. The location offers on-site parking, particularly in the main lot, which is a common place for overland rigs and RVs to park for a quick stay. The area's land status, with a mix of private, trust, and federal lands, means that visitors should be mindful of where they are and any associated regulations. However, the open nature of the area and its proximity to major routes make it a straightforward destination for a short stay.

Services Offered

• No Formal Services: Based on available public data, it's important to set expectations. The area does not offer typical campground services such as public restrooms, running water, or designated campsites with hookups. Visitors should plan to be self-sufficient.

• Informal Camping: Camping is permitted and widely practiced in the area. Visitors will find numerous impromptu campfire rings, which are evidence of past campers. The spaces are open and not marked, allowing for flexible setups.

• Payment System: A fee, which has been noted as around $20, may be requested. This fee is reportedly intended to support future improvements to the property, but it is not a traditional fee for established services. Visitors should be aware of this "pay-it-forward" model.

• Potential Future Improvements: The property has a vision for future development. Plans reportedly include adding a ropes course and improving campsites. Visitors should understand that their fee may be contributing to these future projects.

Features / Highlights

• Convenient Overnight Stop: Wood Hill is a perfect location for travelers seeking a convenient and scenic spot to rest for the night. Its location near Highway 6 makes it an easy detour for those traveling to or from Moab and the San Rafael Swell.

• Mountain Biking Opportunities: The area is known for its mountain biking trails. While some reviews suggest the trail system may be less extensive and maintained than advertised, there are a few notable trails. The Butch Cassidy trail, a 5-mile loop, is a highlight, known for its good flow and use in high school cross country races. Other trails, though less maintained, provide opportunities for exploration.

• Overland and RV Friendly: The open space and main parking lot make it a suitable spot for overland rigs and RVs that do not require specific hookups. It offers a more rustic and open-air alternative to a formal RV park.

• Rustic, Off-Grid Experience: For those who appreciate a more rustic and less-structured camping experience, Wood Hill offers a chance to camp freely and find a spot that suits their needs. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the desert landscape without the constraints of a formal site.

• Scenic Views: The plateau provides great views of the surrounding landscape. The area is also relatively quiet, offering a peaceful environment for relaxation and enjoying the outdoors.

Contact Information

Address: Vacant land, Price, UT 84501, USA

Please note there is no public phone number provided for this location. The area is managed more informally as a developing recreation spot.

What is worth choosing

Wood Hill Campground, despite its informal and developing nature, is worth choosing for several key reasons that cater to a specific type of camper. The primary reason is its unparalleled convenience as an overnight stop for travelers. For local Utah residents or those passing through on major routes to destinations like Moab or the San Rafael Swell, Wood Hill provides a much-needed, easy-to-access place to stop and rest. This convenience is particularly valuable for RV and overland vehicle owners who are self-sufficient and do not require formal hookups.

Secondly, choosing Wood Hill is a way to support a local vision for a new recreational area. The optional fee, described as a "pay-it-forward" gesture, contributes directly to the future development of the site, including improved roads, campsites, and new features like a ropes course. For Price residents and visitors who want to see more local recreational opportunities, this is an appealing aspect. It's a chance to be part of the area's growth and development.

Furthermore, the area offers a rustic and authentic Utah outdoor experience. It lacks the polish of a developed campground, but for many, this is the main attraction. The open land allows for a more flexible and private camping setup than a tightly packed campground. While the mountain biking trails may not be as extensive as some claim, the presence of the popular Butch Cassidy trail and other less-trafficked paths provides a fun challenge for cyclists. This makes Wood Hill a multi-use destination, perfect for both camping and a quick ride. For those who appreciate a quiet, scenic, and unstructured camping experience with the added benefit of supporting a local community project, Wood Hill Campground is a unique and worthwhile choice.

Wood Hill Campground

Vacant land, Price, UT 84501, USA