Dark Canyon Lake (FR 50129) in UT -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Utah

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Dark Canyon Lake (FR 50129) in UT

Manti-La Sal NF, Moab Ranger District
10,563 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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A 7.7-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in San Juan County, UT. The road serves Mount Laurel.

Manti-La Sal National Forest, Moab Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit.

6.4 of the 7.7 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 6.4 of the 7.7 miles in are dirt. Climbs 520 ft over 7.7 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 17%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~160 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 3 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. A cattle guard 6.5 miles in.

Mount Mellenthin stands 2,078 ft above the site, 1.5 miles south. A lake lies 0.5 mi off. Travellers have camped along here. The nearest town, Moab, is 18 mi off.

September normals 3761°F, 3.2″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Fire restrictions

Set by Manti-La Sal National Forest, Moab Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?