Utah Open Lands - Castleton Tower Preserve and Campground

Amazing location, and amazing views. Easy to find on the road, and very peaceful for being so close to the road. Great star gazing, and there is a nice small hike up the wash behind the campsites. They have an onsight "outhouse" and it's meant for minimalist camping so no open fires.

Love hiking Castleton from here. The trail is a bit steep near the end and worn down but the view is amazing.

Found this place years ago because we couldn't find a campsite, so we walked into this beauty. It's free primitive with most fire pits constructed by previous campers. The views & access to Castleton Tower are astounding!! It's small so it's not crowded & loud, it's perfect to sit back talk, laugh, drink, sleep & then go hike in the morning. Pit toilet may seem as a slight but I promise you, it is the most gorgeous sky you'll ever have while "seeing a man about a horse". (There's no roof, you just stare into the sky).

It's beautiful-- campsites are primitive, somewhat privately disbursed, and no shortage of climbing features nearby. If trails are not easy to find, look for cairn...if it seems the trail goes up n over big rocks, you're likely on it! Scrambling skills a must for novice hikers. Coming down is harder than climbing up, so rope is handy just in case. There's no shame in enjoying the views along the trail and just Watching climbers-- once you're in there, it'll be worth all your effort!

UPDATE late March 2024: Some Grand County bureaucrat has closed this popular and long-used climber's campground. Often crowded climber's camp but with an awesome outdoor pit toilet with a commanding view of Castleton Tower. The feng shui is strong here when sitting on the throne.