In short
- Dispersed camping is free with no permit required.
- Use existing fire rings and keep campsites small.
- Pack out all trash and bury human waste 6 inches deep.
In this article
Spending the night at White Pocket offers dark skies and early access to the rock formations. Because the area sits in the remote Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, camping is completely unmanaged. You must bring everything you need and leave the landscape exactly as you found it.
Where can you go camping at White Pocket?
You can set up camp at the White Pocket trailhead or in the surrounding BLM land.
There are no designated campsites, paved pads, or facilities. Choose a spot with an existing campfire ring. Keep your campsite small to minimize impact on the fragile desert ecosystem. Do not camp directly on the main sandstone features.
What are the rules for fires and firewood?
You must use existing campfire rings and bring your own firewood.
Do not create new fire rings. Vegetation in this high desert is sparse and grows slowly. You cannot cut tree branches or gather dead wood from the surrounding area. Always extinguish your fire completely before leaving.
How do you handle waste without bathrooms?
You must bury human waste at least 6 inches deep or pack it out entirely.
White Pocket has no toilets or trash cans. Dig your cat hole well away from your campsite and the sandstone formations. You must pack out all toilet paper, food scraps, and garbage. Leave No Trace ethics are strictly enforced by the BLM.
Is it safe to camp overnight?
Camping is safe if you are prepared for isolation and extreme temperature drops.
There is no cell service at White Pocket. Bring an offline GPS device, like a Garmin InReach, for emergencies. Since temperatures drop drastically after sunset, pack extra layers and heavy blankets. You should also carry emergency food rations for at least 24 extra hours.
What supplies do you need for a night at White Pocket?
You need plenty of water, recovery gear, and warmth.
Bring at least 1 gallon of drinking water per person per day. You must drive 15 miles of deep sand to reach the area. Carry a shovel, traction boards, a portable tire deflator, and an air compressor to avoid getting stuck.
Are there alternatives to camping?
If you prefer a bed, you can book a hotel in Kanab, Utah, or Page, Arizona.
Both towns are about 2 to 2.5 hours away (roughly 40 miles). If you do not want to drive the treacherous sand roads in the dark, book an evening guided tour. Guides provide transportation and handle the navigation so you can enjoy the sunset.
Questions travellers ask
Can you camp at White Pocket?
Yes. Dispersed camping is allowed for free on the BLM land surrounding the trailhead. No permits or reservations are required.
Are dogs allowed at White Pocket campsites?
Yes, dogs are allowed. You must clean up their waste and pack it out along with all your trash to protect the local environment.
Is it safe to drink water from the rock pools?
No. You must avoid stepping in or touching any water pools. This protects rare desert plants and animals living in the temporary water sources.
