Dalton Springs Campground
4.4731 reviewsDalton Springs Campground, Monticello, Utah
Dalton Springs Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The fee for a single site is $20 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount for sites they occupy.
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About this campground
Escape to Dalton Springs Campground, where 16 intimate first-come-first-served campsites await beneath a canopy of whispering aspens and stately gambel oaks. This mountain sanctuary invites adventurers to explore endless trails by foot, bike, or horseback, with motorized routes carving through the rugged landscape. As evening falls, you might spot graceful mule deer grazing in meadows or catch a glimpse of the elusive black bears that call these forests home.
Dalton Springs Campground offers first-come, first-serve sites for tent camping and RVs. There are no group sites, cabins, or glamping options available.
Historical SignificanceYour basecamp at Dalton Springs opens doors to centuries of human history. Journey to the ancient petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock, where indigenous peoples left their stories etched in stone. Venture into the dramatic spires and canyons of Canyonlands' Needles District, or explore the fascinating Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, where Ancestral Puebloan artifacts reveal the rich cultural tapestry of this remarkable region.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through September's golden days, Dalton Springs offers a refreshing mountain retreat where crisp, pine-scented air replaces the desert heat below. Here, summer temperatures dance in the comfortable range, making afternoon hikes pleasant and evening campfires essential for both warmth and wonder.
ElevationPerched at 8,200 feet where the air is crisp and clear, Dalton Springs sits in that sweet spot of mountain elevation. Here, the altitude gifts visitors with invigorating coolness, star-filled nights that seem close enough to touch, and that distinctive mountain atmosphere that makes every breath feel like a renewal.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted the perfect camping backdrop at Dalton Springs, where mature gambel oaks spread their protective branches and aspens shimmer gold in autumn light. Each campsite enjoys natural privacy within this living cathedral, while mountain vistas peek through the trees, reminding you of the vast wilderness beyond. At 8,200 feet, the landscape transforms with the seasons, from spring wildflowers to autumn's spectacular color show.
Geological RegionNestled within the expansive Manti-La Sal National Forest, Dalton Springs occupies a special ecological niche where aspen groves meet oak woodlands at 8,200 feet. This diverse habitat supports an impressive array of wildlife, from the gentle mule deer that browse morning meadows to the powerful black bears that roam these ancient forests. The campground serves as your gateway to understanding the complex ecosystems that thrive where desert meets mountain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair-friendly. However, further accessibility features are not mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with good privacy provided by spacing and dense vegetation.
Sites PrivacySites are spaced well, providing privacy due to dense vegetation with Gambel oak and aspen trees.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest choosing sites with more shade as some are less shaded than others. Larger rigs should approach via the west entrance due to low branches at the east entrance.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 16 consecutive nights.
Groups
Group sites are explicitly not available at Dalton Springs Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of a single oblong loop with access at both ends. Pull-through sites are located in the center of the loop and connect the loop's two interior roads.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from mid-May to the end of September, weather dependent.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 16 campsites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides opportunities for relaxation and wildlife observation within the scenic oak and aspen grove. Recreational opportunities nearby include hiking, biking, equestrian activities, and picnicking. Wildlife such as mule deer and black bears may be seen in the area. No amenities for water-based activities like fishing, swimming, or boating are available.
Hiking
Multiple hiking trails are available nearby, although specific trail names and difficulty levels are not mentioned.Biking
Biking is available on nearby trails, though details about terrain and difficulty are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as mule deer, black bears, turkeys, and chipmunks are commonly seen, as noted by user reviews.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, although some reviews suggest patches of snow during late March.Water Sports
Water sports are not applicable to the campground, as there are no lakes, rivers, or boating facilities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as black bears may pose a risk. Campers should adhere to food storage regulations.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services, including medical facilities and police, are available in Monticello, which is about 4.6 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere are trash receptacles available at the campground, although recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention issues with uneven campsites and low tree branches that may obstruct larger RVs.
Campground Map
Dalton Springs Campground, Monticello, Utah
Driving directionsTurn west onto 200 West/Abajo Drive/County Road 101/Forest Service Road 49 in Monticello and continue for approximately 4.5 miles until you encounter Dalton Springs Campground on your left.
The campground is accessible from Monticello via a paved road, although user reviews note low tree branches at certain entrances that larger vehicles should navigate with care.Nearby places
Monticello (approximately 4.6 miles, 10-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Monticello, approximately 4.6 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
31 reviews
Dalton Springs Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise Dalton Springs Campground for its tranquility, clean vault toilets, and proximity to wildlife such as deer and chipmunks. Some users mention uneven sites for RVs and occasional low-hanging branches. It is noted as a great escape from the heat, with shade provided by the Gambel oak and aspen grove.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is described as peaceful, shady, and a great escape from summer heat. Vault toilets are clean and well-maintained. Wildlife sightings, such as mule deer and turkeys, are a highlight....
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some user complaints include uneven or sloping sites for trailers and RVs, low-hanging branches, and occasional noise from off-road vehicles during busy holiday weekends.
Based on 31 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring cash or checks for payment. Seniors can take advantage of the Interagency Pass discount. Earplugs are recommended during busy weekends to counter road noise. Select shaded sites early in the...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate the campground is particularly pleasant during summer due to its cooler elevation and ample shade. Late March camping is possible but may include patches of snow and limited water...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'A gem in the mountains. Gorgeous cool weather up there.' - Tom F
2. 'Beautiful campground! Probably the cleanest restrooms we encountered on our entire trip in Utah!' - Jamie Whitten
3. 'Nice...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Pull-through sites are noted to be uneven. Shaded sites are highly sought after during summer months, but availability can be limited.
Based on 31 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, as noted by the facility descriptions. No further accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 31 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Camping with pets is mentioned positively in a review, but specific pet-friendly features or policies are not detailed.
Based on 31 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025