BIG PINE 2

Utah, with its iconic red rock landscapes, majestic mountain ranges, and vibrant outdoor culture, offers a diverse array of camping experiences. For many local Utahns, the call of the wild often leads to adventures that combine scenic beauty with a sense of genuine escape. While drive-up campgrounds have their place, a truly distinctive experience awaits those willing to venture a little deeper into the wilderness. Big Pine 2, nestled along the banks of the famed Green River near Dutch John, offers precisely that: an unparalleled opportunity for primitive, boat-in river camping that is both secluded and immensely rewarding.

Unlike typical roadside campgrounds, Big Pine 2 is a designated river campsite, part of the extensive camping options available along the Green River below the Flaming Gorge Dam. It is specifically designed for multi-day river trips, where the journey by boat is as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself. This unique accessibility ensures a level of solitude and immersion in nature that is hard to find elsewhere. As one reviewer aptly put it, this "bend of the river offers plenty of space for campers to spread out and give each other some space on an overnight river trip on the Green." This emphasizes the spaciousness and privacy that define the Big Pine 2 experience.

Big Pine 2 is not about luxurious amenities; it's about the raw beauty of the high desert environment, the tranquil flow of the Green River, and the simple pleasures of primitive camping. It caters to those who appreciate a campfire under a vast, star-filled sky, the peace of a river flowing by, and the thrill of world-class fishing right from their campsite. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most memorable adventures are found in the simplicity of nature, away from the hustle and bustle. The ability to "walk to each other's camps (like Big Pine 1, the north end) without having to brave the water or cliffs" also highlights a sense of community among river users, allowing for shared experiences in a primitive setting.

This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to Big Pine 2 for Utah locals, detailing its unique location and accessibility, the specific services it offers as a primitive river camp, its key features and highlights, contact information for planning your trip, and ultimately, why this distinctive camping spot is an ideal choice for those seeking an authentic and memorable Green River adventure.

Big Pine 2 is located along the Green River, downstream from the Flaming Gorge Dam, with its general address being Dutch John, UT 84023, USA. More specifically, it is situated on the north side of the river, approximately 10.5 miles below the Flaming Gorge Dam and 3.3 miles downstream from Little Hole. This places it within the Ashley National Forest and the broader Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, known for its stunning red cliffs and recreational opportunities.

The most crucial aspect of Big Pine 2's accessibility is that it is a

boat-in camp facility

only accessible by water

• River Trip Essential:

  To reach Big Pine 2, you must embark on a river trip down the Green River. Most trips begin at the Flaming Gorge Dam Spillway or Little Hole Boat Ramp.

• Vehicle Logistics:

  Campers typically launch their rafts, kayaks, or canoes at one of the upstream access points and float down to the campsite. This often involves shuttle services for vehicles, where you leave a car at a downstream take-out point (e.g., Little Hole or further downriver if doing a longer trip) and shuttle back to your launch point, or utilize commercial shuttle services available in Dutch John.

• No Road Access:

  There are no roads leading directly to Big Pine 2. You cannot drive a vehicle to this campsite. This ensures its primitive nature and solitude.

• Proximity to Dutch John:

  While remote, the closest town is Dutch John, Utah. This small community offers essential services such as raft rentals, guided fishing trips, shuttle services, general stores, bait, and gas, making it a convenient base for planning your river trip.

• Elevation:

  The site sits at an approximate elevation of 6,000 feet, which influences temperatures, especially during shoulder seasons.

This boat-in accessibility makes Big Pine 2 a unique and appealing option for those seeking a true wilderness river experience, where the journey itself is an integral part of the adventure.

Big Pine 2 is designated as a primitive river campsite, meaning the services offered are intentionally basic to maintain its wilderness character. Campers must be self-sufficient and prepared for minimal amenities.

• Individual Campsite Facilities:

  Each site at Big Pine 2 is designed for group primitive camping. It is equipped with:

  • One Picnic Table:

    A designated area for outdoor dining.

  • One Fire Ring:

    For campfires, provided fire restrictions allow. Visitors should bring their own firewood, as collecting wood in the area is prohibited.

  • Four Tent Pads:

    Designated, relatively flat areas suitable for pitching tents, helping to minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation.

  • Portable Toilet Screen:

    This is a crucial element. Since there are no flush or vault toilets, campers are

    required to have a portable toilet system

    (often referred to as a "groover" for river trips). The screen provides privacy for this system.

  • Four Benches:

    Around the fire ring or picnic table for seating.

• Natural Shade:

  The site benefits from natural shade provided by Pinyon pine, juniper, Ponderosa pine, and river bottom shrubs and grasses, which is a welcome feature in the desert environment.

• Water:

  There is

  no potable water

  available at the campsite. Campers must bring all their drinking water or be prepared to filter/purify water from the Green River.

• Restrooms:

  As mentioned, there are

  no restrooms

  . All campers must have and use a portable toilet system, and pack out all human waste.

• No Garbage Facilities:

  There are

  no trash receptacles

  . Big Pine 2 operates on a strict "pack it in, pack it out" policy. All garbage must be carried out of the site.

• Reservations:

  Campsites at Big Pine 2 can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Registration for campsite use must also be made on the day of use at the Camp Registration Board located at Little Hole.

These services highlight Big Pine 2 as a truly primitive camping experience, ideal for self-sufficient groups embarking on a multi-day Green River float.

Big Pine 2, while primitive, offers a range of compelling features and highlights that make it a truly memorable destination for river campers:

• World-Class Fishing on the Green River:

  The Green River below the Flaming Gorge Dam is renowned as one of the premier trout fisheries in the United States. It offers exceptional opportunities for fly fishing for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Being able to camp directly on the banks provides unparalleled access to these world-class fishing grounds, making it a dream destination for anglers.

• Spacious and Private River Sites:

  A key highlight, as noted by reviewers, is the ample space available at Big Pine 2. This allows campers to "spread out and give each other some space," a luxury often rare in campgrounds. This privacy enhances the feeling of wilderness immersion and allows for a more relaxed and personal camping experience, even for larger groups.

• Scenic River Float Trip:

  The journey to Big Pine 2 is a highlight in itself. Floating down the Green River provides spectacular scenery, unique geology, and a sense of adventure. The river winds through sections with high desert vegetation, red cliffs, and peaceful bends, offering constant visual interest and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

• Primitive River Camping Experience:

  For those who truly love raw nature, Big Pine 2 offers an authentic primitive camping experience. With no electricity, running water, or flush toilets, it encourages self-reliance and a deeper connection to the natural environment. This back-to-basics approach is a refreshing contrast to more developed campgrounds.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities:

  The Green River corridor is home to various wildlife, including deer, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species, particularly waterfowl and raptors. Camping directly on the river allows for excellent opportunities to observe these animals in their natural habitat, enhancing the wilderness experience.

• Proximity to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area Attractions:

  While Big Pine 2 is remote, its location within the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area means other attractions are accessible nearby (by car, after your river trip). These include the impressive Flaming Gorge Dam (offering tours), the Red Canyon Visitor Center with stunning overlooks, and other areas for hiking and water sports on the reservoir.

• Group Friendly:

  With its capacity for up to 12 people and multiple tent pads, Big Pine 2 is well-suited for group river trips, allowing friends and family to camp together while still enjoying individual space. The ability to "walk to each other's camps" fosters a communal atmosphere in a wild setting.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of Big Pine 2 as an ideal destination for those seeking a unique, self-reliant, and scenic river camping adventure in the heart of Utah's beautiful Green River country.

For reservations and detailed information about Big Pine 2, which is managed by the Ashley National Forest, you can use the following contact details:

Address: Dutch John, UT 84023, USA (This is the general area, not a specific physical office for Big Pine 2)

Phone: (435) 784-3445 (This number likely connects to the local Forest Service office or a designated recreation information line)

Mobile Phone: +1 435-784-3445 (Same as above, provided for convenience)

Reservations for Big Pine 2 are typically made through Recreation.gov, or by calling the national reservation line at 1-877-444-6777. It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for peak seasons, as these river campsites are popular.

Additionally, remember that registration for campsite use must be made on the day of use at the Camp Registration Board located at Little Hole. This ensures proper tracking of river users and helps in managing the primitive sites.

For the most current information regarding river conditions, fire restrictions, and any specific regulations for floating the Green River, contacting the Ashley National Forest office or local outfitters in Dutch John is advisable before your trip.

For Utahns, Big Pine 2 offers an exceptionally suitable and uniquely rewarding camping experience that taps into the adventurous spirit and love for natural landscapes inherent in the state's residents. This primitive river campsite provides an authentic and immersive outdoor adventure that stands apart from more conventional camping options, making it ideal for those seeking solitude, challenge, and unparalleled natural beauty.

Firstly, the unique boat-in access immediately appeals to Utah locals who appreciate a true escape. This requirement means fewer crowds and a greater sense of remoteness, allowing for a profound connection with the wilderness. For those who own a raft, kayak, or canoe, or are willing to rent one from local outfitters in Dutch John, Big Pine 2 transforms a standard camping trip into an exciting multi-day river expedition, offering a unique perspective of Utah's breathtaking geology and riparian ecosystems.

Secondly, the focus on primitive camping and self-sufficiency aligns perfectly with the rugged, independent spirit often found in Utah's outdoor enthusiasts. The absence of traditional amenities encourages campers to hone their wilderness skills, practice Leave No Trace principles, and truly live harmoniously with nature. This back-to-basics approach is not just a convenience; it's a philosophy, offering a liberating sense of self-reliance and an opportunity to appreciate the simple essentials of outdoor living.

Furthermore, Big Pine 2's location on the Green River, a world-class trout fishery, makes it an angler's paradise right in Utah's backyard. Locals passionate about fly fishing will find few better places to cast a line directly from their campsite. Beyond fishing, the scenic float down the Green River itself is an unforgettable highlight, showcasing Utah's dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Finally, the spaciousness and privacy of the individual sites, as highlighted by a reviewer, are significant advantages. In a state where popular camping spots can sometimes feel crowded, Big Pine 2 provides ample room to spread out, offering a tranquil retreat where groups can enjoy each other's company while still feeling immersed in the wild. The proximity to Dutch John also ensures that, while remote, essential supplies and shuttle services are within reach for trip planning.

In conclusion, Big Pine 2 is more than just a campsite; it’s an invitation to embark on a quintessential Utah river adventure. For locals seeking a profound connection to their state's natural heritage, a challenge that sharpens their outdoor skills, and the unparalleled tranquility of a remote river setting, Big Pine 2 promises an unforgettable and deeply rewarding primitive camping experience on the iconic Green River.