Hardscrabble Bottom Campground B Introduce

For Utah locals, especially those drawn to the rugged beauty and unparalleled adventure of Moab, Hardscrabble Bottom Campground B offers a truly unique and deeply rewarding backcountry experience. Nestled along the iconic White Rim Road within Canyonlands National Park, this isn't a typical drive-up campground; it's a destination that promises seclusion, breathtaking views, and an intimate connection with one of Utah's most majestic landscapes.

Hardscrabble Bottom Campground B stands out as a prime choice for experienced adventurers seeking solitude away from the more frequented areas of Moab. Reviews consistently highlight its incredible seclusion, with one camper noting, "Super secluded campsite. We loved that we were tucked away into the canyon and the other site is very far away." This means you can truly escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the desert's profound quiet, listening to "the water slowly flow past" and enjoying a gentle breeze.

This campground isn't just about a place to sleep; it's an integral part of an epic journey along the White Rim Road, a multi-day commitment that rewards the prepared and adventurous. For Utahns who crave genuine wilderness experiences and aren't afraid of a challenge, Hardscrabble Bottom Campground B represents the pinnacle of desert camping. It offers a chance to witness the dramatic geology of Canyonlands up close, from towering canyon walls that provide morning shade to expansive views of the Green River below.

Hardscrabble Bottom Campground B is officially located at Hardscrabble Bottom Rd, Moab, UT 84532, USA. This places it directly on the renowned White Rim Road, a 100-mile unpaved, high-clearance, four-wheel-drive loop in Canyonlands National Park. For Utah locals familiar with Moab's extensive backcountry, the "Hardscrabble" name itself carries a significant implication: this site is intimately connected to one of the most challenging and iconic sections of the White Rim Road, Hardscrabble Hill.

Accessibility to Hardscrabble Bottom Campground B is not for the faint of heart or the unprepared. To reach this campground, visitors must obtain an overnight permit for the White Rim Road from Canyonlands National Park. More importantly, a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle with low-range capabilities is absolutely essential. The road leading to Hardscrabble Bottom Campground B features steep, narrow, and exposed sections, as highlighted by a reviewer: "Heads Up: Depending on if this is where you start the trail or end it, this campsite is just before/after the Hardscrabble hill. While our vehicle was very well-equipped, it was still quite scary for us! I've seen much less equipped vehicles make the drive, but the path is extremely narrow and very steep with a sheer cliff on the side. Plus, it's one-lane, so if you encounter an oncoming vehicle it could get very tricky." Drivers must be confident and experienced in off-road conditions.

Additionally, caution is advised during and after rainstorms, as sections near Potato Bottom (which is in the vicinity) can become "very very muddy." This rugged accessibility, however, contributes to the campground's celebrated seclusion, ensuring that only those truly seeking a deep wilderness experience make it to this stunning spot. Its location offers unparalleled views of the canyon and river, making the challenging journey well worth the effort for prepared adventurers.

Hardscrabble Bottom Campground B offers a primitive backcountry camping experience, meaning amenities are basic but sufficient for self-sufficient campers. The services provided are designed to minimize environmental impact and maximize the wilderness feel:

  • Designated Campsites: Hardscrabble Bottom offers multiple individual sites (A, B) that are purposefully spaced out to ensure maximum privacy and seclusion for campers. Each site can accommodate up to 15 people and 3 vehicles (including motorbikes and trailers).
  • Vault Toilets: A private, primitive vault toilet is available at the campsite, a critical amenity in such a remote area to manage human waste responsibly.
  • Picnic Tables: Each site is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
  • Fire Rings: Fire rings are provided for campfires, though visitors must bring their own firewood. It's crucial to check current fire restrictions with Canyonlands National Park, as fire bans are common during dry periods. Gas stoves are generally permitted even when wood fires are not.
  • No Potable Water: Perhaps the most important consideration: there is no potable water available at Hardscrabble Bottom Campground B or anywhere else along the White Rim Road. Campers must bring all their own water, typically at least 1 gallon (4 liters) per person per day, with more recommended for active pursuits.
  • No Hook-ups: As a primitive backcountry site, there are no RV hook-ups (electric, water, sewer) available. This campground is exclusively for self-contained camping.
  • Trash Management: While trash receptacles might be present in some park areas, the Leave No Trace principle is paramount here; campers are expected to pack out all their trash.

These services ensure a comfortable yet rugged experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the raw beauty of their surroundings.

Hardscrabble Bottom Campground B is highly celebrated for its exceptional features and highlights, as attested by enthusiastic reviews from real customers:

  • Extreme Seclusion and Privacy: Visitors consistently praise the profound sense of being "tucked away into the canyon" with other sites "very far away." This allows for an unmatched level of peace and quiet, enhancing the wilderness experience.
  • Stunning Canyon Views: The campground offers "gorgeous, stunning views," situated at the bottom of a canyon with towering walls. This unique positioning means "the sun didn't hit us in the morning due to the huge canyon walls so we got a bit more sleep," a welcome feature in the desert.
  • River Proximity: Campers can "hear the water slowly flow past" from the nearby Green River. While river access might vary by season, its presence adds to the serene ambiance.
  • Unique Vantage Point: Being at the bottom of Hardscrabble Hill allows campers to "see all the vehicles way up on the mountain side going up/down the trail which is fun." This provides an interesting perspective on the challenging terrain.
  • Ideal for White Rim Road Completion: Many consider this a "perfect site to camp in," especially as a "last stop on the trail," providing a memorable conclusion to their White Rim adventure.
  • Spacious Sites: The campsites offer "lots of room for multiple vehicles," making them suitable for groups or those with support vehicles for their multi-day trips.
  • Challenging Approach (Highlight for some): The journey to Hardscrabble Bottom via Hardscrabble Hill is a significant feature. While "quite scary" for some, it's part of the adventure, requiring advanced 4x4 driving skills and rewarding those who conquer it with unparalleled scenery.

These combined elements make Hardscrabble Bottom Campground B one of the most sought-after and highly rated sites along the White Rim Trail.

To plan your adventurous trip to Hardscrabble Bottom Campground B, here is the essential contact information:

Address: Hardscrabble Bottom Rd, Moab, UT 84532, USA

Phone: (435) 719-2313

Mobile Phone: +1 435-719-2313

It is crucial to understand that the phone numbers provided belong to Canyonlands National Park, which manages all campgrounds and access along the White Rim Road. For all inquiries regarding permits, road conditions, and regulations, you should contact the park directly. Obtaining an overnight backcountry permit is mandatory for Hardscrabble Bottom Campground B, and these permits are highly sought after, especially during the peak spring and fall seasons. Reservations are made through the National Park Service's online system (typically Recreation.gov) and often need to be booked months in advance. Always check the official Canyonlands National Park website or call the provided number for the most up-to-date information on road closures, weather impacts, and permit availability, as conditions in the desert can change rapidly.

For Utah locals, Hardscrabble Bottom Campground B is not merely a place to stay overnight; it's a testament to the adventurous spirit deeply ingrained in the state's outdoor culture. Its suitability for locals lies in its unparalleled ability to deliver an authentic, challenging, and profoundly rewarding wilderness experience. This is a campground for those who truly appreciate the remoteness and rugged beauty of the Utah desert.

The highly secluded nature of the campsite, as consistently praised in reviews, provides the perfect escape from daily life, allowing for a deep connection with nature that many Utahns seek. The stunning canyon views, the subtle sound of the Green River, and the unique vantage point of watching distant vehicles on Hardscrabble Hill all contribute to an unforgettable stay. Furthermore, the demanding journey to reach it, requiring a capable 4x4 and confident driving skills, appeals to the local desire for challenge and self-sufficiency in the outdoors.

If you're a Utahn looking to truly disconnect, test your adventurous spirit, and immerse yourself in one of the world's most spectacular desert landscapes, Hardscrabble Bottom Campground B offers an experience that embodies the very best of backcountry camping in your home state. It's a place where memories are forged in the solitude of the canyon and under a canopy of countless stars.

Location

UtahSan Juan CountyMoabHardscrabble Bottom Road

Customer Reviews

5.0
4 reviews
S
Scott Wakefield
Apr 10, 2023

Super secluded campsite. We loved that we were tucked away into the canyon and the other site is very far away. You could hear the water slowly flow past and there was a nice breeze. The sun didn’t hit us in the morning due to the huge canyon walls so we got a bit more sleep. Perfect site to camp in.

S
Sven Nettles
Sep 03, 2021

Gorgeous, stunning views and all around a great spot! Easily one of the best sites on the white rim trail! Lots of room for multiple vehicles and even has its own bathroom. The river wasn’t accessible for us, but maybe at different times of the year it is. The spot feels secluded and you can see all the vehicles way up on the mountain side going up/down the trail which is fun. This was our last stop on the trail and we really enjoyed it, we’ll definitely be back! Heads Up: Depending on if this is where you start the trail or end it, this campsite is just before/after the Hardscrabble hill. While our vehicle was very well-equipped, it was still quite scary for us! I've seen much less equipped vehicles make the drive, but the path is extremely narrow and very steep with a sheer cliff on the side. Plus, it's one-lane, so if you encounter an oncoming vehicle it could get very tricky. If you have a fear of heights or aren't a confident driver (especially going backwards) I'd say either avoid Hardscrabble hill or bring someone that's more comfortable with it to swap seats and drive for you just in case. Also, after rainstorms near Potato Bottom it gets very very muddy, so be careful! Usually there will be plenty of overlanders eager to try out their winches and pull you out, but it's best to be extra careful I think. The scenery is very worth it though!

C
Charles Lamb
Jun 18, 2021

First time at this site. Have stayed at other sites along White Rim. This one is away from the main trail and enjoys a level of solitude others don't. Some shade for hot days. Next to the river so may see wildlife not seen at other sites. Had a buck wander into the site about 10pm. Definitely would use this site again.

I
Isaac Kline
Dec 15, 2023