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Potato Bottom Campground B Introduce

Nestled within the breathtaking and iconic landscapes of Canyonlands National Park, near the adventure hub of Moab, Utah, Potato Bottom Campground B offers a truly unique camping experience. This particular campground is not your typical drive-up site; rather, it’s an adventurous and immersive riverside destination, primarily accessed by those exploring the stunning waterways of the Green River. For Utah locals and visitors alike, it represents an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the desert's raw beauty and the serene flow of one of America’s most significant rivers. It’s a place where the grandeur of the canyon walls meets the tranquil sound of the water, promising an unforgettable journey for those who seek a deeper connection with nature.

Potato Bottom Campground B is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an integral part of a multi-day river trip experience. It provides a strategic and scenic overnight stop for rafters, kayakers, and canoeists navigating the Green River through Canyonlands. This remote setting ensures a level of peace and solitude that is increasingly rare in more accessible campgrounds. The allure of Potato Bottom Campground B lies in its untouched natural surroundings, offering unparalleled stargazing opportunities, abundant wildlife viewing, and the sheer exhilaration of waking up to the panoramic views of the canyon. While it promises an incredible outdoor adventure, it's essential for prospective campers to understand its unique access requirements and to prepare for a genuine wilderness experience, complete with the elements of nature. The fine desert sand, for instance, is a memorable part of the experience, as noted by past visitors, and embracing these natural aspects is key to enjoying your stay.

Potato Bottom Campground B is uniquely situated within Canyonlands National Park, specifically along the banks of the Green River. Its address is listed as Canyonlands National Park, Moab, UT 84532, USA. However, it's crucial for prospective campers to understand that this is not a campground one simply drives to. Its location deep within the park's river corridor means that accessibility is primarily by watercraft.

For Utah locals and visitors planning a trip, access to Potato Bottom Campground B typically involves a multi-day rafting, kayaking, or canoeing expedition down the Green River. This is part of the renowned river permit system managed by Canyonlands National Park. The journey to the campground itself is an adventure, passing through stunning geological formations and pristine desert landscapes. Common put-in points for river trips that include Potato Bottom might be upstream, such as Ruby Ranch or Mineral Bottom. The take-out point would typically be at Spanish Bottom, where rafters can then arrange for transportation back to Moab. This water-only access means that proper planning, including securing permits well in advance, arranging for equipment and shuttle services, and having experience with river navigation, is essential. The remote nature of the campground, while contributing to its untouched beauty, also means that services and immediate assistance are not readily available, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency and preparedness. This deep wilderness location is what makes it such an attractive and immersive experience for those truly looking to escape into the heart of Utah's wild beauty.

Due to its unique and remote location as a river-accessed campground within a national park, Potato Bottom Campground B offers a more primitive and self-sufficient camping experience compared to drive-up campgrounds. The services offered are minimal, focusing on the fundamental needs for an overnight stop during a river trip.

  • Designated Campsites: The campground provides designated areas for pitching tents. These sites are typically primitive, offering flat ground and perhaps a fire ring (where allowed and if conditions permit).
  • Toilet Facilities: While specific details aren't always provided for primitive river camps, it is common for such sites within national parks to have vault toilets or require campers to use portable human waste disposal systems (like "wag bags") to minimize environmental impact and adhere to "Leave No Trace" principles. Campers should always confirm current regulations with Canyonlands National Park.
  • No Potable Water: Campers must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. There is no access to treated drinking water at the campground.
  • No Electricity or Hookups: Being a primitive campground, there are no electrical hookups for RVs or other devices, nor are there any other utility hookups.
  • No Trash Services: Campers are required to pack out everything they pack in, including all trash and food waste, adhering strictly to "Leave No Trace" guidelines to preserve the pristine environment.
  • Emergency Services (Limited): Due to the remote location, emergency services are not immediately available. Campers should be prepared for self-rescue or prolonged waits for assistance in case of an emergency. Satellite communication devices are highly recommended for river trips.

Potato Bottom Campground B, despite its primitive nature, boasts several features and highlights that make it a truly remarkable camping destination for those prepared for a wilderness experience.

  • Riverside Location: Its primary highlight is its direct proximity to the Green River. This allows campers direct access to the water, offering stunning riverside views and the soothing sounds of the river.
  • Stunning Scenery: Situated within Canyonlands National Park, the campground is surrounded by the park's iconic red rock canyons, towering mesas, and unique desert flora. The views, particularly at sunrise and sunset, are simply incredible, as noted by past visitors.
  • Seclusion and Wilderness Immersion: As an exclusively river-accessed site, Potato Bottom Campground B offers an unparalleled sense of seclusion and immersion in the wilderness. It's an ideal spot for those seeking to escape the crowds and experience the quiet solitude of the desert.
  • Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night skies above Potato Bottom Campground B are exceptionally dark, offering spectacular opportunities for stargazing and viewing the Milky Way.
  • Sand: As highlighted in a customer review, the sand at the campground is "finer than the finest baby powder." While it "will get absolutely everywhere," it also contributes to the unique tactile experience of the desert environment.
  • Wildlife Viewing: The remote river corridor is home to diverse wildlife, offering opportunities to spot various bird species, bighorn sheep, and other desert creatures in their natural habitat.
  • Primitive Camping Experience: For those who appreciate rugged, self-sufficient camping, this campground offers an authentic wilderness experience, testing outdoor skills and fostering a deeper appreciation for nature.
  • Access to River Recreation: Being a stop on a multi-day river trip, the campground facilitates extended periods of rafting, kayaking, and canoeing, allowing ample time to explore the Green River's twists and turns.

Potato Bottom Campground B is located within Canyonlands National Park, and as such, general inquiries can be directed to the park's main visitor center.

Address: Canyonlands National Park, Moab, UT 84532, USA

Phone: (435) 719-2100 (Canyonlands National Park Information)

Mobile Phone: +1 435-719-2100 (Canyonlands National Park Information)

Please note that these contact numbers are for Canyonlands National Park general information. For specific details regarding river permits, campground availability, and current conditions for Potato Bottom Campground B, it is highly recommended to contact the park's backcountry permit office or visit the official Canyonlands National Park website, as this campground is part of a complex river trip permitting system.

For Utah locals, Potato Bottom Campground B offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the iconic landscapes of Canyonlands National Park in a truly intimate and adventurous way. Unlike many other accessible campgrounds, this site provides an immersive wilderness experience that is intrinsically tied to a multi-day river journey down the Green River. This makes it particularly suitable for Utahns who are avid outdoor enthusiasts, experienced in river recreation, and possess a strong "Leave No Trace" ethic. It's a chance to see a part of their home state that many visitors might miss, exploring the canyons from a unique water-level perspective.

The primitive nature of the campground, while requiring self-sufficiency and careful planning (especially regarding water and waste management), is precisely what appeals to those seeking a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle. The stunning scenery, exceptional stargazing, and the rare solitude of a riverside desert camp create an unforgettable experience that reinforces the unique natural heritage of Utah. While mosquito activity can be a factor, particularly in early summer as noted by a reviewer, proper preparation with repellents and protective clothing can mitigate this. For locals who are ready for an adventure that combines physical activity with unparalleled natural beauty and a deep dive into Utah's remote landscapes, Potato Bottom Campground B stands as an ideal and rewarding destination, fostering a profound connection with the state's wild heart.

Location

UtahSan Juan CountyMoabCanyonlands National Park

Customer Reviews

4.0
8 reviews
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Jake
Jun 27, 2024

I don't recommend any of the campsites along this part of the trail (potato bottom, hardscrabble, or labyrinth). Because they are so close to the river you'll get eaten alive by mosquitoes. I'm not sure if it's seasonal, but we went in early June and my calves are covered in bites.

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Stephen “Steve” Bornhoft
Mar 21, 2017

This place was simply incredible. The sand is finer than the finest baby powder and will get absolutely everywhere though.

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Zachary Aguayo
Jul 10, 2020

So... if you are in inexperienced driver, terrified of heights or don' t have a capable 4x4 with good ground clearance, this is not the campsite for you! While its insanely beautiful and isolated, it can be extremely dangerous. I drove my Jeep down here on 7/6 and was confronted with a steep downhill switch back which pretty scary for me, then continued another hour to my campsite which didn't get any better. Considering there is absolutely no help if you get stuck or lost, you SOL. Think twice about going if the first sentence of my review scares you. Be smart!

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Thomas Ammon
Jul 10, 2023

This is probably the best camping spot I’ve ever been to! The drive on the white rim trail is absolutely incredible and access to the Green River was an added bonus!

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John Allison
Nov 21, 2017

A bare-bones campground with vault toilet. Of course, there aren't any other amenities, that's the whole point of the White Rim Trail- to get away from modern life.