Can you reserve a site at Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins?

Yes, Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins is reservable through Recreation.gov.

Are campfires allowed at Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins?

Campfires are allowed at Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins, Utah — 4 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

The Green River splits the 10,000 foot high Tavaputs Plateau to form the rugged canyons of Desolation Gray Canyons. Access to the canyons is the Sand Wash Ranger Station, a remote primative boat ramp and campground. While the canyons and river can be remote, rugged and beautiful during the hot summer months, Sand Wash can be overrun by mosquitos. Weather can run the gamet from hot 100 degree days with no wind, to wind, rain, or snow. Screen cabins are provided to allow the boater an escape from the bugs and weather.

Recreation

Sand Wash is a destination for those that have a permit to float the Desolation and Gray Canyons of the Green River. Remote and primative, the area prepares the river runners for a relaxed river trip where solitude and nature abound. Historic and archaeogical sites are numerous on the river. River runners must be prepared to be self supported on the river.

Facilities

There is a primitive boat ramp at Sand Wash, a primitive eight-site campground, a contact/information station, staffed ranger station and vault toilets. This remote site does not provide trash receptacles or water. Due to the remoteness of the area, many groups camp the night here before their launch on the river. Due to frequent mosquito plagues, Sand Wash offers four campsites with screened cabins. Cabins are 12 feet by 16 feet, screen on all four sides with a door and roof. There is a small table and bench inside. Cabins are limited to one (1) per river party. Please allow others the ability to escape the bugs.

Natural Features

The Sand Wash boat ramp lies at the end of Sand Wash where a dirt road leads to a natural boat ramp for launching on the Green River. Cottonwood trees, cliffs, sage brush, and greasewood dot the area. Cottonwood trees do provide some shade.

Nearby Attractions

Launch point for the Green River through Desolation and Gray Canyons, 84 river miles before taking out at Swaseys Rapid. Nine Mile Canyon is within driving distance and is rich with rock art and historic sites.

The facts

4 bookable sites
4 accessible sites
Up to 8 people per site
Loops: CABINS

Site types

4 Cabin Nonelectric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Picnic tables
Shade

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills, pets allowed.

Book on Recreation.gov

4 campsites at Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins

Check-in 1:00 PM · Check-out 12:01 PM

Accessible only

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Grade	Water	Max rig	People
Beaman	CABINS	Cabin Nonelectric	Parallel	—	Slight	Riverfront	—	8	♿
Bradley	CABINS	Cabin Nonelectric	Parallel	—	Slight	Riverfront	—	8	♿
Howland Brothers	CABINS	Cabin Nonelectric	Parallel	—	Slight	Riverfront	—	8	♿
Sumner	CABINS	Cabin Nonelectric	Parallel	—	Slight	Riverfront	—	8	♿

Getting there

From Vernal, Utah: Head some 40 miles southwest to the town of Myton. Just west of Myton, turn south off US 40 on the first paved road and follow the signs to Sand Wash Boat Ramp. Boaters must slow down and begin to enjoy the trip. Roads are graded gravel, good tires and spare tires are a must. Cell phone coverage is limited if help is needed.

From Duchesne, Utah: Head 17 miles east towards Myton. Turn south off US 40 onto Sand Wash road and follow the signs to Sand Wash Boat Ramp. Boaters must slow down and begin to enjoy the trip. Roads are graded gravel, good tires and spare tires are a must. Cell phone coverage is limited if help is needed.

39.83361, -109.94167 · 39°50'1.0"N 109°56'30.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 91°F in Jul, down to 31°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	31	40	55	65	74	85	91	88	80	65	50	34
Low °F	7	14	26	33	42	50	57	55	46	34	21	11
Precip in	0.3	0.4	0.3	0.6	0.9	0.5	0.4	0.6	1.1	0.8	0.4	0.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 25.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins

Can you reserve a site at Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins?: Yes, Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins have?: 4 sites.
Are campfires allowed at Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins?: Campfires are allowed at Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins

Desolation Gray - Green River Permit 1.5 mi · Permit · we watch it
Pelican Lake Campground 27.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Sand Wash Ranger Station 1.4 mi · Facility
Desolation Gray Canyons of the Green River 1.5 mi · Facility
Daddy Canyon Trailhead 12.4 mi · Facility
Pariette Wetlands 16.4 mi · Facility
Pelican Lake Recreation Area 27.3 mi · Facility
Ouray National Fish Hatchery 29.7 mi · Facility
Lower Range creek Trailhead 37.6 mi · Facility
McCoy Flats Trailhead 40.5 mi · Facility
Nine Mile Canyon Back Country Byway 43.1 mi · Facility
9 Mile Canyon 43.1 mi · Facility

Contact

Email utprmail@blm.gov
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-27.

Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins