Best Dispersed Camping near Colorado City, AZ
Several dispersed camping areas exist near Colorado City, Arizona, primarily located on BLM land in southwestern Utah. Free camping options include North Creek Dispersed Camping, Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed, Gooseberry Mesa, Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed sites, Dalton Wash Dispersed, and Mount Carmel Old 89 Dispersed Camping. These primitive camping areas typically feature no amenities such as drinking water, electricity, or restroom facilities, but most allow fires when no fire restrictions are in place. Pets are permitted at all locations, and most areas accommodate both tent and RV camping.
Road conditions vary significantly across these dispersed camping areas. Many sites require navigation on unpaved, washboard roads with sandy or rocky terrain. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for several locations, particularly Gooseberry Mesa and Dalton Wash, where steep inclines and rough terrain present challenges. According to one visitor, "Road in was bad washboard first few miles. At the turn it gets better." While standard vehicles can access some areas during dry weather, four-wheel drive is advisable during wet conditions or for reaching more remote sites. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days in most areas, following standard BLM regulations.
These dispersed sites feature remarkable scenery, with many offering views of nearby mountains, mesas, and Zion National Park. Gooseberry Mesa provides particularly impressive vistas, with one camper noting "Incredible views of Smithsonian Butte. Amazing sunset and sunrise!" The area around Hurricane Cliffs and Kolob Terrace Road offers multiple established sites with fire rings spaced well apart for privacy. Weather considerations include strong winds, especially in open areas. Cell phone reception varies by location but is surprisingly good at some sites, including Gooseberry Mesa where one reviewer mentioned "Very strong (20mbps) cell reception on both ATT and T-Mobile." Wildlife sightings may include coyotes, especially at night, and campers should be aware of potential encounters with rattlesnakes and scorpions in warmer months.