The Mesquite area offers tent camping opportunities throughout the high desert terrain at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 3,000 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F between June and September, while winter nights often drop below freezing. Flash flood risk exists in low-lying camping areas during monsoon season from July through September.
What to do
Fish for crawdads: At Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon, campers can catch crawdads in the river with minimal equipment. "Crawdading in the river is available. Bring a bucket or get one at the concessions," notes Christina S.
Rock climbing: Access limestone climbing routes directly from your campsite at Veyo Pool. "Individual camping spots along a river valley with steep climbing walls. Camp almost directly at the base of your climb," explains a visitor.
Desert exploration: The Paiute Wilderness Area provides extensive off-trail hiking opportunities within an hour's drive of Mesquite. "It's as remote a place as I've found to camp without going deeper into GC Parashant. Good place for adventure if you like to make your own," shares Ralph S.
Swimming: Cool off at Veyo Pool's spring-fed swimming facility during hot desert days. "Awesome campground for families with many amenities and activities such as pool, climbing, concessions, showers and more," reports Ben F.
What campers like
Desert wildlife viewing: Beaver Dam Wash Dispersed offers opportunities to observe desert fauna and flora. "Joshua trees are scattered around," notes Greg L., who adds that the area provides "beautiful Joshua trees, views, starry nights, easy access off 91."
Cell connectivity: Many dispersed camping areas maintain reasonable communications access despite remote settings. "I have Verizon and had excellent service," reports Jeffrey F. about Beaver Dam Wash, while Greg L. mentions "Cell on ATT and TMobile 2 bars LTE but Verizon had no data."
Fire rings: Most dispersed sites include established fire pits. "Great place for dispersed camping. Basic fire rings in several areas," confirms Marilynn F. about Beaver Dam Wash Dispersed.
Night sky visibility: Minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. Kelly P. highlights "beautiful Joshua trees, views, starry nights" at Beaver Dam Wash Dispersed camping area.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. At Valley of Fire Dispersed, "Some rough road getting in and to some of the spots, but popular area with lots of fairly flat spots and fire rings," advises Tarryn T.
Water availability: No potable water exists at most dispersed sites near Mesquite. Pack in all drinking water needs, particularly during summer months when dehydration risk increases substantially.
Weather preparedness: Summer heat requires adequate shade and cooling strategies. "Needed a place to hole up and stage our trip home. Big storm coming through Nevada in the next couple of days. Gave us a cool place to cool our jets while the storm blows itself out," shares Suzi S.
Privacy considerations: Some camping areas have limited seclusion. "The set up of the camp is close to a large dirt parking lot with random fire pits. Due to the layout it was hard to sneak off to pee in privacy," notes De L. about Valley of Fire Dispersed.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Virgin River Campgrounds offers dedicated tent sites near water recreation. "Campsites have plenty of shade and the river is nearby," reports Ashley F., providing cooling options during hot days.
Clean facilities: Family-friendly campgrounds typically provide maintained amenities. "We were very glad to find a peaceful, quiet, clean and clear sky campground in a beautiful desert location," shares Dov K. about Virgin River Campgrounds.
Activity planning: Tent camping near Mesquite works best with morning and evening outdoor activities, reserving mid-day for swimming or indoor breaks during summer months.
Wildlife awareness: Educate children about keeping distance from desert wildlife including scorpions, spiders, and snakes common in the region.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Zion Base Camp, RVers find accommodating spaces. "This campground provides a great place for groups and a central location for a lot of awesome things in Southern Utah. Each campsite has a firepit and picnic table," notes Angela S.
Road clearance: Many dispersed camping areas require higher clearance vehicles. "If you are pulling a trailer and looking for a quick stop off the interstate you're in luck. Furthermore if you want to take a van, truck, or car in further you can," advises Miles T.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds may have difficult-to-navigate entrances. "We ended up in front of a fence which belongs to a water treatment facility. No campground in sight," warns Julian T. about navigation challenges reaching Zion Base Camp.
Generator etiquette: In popular dispersed areas like Valley of Fire, noise can be an issue. "On the other hand, busy all year round with people running their generators all night, be aware," cautions Michał M.
