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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Dalton Wash Dispersed

Dalton Wash Dispersed, near Zion National Park, is a rugged spot that offers a true escape into nature. This area is perfect for those who appreciate a more primitive camping experience, with no amenities like drinking water or toilets, so come prepared.

Visitors have found great spots tucked away among the trees, providing some shelter from the wind. The road leading up can be bumpy and steep, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially if you're planning to explore the upper campsites. As one camper noted, “The road up is steep and narrow, passing a lot of private property,” so keep that in mind when planning your route.

The views from the plateau are stunning, with some sites offering glimpses of Zion in the distance. Campers have mentioned the freedom of choosing from multiple sites, but be ready for some windy conditions—50 mph gusts are not uncommon. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, there are numerous trails branching out from the area, perfect for hiking and exploring the rugged terrain.

While the lack of amenities means you’ll need to be self-sufficient, the seclusion and natural beauty make Dalton Wash a worthwhile destination for those seeking a more authentic camping experience. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, and enjoy the peace and quiet of this unique location.

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Location

Dalton Wash Dispersed is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.22213135 N
113.1110034 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Dalton Wash Dispersed needs a permit.


Reviews

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9 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 10, 2024

Killer Site

This is a great site to wake up to if you can get to it. Lady and I drove in after dark. While you don’t need 4x4 during dry months, it will help with the drive. It’s steep, loose dirt until you start hitting rocks.

Stay in the trees to protect from the wind, but there is plenty of space regardless and each site has its own fire pit. Looks like people make their own too.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Jay A., November 10, 2024
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2024

Large and hidden

Long drive from the main hwy with some steep and bumpy roads. A 4x4 will have no trouble regardless of the conditions. Saw a Nissan Altima go the same route, but would’ve gotten stuck if it was rainy.

Lots of shrubs to hide behind with plenty of fire circles. Drive around until you find an empty spot. Decently quiet. You’ll hear people around when it gets busy.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Gabe H., October 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Gabe H., October 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Gabe H., October 11, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 16, 2022

Great spot near Zion

Loved this spot. Go out the road 5-8 miles and climb up a hill to come onto a plateau of all BLM dispersed spots. We found a perfect spot tucked into the trees to help avoid some wind we were having. Did have minimal cell service (ATT, so also works in Tmo). Wouldn’t bring a camper up here, as it is bumpy the entire way out.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Tanner P., April 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Tanner P., April 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Tanner P., April 16, 2022
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Apr. 12, 2021

This pin represents many spots

Great dispersed camping location near Zion. If you have a trailer or passenger vehicle, you are going to want to come from the south side of Smithsonian Butte Road (via Main St.). Take 59, just past the Chevron for about two miles, and it will be on the left. There are many campsites and numerous trails spiderwebbing out from Smithsonian Butte Road. If you have a 4WD, you’ll have no problems coming from the north.

SiteDispersed
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Mark O., April 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Mark O., April 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Mark O., April 12, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Apr. 9, 2021

Just ok.

Washboard road some hairpin turns. Steep climb at the end of the road, lets you onto a huge plateau. Many spots but very windy 50mph+ and dusty. Sketchy pulling our trailer up there, great for smaller RVs.

  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Daniel M., April 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Daniel M., April 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Daniel M., April 9, 2021
Reviewed Jan. 5, 2021

Good Site

Good camping site, would recommend a 4WD or AWD vehicle. The road up is steep and narrow, passing a lot of private property. Sites are out in the open, no shade. Some spots you can see Zion at a distance. About 30-40 minutes away from the entrance to Zion.

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Reviewed Oct. 26, 2020

Dalton Wash CampSite

Has a nice view of canyons road up to the camp site is pretty narrow and steep but any vehicle should be able to get you up there. Multiple spots to choose from

Reviewed May. 30, 2019

Great free camping with a view of Zion!

Ill start off by saying that you should probably have an AWD or 4WD high clearance vehicle for the upper campsites.  There are campsites lower on but are right next to the road.  Getting there you'll want to follow Dalton Wash Rd all the way to the plateau, staying left the whole way unless its private property.

There are no bathrooms or amenities here so either come prepared or take care of business before heading up or inbetween excursions.  The good thing from that is you'll be pretty secluded! (Cant speak for the peak months as we visited in May)  The upper campsites are ~45 minutes from Zion with the lower sites being only 30 minutes away!  Summer may not be the best time to visit as the sites are kind of exposed and theres not a ton of shade

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Alan B., May 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Alan B., May 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Dalton Wash Dispersed by Alan B., May 30, 2019
  • (7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Dalton Wash Dispersed?

    Dalton Wash Dispersed is located at 4501 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Dalton Wash Dispersed?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Dalton Wash Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Dalton Wash Dispersed have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Dalton Wash Dispersed does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Dalton Wash Dispersed?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.