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.

Dalton Wash Dispersed

Are you in need of a campground near Virgin, UT? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Virgin. Discover great camping spots near Virgin, reviewed by campers like you.

Virgin

The Best Camping Near Virgin, Utah

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

Great free camping with a view of Zion!

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 

Dalton Wash CampSite 

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.

Good Site

Pin is in the wrong place. Camping is at the th or in the pj to the rim of the mesa. This pin is out in an old burn area.

Wrong pin location. Right mesa

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.

Just ok.

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.

This pin represents many spots

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. 

Great spot near Zion

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. 

Large and hidden 

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.

Photos of Dalton Wash Dispersed

Real photos from real campers