Off-highway vehicle riders and campers seeking access to Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park find a convenient base along Forest Road 117, where dispersed sites spread through ponderosa pine stands just off Highway 12. The main dirt road maintains good condition for most RVs, with Bethany W. confirming her 26-foot Class C motorhome towing a car navigated the route without difficulty.
Sites scatter along the main road and several spur roads, offering varying degrees of privacy and tree cover. skoerber@moscow.com notes the area is "lightly forested with ponderosa pine" with "views through the trees." Some spots accommodate multiple rigs, while others suit single units. Cattle from adjacent grazing areas occasionally wander through the camping zones, adding an element of rural character to the experience.
The location serves as a staging area for day trips, sitting roughly 20 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park and close to Red Canyon's hiking trails. OHV enthusiasts access numerous trails from the area, though engine noise remains intermittent rather than constant. Cell service reaches most sites, and the open canopy allows for solar panel and satellite internet functionality.
No facilities exist here—no water, restrooms, or designated fire rings. Campers must come prepared for primitive conditions and pack out all waste. Wind can stir up dust from the dry ground, particularly problematic for those in sandals. Sites fill during peak seasons and holidays, but weekday arrivals typically find available spots. For those wanting more developed amenities, campgrounds near Tropic provide additional options with facilities.
Description
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a developed campground. Dispersed camping is free, therefore no services or facilities are provided; such as trash removal, tables, and fire pits. In some popular dispersed camping areas, camping is limited to designated sites only, such as the ones listed below.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDixie National Forest Dispersed Camping Area is located in Utah near Fern Ridge Lake
Coordinates
37.722849259050676 N
112.25143814732066 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 53 usersLast on 5/19/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 125 usersLast on 5/19/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 45 usersLast on 5/19/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 53 usersLast on 5/19/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 125 usersLast on 5/19/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 45 usersLast on 5/19/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
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 Dixie National Forest Dispersed Camping Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 54 min from St. George, UT
- 3 hrs 2 min from Provo, UT
- 3 hrs 36 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 4 hrs 16 min from Flagstaff, AZ




















