Campers heading to Zion National Park or exploring southern Utah's slot canyons will find Mt Carmel Old 89 Dispersed Camping positioned along the remnants of the original Highway 89. This Bureau of Land Management site sits on open terrain where multiple dirt roads branch off from the main access point, creating camping opportunities both in a former gravel pit area and along the abandoned roadway sections.
The entrance requires navigating a turn off the current Highway 89 during a steep downgrade, which several campers note can be challenging with traffic. Once inside, visitors discover a network of rough dirt roads that extend into different camping zones. "You can still hear the road noise but it's nothing too bad," reports Megan B., though the highway sounds diminish as campers move further from the entrance.
The terrain accommodates both RVs and tent campers, with existing fire rings scattered throughout the area. Larger rigs often settle in the gravel pit section near the entrance, while those with higher clearance vehicles can venture deeper along the old highway alignment where trees provide some separation between sites. Winter camping proves viable here, though spring rains can create muddy conditions that make the dirt roads more difficult to navigate.
Access requires attention to vehicle clearance, as the internal roads feature ruts and rocky sections that challenge low-sitting vehicles. Most campers recommend arriving before dark to scout preferred locations, since the branching road system offers multiple camping zones with varying levels of privacy and terrain. The area serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions, with quick access to slot canyon hikes and sand dunes.
For additional camping variety, the Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site lies just down the road with similar free camping opportunities.
Description
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska).
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingMt Carmel Old 89 Dispersed Camping is located in Utah
Coordinates
37.2051122 N
112.67558797 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 46 usersLast on 4/29/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 47 usersLast on 4/29/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 4/29/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 46 usersLast on 4/29/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 47 usersLast on 4/29/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 4/29/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Market
- 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 Mt Carmel Old 89 Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 19 min from St. George, UT
- 3 hrs 1 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 3 hrs 22 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 hrs 35 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
