Mt Carmel Old 89 Dispersed Camping, near Mount Carmel, Utah, is a laid-back spot perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. This area offers a chance to pitch your tent in a wide-open space with stunning views, making it a great choice for a night under the stars.

Visitors have noted that the location is close to some fantastic attractions, including the Coral Pink Sand Dunes and Zion National Park. One camper mentioned, “Such a nice campsite, plenty of spots... Super close to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes which is worth a visit.” 

While there are no fancy amenities here, you can enjoy campfires and bring your pets along for the adventure. Just keep in mind that there’s no drinking water or trash service, so plan accordingly. As one reviewer put it, “Basically a big patch of dirt, nice views, can’t complain.” 

If you're driving through the area, this spot is easy to access and offers a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring. Just be prepared for some muddy conditions if it rains, as a few campers have mentioned that the ground can get slick. Whether you're stopping for the night or staying a bit longer, Mt Carmel Old 89 is a solid choice for a rustic camping experience.

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).

Mt Carmel Old 89 Dispersed Camping

Mount Carmel Junction is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Mount Carmel Junction and user-submitted reviews.

Mount Carmel Junction

The Best Camping Near Mount Carmel Junction, Utah

Quiet, secluded and great views and a beautiful sunset view. 

Beautiful views 

Take the exit from 89 and cross the remnants of the old 89 road. You will find several spots with previously used fire rings. We took our 30ft RV up the hill right on top of what seems to be a sand pit of some sort. You could also follow the old 89 and find some spots in between the trees. We chose to stay up too with the view. Obviously there are no amenities of any sort here as this is BLM land for dispersed camping. We will stay here for one night on our way to Zion. 

Nice and quiet BLM dispersed camping

We pulled in around 7:45pm we saw three other campers but the place had plenty of sites left! The sunset was amazing and we enjoyed our time!

Amazing 360° views 

There is a big sand quarry right off the highway suitable for big rigs. Up the hill less than half a mile are about 5 more spots suitable for smaller travel trailers (?25 feet or less?). 

Boondocking spots

We stayed one night on our way to Zion. There was plenty of room to spread out, and it was a quiet stay with great views of the night sky. 

One bit of advice — try to get here before dark so you have time to scout for the spot you want. There is a lot here and you can go 3 ways once you pull in, so getting early to give yourself time to look around is a good idea. We got just after sunset as we drove over Bryce’s Canyon at the end of the day and we liked our spot, but I’d have preferred to get there before sunset so I could really scout around. 

Grear location near Zion

This was our first time to try dispersed camping, after our kids have done it for years. We found a beautiful spot right next to the Virgin River and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience. There was an old corral across the road from where we spent two nights and it just added to the ambiance of the area. It was about 20 minutes to Zion. It rained hard while we were in the National Park &amp; our site was muddy when we returned. That is the only downside to this spot. 

First time dispersed campers

This was our very first dispersed camping spot and we loved it! It was only 20 minutes to Zion. We stayed 2 nights next to the Virgin River. It rained hard our second day in Zion and when we got back to camp the area was a thick, red mud that stuck to our shoes &amp; the Virgin River rose quickly. But, it stayed well within its banks and we were able to easily pull out the next morning. 

Beautiful spot next to Virgin River

Plenty of room for our 29’ 5th wheel. Packed gravel- large open areas

Nice dispersed campsites 

Great spot for a night or two. Not overly crowded. Spots are easy to get to. Beautiful views all around. 

Amazing view

Went here on December 10th and 11th so it was definitely cold car camping and there was some snow on the ground but the view was incredible. The campsite was calm and easy to drive into. Zion and Bryce are both close by too. 

Pretty and snowy

Drove through this spot looking for a place to stay. We were very surprised to find an old looking bulldozer parked near the back of the wide open area. Not at all what we expected. We decided to pass on this spot. However it is conveniently located right off 89 and hard to miss. 

We drove through it

Never done winter camping before but this was a perfect and beautiful spot. Even with snow and some mud it was very clean with larger grounds for RV’s and smaller spots you can reach with a 4x4 no problem. Is close to the highway so you do see some lights but still felt safe and private. 


Beautiful Campsite !!

Basically a big patch of dirt, nice views, can’t complain 

Great little spot

I’ve seen half a dozen people in 2 days. Hwy 89 below my site is somewhat busy with some engine brakes during the night. This is why I gave the site 4 stars.

Great Views low Travel Camp Road

There was plenty of space. It's close to Zion. The roads were decent and the veiws were perfect.

A nice place to camp

Beautiful views and convenient for exploring the area, but gets very muddy! Card can get stuck or slide easily.

Muddy!!

Such a nice campsite, plenty of spots from the upper area down to the lower part where the original part of hwy 89 stands. Super close to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes which is worth a visit, as well as the Belly of the Dragon, Moqui Sand Caves &amp; Zion NP! I also highly recommend checking out the Nomad Cafe in Kanab while here, as well as Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Plenty to do while passing through - happy camping everyone! 

Close to Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Stayed here on 04/29/23 travelling from Sand Caves &amp; Belly of the Dragon to Zion NP. Great place to stop for the night and pitch the tent. 2WD car did not have any issues on a fairly dry day, and we were able to access the park easily the next morning.

Perfect Overnight Stop!

I was alone in this huge spot. 

Had a little trouble finding it, because there are a few roads after you leave 89, but once I took the straight road its right there.

easy to reach campground

Easy access onto old 89. We parked in the old gravel pit area. Our sewer sits low on our Lance and had no problem getting in. 
There is a bit of garbage and stuff dumped over the edges if you look for it. No odour no flies. Nice breeze. Felt safe. Quiet as its buffered from the highway. There were 3 other campers so not alone. 
Just minutes from Belly of the Dragon and 10 minutes from parking lot turn off to Peekaboo Slot. 

Photos of Mt Carmel Old 89 Dispersed Camping

Real photos from real campers