Best Dispersed Camping near Bryce Canyon National Park

Southern Utah is home to some of the best national parks in the US, and Bryce Canyon is no exception. Though sharing a state with parks like Zion and Arches, the relatively small Bryce Canyon holds its own. The park draws more than two million visitors per year to its camping and hiking opportunities.

While it has only a few campgrounds, they operate a large number of campsites between them. Sunset Campgrounds works on a reservation system for its entire season, while North Campground is open year-round, with reservations required from late May to the beginning of October. If you can’t get a spot, the best camping near Bryce Canyon is available just outside the park’s boundaries. Bryce Canyon City, UT, is just north of the park if you want something established. Boondockers will appreciate the vast quantities of BLM land.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bryce Canyon National Park (114)

    1. Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest

    71 Reviews
    Tropic, UT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3700

    "October 15, 2020

    We wanted to be close to Bryce Canyon but not in all of the hub and chaos of people. This location is about a 10 minute drive away from Bryce. "

    "We could drive all of the dirt roads in our Chevy Trax. Not much of any views where we stayed but lots of trees and privacy. Very close to Bryce Canyon National Park-only 15 minutes away!"

    2. FR 090 - dispersed camping

    33 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3700

    "The road is a bit bumpy, but we were fine taking our time in our camper van. Lots of space between sites. The trees are gorgeous. & it’s super close to the entrance of Bryce Canyon National Park."

    "We rented a van from Escape camper vans and this spot of easy to find and get to! We saw a lot of people with campers and vans."

    3. Great Western Trail Dispersed

    27 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT
    7 miles

    "It’s located 15ish mins from Bryce Canyon National Park and 10 Mins from Red Canyon. Highly recommend!"

    "We decided to ask a park ranger where else we could camp, he handed us a map (in the pictures) and sent us on our way."

    4. Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping

    30 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3700

    "Dispersed camping in the beautiful Ponderosa pines of Dixie National Forest. The Forest Service road is easy to navigate. There are many dirt roads branching off of it with sites to choose from."

    "Tom's Best Spring Rd  aka FR117

    16 day limit - posted

    No campfires -  posted 

    No cutting wood without permit - posted

    Visible 3-4 on 4g

    ATT 3 on 4g

    GPS: 37.7301,-112.2523

    Main road in is good."

    5. FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping

    24 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT
    11 miles

    "Great place to stay on the way to Bryce Canyon National Park."

    "Only a short drive in to Bryce Canyon National Park! Perfect to do some exploring during the day and relax back at camp not too far at night! Can’t wait to go back and bring friends and family!"

    6. Dave’s Hollow Designated Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Tropic, UT
    7 miles

    "When our original dispersed camping spot didn’t work out we drove down the road and found this little gem, right outside the entrance to Bruce Canyon National Park."

    "There are 26 DESIGNATED dispersed camp sites in the Dixie NF special management area part of Dave's hollow close to the Bryce NP boundary."

    7. Tom's Best Spring Road Dixie National Forest

    10 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT
    11 miles

    "Nice paved bike path right at the entrance of the dispersed camping area. We drove in about a mile on a nice gravel main road. Found a nice secluded spot about 100 yards off the main road."

    "This continues to be one of our favorite boondocking sites even after four years on the road. This time we visited in late October/ Early November."

    8. FS500 - Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Cannonville, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 644-1300

    "Map coordinates not accurate; follow other reviewers’ directions

    Scoped this out but a bit too narrow/rutted/angled for our small 20’ trailer; amazing for tent and van camping

    On a ledge so beautiful"

    "Easy to get to with 2 wheel drive when dry. Pretty tight turns between trees further back in the site where the big view is. Flat ground could be tough to find with a long vehicle or trailer."

    9. Forest Rd 294 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest

    7 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 676-9300

    "Easy access back onto the highway to continue our journey to Bryce Canyon National Park."

    "I turned down this dirt road and stopped before reaching the mark on the map. Still in view of the road but secluded. Evidence of grazing cattle."

    10. Dixie National Forest Dispersed Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3700

    "This area is great for dispersed camping near Red Canyon and before you get to Bryce Canyon NP. Plenty of dispersed camping spots. There are no restrooms, water or electricity."

    "Easy access from Hwy 12. There are sites right along FR 117 and there are several spur roads with sites. Some of the spur roads have rough spots. I was towing a 15' camper, able to get around ok."

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Showing results 1-10 of 114 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bryce Canyon National Park

563 Reviews of 114 Bryce Canyon National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Bryce Canyon National Park

Dispersed camping near Bryce Canyon National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and explore the stunning landscapes of Utah.

Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Bryce Canyon National Park

  • The Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed area provides spacious sites with beautiful views, making it a favorite among campers looking for a picturesque backdrop.
  • For those seeking privacy, Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping features well-spaced sites surrounded by trees, ensuring a peaceful experience close to nature.
  • If you venture to Great Western Trail Dispersed, you’ll find small lots that offer stunning views and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for stargazing at night.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah

  • When camping at FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping, be prepared to bring your own firewood, as there are no facilities available, but the experience of cooking over a campfire is worth it.
  • At FR 090 - dispersed camping, it's essential to camp in designated spots marked with posts and numbers to help preserve the natural environment and ensure a safe experience.
  • If you're planning to camp at Uinta Flat Dispersed, remember that there are no services in the area, so pack out all trash and be self-sufficient during your stay.

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The Casto Canyon Rd Dispersed Camping area is not only a great place to set up camp but also provides easy access to hiking trails that showcase the area's stunning rock formations and natural beauty.
  • Staying at Dave’s Hollow Designated Dispersed Camping puts you just a short drive from Bryce Canyon National Park, allowing for quick trips to explore the park's famous hoodoos and scenic viewpoints.
  • Campers at Cabin Hollow FS #121 Dispersed Camping can enjoy the nearby attractions of Panguitch, including local dining options and outdoor activities, making it a convenient base for exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bryce Canyon National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bryce Canyon National Park is Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest with a 4.7-star rating from 71 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bryce Canyon National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 114 dispersed camping locations near Bryce Canyon National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.