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Best Dispersed Camping near Bryce Canyon National Park

589 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Bryce Canyon National Park, UtahExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bryce Canyon National Park (119)

    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

    34 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

    28 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

    32 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

    12 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT
    11 miles

    "Plenty of spots (though we were here on a weekday) and SO CLOSE to Bryce NP! The stars were beautiful at night - even got some photos with my phone."

    "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."

    8. Dixie National Forest Dispersed Camping Area

    9 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."

    9. 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."

    10. 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bryce Canyon National Park

292 Photos of 119 Bryce Canyon National Park Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bryce Canyon National Park

589 Reviews of 119 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

Where can I find dispersed camping near Bryce Canyon National Park?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Bryce Canyon National Park. Dave's Hollow Designated Dispersed Camping offers level sites with fire rings just outside the park entrance. For a forest setting, FR 090 - dispersed camping provides clearly marked sites with beautiful tree cover and is only minutes from the park entrance. The road has some bumps but is passable for most vehicles including camper vans. Additional options include Tom's Best Spring Road in Dixie National Forest and Great Western Trail Dispersed areas, both within 15-20 minutes of the park. Most sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early, especially during peak season, is recommended.

What is boondocking like near Bryce Canyon National Park?

Boondocking near Bryce Canyon offers peaceful settings among gorgeous landscapes. Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping provides beautiful sites among Ponderosa pines in Dixie National Forest. The Forest Service road is easily navigable with numerous dirt roads branching off with various sites to choose from. For a more secluded experience, Cabin Hollow FS #121 Dispersed Camping offers sites along a native dirt road, though access may be challenging in wet conditions. Most boondocking areas near Bryce have no amenities—no water, toilets, or garbage service—so come prepared with everything you need. Cell service varies by location, with some areas like Great Western Trail reporting good Verizon 5G coverage. The stargazing opportunities are exceptional.

Is there free BLM camping available near Bryce Canyon?

Yes, free BLM camping is available near Bryce Canyon National Park. Kitchen Corral Wash offers free camping on a nice dirt road with spots accessible right off the road without 4WD, despite signage suggesting otherwise. Hole in the Rock Road Dispersed at Utah 24 provides free camping in a beautiful location just a quarter mile off Utah 24. While it lacks amenities like water, toilets, fire rings, or picnic tables, it does offer cell service. Other free BLM options can be found along Old Highway 89. When using these areas, remember to pack out all trash, bring your own water, and practice Leave No Trace principles.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping on BLM land near Bryce Canyon?

When dispersed camping on BLM land near Bryce Canyon, you must follow several regulations. Camping is generally limited to 14 consecutive days within a 28-day period. Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site and other BLM areas require campers to practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, use existing fire rings when available, and completely extinguish fires. At Parowan Gap Petroglyphs, it's important to camp only in designated areas—not just anywhere—to protect cultural resources. Stay at least 200 feet from water sources, use existing sites and roads instead of creating new ones, and camp at least 1/4 mile from developed recreation areas and trailheads. Chemical toilets or proper waste disposal systems are required, and human waste must be buried 6-8 inches deep, away from water sources.

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