Free camping near Dammeron Valley, Utah offers options throughout the Dixie National Forest and on BLM lands, typically at elevations between 4,000-6,000 feet. These dispersed sites experience hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Most sites lack services but provide unobstructed views of surrounding red rock formations.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Visit the trailhead at Cedar Pockets Pass Road where campers found "two nice hiking trails" with "beautiful views if you go further into the canyon." One reviewer notes the area features "red rock, Joshua Trees, and fine terracotta clay."
Wildlife viewing: The juniper forests around Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed provide habitat for desert wildlife. A camper mentioned the area was "super sweet" with birds singing all around—"loved it!" Morning and evening are best for spotting native species.
Stream relaxation: During warmer months, cool off in Leeds Creek near North Creek Dispersed Camping. A visitor shared that "the stream is a great place to put some chairs and cool off" after hiking. Another noted "you can get some refreshment under the trees and in the river."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Dixie National Forest FR901 Dispersed, campers appreciated the "lots of space between the other couple campers we saw on this stretch of the road." Unlike more crowded areas, this location offers natural separation.
Flat terrain for comfortable sleeping: Many dispersed sites feature level ground ideal for tent setup. At North Creek Dispersed Camping, one visitor found "great flat sandy sites. Easy to set up!" Another camper at Leeds Canyon noted a "nice flat soft area for tent" making sleep comfortable.
Cell service for remote work: Several sites maintain usable cell signals. At Cedar Pockets Pass Road, reviewers reported "really awesome cell service" with one noting "we had decent T-Mobile LTE service." A camper at Dixie National Forest FR901 simply stated "good cell service," making these locations viable for digital nomads.
What you should know
Limited facilities: No water, toilets, or trash services exist at these sites. Plan accordingly and practice Leave No Trace principles. A visitor to Horseman Park Road noted "the shell casings don't bother me but all the trash did. A lot of flies."
Road conditions vary seasonally: Many access roads become challenging after rain. At Cedar Pockets Pass Road, a camper warned "when it rains it may take a couple of days for the road to be passable." Another noted "the road is very rocky and the erosion is deep."
Temperature extremes: These sites experience significant heat without shade. One reviewer at Blake Gubler Road cautioned "It gets HOT out here, because there's no shade. Even though the weather says it's only 93°, it feels hotter because the sun is beating down directly on you."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with natural features: Leeds Canyon Dispersed #6 offers unique terrain features that children enjoy exploring. A visitor found "beautiful rock formations at camp" while another mentioned the site was "tucked back into the red cliffs."
Avoid popular shooting areas: Some dispersed sites double as target shooting locations. One reviewer warned "people shoot out here and there are a ton of bullets and broken glass to show for it," advising families with pets to keep them leashed.
Seek shaded sites: During summer months, prioritize locations with tree cover. At Leeds Canyon Dispersed #4, a camper mentioned the site "offered a tiny bit of shade" which was appreciated after "driving through the desert all day."
Tips from RVers
Size-appropriate site selection: Large rigs should stick to lower-numbered sites in Leeds Canyon. At Leeds Canyon Dispersed #4, a reviewer noted it's "a long pull thru good for TTs" while another called it "a wrap around site so we could easily pull through."
Check road conditions before committing: Many access roads deteriorate further in. One camper advised "if looking to dry camp I would look elsewhere or drop trailer first and go in with truck to see if anything is available."
Clearance matters: For deeper sites, higher clearance vehicles perform better. At Cedar Pockets Pass, one RVer suggested to "make sure you have plenty of clearance and plenty of time" when accessing more remote spots, stating "good to have a multi-terrain vehicle" for handling "the ruggedness of this trail."
