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Best Dispersed Camping near Dixie National Forest

549 Reviews

Tom Best Spring Road provides extensive dispersed camping opportunities around Dixie National Forest, with several popular free sites along Forest Roads 117, 090, and 294. These primitive areas accommodate both tents and RVs, with many sites rated highly for seclusion and natural surroundings. Most locations feature established fire rings but lack all amenities—no water, toilets, or trash service is available.

Road conditions vary significantly with weather and season. While many sites are accessible to standard vehicles in dry conditions, recent visitors note some areas require higher clearance. "The road in is a little bumpy, but worth it," mentions a camper at Casto Canyon Road, while another notes "depending on how much rain the area gets I could see it being a little more difficult for 2wd and trailers." Cell service is surprisingly reliable in many locations, with several reviewers noting good connectivity from elevated campsites. The entire area offers exceptional access to nearby attractions including Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Map showing campgrounds near Dixie National Forest, UtahExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Dixie National Forest (104)

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

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

    "Bryce Canyon campgrounds were full, as well as the nearby designated campsites at Red Canyon.   "

    "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. "

    2. Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping

    33 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, OR
    10 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."

    3. FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping

    24 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, OR
    10 miles

    "This is a great location before Bryce NP. Easy access in our 4runner with rooftop tent and lots of open space. It was very windy, but as long as you situate yourself back in the trees it is minimal."

    "Great place to camp overnight if you’re looking for somewhere close to Bryce with a lot of open room."

    4. FR 090 - dispersed camping

    38 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, OR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3700

    "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."

    "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."

    5. Great Western Trail Dispersed

    28 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, OR
    14 miles

    "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."

    "Due to fire restrictions, you need to drive 1173 or other older interstate dirt roads to find eligible camping areas."

    6. Tom's Best Spring Road Dixie National Forest

    14 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, OR
    10 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."

    7. Dixie National Forest Dispersed Camping Area

    10 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, OR
    10 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."

    "THIS REVIEW IS FOR “TOM’S BEST SPRING ROAD #117 — DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST RD #117 DISPERSED CAMPING AREA” It’s a beautiful drive coming up here from Flagstaff and especially through Kanab, a sweet little"

    8. FR3623 Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, OR
    10 miles
    Website

    "I went to 2 other locations before finding this one. The road is right off the highway, and has lots of campsites."

    "Tom’s Best Spring Road is everything you want in a boondocking experience near Bryce Canyon. Easy access off Highway 12, wide open spaces, and stunning views in every direction."

    9. Casto Canyon Rd Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Panguitch, UT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 644-1200

    "On Google maps it shows a couple of RVs parked here so it's plenty big enough for that. Fairly flat as well This is a big off-road area but so far we've only seen a handful of people drive by."

    "i read that toms spring is closed on another site, and red canyon only has a couple sites so decided to come here since lots of sites along 12 miles of blm land!"

    10. Forest Rd 294 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest

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

    "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."

    "I love camping here because it is so close to Bryce but also away from having a camper right next to you."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Dixie National Forest

289 Photos of 104 Dixie National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Dixie National Forest

549 Reviews of 104 Dixie National Forest Campgrounds

  • Susan L.
    Jun. 25, 2022

    Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping

    Great location in a piney woods!

    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. Chose a site relatively close to the forest service road. If you're sensitive to dust may want to choose a site further off the access road as there is lots of dust kicked up every time someone drove in or out on the gravel. Convenient location to Bryce (about 15 minutes). Cell service for Verizon.

    When the rigs pulling in and out stopped, the only sounds were the braying of cows (the herd wandered into the site) and the wind blowing.

    Views! Peaceful! Free!

  • Marcie R.
    May. 11, 2020

    Mammoth Dispersed

    BEAUTIFUL

    Such a beautiful spot. Right next to Mammoth Creek surrounded by Dixie National Forest. Lots of sites and pull offs. No hookups or water but there are pit toilets. New favorite campsite!!

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2021

    Cabin Hollow FS #121 Dispersed Camping

    Primitive road access dispersed

    This dispersed camping area is to the west of the more well known Tom Best Road Dispersed area. Still on Dixie NF but access road is native dirt one lane and no gravel or graded...so if very wet or rain could be sketchy access ( hence 3 stars). Sites are along the road upland side in flat spots and alcoves for about first mile or so. There are TT spots and also good overlander sites up higher. I would recon first before pulling a TT up there to make sure you can get a turnaround. No designated sites, no trash, tables, water or toilets. 14d limit. However cell signal is good if a clear line to Wilson peak antennas. Posted map screenshot shows my recon of campsites...trailer icon are sits with trailers, tent icon is more suited to overlander type setups with high clearance vehicles or smaller rigs.

  • K
    May. 30, 2021

    Kitchen Corral Wash

    Easy spot

    Great camping spot and so easy to get to. Nice dirt road. Don’t pay attention to the 4WD warning sign. You can get to many spots right off the road without it. We went maybe 1/4 mile off the highway and found a wide open field. Camper vans and RVs and 2 WD would be able to camp this

  • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2019

    Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest

    Convenient Dispersed Near Bryce & Red Canyon

    Bryce Canyon campgrounds were full, as well as the nearby designated campsites at Red Canyon.   We showed up at the nearby forest ranger's office who directed us to some nearby dispersed camping on the edge of Dixie National Forest.

    This is dispersed camping, so no:

    • Restrooms
    • Water
    • Trash
    • Hookups/dumps
    • Shops

    Although since there is a designated campground just down the road, you can easily go there for water, restrooms, and trash.

    This CG provided a good alternative to getting to Bryce Canyon without the mess of trying to get a reservation.  Red Canyon is also in between this site and the national park, which had some nice hikes and views of the hoodoos

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Tom's Best Spring Road Dixie National Forest

    Lots of spots off this road!

    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. There were some cows but they mostly stayed clear of the road. Road was pretty level and easy for cars to get back (and there were spots right off the road). I already want to come back!

    There was a fire ban in July so bring your camp stove and leave no trace!

  • Dave S.
    Oct. 3, 2020

    Parowan Gap Petroglyphs

    Wonderful place but please leave no trace

    We stayed here for a week while waiting for a package to arrive in Cedar City. The gap is a beautiful place and the petroglyphs would be as well were it not for the vandalism on them. On some camping apps people are saying just camp anywhere out here. I wanted to clarify that. While there are lots of places to camp please don't make new campsites or drive off roads and in the desert/grass. We stayed in a lovely spot on Jackrabbit Road, but had to drive over a mile to find what I consider an established site. All along the road there is damage from people driving and camping wherever they want. This is tragic and violates leave no trace. So does the many bullet shell casings, broken glass, dog turds, old gun targets, shotgun shells, etc, out here. This is how public lands get closed. It's a nice place and we saw respectful campers, OHV'rs, and bicyclists. Just use existing campsites and roads.

  • K C.
    Oct. 8, 2022

    Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area

    Stunning scenery, excellent stay

    What a fantastic experience. The road is paved except the last mile. The climb is 13% grade for about 8 miles so be prepared, but it is all paved. Two camps were closed so the only one open was busy, but quiet. At about 8300 feet altitude it does get cold. Much of the Dixie National Forest is burned but the immediate area has ample trees of many colors. This is remote so no amenities at all. We have a small rv and made the .trip no problem. No cell reception until you are in the town of Parowan

  • Will M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Hole in the Rock Road Dispersed at Utah 24

    Basic but free with cell phone signal

    So this is the dispersed camping area in a beautiful location. It is only about a quarter of a mile off Utah 24 on hole in the rock road. There's no water there no pit toilets there are no fire rings there are no picnic tables. But it's free. And there's a cell phone signal.

Guide to Dixie National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dixie National Forest in Utah, where nature lovers can enjoy a serene escape amidst stunning landscapes. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed area offers spacious sites with beautiful views, making it a favorite among visitors looking for a peaceful retreat.
  • Campers at Toms Best Spring Road can enjoy the privacy of well-spaced sites surrounded by trees, providing a perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway.
  • For those seeking a picturesque setting, Great Western Trail Dispersed features small lots with established fire pits, ideal for stargazing and enjoying the quiet of nature.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Dixie National Forest in Utah

  • When visiting FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping, be prepared for a lack of amenities; this area is perfect for those who appreciate a more primitive camping experience.
  • At FR 090 - dispersed camping, it's essential to camp in designated spots marked with posts and numbers to ensure compliance with local regulations.
  • The Mammoth Dispersed area is known for its beautiful surroundings, but campers should be aware that it can get busy during peak times, so arriving early is advisable.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Yankee Meadows

  • The Yankee Meadows area features a creek running through it, providing a tranquil setting for those looking to fish or simply relax by the water.
  • Campers at Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area will find stunning scenery and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a weekend escape.
  • For a unique experience, the Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area offers a mix of conifer and aspen trees, making it a beautiful spot for nature enthusiasts to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best areas for dispersed camping in Dixie National Forest?

Dixie National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping areas. Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping features beautiful Ponderosa pines with many dirt roads branching off the main Forest Service road, providing numerous site options. The road is easy to navigate for most vehicles. Another popular option is Cabin Hollow FS #121 Dispersed Camping, located west of Tom Best Road. While offering nice flat spots along the road, be aware that the access road is native dirt with no gravel, which can be challenging during wet conditions. Other notable areas include Casto Canyon Road and Forest Road 294, which also offer accessible dispersed camping opportunities throughout the forest.

Is free camping available near Bryce Canyon in Dixie National Forest?

Yes, free camping is readily available near Bryce Canyon in Dixie National Forest. Dave's Hollow Designated Dispersed Camping offers a convenient option located right outside the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park with level-ish designated USFS spots featuring fire rings. Another excellent option is Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed, which provides a free alternative when Bryce Canyon campgrounds are full. This area is on the edge of Dixie National Forest and easily accessible. Both locations offer completely free camping with no permits required and provide good proximity to Bryce Canyon National Park for day visits.

What amenities are available at Dixie National Forest dispersed camping areas?

Most dispersed camping areas in Dixie National Forest offer minimal to no amenities, as is typical with dispersed camping. Mammoth Dispersed is somewhat unique as it provides basic pit toilets while maintaining its dispersed nature. Located next to Mammoth Creek, it offers beautiful surroundings but no hookups or water. Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area is another option at higher elevation (about 8,300 feet), featuring designated sites but minimal amenities. Generally, dispersed campers should be prepared to be fully self-sufficient with their own water, waste disposal, and other necessities while camping in Dixie National Forest.

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