Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Escalante? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Escalante, including photos, reviews, and tips. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Utah camping adventure.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a developed campground. Dispersed camping is free, therefore no services or facilities are provided; such as trash removal, tables, and fire pits. In some popular dispersed camping areas, camping is limited to designated sites only. Some visitors stay in a primitive style by setting up camp outside of any designated campsite area, sometimes referred to as “boondocking”. It is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy parts of Bryce Canyon Country that not many people see. Plus, it’s free camping. Dispersed camping is not permitted in all areas. If you’re going to set up a primitive camp in this way, please be sure to adhere to the following guidelines: Only camp on public land Keep your campsite minimal so as not to disturb the natural environment Remove any waste you produce, and Leave No Trace Be respectful of other visitors and wildlife in the area Keep track of your location so as not to get lost, and stay away from potentially dangerous areas.
Guide
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. We had some minor snowfall while we were there but that is to be expected at this elevation. We filmed a campsite review for anyone who is interested, we linked in on the video tab here on Campendium but here is the direct link to
Great for rigs of any size, with thousands of acres to choose from.
Scout
Fit my 22' TT without issue. Road is a bit rocky to get into the better sites, but there is a spot right off the turnoff that would accommodate bigger rigs. Woke up to a herd of Elk grazing outside the camper and a gorgeous sunrise. Will definitely stop here again when I'm coming through
Traveler
Excellent boondock spot. Excellent AT&T coverage
Traveler
Excellent boondock site. I had no problem with my thirty foot travel trailer. Excellent AT&T coverage
Traveler
A beautiful camp to set up RVs, vans, and tents. Plenty of space. There were several others here and did not feel close to anyone. Fire pits are available, but they are just slightly dug holes with small rocks. Recommend reinforcing the rocks before use.
Traveler
The area was very easy to find and very quiet. I arrived as sunset and only saw one camper. I know it is the end of the season, but other places right now are packed.
Make sure you camp in a designated spot, marked with posts and numbers.
T-Mobile work...2 bar LTE
Guide
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. Ponderosa Pine trees. Have stayed here several times.
GuideGreat place to stay close to Torrey, Utah, and Capitol Reef NP. There are lots of places to choose from with some spots with make shift fire rings. Great views of the Boulder Mountains, Thousands Lake Mountains, and Capitol Reef in the distance. There are no restrooms, water or electricity. Close to Torrey where you can find the essentials.
Guide
Calf Creek campground was full and the host told us about this spot. Up a dirt road you end up just below the radio tower. Very private and quiet
TravelerWe 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. We kept driving until site 10 which was the first one that was empty at about an hour before sunset. Very private and lots of fire wood! Right outside of Bryce NP. As we left early in the morning people were pulled off the side of the rode. Looked like they were just looking for a place to park overnight.
TravelerBumpy dirt road going in. Large area with plenty of private dispersed camping spots.
Traveler
This is just a pull out off the hwy. Sign says no camping.
Traveler
If you have a 4x4, we recommend pulling back slightly to the right as far as you can. We went back and got tucked into a more secluded nook with a good fire ring. It looks bumpy and uneven, but it’s possible to level a vehicle that’s 21 feet and under.
The hike up above the site is really beautiful. The trail took us up above the cliff edge that borders the site. From there you have sweeping views of the valley and out to the mountains in both directions.
Important to note:
GuidePulled in around 9pm and found an empty site about .5 miles from Route 12. Awesome spot. Fire ring and very spacious. Managed to get 1-3 bars of T-Mobile 5G/LTE all night and morning.
Will most certainly revisit next time I’m in the area.
Traveler
We liked this spot however we could not go in very far due to the fact that our trailer has low clearance. There are a lot of long ruts from water run off.
There are two dumpsters near the entrance. Area was clean and good cell service.
Location is ideal for area slot canyons etc.
Guide
Very pretty spot. Clean and level campsites. Had a very hard time finding a site, very crowded. But once we did we loved it. BEWARE! Someone stole our trailer break emergency breakaway cord, it was a pain in the butt. Hopefully it was just a one time thing.
Scout
Not a bad camp spot but it was hard to find a level spot. We were staying in our rooftop tent and had to find rocks to level out
Guide
I enjoyed my stay here. I pitched a tent and drove a Honda Accord there. There was great cell service a bathroom/rest stop within 5 minutes and this is only a 15 minute drive to Bryce canyon NP.
GuideThis has been an amazing spot to stay at. Prefect for day trips into Bryce and Red Canyon!! All the others staying were so nice.
Guide
Although the sand wasn’t a surprise, i was shocked at how much it stuck to everything LOL! But the site had lots of dedicated spots for camping and went on the quite a few miles. The view was beautiful, but we were nervous about mountain lions as we noticed a lot of tracks when we arrived, and saw even more next to our car in the morning as we were leaving. The road in isn’t very rough, just lots of sand and small bumps. Would stay here again!
Scout
Up on a mesa (not super high that it’s a tough climb), on Notom road which is paved, then turn on dirt road not far from Hwy 24 (maybe 1/4-1/2 mile). Only two other campers about a football field apart from me. Amazing view of Henry mountains and sunrise!! Made it slowly in my front wheel drive van over the rocks that stick up. No problem. Just slow.
GuideEasy to get to, plenty of room and quiet. One of the best spots we've stayed in. Vault toilets across the highway if needed.
GuideCame to camp after dark. Had to travel 7-8 miles off the main road. Sites are sporadic- lots of big campsites with lots of people, so it took a bit to find a secluded spot. Some trees. Very few fall branches for fire. Beautiful views.
LegendThere are 26 DESIGNATED dispersed camp sites in the Dixie NF special management area part of Dave's hollow close to the Bryce NP boundary. The west part of Dave's hollow does not have the designated only restrictions, however there are way less campsites available. Cell signal is very good for the entire area. Note there are no vault toilets, no dumpsters and no water in the Dave's hollow area and all the roads are dusty dirt and could be muddy if wet.
Guide
This was our favourite site in our trip, we took the first left and there were barely any people down that way. Seemed like most people kept going straight and camped on the right side. Our area had tons of trees so it felt quite private and was very spread out from the people beside us. There was a fire pit as well so we were able to have a fire, lots of deer around and some cows out grazing in the area, so I don't be surprised if you have some visitors at night!
LegendThis area is close to the summit elevation of Boulder Mt at 9550 elv. A rough rocky road leaves a scenic pull off all g hwy #12 and heads to some Aspen stands and a corral. The best sites are in the vicinity of the corral. Good cell signal, but no water, no dumpsters, however the views are great. In the fall season, the yellow aspens are spectacular.
Traveler
Many spots to select from. The road is a little rough in spots, so slow is good. Great views
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Escalante, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Escalante, UT is Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest with a 4.8-star rating from 70 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Escalante, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 107 dispersed camping locations near Escalante, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
