No fees, no water, no developed sites. Dispersed camping outside Fillmore runs through Fishlake National Forest land east of town. Road quality varies significantly. Some routes are passable by standard vehicle on dry days, while others require high clearance. The 14-day stay limit applies, and campers must pack in all water and pack out all waste. No trash service or restrooms at dispersed sites. Fillmore's tent campgrounds cover the developed options with designated sites and vault toilets for those who want established infrastructure.
Fire restrictions are common here during summer, particularly July through September. Check current status with the Fillmore Ranger District before arrival, not just when planning.
"This private property is stunning, and an absolute hidden gem."
"Road is bumpy and may be difficult for cars to get back to the main spring but you can always park and walk. Be sure not to leave any trash as this is private property owned by super nice people!"
"I stayed here for the full 14 days, experiencing both good and bad weather; I still recommend it. Road Quality
Average.""Just few miles away from the interstate. Closer sites can hear some traffic. We went down a little ways and didn’t hear the road. Road would be awful if it rains- be aware!"
"Quite a few spots accessible by car. A couple fireplaces here and there too. A fair amount of fallen pine and juniper wood there to use for building fires."
"Super easy access for any car if roads are dry. Lots of places to get back in the junioers a lil and have a nice private place to sleep."
"Road goes up past water tower and recommends using 4wd to come up to prevent washboard, but any vehicle with awe would do. No amenities and very private."
"Beautiful scenery and just right outside of town. Very easy to access for most. I did see an RV camping but it had to be a bit more difficult for them."
"Close to hot pots and great hiking areas."
"This is close to the hot pots and we stay here in the fall or spring. It can get crowded so be prepared not to camp in the caves on a busy weekend. "
"I found a spot on Eight Mile road, just off i-15, near the east side of the national forest. I drove up the dirt road for a while until I found a nice flat spot for the night. "
"This spot is just into the Fishlake National Forest. There is nothing fancy about this location. It is just a grassy spot along the road as you start following the road into the national forest."
"Access is easy on and off from a gravel road.. Campers, RVs, and people with tents can easily use this site. No facilities."
"We were looking for an easy place away from the interstate to split our drive from Idaho to St George in half. There was no one here at all and found easy place with a tree to set up 26ft tt. "
"Drove another 20 on whiskey creek on a well maintained dirt road. Camp was relatively flat, good trees for shade and elevated to allow for nice views and a breeze."
"You can park at the trailhead and hike up only 2 miles before you start seeing deer and elk everywhere."
"This site is located on the northerly side of the road. A number of fire pits exist in this area. It is readily apparent that others have stayed here in the past and it is a popular spot."
TravelerEasy drive to get to camp area, about 15 miles up a paved road into beautiful national park. There are about 15 spots in the Aspens, we went all the way to end and camped against Cold Spring lake.
Area was pretty full in October with lots of people deer hunting.
GuidePulled in at sunset had a fire ring along the water, facilities were clean and traffic died down by 10ish
GuideLots of space, not too busy, beautiful view in the morning
GuideDid not end up staying as a lot of spots were filled, didn’t go too deep as road started getting worse and data dropped out. Seems nice but probably wanna get there early in night to secure a spot. Would not go in a low clearance vehicle.
ScoutVery close to the I 70 exit, but far enough away, we could not hear the freeway
GuideReservoir is extremely low so fishing for us didn’t seem like a viable option. You have to walk pretty far out before you reach the waters edge. Vault toilets were clean. And enjoyed learning about the Piute Natives that inhabited the valley. We picnicked at the picnic table near the info board. Beautiful spot! Decided not to camp.
GuideI had a difficult time finding the road to get to the hot springs, but once you’re on it it’s not bad. There are 3 pools of varying temperatures (one is very hot).
There is a vault toilet and I saw 3-4 spots to park near the hot springs.
RangerFound a few pullouts and one or 2 larger spots to pull in along the road. The road is relatively smooth gravel.
RangerFantastic views, just a short drive on good dirt roads off I-70. Four or so sites along the road. The last one on the right surrounded by trees with some protection. Little road noise overnight - the more exposed sites have more. No other campers on a Tuesday night - one truck drove by in the late afternoon. Very peaceful.
Dispersed camping near Fillmore, Utah primarily occurs within the Fishlake National Forest at elevations between 5,000-9,000 feet, offering campers diverse terrain from desert scrubland to juniper forest. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F during the day and drop to 50°F at night, while spring and fall bring more moderate temperatures along with occasional rain that can impact road conditions. Seasonal cattle grazing operations are common throughout the region from late spring through fall.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The West Fork area provides excellent opportunities to spot deer and elk without extensive hiking. At West Fork - Whiskey Creek Dispersed Camping, one camper noted, "You can park at the trailhead and hike up only 2 miles before you start seeing deer and elk everywhere. You simply follow the river up the canyon, and choose from any of the small flat locations for tent camping."
Hot spring soaking: Located on private property, Meadow Hot Springs features three natural pools with varying temperatures. "3 pools total, but only one just above warm temperature. Each pool also has fish, which is a sight to be seen," reports one visitor. The main spring maintains a comfortable 100°F according to another camper who mentioned, "The main spring is right around a 100° comfortable enough that you are never too hot or too cold."
Cave exploration: Near the Pahvant Valley Heritage Trail, visitors can explore unique lava tubes. According to a camper, "You can camp in the lava tube they are warm in the winter and it is a fun place to explore. This is close to the hot pots and we stay here in the fall or spring."
Morning hot spring bathing: At Meadow Hot Springs, campers enjoy early morning soaks with pastoral views. One reviewer shared, "Camping among the cows and having a bath in a natural hot tub while the sun is rising - it's a dream." The property operates on a donation basis with signs noting "Enjoy and please donate."
Solitude and quiet: Despite proximity to I-15, many sites offer surprising tranquility. A camper at Fish Lake National Forest Campsite reported, "Really quiet despite being so close to the interstate." Another noted, "This was a nice place to stop. Not far off the main roadway. Lots of shade. Open fields, so watch out for cows and cowpoo!"
Cell connectivity: Several dispersed sites maintain unexpectedly good cell service. At Eight Mile Road, one camper found "3+ bars of T-mobile 5g service" while still enjoying isolation, reporting they saw "Not another person in sight except for maybe 2 cars that drove by during the night."
Road conditions vary significantly: Access difficulty increases with distance from main roads. At Whiskey Creek Road USFS Dispersed, a camper noted driving "about 20 Minutes off the 15 on hwy 50 to Whiskey creek road. Drove another 20 on whiskey creek on a well maintained dirt road." For Meadow Hot Springs, visitors warn "Road is bumpy and may be difficult for cars to get back to the main spring but you can always park and walk."
Weather impacts accessibility: After rain, many roads become challenging or impassable. As one camper at Fillmore Wildlife Management Area observed, "Wouldn't want to be here if it was raining, looks like it would be slimy."
Leave no trace importance: Many sites are on private property or environmentally sensitive areas. At Meadow Hot Springs, campers emphasize respecting the area: "The owner of this property has graciously allowed people to stay here for free. Please leave with more trash than you came with."
Short hiking options: At Mountain Mecca, families can enjoy "Beautiful scenery and just right outside of town. Very easy to access for most... There are several established places to camp with beautiful views. Very private. Great for mountain biking."
Wildlife education opportunities: West Fork Whiskey Creek offers accessible wildlife viewing for children. One parent shared, "Was able to hike in with my 8 year old, and he loved it. Great secluded dispersed spot for wildlife watching."
Site selection considerations: When camping with children, choose established sites with previous fire rings. At Sandy Lot, "There is a fire pit. Access is easy on and off from a gravel road. Campers, RVs, and people with tents can easily use this site."
Size limitations: Many dispersed sites have space constraints for larger rigs. At Pahvant Valley Heritage Trail Dispersed, one RVer reported bringing "a Bronco towing a Lance 1475" and finding the site "fine" though noted it had "just a few trees to keep us company."
Vehicle clearance requirements: High clearance becomes necessary at many sites. One RVer at Mountain Mecca warned, "Need high clearance and 4x4... Beautiful but couldn't get up the road."
Overnight convenience: When using free camping near Fillmore as an overnight stop, Fish Lake National Forest Campsite provides easy access. "We pulled in after sunset to stop before going all the way north to SLC. The road was pretty doable in our truck, but it think it would be easy in a sedan too."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the regulations for camping on BLM land near Fillmore?
When camping on BLM land near Fillmore, standard dispersed camping regulations apply. At sites like Dispersed Sandy Lot and Mountain Mecca, camping is typically limited to 14 consecutive days. Always use existing fire rings where available and completely extinguish all fires with water. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. Most areas require self-containment as facilities are minimal or non-existent. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources and 100 feet from trails. Though most dispersed sites are free, some areas may require permits during high-use seasons. Vehicle use is restricted to established roads and trails. Check current fire restrictions before your trip, as they change seasonally. Many sites are unmarked, so bring detailed maps for navigation.
Is 4WD required to access dispersed camping spots around Fillmore?
While 4WD is recommended for accessing many dispersed camping areas around Fillmore, it's not always required. Shingle creek dispersed features approximately 4 miles of dirt road where 4WD is recommended, but visitors have reported making it in standard passenger cars like a Prius. Similarly, at Meadow Hot Springs, the road is bumpy but potentially navigable in passenger vehicles with careful driving. Some spots closer to main roads, like areas just off I-15 or Clear Creek Road, are generally accessible without 4WD. Road conditions can vary significantly with weather and season, so checking recent reports is advisable. For the more remote and elevated sites in Fishlake National Forest, high-clearance vehicles provide better access, especially after rain or during spring thaw.
Where are the best dispersed camping areas near Fillmore, Utah?
The Fillmore area offers several excellent dispersed camping options. West Fork - Whiskey Creek Dispersed Camping provides a secluded experience with abundant wildlife viewing just a 2-mile hike from the trailhead. For those preferring to stay closer to their vehicles, Dispersed West Fork 8 Mile Road offers easily accessible spots just inside Fishlake National Forest with decent cell service. Additional dispersed options include areas along Shingle Creek, Black Flat, and the unique Meadow Hot Springs area. Most sites are first-come, first-served with minimal amenities, so come prepared with water and pack out all trash. The best spots are typically found within Fishlake National Forest boundaries, offering a balance of accessibility and natural beauty.
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