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Dispersed Camping near Glendale, UT
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Multiple BLM dispersed camping areas surround Glendale, Utah, with several sites clustered along Old Highway 89. These free primitive sites offer varying levels of access, with some areas like the gravel pit suitable for big rigs while others require high-clearance vehicles. Most locations feature established fire rings but no amenities—no water, toilets, or trash service is available. The proximity to Zion National Park makes these areas popular bases for park exploration, with most sites within 10-15 minutes of the east entrance.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area. While main access points are generally passable for most vehicles, interior roads can be challenging. As one camper noted, "Entry was a little rough, but it's a beautiful spot!" Several sites feature sandy terrain that may present issues during wet weather. The Horse Camp near Belly of the Dragon Trail provides creek-side camping with good separation between sites, though a visitor cautioned to "watch weather as the road seem like it could become sticky mud in rain." Most areas offer adequate cell service, particularly for Verizon and T-Mobile users.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Glendale (157)
1. BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed - BLM
"This area is up BLM Road #71 and was the old hwy. The actual main camping area is an old gravel pit area but views are great, solar is plentiful."
"You could easily use this as a base to explore Zion if you dont mind no facilities. The view was spectacular, and our spot had an already made fire pit."
2. Mt Carmel Old 89 Dispersed Camping
"The road is rough I would recommend a high clearance vehicle to be able to drive farther. We don't have that so we were limited on how far we were willing to drive down the rough dirt road."
"Take the exit from 89 and cross the remnants of the old 89 road. You will find several spots with previously used fire rings."
3. Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site
"We loved this free camping area! There aren't tons of spots(most of it is an open area), but we never had an issue getting one, even during spring break. "
"The section of the dispersed camping on the old highway road I chose was on a hilltop, so even though there wasn't much shade, the breezes were great and the views were even better."
4. Horse Camp Near Belly of the Dragon Trail
"Horse camp near belly of the dragon” connects with “Twin hollows canyon” which is also on BLM (it doesn’t show as “free camping” on this site for some reason)."
"We camped right next to the creek which is beautiful. Dead bird in the creek though and a spine of another animal. Lots of areas to camp for tents, car camping and rv/travel trailers."
5. Archers Overlook East Zion
"It’s a small lot off the highway, there are a few immediate fire pits you’ll see, we chose the one off to the left because it was shaded and a little more hidden."
"Nothing special, hard ground, limited space, good for hammocks or pull over van camping. Fires capable."
6. Uinta Flat Dispersed
"There are many different RV and tent sites that you can find dispersed throughout this area."
"We arrived just before sunset and found a great spot surrounded by big pines and aspen trees. Our spot was closely connected with a few other great spots but we were all alone."
7. Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest
"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. "
"Plenty of free camping opportunities as you drive down the dirt road. Space between sites is ideal so noise isn’t a problem."
8. Poverty Flat BLM Road #70 Dispersed Camping Area
"No water or toilets. Road a little rough but up to this point, ok with passenger car, but not if it's wet at all. I was towing 15 ft camper. Long trailers not recommended."
"There was a small ranch/private property close to the beginning campsites and their dogs barked all night but wasn’t close enough to really bother us. Good view of the stars here too!"
9. Hog Canyon
"We stayed a few miles up into the public land. There’s a lot of off-road trails & it’s muddy, tons of fun wheeling! Found a spot on the top of a hill that was flat enough for us to set up camp."
"Unfortunately the dirt road is a pretty heavily used off-road trail so there were several groups that went by while we were there. Nothing annoying but they will be coming by."
10. Harris Rim & Stout Canyon Dispersed
"We were driving through looking for a quick place to pull off the highway for the night. It's a few tarred miles off the road, but wauper esy to find, even at 11:30 pm when we stopped."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 33 min from St. George, UT
- 3 hrs 15 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 3 hrs 36 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 hrs 49 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Glendale, UT
458 Photos of 157 Glendale Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Horse Camp Near Belly of the Dragon TrailT
Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site
Mt Carmel Old 89 Dispersed CampingA
BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed - BLM
Harris Rim & Stout Canyon Disperseds
Strawberry Ridge
Archers Overlook East Zion
Uinta Flat Dispersed
Uinta Flat DispersedC
Hancock Road 64L Dispersed
Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Glendale, UT
1011 Reviews of 157 Glendale Campgrounds
- ssandy S.
TravelerNorth Creek Dispersed Camping
Easy to find and close to Springdale…the road in a bit tough but any 4WD can get to a spot if you take your time. The sound of the creek at night is so nice and it was super peaceful!
TomScoutOld Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site
Stayed multiple nights. Perfect location to nearby attractions / the town of Kanab. I was on arguably one of the closest sites to the Highway and road noise was not an issue. Cell service for T-Mobile: only if you are close to the highway. I recommend turning in off the highway and taking the first right hand turn and following it all the way down (youll drive on what asphalt remains of the old highway) and there a single spot about 1 mile down that road that is nice, private, secluded, and only may have 4x4 going up / down the hill next to you. No other traffic.
- LLeanne N.Scout
Tom's Best Spring Road Dixie National Forest
Many easily accessible spots, beautiful scenery
- Seren W.
GuideWhite House Free Camping
Spacious and Starry
As others have said the night sky and stargazing is amazing here. We found the road to the sites a bit difficult due to some rain that day but still manageable. I started by parking at the information area and walked the road to make sure it wasn’t too washed out. We loved waking up to the rock formations off in the distance as we did get in after dark.
- Seren W.Guide
Old Highway 89 Dispersed Riverside
Convenient
This was a quick convenient spot right off 89. I’m in a 20ft class C RV and made it to the very first campsite with no issues just using some careful navigation around the dip. There are sites back closer to the creek but the road was too rough for me to take an RV. Beautiful views of the mountain ranges to the east.
- JJaime F.Scout
Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site
Super scenic
Level ground. Need clearance to get up to the spots.
- TTanner P.Traveler
Bear Flat
Beautiful view!
It’s a beautiful Mountain View!
Lucas C.GuideLaVerkin Overlook Road Dispersed
Great Stop Outside Zion
Great camping site with a spectacular view. You get a beautiful sunrise and sunset, there are a good amount of sites scattered on the road. Not too busy, and campsites can be far enough to not see anyone once you set up. Road has lots of potholes so look out, but saw all kinds of cars driving it. Would be a 5 but the amount of trash left is a bit sad. If you come here make sure to clean up! Also be careful there are multiple signs for where the private property is, it’s all pretty clear but just don’t accidentally end up on the private property instead of a campsite.
Guide to Glendale
Multiple free dispersed camping areas on BLM land surround Mount Carmel and the east entrance of Zion National Park near Glendale. Old Highway 89 Dispersed offers several options with both lower valley sites and hilltop locations accessible via gravel roads. Horse Camp Near Belly of the Dragon Trail provides level sites with creek access and good separation between campers. Both areas accommodate tents and smaller RVs, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing the elevated sites.
Road conditions vary throughout the region, with some areas featuring soft sand that can become problematic after rain. Most sites include established fire rings but no amenities—no water, toilets, or trash service is available. According to one visitor, "The entry was a little rough, but it's a beautiful spot!" Cell service is generally good, with reviewers noting Verizon works well at Horse Camp while Old Highway 89 has better T-Mobile coverage. These areas provide convenient access to attractions including Zion National Park, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and the Belly of the Dragon formation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping near Glendale?
What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping near Glendale?
When dispersed camping near Glendale, you must camp in designated sites only in certain areas. At Leeds Canyon Dispersed #2 on Dixie National Forest land, you're limited to a 16-day stay. Similarly, at Parowan Gap Petroglyphs, camping is only permitted in established areas, not randomly throughout the area. General dispersed camping rules include packing out all trash, properly managing campfires, maintaining distance from water sources, and leaving no trace. Always check with local Forest Service or BLM offices for area-specific regulations before your trip.
Is dispersed camping free in the Glendale area?
Is dispersed camping free in the Glendale area?
Yes, dispersed camping is free in the Glendale area. Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site offers free camping with open areas close to Kanab and the east entrance of Zion. Similarly, Dave's Hollow Designated Dispersed Camping near Bryce Canyon National Park provides free camping at designated USFS spots that include fire rings. While these sites don't charge fees, they also don't offer amenities like water, trash service, or toilets. The standard stay limit is typically 14-16 days in a 30-day period on public lands around Glendale.
Where can I find dispersed camping in Glendale?
Where can I find dispersed camping in Glendale?
The Glendale area offers several excellent dispersed camping opportunities. Kitchen Corral Wash is easily accessible via a well-maintained dirt road that doesn't require 4WD despite warning signs. You'll find wide open camping areas just a quarter-mile off the highway. Another option is Tom's Best Spring Road in Dixie National Forest, which features beautiful Ponderosa pine surroundings with many dirt roads branching off the main Forest Service road, providing numerous site options. Both locations offer relatively easy access for most vehicles.
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