Tent camping near Glendale, Utah sits at elevations ranging from 5,900 to 7,000 feet, creating significant temperature swings between day and night. The area includes primarily Ponderosa pine forests with interspersed meadows and views of surrounding sandstone formations. Forest Service Roads near camping areas often become impassable during winter months when snow accumulates, generally from December through March.
What to do
Backcountry hiking access: Great Western Trail Dispersed camping provides excellent access to lesser-known hiking trails. "The campground is beautiful with woods surrounding our site. Lots of wildlife walking around our tent area at night. It's very clean with a few fire pits and is a great temperature in early August," notes Henry W.
Night sky observation: Lambs Knoll Climbing Site Camping offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. "This campsite was very quiet except on nights when a stargazing guide group came to meet up there around 9/9:30 PM. They weren't super loud and only met there and then left shortly after," reports a camper.
Rock climbing access: The Lambs Knoll area features designated tent camping specifically for climbers. "This is a new very nice parking area with a vault toilet that has been developed by the BLM for folks climbing the nearby rock features. However, there are about 8 very small walk-in tent designated sites for free camping," explains one visitor.
What campers like
Stream access: Kolob Road BLM Dispersed offers camping near running water. "Surrounded by the beginning mountains of zion. Had the campground to myself had multiple sites here with firepits next to the creek to spend the day in. A bit of Nats due to the creek," notes one camper.
Morning hiking convenience: The location helps with early starts on popular trails. "Just 8 mins from the Left Fork subway trail head makes this spot ideal for those looking for an easy early start. Nearby river gives you that ambient sound to drown out the world," shares a reviewer.
Privacy between sites: Kolob Terrace Road provides natural barriers between campsites. "It was a nice spread out camp area. There were a couple of other vans there but the trees and campgrounds offered a fair bit of privacy," writes Anastasia T. Another camper noted, "Pretty small, but we found a great spot. Lots of cows!"
What you should know
Weather preparation requirements: Temperature fluctuations demand comprehensive gear. "I saw a few spots at the marker but in driving further to find a turnaround spot for my long van I found a few other spots. Found an open space with rock fire spots and was great. Super quiet and was outside burn restriction areas so we had a good fire. Was in the 30s at night in June so be prepared!" warns a camper at Candy Loop Camp.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. "Standard dispersed camping, non designated camping. Level spots and good tree coverage. Minimal road noise and 5G service on T-Mobile," reports Connor M. about Candy Loop Camp.
Temporary closures: Some popular dispersed camping areas experience periodic closures. "This place was closed to camping September 7th unless the map took us to the wrong place," reports one camper about Great Western Trail Dispersed camping.
Tips for camping with families
Flat terrain selection: Uinta Flat Dispersed Camp offers level ground ideal for family tent setups. "Road in is smooth and mostly gravel. Sites are beautiful and in the trees," shares Richard D.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple camps offer wildlife encounters. "We stayed here for just one night, but we wished we had more time. Easy access and flat sites," notes a camper at Uinta Flat.
Tent-only designated sites: For families preferring established areas, Lambs Knoll provides designated tent camping. "This area is very popular for local guide companies, please park respectfully in a single spot. Expect the area to be very busy (crowded) during the day, the lot fills up entirely most days," advises Alex B.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most dispersed areas near Glendale can't accommodate larger RVs. "Small tight area to get into...strongly do NOT recommend TTs or any RV at this BLM spot due to steep downhill rd and no turnarounds! Tent or van nomads only due to no tt turnarounds!" warns Greg L. about Kolob Road BLM Dispersed.
Turnaround limitations: Van campers should scout ahead before committing to narrow roads. "Road was easy to pull down and turn around in my Ford Transit. Nice views and access to creek. Quiet except a bit of road noise," shares one Transit van owner.
Alternative parking arrangements: When tent camping near Glendale isn't practical in an RV, some campers find alternatives. "After unsuccessfully navigating an access point further down Kolob Terr road, we back tracked to an open field just off route 9. No trees or coverage, but enough space to spread out. Small campers to class A's are here," notes Charles K.