Gunlock sits in the high desert of southwestern Utah, about 15 miles northwest of Saint George, with BLM land spreading out in multiple directions from the small town. Dispersed camping on BLM land in this corridor has no fee and no reservation requirement, but no water, no restrooms, and no trash service either. Gunlock's pet-friendly camping page covers the designated sites in the area where pets are confirmed allowed if you want more structured options.
Road conditions vary. Some BLM access roads off State Route 18 hold up for standard vehicles in dry weather, but clay-heavy surfaces become impassable after rain, including for 4WD. Check conditions before heading out on any unpaved road in this area. The 14-day stay limit applies on BLM land. Fire restrictions run through dry stretches and cover most of summer, so check current status with the Saint George BLM field office before arrival. Saint George's dispersed camping options cover a broader set of BLM sites in the region if you want more choices in the same general area.
Elevation here runs around 4,500 feet, which is lower than most Utah dispersed areas and means year-round accessibility but summer heat. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through September. Water is the most important thing to pack, and the desert has none.
"Fun place to drive on the dirt roads "
"This location takes you to the beginning of the road into this area. Right off, there are large pull-through campsites with fire pits. As these were all taken, I pushed further in."
"We camped in a tent and it was really flat which made sleeping easy! The roads were a little rough from previous rain fall but not too bad! We were able to go to a site pretty far in, in a Kia forte."
"Recommend driving in and finding your spot with daylight versus at night like we did."
"Peaceful stay in the Dixie National Forest on FR901. Lots of space between the other couple campers we saw on this stretch of the road."
"There were others nearby but everyone was respectful and it was a nice stopping point to camp!"
"This site was immediately accessible off I15, yet still offered various camping options. Its basically a large lot with scrub brush access at the back. No trash visible. Quiet and low key."
"No frills, dispersed camping location just off the highway at the Arizona / Utah border. Great sunset/sunrise views."
"There’s of shade from the trees and a beautiful creek. We arrived at around 3pm and no one was around. By 5pm a good amount of people started driving in a picking their spots."
"Went to the right from the entrance all the way to end next to a private property. It’s really quiet and more secluded. You see other campers but you have privacy and your own place."
"Im currently tent camping out of my car and managed to make the place work. Sand obviously made it more difficult, but was doable. Accessible by RWD but be careful of patches of deeper sand."
"The first night we had people riding around until about 2 am. The area is absolutely beautiful. Red Utah desert and very sandy. Your gear will be pink by the time you go home."
"This place is a real hidden gem. You camp inside a forest of volcanic tuff rocks, which looks unique and cool. Sites are spacious and not crowded."
"Lakeside dispersed camping is competitive, so get there early on a Friday if you plan to be there over a weekend."
from $40 / night
"No amenities but easy place to camp. Short drive to find somewhere to stay for the night but if you have 4wd capabilities you could explore these roads forever."
"At the far corner of an unassuming neighborhood, there’s a dirt road with a couple signs saying no shooting and no camping. They’re referring to the first three miles of that road."
"George area late night (past midnight), looking for a place to stop, with plans to hit up the Green Valley mountain biking trails the next morning."
TravelerSolo girlie pop car camper- Great reception, clear sites. Felt safe. Some trash in the fire ring but people are gonna people I guess. I used someone’s satellite photo to access the spot, as it showed a paved road access rather than the bumpy version. I didn’t to too far in but my Subaru forester sport had no issues. Only stayed one night.
ScoutPlenty of spots available with fire pits. We got a spot right by the water. There are a lot of ant hills and it can be pretty muddy in some spots. My AWD suv did fine in the mud.
ScoutDefinitely a little bumpy and may be hard getting through to the back if wet and muddy. Other than that nice little spots with fire pits, a nice little stream, good service and not too far from the park.
TravelerEasy to get in. Small pop up
TravelerEasy 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!
TravelerWe camped here three nights, the first day being a Sunday night, and I think we snagged the last spot. Our car is 2WD and the upper spots (to the right) seemed safest- it’s a little muddier if you stay on the main dirt road into the area. The scenery is gorgeous, and there is a creek running through the greenbelt of trees. Road noise was a little noticeable when we were outside our car, but sleeping in the car with one of the windows open towards the creek was very pleasant. There is some kind of off roading stuff going across the road but they seemed to turn off all the bright lights and quieted down shortly after dark. This location is about a 20-25 minute drive from Zion National Park. We will definitely be back!
GuideGreat 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.
TravelerHaha the site was really beautiful. The sound of the little river moving was perfect and it's so close to Zion. There are several locations, not extremely packed, a few 3-4 other cars were there when we arrived.
Along the river, however, a ton of ant hills. Couldn't stand for long before I had them crawling on me. We did find one spot with very few ants but we're still there.
I guess that comes with dispersed camping territory. Would come again though!
TravelerEasy in and out
Dispersed camping near Gunlock, Utah offers isolated backcountry sites across public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Dixie National Forest. Most locations sit at elevations between 3,000-4,500 feet, creating significant temperature swings between seasons. The red sandstone landscapes contrast with juniper forests, offering variable terrain for primitive campsites.
Explore nearby water features: Cedar Pockets Pass Road provides convenient access to the Virgin River Gorge recreation areas. "The developed CG across the hwy is a way better option... cheap $8/$4 with restrooms, dumpster, water spigot, tables and fire rings," notes one camper about facilities near the Cedar Pockets Pass Road dispersed camping area.
Hiking from camp: Several trails connect directly to camping areas, making day hikes convenient. At North Creek Dispersed Camping, "Birds were singing all around--loved it! Good cell service," according to one visitor who found the area peaceful for nature exploration.
Target shooting opportunities: Some dispersed areas permit target shooting, though regulations change seasonally. Near Blake Gubler Road BLM, one camper warned, "People shoot out here and there are a ton of bullets and broken glass to show for it... So if you have dogs, DO NOT let them run around off leash in this area."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the separation between designated sites. At Leeds Canyon Dispersed #1, visitors noted that camping spots are "really spread out" with "far from other campsites so you'll get a private sense."
Natural features: The landscape offers distinctive camping experiences. "It's basically a large lot with scrub brush access at the back. No trash visible. Quiet and low key," reports a camper at Black Rock Road Dispersed camping area, highlighting the accessibility while maintaining natural features.
Water access at select sites: Some primitive camping spots near Gunlock offer seasonal creek access. At North Creek Dispersed Camping, a camper shared that "the stream is a great place to put some chairs and cool off," providing relief during hot weather.
Fire restrictions vary by location and season: Always check current regulations before planning campfires. At Black Rock Road Dispersed camping, one visitor advised, "don't go too deep without a 4x4 and big tires and bring firewood."
Road conditions change rapidly: Weather impacts accessibility to most sites. A camper at Enterprise Reservoir Campground noted that "lakeside dispersed camping is competitive, so get there early on a Friday if you plan to be there over a weekend."
Land jurisdiction matters: Some areas require permits. "The large open area is actually AZ State Trust land and you need a $15/$20 permit, unless you go out to the BLM," explains a camper about Black Rock Road Dispersed camping area.
Cell service variability: Coverage depends on specific location and carrier. At Cedar Pockets Pass Road, campers report, "We had decent T-Mobile LTE service. Quiet and star studded night."
Site selection for shade: Temperatures can soar, especially in summer months. At the Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed area, a visitor mentioned it's "right next to the creek, generally quiet with few other campers. Nice and dark at night for star gazing, and shade trees for during the day."
Accessible swimming spots: Some areas offer water recreation opportunities. Enterprise Reservoir Campground offers "lakeside dispersed camping" where "the lake does get pretty busy with a fair amount of ATV activity and kayakers."
Safety considerations: Remote areas require preparation. At Dixie National Forest FR901 Dispersed, campers describe the area as having a "bit grassy and lava rock-y" terrain, which is "wildly different and a nice change from the red sandy areas."
Site accessibility varies dramatically: Not all areas accommodate larger rigs. At Blake Gubler Road BLM, a camper with a 36' rig noted, "We found a spot farther up the trail that would fit a standard Class C. There's a spot farther up the trail that would fit a standard Class C."
Turnaround challenges: Scout ahead if possible with large vehicles. A camper at Leeds Canyon Dispersed #1 advised, "We went with 26ft trailer mid march. As someone else mentioned it is good for rv only on the first four or so. After that we wondered how we were going to turn around."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts RV camping significantly. At Enterprise Reservoir Campground, RVers note that "the lake does get pretty busy with a fair amount of ATV activity and kayakers, which we don't mind, but it may be an important point for others. No shade trees."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping areas around Gunlock Reservoir in Utah?
Several dispersed camping options are available near Gunlock Reservoir. BLM Navajo Rd Dispersed offers sites about three miles down a dirt road past residential areas. Look for the area beyond the "no camping" signs that apply only to the first three miles. Another option is Black Rock Road Dispersed, which provides easy access off I-15 with various camping spots in a large open area suitable for both RVs and tent camping. Both locations provide good proximity to Gunlock while offering the freedom of dispersed camping.
What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping near Gunlock, Utah?
Dispersed camping around Gunlock follows standard BLM and National Forest regulations. At Leeds Canyon Dispersed sites, camping is limited to 16 days and only permitted in designated areas. Similarly, BLM Dispersed N Kolob Terrace Road enforces a 14-day maximum stay. Fire restrictions are common in this region - many areas prohibit campfires completely during dry periods. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply as there are no trash services. Always camp in previously disturbed areas, stay at least 200 feet from water sources, and verify current restrictions with local BLM offices before your trip.
Are there any facilities or amenities available at Gunlock dispersed camping areas?
Dispersed camping areas around Gunlock offer minimal to no facilities. At Dalton Wash Dispersed, there are no amenities - no water, trash service, or toilets. Similarly, Leeds Canyon Dispersed #3 provides no water, trash collection, or restroom facilities. Some nearby areas like Gooseberry Mesa have vault toilets at trailheads, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Come prepared with all necessary supplies, including ample water, and plan to pack out all waste. Cell service is spotty in most areas, so download maps in advance.
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