Dispersed tent camping options surround Gunlock, Utah, ranging from 3,700 to 6,500 feet in elevation across the region's varying landscapes. Temperature differences between higher and lower sites can reach 15-20°F during summer months, with Cedar Pocket and Leeds Canyon remaining accessible year-round. Most campgrounds in this area sit along creeks or washes that flow seasonally after rainfall.
What to do
Crawdad fishing at Veyo Pool: Located 30 minutes from St. George, Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon offers a unique camping activity. "Crawdading in the river is available. Bring a bucket or get one at the concessions," notes Christina S., who adds that the site features "a fully finished spring-fed pool, concession area, flushable toilets and hot showers."
Rock climbing access: Campsites at Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon place climbers near excellent terrain. "Individual camping spots along a river valley with steep climbing walls. Camp almost directly at the base of your climb," according to Christina S., making it ideal for climbing-focused camping trips.
Stream exploration: Several campgrounds provide stream access for cooling off during hot weather. At Mitt Moody Campground, Jake C. notes it's "a great loop for tent/car campers. No cell service. Bathroom nearby and walkway close," while the area offers easy water access for summer heat relief.
What campers like
Red rock surroundings: Many dispersed sites feature distinctive sandstone formations. At Leeds Canyon Dispersed #1, Jonathan E. describes the setting as a "Cool spot with red cliffs and red sand all around. Easily accessible," though he notes it "was very windy at night (but not during the day)" during his May visit.
Shaded sites: Higher elevation campgrounds typically offer better tree cover. Jessica observed at Leeds Canyon Dispersed that "it was a beautiful area" with "gorgeous view," though she warns about finding spots: "It was so hard to find a spot I actually had to stay a night down on the St George path of the mountain and come back around a few times the next day."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear desert skies make for excellent night viewing. Kelly P. at Beaver Dam Washington Dispersed Camping mentions they were the "only campers there, Joshua trees, views, starry nights, easy access off 91," adding "some cows roaming around but they did not spoil the experience."
What you should know
Site availability challenges: Popular dispersed sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. Laura M. reports at Leeds Canyon Dispersed, "We drove all the way to site #7/8 before turning around. One of the sites (7 or 8) was occupied, the other was free, and they definitely separated, but it still felt like we'd be crowding the camper."
Wind concerns: Several tent campers report strong evening winds in lower elevation sites. Jonathan E. warns about Leeds Canyon: "It was also very windy at night (but not during the day) when I went... it was windy enough when I was there that I was getting legitimately worried about the well-being of my tent."
Challenging terrain: Rocky ground makes tent setup difficult at many locations. At Oak Grove Campground, Corinna H. notes it's "cheap, one hour from Zion" but cautions "you have to drive on a dirt road for a while to get there. But hey, it's only $5!!"
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: During summer months, look for sites with water features. Aaron W. reports Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon "is kids favorite camp spot. Plenty of things to do," although he notes "my only complaint is the privacy. We got the largest site and people walked through our camp constantly."
Beginner-friendly sites: First-time tent campers near Gunlock should consider established campgrounds. At Mitt Moody, Brandi C. notes "this campground was beautiful. We camped at site #5 up on top. It was a huge site with some shade," adding that "water is clean and tastes good" with "bathroom always clean."
Wildlife watching: Several campgrounds offer wildlife viewing opportunities. At Ebenezer Bryce Campground, Michael G. recommends this "really nice spot next to a stream" where "there is plenty of wildlife around. Spots are tents but I slept in the back of my truck."
Tips from RVers
Road access considerations: Many dispersed sites have challenging access roads. Greg L. cautions at Oak Grove: "Road is graded gravel but is steep and narrow access and the 8 sites are small. Travel trailers and large RVs are not recommended."
Site selection for trailers: Larger rigs need specific sites at Leeds Canyon. Bruce J. warns "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."
Cellular connectivity: Coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. At Kolob Terrace Road, Anastasia T. notes this "nice spread out camp area" is "close to the road without having to hear all the freeway traffic," adding it's "a good while away from the park (25 minutes maybe) but not too far that you feel like you are wasting gas."
