N
Nicole R.
Scout
ScoutHancock Road 64L Dispersed
Perfect Spot
This spot was right off the road but still felt private. There is not a lot of places to camp but there was plenty of room for our truck & trailer. The coral sand was beautiful.
Camping near Dixie National Forest
Dixie National Forest stretches across nearly 2 million acres of southern Utah, covering terrain from red rock canyon country near St. George up through high-elevation plateaus above 10,000 feet. Campground types run the full range: developed Forest Service sites with water and vault toilets, primitive tent-only spots, dispersed BLM-adjacent land, and cabin rentals through recreation.gov. Dixie National Forest's dispersed camping is the highest-traffic entry point for campers who want no-fee options across the forest's multiple ranger districts.
Elevation dictates the seasonal window. Lower sites near Cedar City and St. George stay accessible year-round. Higher sites in the Powell and Escalante ranger districts close with first snow and may not reopen until June. Fire restrictions apply broadly during summer dry periods. Check current status at the relevant ranger district before finalizing any site. Cabin rentals in Dixie National Forest book months out during peak season, so plan early if that's the direction you're going.
Best Camping Sites Near Dixie National Forest (270)
1. Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest
70 ReviewsTropic, UT14 milesWebsite+1 (435) 865-3700"Bryce Canyon campgrounds were full, as well as the nearby designated campsites at Red Canyon. "
"Lots of great trails close by and super close to the park entrance - all for FREE! Couldn’t ask for more!"
2. Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground
79 ReviewsFern Ridge Lake, OR16 milesWebsite+1 (435) 834-5341"Our camper was nestled in the trees with a hill behind the camper, where we could also explore."
"We rented a pull behind trailer to tow behind our LR4. We were looking for a clean, established campground with full hook ups, as close to Bryce Canyon NP as a possible."
3. North Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park
84 ReviewsTropic, UT17 milesWebsite+1 (435) 834-5322$30 / night
"The sites are tucked into cozy piney woods that belies the massive red, rocky hoodoos just a few yards away in the amphitheater. "
"I was only able to spend a short time here on my Utah National Park road trip this year but I really fell in love with this place."
4. Red Canyon Campground
32 ReviewsDixie National Forest, UT7 milesWebsite+1 (435) 676-2676$30 - $60 / night
"About 38ish mixed use sites (tents and campers mixed in, although most RVs and campers were on the one side and tents on the other loop) right on Highway 12, so there is road noise all day (but it quiets"
"It's in the Dixie National Forest about 12 miles from the entrance to Bryce Canyon NP."
5. Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping
33 ReviewsFern Ridge Lake, OR10 milesWebsite+1 (435) 865-3700"Dispersed camping in the beautiful Ponderosa pines of Dixie National Forest. The Forest Service road is easy to navigate. There are many dirt roads branching off of it with sites to choose from."
"It's a beautiful drive coming up here from Flagstaff and especially through Kanab, a sweet little town with such amazing people."
6. Sunset Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park
57 ReviewsTropic, UT17 milesWebsite+1 (435) 834-5322$30 - $100 / night
"Sunset is one of two campgrounds in Bryce Canyon National Park in Southwest Utah. Bryce is a beautiful canyon and a must see if you are touring southern Utah."
"Sunset Campground in Bryce Canyon National Park is beautiful and spacious, and is very close to some overlooks and the visitor's center."
7. FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping
24 ReviewsFern Ridge Lake, OR10 miles"It was pretty busy when we arrived so our spot was next to the road. One bonus: short off-road drive to our spot"
"Plenty of available sites, many drive through. Many could accommodate our 35' motorhome. Among the tall pines yet enough sunlight for solar panels. Four bars of AT&T 4G."
8. FR 090 - dispersed camping
42 ReviewsFern Ridge Lake, OR16 milesWebsite+1 (435) 865-3700"Do not park near the road if you can avoid it. Ruined our time here as groups with dirt bikes and ATVs speeding by. We could eat outside for the dust."
"Literally right next to the entrance of the national park! Magical area, very secluded, sites are spaced well apart, and roads aren’t too bad, though we had a high clearance vehicle."
9. Hitch-N-Post RV Campground
13 ReviewsPanguitch, UT3 milesWebsite+1 (435) 749-0534$20 - $70 / night
"Full hookups drive through or back in however I did tent camping. perfect place to use as a hub when traveling the national parks in Utah!"
"This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."
10. Great Western Trail Dispersed
28 ReviewsFern Ridge Lake, OR14 miles"Based on a map posted at the entrance, we followed the road to find a bunch of spots about 20 minutes down the dirt road."
"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."
Recent Camping Photos near Dixie National Forest
439 Photos of 270 Dixie National Forest Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Panguitch KOA
KOA Campground Panguitch
Dixie Forest RV Resort by Rjourney
Casto Canyon Rd Dispersed CampingB
Casto CanyonH
BLM Rd #1700 Dispersed Campingv
Red Canyon Campground
Bryce Canyon YurtF
Cabin Hollow FS #121 Dispersed Camping
White Bridge
Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping
FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping
Recent Reviews near Dixie National Forest
1738 Reviews of 270 Dixie National Forest Campgrounds
Johanna A.
GuidePyramid Ridge Campground
Beautiful area
Quiet campground, just what we needed and close to amazing mountain bike trails. No water, and no hookups. But there are stores nearby to grab drinking water ahead of time.
- RRick V.Scout
Yankee Meadows
Lovely Uncrowded Creekside Campround
As native Las Vegans, we are desperate to find summer respite in higher altitudes in Southern Utah, which is barely 3 hours away with many options within minutes of I-15. My friend Paul used to camp in a secluded clearing 1/4 mile south of Yankee Meadows Reservoir for years and said it was his favorite secret camping spot for years until I got him drunk and demanded that he show me this fabled spot. When we went, the tiny meadow was full of cow patties from free range cattle, which kind of killed my visual hard on for this spot.
On the plus side, the trout fishing on the beautiful, non-motorized reservoir was great and on that trip I discovered another, more spectacular and less cow-shitty camping area north of the reservoir in a large meadow among a stand of pine trees. The lack of pit toilets (no big loss), and picnic tables is just inconvenient enough to ward off the fair-weather camping fans, which leaves the area much quieter and exclusive feeling. The best part is the small rushing stream that passes through the campground and serenades you to sleep if your tent is close enough. I highly recommend camping in the spring when the meadow is carpeted with wildflowers, however this high altitude area had perfect weather all summer. It is also relatively close to the ski area, Brian Head, which is a great place to hike, mountain bike, or rent an ATV/ Razer.
Please don't tell too many people about YMR; one of my top 10 favorite camping spots on earth...
Here is a poem I penned about this spot:
Welcome, Autumn! Cool September mornings are welcomed in the Mojave like hugs from grandchildren not seen for two consecutive Christmases. The frenetic pace, the hustle of the long summer darting around on hot pavement like harried ants carrying heavy cargo is mercifully drawing to an end. A Fall pilgrimage to Lee Canyon or Yankee Meadows to witness the flittering aspen groves afire with colors and spectacle that rival any fireworks show on the Vegas Strip. Our bodies, which have not felt the sensation of chill for half a year begin to rest and to heal and like the sun-scorched and wilted plants in the yard, Autumn brings with it new growth, re-found vigor and Agency that can only be found with fresh eyes. Autumn is the eternal font of Gratitude. Welcome back, Friend!
Here's another great review:
https://landcruisingadventure.blogspot.com/2016/06/camping-near-yankee-meadows-campground.html?m=1
- RRichard J.Scout
BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed - BLM
Beautiful panoramic view.
We had to drive through pot holes and across mud and water to get to the sites, but we'll worth it. Some road noise, but not bad.
Brett H.
TravelerMt Carmel Old 89 Dispersed Camping
Large area
Camped Saturday night. Large area. Only a handful of other campers. Great place to star gaze!
- JJohn L.Traveler
Kodachrome State Park
Nice park, Amazing amenities
The scenery here is not Zion but it is really nice for people who just want to get somewhere pretty, do small hikes, and camp. The camp spots are close but the trees make it seem more spacious. The “no generators after 4pm” is also a major plus for those seeking peaceful outdoor camping.
The amenities here deserve special mention here: in short, they are amazing. The showers here are the undisputed nicest public showers we have ever used. The bathrooms are also impeccable. All of the spots have shade (you will need in the summer. There is even a frisbee golf course somewhere here! - SSteven O.Traveler
Bryce View Campground — Kodachrome Basin State Park
Very very scenic but you have to drive
This is place is extremely scenic and quiet but just know you must drive to get to ANY hiking. Walk the dog? I guess 10 laps around the loop? Or risk your life on the gravel road.
- PPaul S.Guide
North Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park
Fantastic Camping in the Heart of Bryce Canyon!
North Campground is an absolute gem! A fantastic location surrounded by spectacular scenery, with excellent campsites and easy access to some of the most breathtaking hiking and cycling trails imaginable.
Whether you’re exploring the incredible rock formations on foot or enjoying the stunning scenery from your bike, there’s something amazing around every corner. The convenience of having so many outdoor adventures right on your doorstep makes this campground a brilliant base for exploring Bryce Canyon National Park.
A truly memorable camping experience in one of America’s most spectacular national parks. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would happily return. Highly recommended!
- AAaron S.Traveler
Bear Flat
Crowed camp spot
Popular spots for tourists, they will just park next to you if they can’t find any spots . Even when the spots are already crowded .
Guide to Dixie National Forest
Dispersed camping in Dixie National Forest offers alternatives to developed campgrounds between spring and fall when high elevation areas remain accessible. This region connects the Great Basin to the Colorado Plateau, creating diverse landscapes from 5,400 to over 10,000 feet in elevation. Winter temperatures at higher elevations can drop well below zero degrees Fahrenheit, making lower elevation spots like Red Canyon and areas near Panguitch Lake more suitable for off-season camping.
What to do
Mountain biking on Thunder Mountain Trail: Located near Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed, this moderate trail offers technical sections through hoodoo formations. "Social or secluded...Close to Bryce Canyon and easy access to Thunder Mountain trail loop, awesome moderate mt biking trail," notes Jeanie P.
Hiking to viewpoints: The trails behind Red Canyon Campground provide excellent hiking with fewer crowds. "The hiking paths behind the campground are easy and fun, with spectacular views and NO crowds!! During the day, the campground is quite noisy from Scenic Highway 12, but it's peaceful after 5 pm," according to Colette K.
Wildlife viewing at dusk: Park rangers recommend Road 087 toward the reservoir for wildlife spotting. Anthony P. shared about Great Western Trail Dispersed: "Note on the map, if you follow road 087 down towards the reservoir, the Park Service recommends this as the best place to view wildlife before dusk."
What campers like
Designated dispersed sites: Dave's Hollow offers organized free camping just outside Bryce Canyon. "Dave's Hollow Designated Camping has quite a few sites but seems to fill up quickly since it's just outside of Bryce Canyon NP. There are designated campsites," explains Angela M. from FR 090 dispersed camping.
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas offer good separation between campers. "This was our favourite site in our trip, we took the first left and there were barely any people down that way. Our area had tons of trees so it felt quite private and was very spread out from the people beside us," says Maddy T. about Toms Best Spring Road.
Hot showers for day hikers: Weary hikers can access pay showers even without camping. "The showers are fantastic and are available for a cost for non-campers also," notes Heather S. about Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal road closures: Many forest roads close in winter or during wet weather. "It's a beautiful area but with the recent weather the road into the camping area was closed. Very wet and slick mud," reports Kristine G. about FR 090.
Weather extremes: Temperatures swing dramatically between day and night, even in summer. "We stayed in September and by the middle of the night it was about 20 degrees so bundle up!!" warns Emily from North Campground.
Camping restrictions: Not all forest roads permit camping throughout their length. "Like the other reviewers mentioned, there's a camp restriction at the first .5 mile in but if you keep going you'll find some really nice large spots with fire rings and perfectly spaced trees to put up your hammock," says Yasmeen A. about Great Western Trail Dispersed.
Cell service variability: Coverage depends on location and provider. "Great cell service in the area," reports Christine about FR117, while other remote areas have limited to no service.
Tips for camping with families
Junior Ranger programs: These offer educational activities for children. "The junior ranger program was awesome!" mentions Kelley H. about North Campground at Bryce Canyon.
Community campfire events: Some campgrounds host social gatherings. Kelly N. shares about Hitch-N-Post RV Campground: "They hold a weekly bon fire, and offer morning coffee (sometimes with baked treats!) There is a dog park, horseshoe and cornhole courts."
Easy wildlife encounters: Children can spot deer and other animals near campsites. "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. about Great Western Trail.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many areas require work to level larger vehicles. "RV spots are pretty exposed & mine was on a hill w/ only one levelish portion (53). Ended up in loop D tent area (93) and it seems like many camper van folks end up here," shares Beverly O. about North Campground.
Accessibility for larger rigs: Some dispersed areas accommodate big vehicles. "Plenty of available sites, many drive through. Many could accommodate our 35' motorhome. Among the tall pines yet enough sunlight for solar panels," notes Tom W. about FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping.
Early arrival recommendation: Free sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "I'd say get here by 4P for a guaranteed spot on the weekend. Beautifully shaded open sites. About 3-5acres/site," advises Jeff P. regarding FR 090 dispersed camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Dixie National Forest?
Where are the best campgrounds in Dixie National Forest?
Dixie National Forest offers excellent camping options for all preferences. King Creek Group Site is a secluded gem just 13 miles from Bryce Canyon with large, flat sites spaced well apart. For those seeking dispersed camping, Mammoth Dispersed provides beautiful spots next to Mammoth Creek with pit toilets available. Other notable options include Red Canyon Campground along Highway 12, White Bridge Campground along Panguitch Creek, and Navajo Lake Campground with both walk-in and drive-up sites. Cedar Canyon is well-maintained and perfect for beginner campers, offering proximity to Cedar Breaks and Duck Creek.
Do I need permits for camping in Dixie National Forest?
Do I need permits for camping in Dixie National Forest?
Permits are not required for most camping in Dixie National Forest, but there are important regulations to follow. At dispersed sites like Tom Best Spring Road FR117 and Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area, camping is free with a 16-day stay limit. For developed campgrounds, fees apply but no advance permits are needed—most operate on a first-come, first-served basis or through recreation.gov reservations. Always check current fire restrictions which may require permits for campfires depending on the season. Contact the nearest Dixie National Forest ranger district office before your trip for the most up-to-date regulations.
What is the best time of year to camp in Dixie National Forest?
What is the best time of year to camp in Dixie National Forest?
Late spring through early fall is ideal for camping in Dixie National Forest. May provides a quiet experience with fewer crowds at places like Yankee Meadows, though be prepared for cooler temperatures at higher elevations. Summer is popular but Cabin Hollow on Forest Road 121 fills up quickly during this season. The forest's elevation ranges from 2,800 to over 10,000 feet, creating variable conditions. Fall offers colorful foliage and cooler temperatures. Winter camping is possible in lower elevations, but many forest roads and campgrounds close due to snow, especially those at higher altitudes where temperatures can drop significantly.
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