Best Dispersed Camping near Hinckley, UT

Dispersed camping opportunities near Hinckley, Utah include several free primitive sites on public lands in the surrounding area. The region features multiple dispersed camping zones throughout Fishlake National Forest and nearby BLM lands, with notable areas including Whiskey Creek Road, West Fork 8 Mile Road, and the Pahvant Valley Heritage Trail. Most sites are basic clearings with no developed facilities, providing backcountry camping experiences within reasonable driving distance from Interstate 15.

Several access routes require navigating dirt and gravel roads with varying conditions. Whiskey Creek Road extends approximately 5.5 miles into the canyon, with the road becoming progressively rougher the farther you travel. Many areas are accessible by standard vehicles in dry conditions, though some remote sites may require high-clearance vehicles. No drinking water is available at any dispersed sites, and campers must pack out all trash. Campfires are permitted at most locations, though seasonal restrictions may apply during high fire danger periods.

The dispersed camping areas provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and solitude, particularly in the Whiskey Creek and West Fork areas. Sites along Whiskey Creek Road offer established fire rings and space for tents or small RVs. A visitor noted, "Quiet and peaceful. Camp was relatively flat, good trees for shade and elevated to allow for nice views and a breeze." The region also features unique recreational opportunities beyond camping, including Baker Hot Springs and Meadow Hot Springs, where primitive camping is allowed nearby. According to a review, "There are a couple of small pull-offs of the main canyon road that leads to very primitive campsites." Cell service varies significantly by location, with some areas receiving good coverage while others have none.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Hinckley, Utah (18)

    1. Pahvant Valley Heritage Trail Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Oasis, UT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 743-3100

    "Close to hot pots and great hiking areas."

    "This is close to the hot pots and we stay here in the fall or spring. It can get crowded so be prepared not to camp in the caves on a busy weekend. "

    2. Dispersed Sandy Lot

    2 Reviews
    Oak City, UT
    19 miles
    Website

    "Access is easy on and off from a gravel road.. Campers, RVs, and people with tents can easily use this site. No facilities."

    "We were looking for an easy place away from the interstate to split our drive from Idaho to St George in half.  There was no one here at all and found easy place with a tree to set up 26ft tt. "

    3. Whiskey Creek Road USFS Dispersed

    1 Review
    Oak City, UT
    19 miles
    Website

    "Drove another 20 on whiskey creek on a well maintained dirt road. Camp was relatively flat, good trees for shade and elevated to allow for nice views and a breeze."

    4. Dispersed West Fork 8 Mile Road

    3 Reviews
    Oak City, UT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 743-5721

    "I found a spot on Eight Mile road, just off i-15, near the east side of the national forest. I drove up the dirt road for a while until I found a nice flat spot for the night. "

    "This spot is just into the Fishlake National Forest. There is nothing fancy about this location. It is just a grassy spot along the road as you start following the road into the national forest."

    5. Baker Hot Springs Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Lynndyl, UT
    20 miles

    "Multiple pools varying temps from 85-110'f Some creeks burn your toes 180'f Dispersed spots with lava rock rings for fires."

    6. Whiskey Creek Road - Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    Oak City, UT
    19 miles
    Website

    "This site is located on the northerly side of the road. A number of fire pits exist in this area. It is readily apparent that others have stayed here in the past and it is a popular spot."

    7. Fish Lake National Forest Campsite

    6 Reviews
    Oak City, UT
    26 miles

    "Quite a few spots accessible by car. A couple fireplaces here and there too. A fair amount of fallen pine and juniper wood there to use for building fires."

    "Super easy access for any car if roads are dry. Lots of places to get back in the junioers a lil and have a nice private place to sleep."

    8. West Fork - Whiskey Creek Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Oak City, UT
    23 miles
    Website

    "You can park at the trailhead and hike up only 2 miles before you start seeing deer and elk everywhere."

    9. Baker Hot Springs Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Lynndyl, UT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 743-3100

    10. Meadow Hot Springs

    9 Reviews
    Meadow, UT
    33 miles

    "Road is bumpy and may be difficult for cars to get back to the main spring but you can always park and walk. Be sure not to leave any trash as this is private property owned by super nice people!"

    "There are 3 natural hot spring bath tubes on a private property in the meadows. Camping among the cows and having a bath in a natural hot tub while the sun is rising - it's a dream."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hinckley, UT

43 Reviews of 18 Hinckley Campgrounds


  • BoneMonkey ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2023

    Marjum Pass Dispersed Camping

    Open camping with great lines of sight

    Camped on the Western opening of Marjum Canyon. Drove through the canyon a few times. Dispersed camping and small pull-offs all throughout.

    Photos are of the Western slope pouring out of the canyon. As you exit the Canyon heading West, there are pull offs on both sides of the dirt road. Some areas may need high clearance vehicles to get over. There are small pull offs and dirt roads that low clearance vehicles can go over.

    Most surrounding land is BLM land.

    No Water

    No Shade

    No Wood

  • Ean P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Fish Lake National Forest Campsite

    Great Spot Just Don’t Camp Here Alone in a Tent

    Great spot for camping with a group. Quite a few spots accessible by car. A couple fireplaces here and there too. A fair amount of fallen pine and juniper wood there to use for building fires. Just remember to drown out your fires with water (there’s a sign).

    I do not recommend tent camping here solo though. This wasn’t my first time tent camping solo either. As I was laying in my sleeping bag inside my tent around 11pm, some creature started stalking me around midnight. I could hear it moving and breathing outside my tent. I managed to scare it off by hitting my car’s “panic button” on the keys. I then packed up immediately and left.

  • Derek E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2019

    West Fork - Whiskey Creek Dispersed Camping

    Wildlife EVERYWHERE!

    If you’re looking for a fun backpacking camping trip where you’re guaranteed to see tons of wildlife, this is it. Not only will you avoid the crowded campgrounds, but you’ll be able to do it without hiking a million miles from your vehicle.

    You can park at the trailhead and hike up only 2 miles before you start seeing deer and elk everywhere. You simply follow the river up the canyon, and choose from any of the small flat locations for tent camping, or pick a couple trees to hang a hammock. Choices are abundant. In the summer months, water is scarce so bring water. If the creek is full and running you can simply filter water.

    There is a beautiful meadow area at the top of the trail before you begin to descend down the other side (another beautiful area).

    Was able to hike in with my 8 year old, and he loved it. Great secluded dispersed spot for wildlife watching.

  • P
    May. 25, 2023

    Dispersed West Fork 8 Mile Road

    Alone with the cows

    I found a spot on Eight Mile road, just off i-15, near the east side of the national forest. I drove up the dirt road for a while until I found a nice flat spot for the night. 

    I could hear some road noise, but had 3+ bars of T-mobile 5g service. Not another person in sight except for maybe 2 cars that drove by during the night. Plenty of cows and cow patties around though!

    Bonus: Eight mile road was a shortcut to westbound highway 50 and a nice way to start the drive in the morning.

  • mason M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Meadow Hot Springs

    Relaxing Hot Spring

    Super relaxing hot spring with a few other springs at decent temperatures. Road is bumpy and may be difficult for cars to get back to the main spring but you can always park and walk. Be sure not to leave any trash as this is private property owned by super nice people!

  • Jenny&Tobias P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2023

    Meadow Hot Springs

    A bath tub in the meadows - wonderful

    There are 3 natural hot spring bath tubes on a private property in the meadows. Camping among the cows and having a bath in a natural hot tub while the sun is rising - it's a dream. There are a some camping spots around the springs and a sign that says "Enjoy and please donate" so the visit is by donation and not paying. The road to the hot tubs is very bumpy and mudy after a rain, better walk in. A very beautiful stop when you tired out from driving.

  • J
    May. 9, 2024

    Mountain Mecca

    Off road camping

    Open area looks like local party spot, not for RVs. Lots of spots to pitch a tent, established fire pits. Not far off the main road. Road goes up past water tower and recommends using 4wd to come up to prevent washboard, but any vehicle with awe would do. No amenities and very private.

  • randy C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2021

    Dispersed Sandy Lot

    Basic dispersed site right off road

    There is a fire pit. Access is easy on and off from a gravel road.. Campers, RVs, and people with tents can easily use this site. No facilities.

  • randy C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2021

    Dispersed West Fork 8 Mile Road

    Basic grassy area to camp

    This spot is just into the Fishlake National Forest. There is nothing fancy about this location. It is just a grassy spot along the road as you start following the road into the national forest. There may very well be cattle in the area and that will depend on the time of the year. But, it would make a great base camp from which to ATV or ride horses.


Guide to Hinckley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Hinckley, Utah, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from serene meadows to rugged terrains.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Hinckley, Utah

Wildlife watching opportunities while free camping near Hinckley

  • At West Fork - Whiskey Creek Dispersed Camping, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including deer and elk, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
  • The area around Meadow Hot Springs is known for its natural beauty and wildlife, providing a unique experience for those who enjoy observing animals in their natural habitat.
  • If you venture to Pahvant Valley Heritage Trail Dispersed, you’ll find opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting, all while enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

Scenic views and activities for dispersed campers

  • The Dispersed Sandy Lot is a great base for exploring the nearby landscapes, offering scenic views and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and ATV riding.
  • For a unique experience, consider camping at Baker Hot Springs Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy a soak in natural hot springs after a day of exploring.
  • The Cherry Creek Campsites provide a wide-open space perfect for setting up camp and enjoying the stars at night, making it ideal for stargazing and relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hinckley, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hinckley, UT is Pahvant Valley Heritage Trail Dispersed with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hinckley, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Hinckley, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.