Several free dispersed camping areas surround Ivins, Utah on public BLM land. Blake Gubler Road BLM offers multiple pull-off sites with variable access conditions. The dirt road is generally well-maintained though bumpy, with one reviewer noting it's "very long and bumpy" but accessible in a Kia Forte. The area accommodates tents and small rigs, though only one spot about a third up the road can fit larger Class A motorhomes.
Sand Hollow OHV Camp provides a sandy free camping area popular with off-road enthusiasts. The area can be noisy with ATVs and dirt bikes, sometimes until late hours. As one camper noted, "If you're in the area to see sand hollow via motorcycle or side-by-side this is a perfect base camp. For everyone else you might be quickly annoyed by the noise." Other options include Water Conservancy District Camping (limited to one-night stays) and BLM Navajo Rd Dispersed, where campers should "drive out a few miles past red cliffs reserve till you pass the 'your public lands sign' and find pull offs with fire rings." Most dispersed sites in the region follow the standard 14-day camping limit, lack amenities, and frequently have issues with trash and target shooting debris.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"Quite a few dispersed spots. Being out in the desert there isn't much to create privacy from one group of people to the next but they are far enough apart you won't hear eachother."
"This spot is a little ways off the highway. The road is rutted but manageable."
"There are no fees but also no amenities. So please, if you pack it in then you need to pack it out. Bring plenty of water for drinking and cleaning."
"Great camping close to Zion! There are some shaded spots but they get taken quick. There were lots of spots out in the open and we ended up at one of those."
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 options near Ivins, Utah provide free alternatives on public land within 30 miles of town. Most sites sit between 3,000-4,000 feet elevation with rocky terrain that can become challenging after rain. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in these open desert locations, while winter nights can drop below freezing.
Explore petroglyphs nearby: At Mount Trumbull Loop Dispersed camping, you can access local rock art sites. "Just a couple miles from the petroglyphs," notes one camper who found this area convenient before heading to the Grand Canyon.
Access OHV trails: Sand Hollow OHV Camp provides direct access to popular off-road vehicle areas. "Lots of room for camping great access to ohv trails," says one reviewer who appreciated the convenient trail connections.
Take scenic drives: The roads through camping areas often showcase desert landscapes. "Beyond gorgeous views with camping spots really spread out!" reports one visitor to Leeds Canyon. The red rock formations create a distinctive backdrop for your primitive camping experience.
Seclusion options: North Creek Dispersed Camping offers quieter spots for those willing to explore. "If you have a vehicle with high clearance, take the creek crossing and you will have many more options!" advises one camper who found additional sites beyond the main camping area.
Night sky viewing: The lack of light pollution makes star observation excellent. One camper at Cedar Pockets Pass Road noted, "We came here during labour day weekend and had the place to ourselves. No trees, but the mountains provide nice shade in the evening and morning."
Natural water features: Some primitive sites near Ivins feature seasonal creeks. A camper at BLM Navajo Rd Dispersed found "Gorgeous views and we saw no other people but lots of trash/broken glass/shotgun shells. Had to keep our dog on a short leash but worked well for a quick dinner and place to crash for a night."
Permit requirements vary: Some areas designated as BLM are actually state trust land. A camper at Mount Trumbull Loop Dispersed warned: "STATE TRUST LAND, NOT BLM - PERMIT IS REQUIRED TO STAY HERE," after receiving a visit from rangers.
Weather impacts accessibility: Cedar Pockets Pass Road - Dispersed Camping can become impassable during wet conditions. "Only drawback is it's so far up that when it rains it may take a couple of days for the road to be passable," explains one reviewer who recommends having "plenty of clearance and plenty of time."
Time restrictions apply: Some areas limit stays. At Water Conservancy District Camping, "New for 2023 is a sign that notes one day limit to camping. So this area is ok as a last option but not much more. Couple sites have tables, and I saw a dumpster and one portapotty."
Phone service varies: Cell reception depends on exact location. One camper reported "I have neither the time nor the crayons to explain how easy it is to not litter" when describing Mount Trumbull Loop's reception quality alongside frustration with site conditions.
Select quieter locations: For families, noise levels matter when primitive camping near Ivins. At Sand Hollow OHV Camp, a reviewer noted: "Would have been a cool spot but we had dirt bikes riding around at 2am. 2wd accessible, bunch of spots to choose from."
Stream access: Sites with water features provide natural entertainment. At Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed, campers found it was "easy to get into zion, a little hot during the night but easy to find a place with shade."
Watch for hazards: Keep children and pets away from broken glass and trash. A camper at BLM Navajo Rd reported: "Drive out a few miles past red cliffs reserve till you pass the 'your public lands sign' and find pull offs with fire rings."
Spot selection: Leeds Canyon Dispersed #1 works for smaller rigs but requires planning. "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," explains one RVer who recommends scouting first.
Route planning: Approach from the correct direction for larger rigs. A camper noted, "Site #1 has a back in angle that needs you to be heading back down the road..if a TT."
Generator rules: Most primitive camping areas have no restrictions, but noise consideration matters. At Sand Hollow OHV Camp, a camper reported: "We just spent 5 nights here. was great! We have a 30 ft toy hauler and had no problems getting in and out. There were much bigger rigs then ours."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ivins, Utah?
Several free dispersed camping options exist near Ivins. BLM Navajo Rd Dispersed is accessible via a dirt road about 3 miles past neighborhood signs. For those seeking proximity to Zion National Park, BLM Dispersed N Kolob Terrace Road offers sandy, shady spots with easy access for most vehicles. Other notable options include Dalton Wash Dispersed (best with 4WD), Black Rock Road Dispersed (easily accessible from I-15), and Gooseberry Mesa. Most BLM sites in the area allow stays up to 14 days and provide no amenities, so come prepared with water and waste disposal plans.
What seasons are best for dispersed camping in Ivins?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer ideal conditions for dispersed camping around Ivins with moderate temperatures and manageable crowds. Dalton Wash Dispersed provides good upper plateau camping options during these milder seasons. Summer brings intense heat, regularly exceeding 100°F, making camping challenging without shade. Black Rock Road Dispersed and other lower elevation sites can become unbearably hot in summer months. Winter offers solitude and mild daytime temperatures in the 50-60s, though nights can drop below freezing. Higher elevation areas like Leeds Canyon may have snow and limited access in winter.
What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Ivins?
Dispersed camping regulations around Ivins typically include a 14-16 day maximum stay. At Leeds Canyon Dispersed in Dixie National Forest, camping is free for 16 days and allowed only in designated spots along the Forest Service road. Gooseberry Mesa and similar BLM areas often prohibit fires, especially during dry seasons. Most dispersed sites operate on a pack-in, pack-out basis with no trash services, toilets, or water. Motorized vehicles must stay on established roads, and camping should occur in previously used areas to minimize environmental impact. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip as they change seasonally.
Keep Exploring
