Best Dispersed Camping near Joseph, UT

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Joseph, Utah, with several free primitive sites available on public lands. Mountain Mecca offers tent and RV camping with established fire pits in an open area. Shingle Creek dispersed camping provides more secluded options along a 4-mile dirt road with creek access. According to camper reviews, Shingle Creek is "beautiful and isolated" though "4x4 is recommended" for access. Meadow Hot Springs features three natural hot spring pools on private property with camping allowed by donation. Big Lake Cua and Koosharem Reservoir sites provide additional options for those seeking water proximity.

Most dispersed sites in this region lack basic amenities. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available at the majority of locations. Visitors must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions vary seasonally; always check current regulations before planning to build a campfire. Several campers noted finding "established fire pits" at many sites, but fire bans are common during dry summer months. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the area, with some sites reporting good coverage while others have none.

Road conditions to these primitive sites vary considerably. Whiskey Creek Road is described as "well-maintained dirt road" suitable for most vehicles, while access to Mountain Mecca requires higher clearance vehicles. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region. Cattle frequently graze near many camping areas, particularly along Eight Mile Road. The area supports abundant wildlife including deer and elk. Weather conditions can change rapidly; higher elevation sites offer cooler temperatures during summer months. Always secure food properly and maintain appropriate distance from wildlife.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Joseph, Utah (53)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Joseph, UT

64 Reviews of 53 Joseph Campgrounds


  • Brad B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2019

    Black Flat Cua Dispersed

    Close to U.M. Creek. The views are amazing!!

    This is a GEM if you like to not see a lot of people and love the outdoors. This is a first come first serve camp area and there is no picnic tables and few out houses so please pack out your garbage and keep this area beautiful. There is some amazing fly fishing in the creeks and lakes in this area. The dirt road is well maintained and you can get a car or truck or trailer in no problem. Lots of amazing trails for side by sides and 4 wheelers.

  • 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.

  • Azaali J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Polk Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Great spot close to Capitol Reef National Park

    Numerous spots along the road. Some are very well shaded while others have lots of sun.

    This spot is large and shaded. Rock fire pit. There’s currently fire restrictions so we didn’t have a fire but we set up a nice little sitting area around the fire with logs we found in the forested area.

    There is a mama bear and cub in the area although we didn’t see her.

    Weather is cooler than in Capitol Reef so it’s a nice place to recharge and escape the heat.

    Lots of firewood in close vicinity so no need to bring any in with you (check for fire restrictions before).

    Would definitely come back here.

    If you follow the road all the way up you can access Cathedral Valley Campground (great views from up there)

    Remember to pack out your garbage.

  • g
    Jun. 18, 2021

    Shingle creek dispersed

    Beautiful, isolated

    The road getting up is about 4 miles of dirt road, 4x4 recommended but i made it up in my prius. There were a few rvs parked earlier down the road with larger trees and less of a view. I had service with verizon, but my friend with sprint had to sprint up the hill to get service. Make sure you bring everything you need, as there are no amenities out here. Primitive and perfect.

  • 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!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2021

    Shingle creek dispersed

    Good dispersed camping

    Stayed here after missing exit for Castle Rock Campground. Access dispersed area by taking Clear Creek Rd exit. There are some spots right after exiting hwy. We keep going back under the underpass and then took the left at the Y. Little rough dirt road if you have a car. We found a previously used spot with a rock fire pit. Surprisingly very clean. Thanks everyone for packing it out! Several ATVs further down the road. Although close to hwy we could barely hear anything at night. There was also a small creek. Pretty nice overnight spot when it gets late and you don’t want an RV Park.

  • 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.


Guide to Joseph

Dispersed camping near Joseph, Utah provides several options on public lands with varying terrain and accessibility. The region sits at elevations between 5,000-8,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between sites. Most dispersed areas remain accessible from April through October, though higher elevation locations may close earlier due to snowfall.

What to do

Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Big Lake Cua Dispersed, visitors report abundant wildlife. "Fish, salamanders, cougars, and plenty of elk all over make it a wonderful place to camp," notes camper Tyler R.

Mountain biking access: Glenwood Hills offers direct trail access for cyclists. "Trailhead for mountain biking and dirt bike trails," reports Jeffrey S. Local trails range from beginner to advanced difficulty with loops from 3-15 miles.

Hot springs soaking: Meadow Hot Springs features natural thermal pools. "3 pools total, but only one just above warm temperature. Each pool also has fish, which is a sight to be seen," writes Chandelle S. The springs maintain year-round temperatures around 100°F.

What campers like

Privacy and solitude: Sites at Mountain Mecca provide separation from other campers. "Went up a little further past the first spots and found a nice big private spot in the trees," reports Trent L. Most dispersed sites sit at least 200 feet from neighboring campers.

Easy highway access: For overnight stops while traveling, Koosharem Reservoir offers convenience. "Perfect place for an evening stop over. Easy access on a gravel road. Public restroom was clean," states Tiffany K.

Natural bathing opportunities: Campers appreciate the unique experience at Meadow Hot Springs. "Camping among the cows and having a bath in a natural hot tub while the sun is rising - it's a dream," says Jenny&Tobias P.

What you should know

Private property considerations: Some areas require advance permission. At Big Lake Cua, camper Brooke F. cautions: "You need permission to hike in. When we showed up, there were turkey hunters already up there. I would do much more research than we did before going to make sure it's open."

Road quality varies significantly: Access to Shingle Creek requires preparation. Lisa notes: "The road getting up is about 4 miles of dirt road. There were a few RVs parked earlier down the road with larger trees and less of a view."

Donation-based sites exist: Meadow Hot Springs operates on an honor system. "The owner of this property has graciously allowed people to stay here for free. Please leave with more trash than you came with," advises Tam E.

Tips for camping with families

Public facilities availability: At Koosharem Reservoir, Linda C. mentions "public bathrooms available" which can be crucial for families with young children. Facilities include vault toilets without running water.

Expect limited connectivity: Cell service depends on carrier and specific location. "I had service with Verizon, but my friend with Sprint had to sprint up the hill to get service," explains Gabe at Shingle Creek.

Prepare for weather shifts: Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night occur regularly. Elevation differences between campsites can mean 10-15 degree variations between lower and higher sites.

Tips from RVers

Site access restrictions: For larger vehicles at Meadow Hot Springs, Rhonda D. shares: "I drove my small 25' RV down it easily. It's only about 5 miles of the main highway. It's worth a stop."

Parking considerations: At Mountain Mecca, Jennifer A. notes: "Open area looks like local party spot, not for RVs. Road goes up past water tower and recommends using 4wd to come up to prevent washboard, but any vehicle with AWD would do."

Alternate parking options: When roads become impassable, Alex P. suggests: "Road is pretty bumpy! We didn't camp overnight but we did visit the hot springs." Some RVers park at road entrances and walk to desired camping spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Joseph, Utah?

When dispersed camping near Joseph, Utah, you must pack out all garbage to preserve the natural beauty of these areas. Shingle creek dispersed and similar locations require visitors to bring their own water and supplies. Fire restrictions are common, especially during dry seasons, so check current regulations before your trip. At Meadow Hot Springs, which is on private property, donations are requested. Most dispersed sites follow the standard 14-day stay limit. Many areas have specific rules about camping setbacks from water sources (usually 100-200 feet minimum). Vehicle restrictions may apply on rough forest roads, with some areas recommending 4WD. Always use existing fire rings when permitted and completely extinguish any fires with water.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Joseph, Utah?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Joseph, Utah. Black Flat Cua Dispersed is a hidden gem for those seeking solitude, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. For easier access, Dispersed West Fork 8 Mile Road offers spots just off I-15 on the east side of the national forest with flat areas suitable for overnight stays and decent cell service. Other options include Fremont Wash for quick overnight stays, Polk Creek Road with numerous shaded spots along the route, and Fish Lake National Forest with multiple car-accessible sites and existing fire rings. Remember that these areas typically lack amenities like picnic tables, so come prepared to be self-sufficient.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Joseph, UT is Mountain Mecca with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 53 dispersed camping locations near Joseph, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.