Dispersed camping near Junction, Utah offers access to elevations ranging from 5,600 feet in the valley to over 9,000 feet in the surrounding mountains. Junction experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 85°F while winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing. Most camping areas require high-clearance vehicles during spring snowmelt when roads become muddy.
What to do
Fishing at Piute Reservoir: Located at Piute State Park Campground, the reservoir provides good fishing opportunities. "Pick your camping location among the cottonwood trees or out in the open for full solar. No services other than pit toilets. Lake is supposed to have good fishing. Great Verizon service," notes camper C.A.
Explore mountain trails: Tom's Best Spring Road in Dixie National Forest connects to extensive trail networks. "Great for rigs of any size, with thousands of acres to choose from. Among the tall pines yet enough sunlight for solar panels," reports The Wandering Shores.
Scenic drives: The roads around Big John Flat provide access to panoramic mountain views. "Great place to camp if you are planning to drive the Tushar road to Fremont. Road in is fairly smooth an occasional bump to slow down for. Deer and cows around the area," according to Gary E.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote setting at Tom's Best Spring Road Dixie National Forest offers exceptional night sky viewing. "The stars were beautiful at night - even got some photos with my phone. There were some cows but they mostly stayed clear of the road," shares Leah B.
Wildlife viewing: Many dispersed camping areas near Junction provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Pronghorn deer come every day morning and afternoon," mentions Adam B. about his stay at Tom's Best Spring Road.
Solitude and space: Campsites are typically well-spaced, offering privacy. At Big John Flat, "Very large open camping area with open meadows and large trees. A lot of room between campsites," according to Gary E.
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access to many horse campgrounds near Junction requires planning. "Only the group campsite has Lakeview. The campsites are generous and just regravelled," notes DL M. about Posy Lake Campground.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas have minimal or no facilities. "No services other than pit toilets which are still locked in early May. Quiet. Mayflies in May," reports C.A. at Piute State Park.
Weather preparedness: At higher elevations, conditions can change rapidly. "We visited in late October/Early November. We had some minor snowfall while we were there but that is to be expected at this elevation," shares The Wandering Shores about Tom's Best Spring Road.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible fishing spots: Koosharem Reservoir offers family-friendly bank fishing. "This is a very easy place to throw a tent up or park an RV close to lake and good fishing. In some beautiful country. There are some primitive bathrooms, and nice tables," writes Brad B. about Koosharem Reservoir.
Shaded campsites: Look for areas with natural protection from the sun. "Lots of sites, some with shade. Outhouse at trail head just down the road," notes Bryan I. about Losee Canyon, one of the few equestrian camping areas near Junction.
Level camping areas: For easier setup with kids, seek out flatter terrain. "Lots of level spots great view," Jeffrey A. says about Losee Canyon, which offers suitable space for horse trailers.
Tips from RVers
Solar potential: Many dispersed camping spots near Junction provide good solar exposure. "Plenty of available sites, many drive through. Many could accommodate our 35' motorhome. Among the tall pines yet enough sunlight for solar panels," shares Tom W. about FS #117 Rd.
Cell coverage: Cell service varies significantly by location. "Four bars of AT&T 4G. Ten miles to Bryce Canyon visitor center," reports Tom W., which can be crucial for those needing to stay connected.
Seasonal water access: Water availability changes throughout the year. "As of September 8th, the water has been turned off and there are no other campers here," notes DL M. about Posy Lake Campground, highlighting the importance of bringing your own water in fall and winter.
