Best Dispersed Camping near Kanarraville, UT

Several remote sites are available on BLM and Forest Service land surrounding Kanarraville, Utah. The Coal Creek Dispersed areas near Cedar City provide free camping on public land approximately 20 minutes from Kanarraville. Additional dispersed camping can be found along Kolob Road and Kolob Reservoir, with multiple designated zones including Kolob Road BLM Dispersed Camp and Kolob Reservoir North. These primitive areas require no reservations and feature minimal development, consistent with standard dispersed camping regulations on public lands.

Many access roads throughout these dispersed camping zones require high-clearance vehicles, with some areas accessible only via rough dirt roads. The Coal Creek area features two separate dispersed camping zones with variable road conditions. Most Kolob Road sites are reached via unpaved roads that may become impassable after rain or snow. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days in most areas. Amenities are virtually non-existent – no drinking water, toilets, or garbage service is provided. Some areas allow fires when no restrictions are in place, while others maintain year-round fire bans. Visitors must pack out all trash and practice proper waste disposal.

The dispersed areas around Kolob Reservoir provide scenic mountain camping with access to fishing and hiking. Sites at higher elevations offer cooler temperatures during summer months. The Coal Creek Dispersed areas provide camping in both developed pull-offs and more remote locations farther up forest roads. According to one visitor, "Coal Creek has tent and RV spots with easy drive-in access, though no facilities are available." Another noted that Kolob Road sites "require slow driving on rough rocky roads, but the privacy and views make it worthwhile." These areas become more crowded during peak seasons, particularly on weekends, as they serve as affordable basecamp options for visitors to nearby Zion National Park.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Kanarraville, Utah (107)

    1. Kolob Resevoir

    18 Reviews
    Kanarraville, UT
    9 miles
    Website

    $53 / night

    "Beautiful campground on a lake. During the winter there's alot of snow, so it's hard to camp up there then. Perfect during the summer. No reservations & free camping."

    "Campsite #4 was great with privacy and direct lake access. No bug/ mosquito issues when we went in September. Weather fluctuated from 70s in the day to 30s at night."

    2. North Creek Dispersed Camping

    45 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    22 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed

    38 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    23 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Coal Creek Dispersed - Cedar City

    12 Reviews
    Cedar City, UT
    14 miles

    "Bummer, it’s right off the highway, but late at night it’s pretty quiet. Just have to checkout all the pullouts for a walking trail down to a camping spot. Not too shabby."

    "Rough roads found a little secluded area beside the river. Would come back but didn’t like the sketch feel of no cell service."

    5. Old 91 Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Toquerville, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 688-3200

    "Easy to find, right off the highway and tons of spots. A few other campers there on the night we stayed. Pretty warm at night even in late September"

    "There were signs around that said it is used for grazing rodeo, livestock, and to be careful, and not approach them."

    6. Coal Creek

    5 Reviews
    Cedar City, UT
    13 miles

    "I had discounted it at first because someone indicated the need for high clearance. We had no problem with our sprinter except the bumper hitch drug a tiny bit."

    "Close to town for anything you need.

    It was a little crowded but the heavy presence of evergreen trees allows plenty of privacy. We actually didn’t hear any other campers the whole night."

    7. Kolob Reservoir North

    1 Review
    Kanarraville, UT
    10 miles

    "All the campsites are numbered and there around around 40 of them from what I could tell."

    8. Kolob Road BLM Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    20 miles

    "Road was easy to pull down and turn around in my Ford Transit. Nice views and access to creek. Quiet except a bit of road noise."

    "Easy to navigate, creekside camp ground near Zion. Easy to navigate but definite tough for 2wd car. Not crowded at all"

    9. LaVerkin Overlook Road Dispersed

    16 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    23 miles

    "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."

    10. Hurricane Cliffs BLM dispersed #54

    14 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    23 miles
    Website

    "Most people were camping in a large packed area a shit distance from the highway and most campers did not have fire rings. We were there for four nights and no one came be to check. No water."

    "Eye candy from this location made us not want to leave. There was a map but campsites are hard to find so we pulled into a place flat enough to set up a tent for a night."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Kanarraville, UT

557 Reviews of 107 Kanarraville Campgrounds


  • R
    Dec. 1, 2024

    BLM Navajo Rd Dispersed

    Open, high land that’s awkward to get to

    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. It’s a narrow road with unusually high walls but easy to drive. Make sure you go all 3 miles until you reach the big classic BLM Public Lands sign after which is the start of your options. There’s a few quite large turnoffs with fire pits

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2021

    Leeds Canyon Dispersed #2

    Overlander site only

    Leeds Canyon Dispersed camp sites are on the Dixie NF. Lower dispersed sites 1-6 are easiest to get into with a TT. Camp in designated spots, camping free for 16 days. No water, no trash, no toilets. Sites are along a well maintained FS gravel road so dust may be a concern. Only a few miles outside of Leeds and Interstate 15.

    Leeds Canyon #2 is behind #1 a hundred yards but requires high clearance and 4wd to access....no TT or RVs. Nice big open area with views for the overlander types

  • Dave S.
    Oct. 3, 2020

    Parowan Gap Petroglyphs

    Wonderful place but please leave no trace

    We stayed here for a week while waiting for a package to arrive in Cedar City. The gap is a beautiful place and the petroglyphs would be as well were it not for the vandalism on them. On some camping apps people are saying just camp anywhere out here. I wanted to clarify that. While there are lots of places to camp please don't make new campsites or drive off roads and in the desert/grass. We stayed in a lovely spot on Jackrabbit Road, but had to drive over a mile to find what I consider an established site. All along the road there is damage from people driving and camping wherever they want. This is tragic and violates leave no trace. So does the many bullet shell casings, broken glass, dog turds, old gun targets, shotgun shells, etc, out here. This is how public lands get closed. It's a nice place and we saw respectful campers, OHV'rs, and bicyclists. Just use existing campsites and roads.

  • K
    Jun. 13, 2022

    Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site

    Quiet camping spot close to Kanab and east entrance of Zion

    We loved this free camping area! 

    There aren't tons of spots(most of it is an open area), but we never had an issue getting one, even during spring break. 

    It's close to Kanab and the east entrance of Zion.

    Please Leave No Trace! Take care of this place so it can be enjoyed by many for as long as possible!

  • M
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Dispersed Camping in Dixie National Forest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Secluded atmosphere. Great Views.

    I stayed in dispersed camping spot #5 arriving on August 31st, 2020. There are 11 or 12 designated spots here. There is a sign on the right side once you enter the Forest Service Road that maps all the hiking trails and dispersed camping sites available in the Leeds Creek dispersed camping area. No 4x4 is necessary to get to spots 1- 5. I didn't go all the way up the mountain and see the other spots. The entrance to spot 5 is a horseshoe shape big enough and convenient for an RV. However, for tent campers, you will want to go beyond the bushes for wind coverage and privacy. The space opens up with trails, amazing views, you can here the creek burbling below the canyon. Spectacular stargazing at night and pretty quiet aside from some road traffic. NOTE: tent campers; park your vehicle with visibility in the horseshoe drive in to avoid unbeknownst camp crashers. The coverage is good enough for tent campers that someone could easily believe the campsite was not taken. Also, bees like your trashbag. So, keep it in your vehicle rather than hanging it. Lastly, sadly there was A LOT of litter when I visited. I did my best to clean some of it up while I was there. Please remember to pack in/pack out and leave no trace!!

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2019

    Dalton Wash Dispersed

    Great free camping with a view of Zion!

    Ill start off by saying that you should probably have an AWD or 4WD high clearance vehicle for the upper campsites.  There are campsites lower on but are right next to the road.  Getting there you'll want to follow Dalton Wash Rd all the way to the plateau, staying left the whole way unless its private property.

    There are no bathrooms or amenities here so either come prepared or take care of business before heading up or inbetween excursions.  The good thing from that is you'll be pretty secluded! (Cant speak for the peak months as we visited in May)  The upper campsites are ~45 minutes from Zion with the lower sites being only 30 minutes away!  Summer may not be the best time to visit as the sites are kind of exposed and theres not a ton of shade

  • Jenny&Tobias P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    BLM Dispersed N Kolob Terrace Road

    Cottonwood Trees and a Creek

    Sandy and shady free Campground near Zion Natl Park. Easy access even with a car for the most spots. Crossing the creek there are more spots but not recommended without high clearance and 4x4. Beautiful sunset and shady in the morning. No highway noise. No fires permitted. Max stay 14 days. Love this place and the murmurs of the creek. Fills up very quickly around 6pm in the summer.

  • Marcie R.
    May. 11, 2020

    Mammoth Dispersed

    BEAUTIFUL

    Such a beautiful spot. Right next to Mammoth Creek surrounded by Dixie National Forest. Lots of sites and pull offs. No hookups or water but there are pit toilets. New favorite campsite!!

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2022

    BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed - BLM

    Nice BLM Dispersed

    This area is up BLM Road #71 and was the old hwy. The actual main camping area is an old gravel pit area but views are great, solar is plentiful. Free BLM Dispersed, no signage, no water, no toilets, no trash. Cell was 1-2 5g bars for me. Road access is rough broken hwy pavement, just go slow. Second road on left to GP area.


Guide to Kanarraville

Dispersed camping near Kanarraville, Utah provides accessible options at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 8,100 feet, creating significant temperature variations between sites. The area sits at the intersection of the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin regions, resulting in diverse terrain from sandy desert floors to pine-covered mountain slopes. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F at lower elevations while higher sites remain 15-20 degrees cooler.

What to do

Fishing at Kolob Reservoir: The 8,100-foot elevation reservoir offers trout fishing opportunities with relaxed catch limits. "The fishing is great! The trees are magical when they blow in the wind. You can rent kayaks and canoes from the mini market for a great price as well," notes a visitor to Kolob Resevoir.

Stargazing at higher elevations: Clear mountain air and minimal light pollution create exceptional night sky viewing. "Nighttime stargazing and sunrises were great!" reports a camper about the Kolob area. "Eye candy from this location made us not want to leave... horizon to horizon of billions of seen stars," adds another visitor to Hurricane Cliffs BLM dispersed #54.

Water recreation: Several dispersed sites offer creek or reservoir access for cooling off. "Plenty of Beautiful lakes side sites. Fishing, flowers, and lots of animals (both domestic and wild!)," mentions one Kolob Reservoir visitor. "Some people bringing their boards for go to the little island," notes another camper describing paddleboarding opportunities.

What campers like

Temperature advantages: Higher elevation sites provide natural cooling during summer months. "70-50 Fahrenheit in September," reports a Kolob camper. Another notes, "High elevation of 8100' makes for a great escape of summer heat." The temperature difference can be crucial during peak summer months.

Wildlife viewing: Dispersed sites offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "Inside a lot of ducks. You can make relaxing by the lake," says a camper at North Creek Dispersed Camping. Another camper mentions, "Really heard some young coyotes at night. Really set the ambience with the moon hanging over the skyline."

Privacy options: Many areas offer secluded camping spaces. "Isolated site with fire pit. Great views, road leading to it is decently passable," reports a Hurricane Cliffs visitor. At Kolob Road sites, "the spots are decently spaced apart so nobody was too close," according to a recent camper at Kolob Road BLM Dispersed.

What you should know

Cell service varies significantly: Connectivity changes dramatically between sites. "No signal on gsm is the best think if you need to call someone you need to go back 5-6 miles," notes a Kolob Reservoir visitor. Conversely, at LaVerkin, campers report "Good Verizon service," while at North Creek, "We have T-mobile and had 5G service."

Road conditions can be challenging: Many access roads require careful navigation. "Road is challenging but worth the effort," reports a LaVerkin Overlook Road Dispersed camper. Another notes, "The road is bumpy going in just take it slow."

Weather preparedness essential: Temperature swings and unexpected conditions occur frequently. "We stayed in our RV camper and it was absolutely freezing thank God we had that our friends stayed in tents in the dispersed camping area... and they came and crashed in our RV it was so cold!!" reports a Kolob Reservoir visitor. Wind can also be problematic: "Wind came up around midnight and it was like being in a hurricane for 5 hours."

Tips for camping with families

Creek access for cooling off: Sites near water offer natural recreation for children. "The creek was a great place to put some chairs and cool off," notes a North Creek visitor. Another camper reports their experience: "Riverside spots are mostly for vans/tents. Loved having the window cracked and listening to the creek as I slept."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer chances to observe local animals. "The ducks love to come through camp at mealtimes," warns a Kolob visitor. Bring binoculars and wildlife identification guides for educational opportunities.

Temperature planning: Higher elevation sites provide relief from summer heat but require additional preparation. "It gets chilly at night so don't forget your sweater," advises a visitor to Old 91 Dispersed. Layered clothing is essential as temperatures can drop 30+ degrees after sunset.

Tips from RVers

Site access challenges: Many dispersed sites have limited RV access. "We have a Honda HRV and took it really slow and didn't have any issues," reports a visitor regarding navigating rougher roads. For larger rigs, "The road getting back to it was so twisty and tight that we scratched up the side of our rig. On the way out, we laid our outdoor rug on the bushes to keep from scratching again."

Size-appropriate site selection: Different areas accommodate various RV sizes. "There are many spots for a class a 34 foot motorhome to pull in and put your jacks down," notes an Old 91 visitor. Meanwhile, at North Creek: "Road in was just a little tough but short. Did fine with a 25ft travel trailer. Riverside spots are mostly for vans/tents."

Weather preparedness: Rapidly changing conditions affect RVs differently than tent campers. "I wouldn't recommend without 4WD if raining and wet tho. It's quite sandy and early rutted," warns a Coal Creek visitor. Another notes: "We got in late but found a nice spot a little close to the road, but no pm noise. 5 am lots of cars heading to the bike trail near by."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Kanarraville, Utah?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Kanarraville. Leeds Canyon Dispersed #2 offers designated spots on Dixie National Forest land just a few miles from Kanarraville, with free camping for up to 16 days. For those willing to drive a bit further, BLM Navajo Rd Dispersed provides camping opportunities along a dirt road that becomes available for camping after the first three miles (past the no camping signs). Other nearby options include additional Leeds Canyon sites, Coal Creek dispersed areas near Cedar City, and BLM land south of Kanarraville. Be sure to follow dispersed camping regulations including Leave No Trace principles, staying in previously disturbed areas, and respecting any posted restrictions.

Is camping allowed near Kanarra Falls and how close can you camp?

Camping is not permitted directly at Kanarra Falls or in the immediate canyon area. The falls and trail are managed as a recreation area with day-use permits required. However, nearby dispersed camping options exist. BLM Dispersed N Kolob Terrace Road offers free camping with sandy, shady sites about 20-30 minutes from the Kanarra Falls trailhead. For a quieter experience, Gooseberry Mesa provides dispersed camping options within reasonable driving distance. Remember that all camping near Kanarraville should follow dispersed camping regulations, including the 14-day maximum stay limit on BLM land and proper waste disposal practices. Always verify current regulations as they may change seasonally.

What amenities or facilities are available for dispersed camping in Kanarraville?

Dispersed camping around Kanarraville is primitive with minimal to no amenities. Mammoth Dispersed is one of the few dispersed areas nearby that offers pit toilets, though it has no hookups or water. Most other sites, like Parowan Gap Petroglyphs dispersed camping, provide no facilities whatsoever - no water, no trash service, and no toilets. You must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Cell service varies by location, with some areas getting 1-2 bars of service. Most dispersed sites in the region require campers to be fully self-sufficient with their own water, toilet facilities, and power. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with many areas prohibiting fires during dry periods.