Tent camping near Leeds, Utah provides access to desert landscapes between 3,300-6,000 feet in elevation. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F and mild winters, making spring and fall the optimal seasons for camping. Summer thunderstorms occur frequently between July and September, creating flash flood risks in canyon areas.
What to do
Hiking to historical structures: Leeds Canyon contains a historic lime kiln accessible via a short trail. A camper at Leeds Canyon Dispersed #1 noted, "Children's Forest at the Kiln maybe 1/4 mile down from site. A sweet little trail leading to a historical kiln."
Rock climbing access: The area provides direct access to climbing routes on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. A visitor at Lambs Knoll Climbing Site Camping mentioned, "This area is very popular for local guide companies, please park respectfully in a single spot. Expect the area to be very busy (crowded) during the day, the lot fills up entirely most days."
Stream exploration: Many campsites offer creek access for cooling off in hot weather. One camper at Leeds Canyon noted, "It was only a 1-2 block walk to Leeds Creek to sit on a rock and soak feet in creek," providing a refreshing option during summer heat.
Stargazing opportunities: The region's clear skies and minimal light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. A visitor at Lambs Knoll reported, "This campsite was very quiet except on nights when a stargazing guide group came to meet up there around 9/9:30 PM. They weren't super loud and only met there and then left shortly after."
What campers like
Private, spread-out sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer good separation between sites. A Kolob Road BLM Dispersed camper appreciated that "We only had 2 neighbors, but the spots are decently spaced apart so nobody was too close."
Ambient water sounds: Creekside camping is highly rated for its soothing effects. One visitor commented, "Nearby river gives you that ambient sound to drown out the world. About 6 spots, well separated by trees and distance."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse desert wildlife. At Ebenezer Bryce Campground, a camper mentioned, "There is plenty of wildlife around. Spots are tents but I slept in the back of my truck. I love this area."
Budget-friendly options: Most dispersed sites are free with 16-day stay limits. A visitor at Oak Grove Campground reported, "All the campgrounds near Zion get really full, so if you don't mind driving a bit and going a day without showers, this is a good campground. You have to drive on a dirt road for a while to get there. But hey, it's only $5!!"
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many dispersed sites require navigating rough terrain. A Kolob Terrace Road camper advised, "It was pretty easy to find even in the dark which is when we rolled in. Pretty popular spot so you are kinda close to other people but is only 25 mins to Zion and plenty of spots."
Extreme temperature fluctuations: The desert climate brings hot days and cool nights. A Leeds Canyon camper warned, "It was also very windy at night (but not during the day) when I went, but I'm not sure how common that is throughout the year."
Limited turnaround space: Some roads have restricted space for larger vehicles. A visitor cautioned, "Small tight area to get into...strongly do NOT recommend TTs or any RV at this BLM spot due to steep downhill rd and no turnarounds! Tent or van nomads only due to no tt turnarounds!"
Human impact issues: Popular areas sometimes suffer from misuse. One camper reported, "A really cool spot close to Zion. Unfortunately a spot we looked at was left with some garbage and human feces. A buzz kill for sure."
Tips for camping with families
Consider walk-in sites: Some family-friendly campgrounds require carrying equipment. At Mitt Moody Campground, a visitor advised, "It is a walk in campground so make sure you pack a wagon to haul your stuff. Water is by the bathroom so you have to walk a little to fill up jugs."
Look for creek access: Water features provide natural play areas for children. One camper noted, "Leeds Creek to sit on a rock and soak feet in creek. Children's Forest at the Kiln maybe 1/4 mile down from site."
Choose sites with bathroom facilities: Vault toilets make family camping more comfortable. A visitor observed, "Bathroom nearby and walkway close," making tent camping with children more manageable.
Prepare for insects: Some areas have significant bug activity, especially near water. A camper warned, "RIDICULOUS BUGS AFTER DARK... lots of gnats... not too many mosquitos."
Tips from RVers
Scout sites first: Many areas have limited turnaround space for larger vehicles. A La Verkin Creek Trail Campsites visitor advised, "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."
Look for level spots: The terrain is often uneven and rocky. A camper noted, "Not the best for tents, but I made it work with some stake-pounding sweat and effort."
Watch for low-hanging branches: Tree cover can create clearance issues. One RVer reported, "We managed in our 26ft class c. Wouldn't really recommend any huge rigs."
Consider wind exposure: Open areas may experience strong winds affecting RVs. A camper warned, "It was also very windy at night (but not during the day) when I went," which can be challenging for pop-ups and awnings.
