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Best Dispersed Camping near Manti, UT

97 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping sites exist in the canyons east of Manti, Utah. Willow Creek Road offers multiple tent camping opportunities at elevations near 8,000 feet, with sites featuring mountain views and proximity to biking trails. Jimmy's Fork and Ephraim Manti Dispersed areas provide additional options for primitive camping, with Jimmy's Fork accommodating both tents and RVs.

The sites require self-sufficiency as they lack amenities. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available at most locations. Fire rings are not provided, though fires are generally permitted outside restriction periods. A recent visitor noted, "Great dispersed place to stay. Was there on a Thursday and saw 2 other people." Weekends tend to be busier, with campers recommending mid-week arrival for better site selection. Access roads are typically suitable for standard vehicles in dry conditions, but high-clearance is beneficial for reaching more remote spots.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Manti, Utah (51)

    1. Willow Creek Road - Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    Ephraim, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3500

    "Turn left at the map coordinates. You are at almost 8000 ft so not a winter camping spot. There is some ATV traffic but respectfully slow."

    "This was a great site to stop and pitch my rooftop tent. Not too far up the canyon, and it was very quiet."

    2. Jimmy's Fork - Dispersed Campsite

    1 Review
    Ephraim, UT
    7 miles
    Website

    "Good UTV trails nearby."

    3. Ephraim Manti Dispersed

    1 Review
    Ephraim, UT
    12 miles

    4. Fish Lake National Forest

    6 Reviews
    Salina, UT
    25 miles

    "This was our first time boondocking and this spot did not disappoint! It’s convenient to I-70 but feels very remote. We passed one other camper on the way in."

    "Pulled about 3/4 mile back from the coordinates, into the trees. Quiet and beautiful"

    5. Willow Creek Bowl

    1 Review
    Salina, UT
    18 miles

    6. Wales Canyon

    Be the first to review!
    Moroni, UT
    15 miles

    7. Fish Lake National Forest Campsite

    6 Reviews
    Oak City, UT
    31 miles

    "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."

    "Super easy access for any car if roads are dry. Lots of places to get back in the junioers a lil and have a nice private place to sleep."

    8. Grassy Lake Lakeside Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Ephraim, UT
    17 miles

    9. New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground

    2 Reviews
    Orangeville, UT
    28 miles
    +1 (435) 636-3600

    "This BLM campground now has designated campsites, a picnic table, large deep fire rings, pit toilets and no trash service. Also no water.  "

    "Free camping and plenty of activities to do in the area.  Climbing (Bouldering) 

    Site seeing (Not far from The Wedge)

    Beautiful area"

    10. Wedge Overlook

    22 Reviews
    Castle Dale, UT
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3600

    "Around dusk the wind picked up and almpst destroyed our camp and sent it into the canyon. Tie everything down or be in camp for the show! The ground is hard for tent stakes."

    "This is a free campground on public lands (BLM) in Utah’s San Rafael Swell. There is one vault toilet and a few campsites along the edge of a beautiful canyon carved by the San Rafael River."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Manti, UT

50 Photos of 51 Manti Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Manti, UT

97 Reviews of 51 Manti Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2023

    New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground

    This camp is now halfway between an organized campground and dispersed camp

        This BLM campground now has designated campsites, a picnic table, large deep fire rings, pit toilets and no trash service. Also no water.  The actual site now in October is 

    somewhat overgrown with tumble weeds. Ground is very rocky but there are quite a few tents pitched.  

         Views are 7 on a 10 scale.

         Camp fee is now $15 per night. We used a senior pass and paid $7.50

          There also appears to be true dispersed camping on BLM land just to the NE of this organized camp and more about a quarter mile south on a dirt road.  There don’t appear to be any picnic tables, fire rings or toilets.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Goshen Road Dispersed Camping

    Pretty location

    Site is pretty dirty, some have never heard of leave no trace . It is 7 pm and still extremely hot not much shade up here at this location

  • Dave L.
    Aug. 7, 2020

    Wedge Overlook

    Worth the drive to the little grand canyon!

    This was a great campground! Small campground with about 10 sites. Some were pretty big and could accommodate an RV. We used a tent.

    Around dusk the wind picked up and almpst destroyed our camp and sent it into the canyon. Tie everything down or be in camp for the show! The ground is hard for tent stakes. There are a few scrub mesquite trees for shade. 

    There is a pit toilet in the campground, but no water and no power. This is primitive camping! 

    We hung out on the rim of the canyon for sunrise and sunset. Awesome experience!

  • 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.

  • Quinn M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2023

    Miller Canyon Exit #99 Dispersed

    Quiet, eerie, amazing night sky

    Get off the highway and onto a dirt road with no clear designated sites, just pull off wherever. The night sky was probably one of the best I've seen with almost no light pollution. The absolutely deserted site became a little creepy once it got completely dark, with faint glimpses of I70 in the distance.

  • 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.

  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 3, 2020

    Wedge Overlook

    A site with a view

    This is a free campground on public lands (BLM) in Utah’s San Rafael Swell. There is one vault toilet and a few campsites along the edge of a beautiful canyon carved by the San Rafael River. We have camped here twice, the most recent being last October, 2019. We managed to snag the one at the end by the toilet. We could sit on one of the large rocks just steps from our truck camper and watch the canyon change colors as the sun went down.

    Access is via graded gravel road. We haven’t seen any larger RVs but there may a few places they could fit. There are mountain bike trails nearby including one that traverses the rim. There were some campsites along the rim on the opposite site of the road. There were a few sites in the junipers near us where a group camped.

  • 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.

Guide to Manti

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Manti, Utah, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Dispersed campers should check out Willow Creek Road - Dispersed Site

  • This site offers a peaceful atmosphere, with minimal traffic and breathtaking views, especially during sunset. Check it out at Willow Creek Road - Dispersed Site.
  • Located at nearly 8000 feet, it's ideal for summer camping, but be cautious of winter conditions. The elevation provides a unique experience for those looking to escape the heat.
  • Expect some ATV traffic, but it's generally respectful and slow, making it a great spot for both relaxation and exploration.

Top activities while free camping near Manti

  • Enjoy mountain biking right next to Jimmy's Fork - Dispersed Campsite, which is conveniently located near trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • For those who love scenic drives, the roads leading to Ephraim Manti Dispersed are filled with beautiful views and winding paths, perfect for a leisurely ride.
  • Fishing and hiking opportunities abound in the nearby Fish Lake National Forest, where you can find a quiet spot to unwind and enjoy nature. Visit Fish Lake National Forest for more details.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Manti, Utah

  • Arrive mid-week for the best selection of spots, as weekends can get busy, especially at popular locations like New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground.
  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities; many sites, such as Grassy Lake Lakeside Camp, do not offer drinking water or trash services, so plan accordingly.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife, as you might encounter cows and other animals roaming near your campsite, particularly in areas like Fish Lake National Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Manti-La Sal National Forest?

Manti-La Sal National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities. Black Flat Cua Dispersed is a secluded gem with few visitors and excellent fly fishing access in nearby creeks and lakes. For those seeking convenience near major routes, Dispersed West Fork 8 Mile Road provides flat sites just off I-15 on the eastern side of the forest. Other options include areas along Willow Creek Road, Wales Canyon, and numerous pull-offs throughout the forest. Remember that most dispersed sites lack amenities like tables, water, or trash service, so come prepared.

Is 4WD required for accessing dispersed camping spots in Manti-La Sal?

Vehicle requirements vary significantly across Manti-La Sal's dispersed camping areas. At BLM Dispersed Exit 108 Lone Tree Road, the initial graded gravel road is accessible to most vehicles, but high clearance becomes necessary for dry creek crossings farther in, with 4WD recommended for sandy or muddy conditions. Buckhorn Draw Designated Group Campsite #12 includes a small wash crossing that could present issues during rain. Many easily accessible sites exist near forest roads, while others require high clearance or 4WD, especially after weather events or in early spring during snowmelt.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping in Manti-La Sal National Forest?

The optimal season for dispersed camping in Manti-La Sal National Forest is late spring through early fall (May to October), with summer bringing the most reliable conditions. At Wedge Overlook, be prepared for strong winds, particularly around dusk. Higher elevations may remain snow-covered until late May or early June, while West Fork - Whiskey Creek Dispersed Camping offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the warmer months. Summer temperatures can be extreme at lower elevations, with some sites like Goshen Road reporting significant heat even into evening hours. Fall brings cooler temperatures and spectacular foliage but prepare for cold nights, especially at higher elevations.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Manti-La Sal?

When dispersed camping in Manti-La Sal National Forest, you must follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash. At New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground, there are now designated sites with picnic tables and fire rings, plus pit toilets but no water or trash service. Most areas require camping in previously used sites at least 100-200 feet from water sources. Campfires may be restricted seasonally, so check current fire regulations. At Fish Lake National Forest Campsite, fires must be fully extinguished with water. The standard 14-day stay limit applies throughout the forest. Group sites may require permits and fees.

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