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Best Dispersed Camping near Marysvale, UT

309 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Marysvale, Utah centers around several primitive sites in the surrounding mountains and public lands. Shingle Creek offers free dispersed camping with drive-in and walk-in access approximately 5 miles west of town. Other nearby options include Mill Creek Kimberly Road Dispersed camping, which provides similar primitive camping opportunities. The Fishlake National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands surrounding Marysvale permit dispersed camping in designated areas, with Three Creeks Reservoir and Big John's Flat providing additional backcountry options.

Access roads to these dispersed sites vary considerably in quality and difficulty. Shingle Creek requires navigating about 4 miles of dirt road where high-clearance vehicles are recommended, though some visitors report making it in standard passenger cars with careful driving. Most sites lack amenities, with no drinking water, toilets, or trash service available. Campers must pack out all waste and follow leave-no-trace principles. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, so visitors should check current regulations before planning to have campfires. Most areas permit camping for up to 14 days.

The dispersed camping experience around Marysvale offers solitude and natural beauty typical of central Utah's high country. "The road getting up is about 4 miles of dirt road, 4x4 recommended but I made it up in my Prius," noted one visitor to Shingle Creek, adding that "there were a few RVs parked earlier down the road with larger trees and less of a view." Cell service is available in some areas, particularly with Verizon coverage, though signal strength varies by location. Wildlife sightings are common, and many sites provide access to hiking trails and ATV routes. The higher elevation camping areas offer cooler temperatures than the valley floor during summer months, making them popular retreats during hot weather.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Marysvale, Utah (77)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Marysvale, UT

130 Photos of 77 Marysvale Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Marysvale, UT

309 Reviews of 77 Marysvale Campgrounds

  • SwitchbackKids
    Jun. 26, 2017

    Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping

    Free and easy access to Capitol Reef National Park!

    After visiting two very popular Utah parks -- Zion and Bryce Canyon -- Capitol Reef was a breath of fresh air. And one of our favorite parts about visiting this park is that it was almost totally free!

    When we arrived at the visitor center, they informed us that their only developed campground, Fruita Campground (first-come-first-served only, not reservable) was full for the night, and rangers were ready with a handout full of alternative camping areas. We had not dabbled into BLM (Bureau of Land Management) camping before, but this experience would encourage us to utilize it throughout the rest of our year-long trip to the national parks.

    This “campground” is located about a mile outside of the national park, which allows great access to everything inside Capitol Reef. Usually free camping like this is harder to discover, but this pull-off is just off the road.

    Benefits of camping in BLM land include the cost (free!), solitude (you can be as far away from people as you’d like), and easy access to the national park (in fact, most national parks are surrounded with National Forest Service or BLM land!). Downsides, of course, include the lack of amenities, the sometimes uninspiring scenery, and the feeling of uneasiness (can I really just camp here? For free?)

    Capitol Reef’s BLM camping is plentiful, but this site was definitely the best. We were able to drive up on a high ridge of the pull-out area that the RVs could not easily access, so we felt alone and watched the gorgeous sunsets from our campsite each night.

    During our five days in the park, we had some favorite activities: backpacking in Upper Muley Creek, hiking to Cassidy Arch, picking and eating fruit right off the trees in the historic orchards, hiking the tough Navajo Knobs trail, and, most of all, the Sulphur Creek trail through a narrow beautiful creek with three waterfalls to climb down.

    You can read much more about our four days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Capitol Reef)

  • Susan L.
    Jun. 25, 2022

    Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping

    Great location in a piney woods!

    Dispersed camping in the beautiful Ponderosa pines of Dixie National Forest. The Forest Service road is easy to navigate. There are many dirt roads branching off of it with sites to choose from. Chose a site relatively close to the forest service road. If you're sensitive to dust may want to choose a site further off the access road as there is lots of dust kicked up every time someone drove in or out on the gravel. Convenient location to Bryce (about 15 minutes). Cell service for Verizon.

    When the rigs pulling in and out stopped, the only sounds were the braying of cows (the herd wandered into the site) and the wind blowing.

    Views! Peaceful! Free!

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2021

    Cabin Hollow FS #121 Dispersed Camping

    Primitive road access dispersed

    This dispersed camping area is to the west of the more well known Tom Best Road Dispersed area. Still on Dixie NF but access road is native dirt one lane and no gravel or graded...so if very wet or rain could be sketchy access ( hence 3 stars). Sites are along the road upland side in flat spots and alcoves for about first mile or so. There are TT spots and also good overlander sites up higher. I would recon first before pulling a TT up there to make sure you can get a turnaround. No designated sites, no trash, tables, water or toilets. 14d limit. However cell signal is good if a clear line to Wilson peak antennas. Posted map screenshot shows my recon of campsites...trailer icon are sits with trailers, tent icon is more suited to overlander type setups with high clearance vehicles or smaller rigs.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Tom's Best Spring Road Dixie National Forest

    Lots of spots off this road!

    Plenty of spots (though we were here on a weekday) and SO CLOSE to Bryce NP! 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. Road was pretty level and easy for cars to get back (and there were spots right off the road). I already want to come back!

    There was a fire ban in July so bring your camp stove and leave no trace!

  • Marc G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2021

    Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed

    Beautiful boondocking between Torrey and Capitol Reef NP

    We spent a week along Beas Lewis Flat Road just outside of Torrey, to explore Capitol Reef National Park. This is free BLM dispersed camping with a 14-day stay limit, no sites or services provided. The first camping areas off of UT-24 get crazy busy, to the point that it looked more like a crowded RV park than a peaceful boondocking area; however, make a right just past the cattle grate and you can go several miles back in, in search of solitude. Just after making that right there's a small dry wash to cross that requires some clearance and decent approach/departure angles, but other than that the condition of the road is superb. Views stretch to the red rock cliffs north of UT-24 from Torrey to the National Park, including Capitol Reef itself and the Henry Mountains beyond. Cell service was solid on both Verizon and AT&T, and we had no issues working on VPN from our location or streaming HD video. There's a small general store in Torrey with a few staples and even a laundry available, but the nearest small-town supermarket is in Loa, 18 miles west of Torrey. We found the prices there to be reasonable given the location. You may get water and dump at the Fruita Campground inside the National Park for $5.
    Watch our full-length video on both the camping and the National Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=296k\_D3AZIE

  • Megan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2025

    Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed

    Easy drive in dispersed camping

    Easy drive in, wide, dirt roads. Must be at least a hundred different sites. Some are group sites with multiple fire pits all close together and there are several other roads leading to many other spots. Not much shading due to the short trees and shrubbery. Temps when I stayed were 60⁰s during the day and low 20⁰s at night. No dumping, no connections, this is off grid camping/boondocking.

  • Shay F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2019

    Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping

    Free camping, beautiful scenery. Is this heaven?

    We were not planning on going to Capitol Reef on our Utah trip but we got some unexpected snow at Canyonlands so we headed out early. So glad we made the trip! Capitol Reef had lots of wildlife like Deer and Bighorn Sheep and petroglyphs that were really cool to hike to and see.

    Along with the petroglyphs, there is the historic hike to the site of the Pioneer Register.  Mormon pioneers signed their names on the cliff walls as they were traveling though.  Some signatures are over 125 years old. https://utahsadventurefamily.com/pioneer-register-hike-capitol-reef/ does a nice description. 

    Me made a stop at Goblin Valley State Park so we arrived to Capitol Reef a bit later than we would have liked. All the standard campgrounds were full but the ranger at the visitor center told us to head out of the park towards the town of Torrey and almost immediately on our right there was free BLM camping land.

    Totally free, no amenities, but what a beautiful night!! It was cold! But so quiet even though we had many neighbors on their own Utah adventures. Our neighbors were a single girl in a truck and cab over camper from Alaska, and a couple in a blue school bus. Quite the assortment. Obviously, a variety of vehicles will make it our there.

    No toilet, leave no trace, no fires. Totally a park, sleep, and go spot. There is so much to see and do in Utah, that is ok by me! We woke up, drove into Torrey, picked up a cup of coffee, and started hiking down Capitol Gulch with no one else around.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2024

    Dixie National Forest Dispersed Camping Area

    Great Dispersed Camping Area

    This area is great for dispersed camping near Red Canyon and before you get to Bryce Canyon NP. Plenty of dispersed camping spots. There are no restrooms, water or electricity. Ponderosa Pine trees. Have stayed here several times.

  • Josh G.
    Jun. 23, 2021

    Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed

    Great spot on BLM lands

    This is a not so hidden gem of a camping spot for you and your family. Miles of trails leading to sites. Many very dispersed. Obviously no hookups but some of the beat views, sun rises, sun sets in or around Capitol Reef. Plus the lack of crowds made this very enjoyable. With a pass like America the beautiful, you may stay for 14 days. Enjoy!

Guide to Marysvale

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Marysvale, Utah, where nature offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Marysvale, Utah

  • Make sure to bring all necessary supplies, as many spots like Shingle Creek dispersed lack amenities such as drinking water and toilets.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Otter Creek, Tamerisk Point Rec Site, which can fill up quickly due to its beautiful lakeside views.
  • Be prepared for varying road conditions; some areas, such as Big Lake Cua Dispersed, may require a vehicle with good clearance.

Kayaking and Fishing Adventures while free camping near Marysvale

  • Enjoy kayaking at sunrise on the calm waters of Otter Creek, Tamerisk Point Rec Site, where the scenery is breathtaking and the fishing is plentiful.
  • Bring your fishing gear to Big Lake Cua Dispersed, known for its diverse aquatic life, including fish and salamanders.
  • Explore the nearby lakes and rivers, where you can spot wildlife such as deer and various bird species while fishing or kayaking.

Wildlife Watching Opportunities for dispersed campers

  • Experience the thrill of wildlife sightings at Otter Creek Dispersed Camping, where you might catch glimpses of ducks, pelicans, and even deer.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for elk and cougars while camping at Big Lake Cua Dispersed, making it a unique spot for nature enthusiasts.
  • The tranquil environment of Shingle Creek dispersed allows for peaceful wildlife observation, perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping spots near Marysvale, Utah?

The Marysvale area offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Gold Gulch Road provides accessible free camping with scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Another great option is Polk Creek Road Dispersed Camping, which offers secluded sites under tree cover. For those seeking proximity to water, areas near Otter Creek Reservoir provide beautiful settings with mountain views. Most sites in the region are primitive with no facilities, so come prepared with all essentials including water and waste disposal options. The best spots tend to be found by exploring forest service roads branching off main routes, where you'll discover established fire rings indicating previously used camping areas.

Is 4WD required to access Marysvale dispersed camping areas?

4WD requirements vary among Marysvale's dispersed camping areas. While many sites along main forest service roads can be accessed with standard vehicles in dry conditions, some of the more remote areas benefit from higher clearance or 4WD capability. Cabin Hollow FS #121 Dispersed Camping features native dirt, single-lane roads that can become challenging when wet, making 4WD advisable during rainy periods. In contrast, Dixie National Forest Dispersed Camping Area offers plenty of spots accessible via well-maintained roads suitable for standard vehicles. Weather significantly impacts road conditions, so check recent conditions before traveling, especially during spring snowmelt or monsoon season when roads may become muddy and rutted.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Marysvale on BLM land?

When dispersed camping on BLM land near Marysvale, the standard 14-day stay limit applies within any 28-day period. Always camp in previously disturbed areas at least 200 feet from water sources and 100 feet from trails. Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed follows these same BLM regulations. Pack out all trash and human waste or use a portable toilet. Campfires are permitted when fire restrictions aren't in place, but use existing fire rings when available. During high fire danger seasons, restrictions may prohibit open flames entirely. Vehicles must remain on established roads and within 150 feet of those roads for camping. Check with the Richfield BLM Field Office before your trip for current regulations and seasonal restrictions.

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