Best Tent Camping near Mount Carmel Junction, UT

Tent campsites near Mount Carmel Junction, Utah range from designated walk-in sites to dispersed backcountry areas, offering varied experiences for tent campers exploring the region. Kolob Road BLM Dispersed and Kolob Terrace Road provide primitive tent camping options with minimal amenities but excellent access to nearby attractions. These areas serve as convenient baselines for exploring Zion National Park, which sits approximately one hour from most tent camping locations in the area.

Most tent camping areas require campers to be self-sufficient, as amenities are typically limited. At Lambs Knoll Climbing Site Camping, eight designated walk-in tent sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with access to vault toilets but no drinking water. The gravel roads leading to dispersed camping areas can become difficult to navigate after rain, particularly for low-clearance vehicles. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and campers should check current regulations before setting up. Many sites operate under a 14-16 day stay limit, particularly on BLM and Forest Service lands.

Tent campers frequently find more secluded experiences at walk-in sites compared to developed campgrounds. The designated tent sites at Lambs Knoll offer proximity to climbing areas while maintaining separation from day-use parking. One review noted, "This is a new very nice parking area with a vault toilet that has been developed by the BLM for folks climbing the nearby rock features." Dispersed camping areas provide more isolation but require additional preparation. Sites along Kolob Terrace Road offer tent campers views of Zion's features without the crowds of the main park areas. During spring and fall, temperatures remain moderate for tent camping, though summer heat can be intense and winter brings freezing overnight temperatures to higher-elevation sites.

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Best Tent Sites Near Mount Carmel Junction, Utah (45)

    1. Kolob Road BLM Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    25 miles

    "It was just off the road, but not too much traffic noise. The little river by the site is very pretty. We only had 2 neighbors, but the spots are decently spaced apart so nobody was too close"

    "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."

    2. Zion Glamping Adventures

    3 Reviews
    Hildale, UT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 414-5179

    $100 - $450 / night

    "Full bathrooms, warm showers, cooking supplies, wifi, coffee, firewood- basically everything was provided besides food.

    The view here at night is AMAZING."

    "About an hour's drive from Zion, this gem allows you to see the full specter of nature's beauty. The stars at night at this place were simply unspeakably amazing. That alone made it worth the drive."

    3. Kolob Terrace Road

    11 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    27 miles

    "A large space, others joined us as the night went on and we weren’t bothered by noise and were close to the stream."

    "There were a couple of other vans there but the trees and campgrounds offered a fair bit of privacy. Close to the road without having to hear all the freeway traffic."

    4. Uinta Flat Dispersed Camp

    2 Reviews
    Duck Creek Village, UT
    20 miles

    5. Clay Flat Kiosk

    Be the first to review!
    Mount Carmel Junction, UT
    4 miles
    +1 (435) 644-1200

    6. Lambs Knoll Climbing Site Camping

    4 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    24 miles

    "This is a new very nice parking area with a vault toilet that has been developed by the BLM for folks climbing the nearby rock features."

    "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."

    7. Orderville Gulch Trailhead

    Be the first to review!
    Orderville, UT
    11 miles
    +1 (435) 644-1200

    8. Zion View Camping

    1 Review
    Hildale, UT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 359-8935

    $80 - $380 / night

    9. Great Western Trail Dispersed

    28 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT
    40 miles

    "We decided to ask a park ranger where else we could camp, he handed us a map (in the pictures) and sent us on our way."

    "You do have to drive back a little ways (see map) but quite a few spots of varying sizes, pretty spread apart. There were a handful of other people there."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Mount Carmel Junction, UT

2208 Reviews of 45 Mount Carmel Junction Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • B
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    The best campground in Zion

    As an avid nature enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of visiting Watchman Campground in Zion National Park, and I must say it was an unforgettable experience. Nestled amidst the breathtaking red rock landscapes and verdant canyons, this campground offers a peaceful retreat for outdoor lovers seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Zion.

    Location: Situated in the heart of Zion National Park, Watchman Campground boasts a prime location that provides easy access to the park's renowned hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and natural wonders. Its proximity to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, just a short walk away, is incredibly convenient for obtaining information, permits, and maps.

    Campsites: The campground features a variety of campsites, including tent sites, RV sites, and electric hookup sites. The sites are well-maintained, spacious, and thoughtfully arranged to provide a semblance of privacy and tranquility. The campsites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and ample space for parking. Although the sites do not have hookups for water or sewer, the centrally located restrooms with running water and flushing toilets are clean and easily accessible.

    Scenic Beauty: The awe-inspiring beauty surrounding Watchman Campground is nothing short of mesmerizing. Towering sandstone cliffs, vibrant foliage, and the tranquil Virgin River create a picturesque backdrop that embodies the essence of Zion National Park. The campground itself is enveloped by lush vegetation, providing a serene atmosphere and enhancing the feeling of immersion in nature.

    Amenities and Facilities: Watchman Campground offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for campers. The Visitor Center nearby offers a well-stocked store where you can find camping supplies, snacks, and souvenirs. Additionally, the campground provides drinking water stations and a dump station for RVs. The presence of a shuttle stop within the campground allows for convenient transportation to explore various trails and viewpoints throughout the park.

    Accessibility: Watchman Campground strives to accommodate campers of all abilities. Several campsites are designed specifically to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, featuring accessible picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities. This commitment to inclusivity is commendable and enhances the overall camping experience for everyone.

    Reservation System and Availability: To secure a spot at Watchman Campground, it is strongly recommended to make a reservation well in advance. The campground is in high demand, especially during peak seasons, and availability can be limited. The reservation system is user-friendly, ensuring a seamless booking process.

    Visitor Experience: The staff at Watchman Campground is knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to provide guidance and assistance. Whether you're seeking recommendations for hiking trails or seeking general information about the park, they are there to make your stay enjoyable. Additionally, the campground observes quiet hours, creating a peaceful ambiance that allows visitors to truly connect with nature and relish the serenity of the surroundings.

    In conclusion, Watchman Campground is a hidden gem within Zion National Park. Its idyllic setting, well-maintained facilities, and convenient location make it an ideal base for exploring the park's wonders. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a nature photographer, or simply seeking solace in the embrace of Mother Nature, this campground is a must-visit destination that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

    Note: As with any outdoor adventure, it is essential to adhere to park regulations, practice Leave No Trace principles, and respect the fragile ecosystem to ensure the preservation of this remarkable natural treasure.

  • Stephanie L.
    Sep. 2, 2018

    South Campground — Zion National Park

    Rough camping

    To enter the South-Zion National Park camp grounds you have to go through the park entrance and the camp grounds are just behind the parks entrance. There is drinking water, flush-able toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, flat places for a tent, dump stations. There is not however, showers, shade which can get hot on 100 degree days, there is no power, the ground is too hard to stake down tents, no trees for hammocks, the bathroom have huge spiders and filthy, there are plenty of rocks to sleep on!

    This is not the best camp site on the planet it is ok. It currently costs $35 to get into the Zion National Park and then it costs to camp at this site. With the amount of traffic this area gets and the amount of money flowing in they could put in a decent bathroom, one without bugs.

    I have good news there are lots of trails for backpacking and biking. If you'd like to go for a stroll to shower there are showers a little less than a mile away that cost $15 for 12 minutes. They aren't wonderful but they get the job done. They are however also filthy! Thank goodness I had my Oofos Oolala flip flops on hand to save my feet from whatever nasty germs were living in the shower floor that was covered in hair. There are some great places to eat close by to this camp grounds and great coffee! If you need any souvenirs there are plenty of places to shop!

    The South-Zion National Park campgrounds have a shuttle close by that drives guests to the trail for the well known, "Narrows". The shuttle comes with your park pass and is a hop on hop off transit. It is the easiest way to see some of Zions most precious wonders!

    Pros:

    Close to popular trails

    River runs next to camp

    Close shopping and food

    Potable water

    Places to throw away trash

    Cons:

    Bad bathrooms (rather go outside) + small stalls

    No showers

    Rough grounds

  • Stephanie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2024

    Lava Flats Dispersed Camping

    Nice location in the trees

    This location has a handful of spots on both side of the main road. We saw some larger RV/motorhomes as well as basic tent camping. Fire rings are already set up for you and there is a dumpster for trash down the road next to the horse trail ride company going back towards duck creek village. Close enough to the village for buying basics, grabbing food or renting an atv. Drive to Navajo lake to swim or boat, 35 min to Cedar breaks, 35 min to red canyon, 45 min to Brian head, less than an hour to Bryce Canyon and 1.5 hrs to Zion. Only bad was the atv noise that starts super early. VERIZON COVERAGE!!! we were able to make calls, access the internet and watch steamed videos.

  • Armaan M.
    Jan. 3, 2020

    Sheep Bridge BLM Area (Hurricane Cliffs Trail System) - Utah

    Remote but accessible primitive camping

    Tldr: A 4wd dirt road out to the canyon with primitive (open dirt) campsites and a few fire rings.

    The sheeps bridge road that gets out through the campsites has camping options from right off the highways to deep into the fields by the virgin river canyon. All are primitive, and many have fire rings. I did see some RVs near the highway, but no hookups or dump sites. A number of hiking and off roading shortcuts can get you in and around the area. While there are no large rocks to worry about, after the first couple miles its best to have a four wheel drive high clearance vehicle, as the roads get rutted and in rain very muddy. I made it around easily in a Mitsubishi outlander sport with 4wd. Many campsites are clearly visible by the signage as well as visible fire rings. The fire rings have spikes and mounts for convenience. Due to the elevation and canyon, this area is slightly warmer in the winter, and was not snowed over when the rest of zion was, so it made for good camping (the ground was still frozen). My friend and I had no trouble staking down, and the local gas stations (less than 30 min drive in any direction) all had firewood in the winter. We drove and hiked into the canyon easily from the campsite. Overall a fantastic primitive campsite for good canyon access, nearby hikes, and a few non sandstone climbs/boulders during rainy seasons.

  • Kelsey L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2018

    Jacob Lake Campground - Kaibab National Forest

    Dispersed National Forest camping

    Dispersed camping is allowed in the nearby Kaibab National Forest. Some existing sites are present but you can pretty much pull off and camp anywhere (following Leave No Trace principles, of course). Cooler temperatures because of the elevation made this a fantastic place to camp.

  • India S.
    Jul. 13, 2017

    Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    Conveniently Located, Buggy and Open

    I was very excited to secure a campsite at Watchman on a crowded holiday weekend in July (yes, that one). You just can't beat a central location where you can park your car and not have to use it at all for a few days.

    Location: The campground is very conveniently located in walking distance to the shuttles and the town (and market most importantly for late night ice cream cravings). You do have to walk across an unsightly (and hot) parking lot to reach the shuttles, but after seeing the holiday crowds at Zion ANYTHING is better than having to drive/find a parking space.

    Exposure: The campground also has nice tree cover so you're not constantly exposed to the harsh summer sun. However the foliage is not dense enough to give campsites privacy from their neighbors. The sites are located close together and everyone can see/hear/smell everything happening next to them. Not the best site for privacy.

    Comfort: One of the more uncomfortable campsites I've ever stayed at. The ground is hard and gravelly, sleeping pad STRONGLY encouraged. The site was also INFESTED (EMPHASIZE INFESTED) with ants; not the kind that bite but it was a nag to try and do things around camp and constantly feel ants crawling up your legs...or to try and enter your tent to discover it's covered in ants. Bees were also very curious, but otherwise no other insect issues.

    The site stayed hot well into the night for those who have issues sleeping in the heat. It started to cool down around midnight when the strong winds arrived. Tent placement can probably alleviate the winds, but they were VERY strong and VERY noisy. The cool temperatures lasted until around 9 AM.

    Amenities: The site included a grill and picnic table, which was great! Didn't get to use the grill however due to fire restrictions.

    Bathrooms: The bathrooms are kept very clean! I was impressed. The water pressure was great. There are no showers or trash cans (save sanitary disposal trash cans) but there's a fantastic river running through Zion to make up for the lack of showers. The bathrooms were small for the amount of people they were meant to service; there were times I had to wait to use the sinks. And rarely was I ever alone in the bathroom.

    Views: Obviously fantastic! Great views of the peaks right out your "front door"

    Overall: It's okay for a place to sleep at night if you're desperate and won't be spending a lot of time in the campsite. The ants were a huge issue for me personally and really dampened my enjoyment of time at the campground. But really I spent most of my time in the park so it wasn't a huge deal. The price is good, the location was convenient and I had a place to put my head down every night even if it wasn't comfortable.

  • C
    Nov. 18, 2019

    Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park

    Sand Hollow State Park

    Sand Hollow is a beautiful man made lake with bright red sand and clear waters. This park allows for motorized and non motorized boats, off road vehicles, rentals, camping and dogs.

    There are very limited spots by the water to camp, and fires are only allowed in specific fire rings. Outside firewood is not allowed. There is also an entrance fee to enter the park, National Park Passes will not work here.

    There are nice day use areas, and areas designated for camping. Tents and RVs allowed, although most access roads are covered in thick sand. I would not recommend taking a low clearance vehicle. There is also a small restaurant for food and vault toilets for use.

    You cannot camp around the entire lake. The back portion is fenced off, only allowing half of the lake to be occupied. I chose to camp as far away from the other campers by the backside of the lake. It was a very beautiful, sandy spot right by the water. However, it seemed like the other people staying at the park had no sense of respect or personal space. We set our tent up around 2:00pm and we constantly had ATV's, families with dogs off of the leash, fishermen etc walking/driving right through our site. This continued even through the night until quiet hours. Light and sound travel very well over this lake, so someone drunkenly singing with their buddies across the lake sounds like they are right next to you. People are driving their cars at all sorts of hours blinding you with the reflection off of the water. There are Park Rangers that drive around but don't seem to do anything. There was litter everywhere hidden in the sand. There are a couple of trees and bushes that provide some shade but I would recommend bringing a shade tent. There are also a couple of metal tables with attached chairs at some campsite locations.

    This would be a beautiful location to visit for the day with your family. I would not recommend camping here overnight unless you don't enjoy personal space, respectful neighbors, quiet hours or humming RVs.

  • Cōllette M.
    Nov. 1, 2016

    Watchman Campground — Zion National Park

    Weathered the Storm at F17

    Myself and one friend were lucky to grab the last site available, a walk up tent site, F 17, and were not disappointed. Upon walking up to the site, at our very first introduction to our site 3 deer standing IN the groomed tent area.

    When I say "walk up tent site" it was a short walk from a parking strip, what you would expect from your car to the grocery store doors, and our site was the farthest back. You might get a site closer. We had no problems bringing our cooler, tent and other gear over from the truck. It had just been raining heavily bout an hour before our arrival about and there was a small puddle (that the deer were helping drain by drinking). The site is backed up to a mountain/hill formation, and in heavy rain water will run down, however, the site has railroad ties diverting water away. There was never any threat of getting swept away, but it was gonna flood a bit, it's not the campsites fault, this is heavy rain, this happens. Too much rain too fast, the earth couldn't soak it up.

    There was a monster storm that night, the radar was RED right on top of us. It sounded like a train coming in. Wind, rain, cold, the site stayed mostly good. I am grateful for a tarped bottom tent as the water did pool a bit and you could feel it below, like water in a bag, but solid tent! The site was just so soaked, the site was just saturated, all but one of the tent stakes stayed planted.

    There's a bear box in the site to stow your food. Our site has a very nice picnic table and small tree, don't count on it for any shade though. If you are there in summer I'd suggest easy-up for sun protection, you could try to tarp it, but there's not much to tie down to and that tree is young and flimsy. It's pretty bare, but if you don't need it in the cooler weather, no sense in blocking the most gorgeous view.

    Bathrooms are not much farther than past where you park. Found them clean, toilets, sinks, hand dryers, what you'd expect. There is a station to wash dishes there too. There are no showers here but there is a place in town I hear you can pay for a shower (we just went camping to Snow canyon the next day and the had showers there anyway).

    There was a group fire pit between the parking strip and our site, other campers were using it.

    We didn't have problems with noisy campers or bugs, maybe because of the off-season timing or the fact that the storm was as loud a train. The trip was absolutely beautiful.


Guide to Mount Carmel Junction

Nestled near Mount Carmel Junction, Utah, tent camping offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Activities for outdoor enthusiasts

Tent campers should check out local attractions

  • Visit the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park, just a short drive from Zion RV and Campground (Hi-Road), where you can hike iconic trails and enjoy breathtaking views.
  • Explore the serene environment at Camp Lutherwood of Utah, located conveniently between Bryce Canyon and Zion, making it an ideal base for day trips.
  • Discover the unique rock formations and natural beauty surrounding Zion Under Canvas, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying comfortable tent accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mount Carmel Junction, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mount Carmel Junction, UT is Kolob Road BLM Dispersed with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Mount Carmel Junction, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Mount Carmel Junction, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.