Dispersed camping near New Harmony, Utah offers desert, forest and mesa terrain with elevations ranging from 4,000-8,000 feet creating diverse camping conditions. The area experiences temperature fluctuations of 30-40°F between day and night, particularly at higher elevations. Summer monsoons (July-September) can bring sudden afternoon thunderstorms that create flash flood conditions in washes and canyons.
What to do
Mountain biking: Hurricane Cliffs trail system is directly accessible from Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed camping areas. "JEM & Hurricane Cliffs Trails right out the door," reports one camper who stayed at the location for two weeks.
Fishing: Trout fishing at Kolob Resevoir provides seasonal opportunities. "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 camper. The reservoir periodically undergoes fishery management with one visitor noting: "DWR is draining the Reservoir this November and has increased the catch limit from 4-8 trout."
Swimming: During summer months, local swimming holes offer relief from heat. "Make sure to stop at the Virgin River Falls Park along the road. It's a nice swimming hole," recommends a visitor to Hurricane Cliffs area. Another camper at Kolob describes "warm water" perfect for swimming activities.
Stargazing: The region's minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. "Stars were fantastic!" exclaims one visitor at Hurricane Cliffs sites 40-48. Another camper describes "horizon to horizon of billions of seen stars," noting that "nighttime stargazing and sunrises were great!"
What campers like
Creek access: Multiple campsites along North Creek Dispersed Camping offer water access. "The stream is a great place to put some chairs and cool off," reports one visitor. Another notes: "If you have a vehicle with high clearance, take the creek crossing and you will have many more options!"
Cell service: Working remotely is possible at select locations. "Nice place with good enough cell to work remote," explains a camper at North Creek. At Hurricane Cliffs, a visitor reported: "Verizon & ATT 4-5 bars even with no booster" and "wide open, strong solar all but 1 day."
Distance to Zion: Many sites provide convenient National Park access. "Great location with lots of space and premade firepits," notes a North Creek visitor about this location "only a 20 minute drive from the Zion Canyon Visitors Center." Another camper confirmed: "The drive to Zion is around 20 minutes."
Solitude options: Some areas offer more privacy than others. "You definitely need a higher up car to get to where I went," explains one visitor to Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed. "I got to the location and kept going and found a shaded area at the bottom of a hill. It's got space for a tent too. It would be nice to see other people around me but I can't."
What you should know
Weather extremes: The name "Hurricane" hints at potential conditions. At Hurricane Cliffs BLM dispersed #54, a camper reported: "Wind came up around midnight and it was like being in a hurricane for 5 hours. It's super close to Zion but the wind made it a no return for us."
Dust management: Fine sediment requires preparation. "Dust... and I mean dust! Fine, silty, reddish stuff that wafts in the air, settles in your screens, your rugs, your skin, and generally coats anything air touches. The views are worth it, just be prepared to constantly wipe, mop, wash feet, shoes etc," explains a Hurricane Cliffs camper.
Arrival timing: Sites fill quickly during peak seasons. At Hurricane Cliffs sites 40-48, one visitor advised: "Get there early, they seem to fill up fast. I got one of the last spots in the area around 4PM." Another camper confirmed: "Most of the 40-48 were used by dinner time on a Monday."
Sanitation concerns: Without facilities, proper waste management is crucial. One candid review of Kolob Terrace Road noted: "The fields in and around the camp area are filled with human and animal poop...they really need to build some pit toilets or something out here because it is really gross!!"
Tips for camping with families
High elevation options: Kolob Road BLM Dispersed offers cooler temperatures during summer months. "About 6 spots, well separated by trees and distance," notes one visitor. Another adds: "Nearby river gives you that ambient sound to drown out the world."
Night temperature planning: Pack warm clothing even in summer. At Kolob Reservoir, a camper advised: "It gets chilly at night so don't forget your sweater." Another family reported more extreme conditions: "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 because all the reservations were booked and they came and crashed in our RV it was so cold!!"
Water recreation: Several locations offer cooling options. "The lake soaked up my 2020 stress," explains a Kolob Reservoir visitor. "Don't forget sunscreen if you spend the day on the water, and mind the ducks! They love to come through camp at mealtimes."
Location security: Some areas experience security issues. One camper at Hurricane Cliffs sites 40-48 reported: "Showed up to our campsite to 3 trash bags worth of trash that we collected. The following day we came back to our stuff stolen and gone."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Leeds Canyon Dispersed #1 requires careful vehicle assessment. "Lower dispersed sites 1-6 are easiest to get into with a TT. Camp in designated spots, camping free for 16 days," advises one RVer. Another warns: "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."
Turning radius: Larger rigs require planning for maneuvering. One visitor to Old 91 Dispersed explained: "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, so it is possible to get back here, but be prepared to work around that obstacle."
Site selection: Hurricane Cliffs offers several RV-friendly areas. "We scouted out other locations in this area as well. The 50s sites are easier access to Zion, but pretty crowded, and not particularly level for us. 25-36 had some nice sites, but a long drive on the washboarded SBRd."
Utilities access: No hookups means planning for resources. "Free water at Hurricane Maverick (pump 5/6); Free dump & rinse water at La Verkin Maverick. Propane fill at Tractor Supply (call 1st to verify certified personnel on duty)," shared one RVer who stayed at Hurricane Cliffs.
