Best Dispersed Camping near Orderville, UT

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Orderville, Utah, with several free BLM sites offering primitive camping experiences. BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed, Mt Carmel Old 89 Dispersed, and Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site provide convenient access to Zion National Park's east entrance. These sites feature no amenities but allow visitors to camp at no cost with a standard 14-day stay limit. According to reviews, the Old Highway 89 site offers "quiet camping close to Kanab and the east entrance of Zion" with sufficient space even during busy periods like spring break.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. BLM Road #71 requires slow driving on rough, broken pavement, while most sites on Old Highway 89 are accessible with standard vehicles. No drinking water is available at any of these locations, so campers must bring all necessary supplies. Cell service is generally available but varies in strength; BLM Road #71 typically receives 1-2 bars of 5G service. Fire regulations change seasonally, and fire rings exist at some sites, though campers should always check current fire restrictions before their visit.

Most dispersed sites near Orderville fill quickly during peak season, particularly in summer when sites typically reach capacity by early evening. The area experiences extreme temperature variations; summer days can be intensely hot while nights cool significantly. Several campers noted the excellent stargazing opportunities in the area due to minimal light pollution. Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles, as increasing use has led to trash accumulation at some sites. Pack out all waste, stay on established roads, and use existing campsites to help preserve these free camping areas for future visitors.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Orderville, Utah (148)

    1. BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed - BLM

    28 Reviews
    Mount Carmel Junction, UT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 688-3200

    "This area is up BLM Road #71 and was the old hwy. The actual main camping area is an old gravel pit area but views are great, solar is plentiful."

    "You could easily use this as a base to explore Zion if you dont mind no facilities. The view was spectacular, and our spot had an already made fire pit."

    2. Mt Carmel Old 89 Dispersed Camping

    23 Reviews
    Mount Carmel Junction, UT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 644-1200

    "The road is rough I would recommend a high clearance vehicle to be able to drive farther. We don't have that so we were limited on how far we were willing to drive down the rough dirt road."

    "Take the exit from 89 and cross the remnants of the old 89 road. You will find several spots with previously used fire rings."

    3. Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site

    10 Reviews
    Mount Carmel Junction, UT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 644-1200

    "We loved this free camping area! 

    There aren't tons of spots(most of it is an open area), but we never had an issue getting one, even during spring break. "

    "The section of the dispersed camping on the old highway road I chose was on a hilltop, so even though there wasn't much shade, the breezes were great and the views were even better."

    4. Hog Canyon

    14 Reviews
    Kanab, UT
    14 miles

    "We stayed a few miles up into the public land. There’s a lot of off-road trails & it’s muddy, tons of fun wheeling! Found a spot on the top of a hill that was flat enough for us to set up camp."

    "Unfortunately the dirt road is a pretty heavily used off-road trail so there were several groups that went by while we were there. Nothing annoying but they will be coming by."

    5. Archers Overlook East Zion

    7 Reviews
    Mount Carmel Junction, UT
    8 miles

    "Not many flat spots, I found one for 24ft RV and have seen 2 people pull in, try other spots, and leave. If you want level ground you have to get the spot on the west side."

    "Accessible to 2wd vehicles. Made it in fine in my Kia Forte. If you have a tent, you can walk down the slope a little bit for some nice canyon views."

    6. Horse Camp Near Belly of the Dragon Trail

    5 Reviews
    Mount Carmel Junction, UT
    3 miles

    "We camped right next to the creek which is beautiful. Dead bird in the creek though and a spine of another animal. Lots of areas to camp for tents, car camping and rv/travel trailers."

    "Watch weather the road seem like it could become sticky mud in rain. 5 stars for this free blm area expect for our July weather heat. Near belly of the dragon cave hike."

    7. Zion Hwy 9 Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Mount Carmel Junction, UT
    6 miles

    "So close to Zion this is a great free camping spot. The access road is a bit bumpy as the pavement is potholed but no trouble in our Class C."

    "Very quiet place to stay near to the entrance of Zion Park. Access to the dispersed Campground is a little bit rough but if you go slowly it’s ok. You can see very beautiful sunset and sunrise."

    8. Poverty Flat BLM Road #70 Dispersed Camping Area

    6 Reviews
    Mount Carmel Junction, UT
    9 miles
    +1 (435) 644-1200

    "There was a small ranch/private property close to the beginning campsites and their dogs barked all night but wasn’t close enough to really bother us. Good view of the stars here too!"

    "Great area, continued a little further down the road than GPS point and found a huge area with way too many campfire rings and a tree swing with views into poverty gulch."

    9. Hancock Road 64L Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Mount Carmel Junction, UT
    9 miles

    "No fee and 14 day limit. Great site but be very careful with the very loose sand at these sites. Approximately 11 miles from the state park."

    "We are in a 40ft Motorhome with a 24ft trailer and had plenty of room to maneuver around in the site. We will probably hit this one up again next winter. We had zero trouble driving across the sand."

    10. North Creek Dispersed Camping

    45 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    28 miles
    Website

    "There’s of shade from the trees and a beautiful creek.

    We arrived at around 3pm and no one was around. By 5pm a good amount of people started driving in a picking their spots."

    "Went to the right from the entrance all the way to end next to a private property. It’s really quiet and more secluded. You see other campers but you have privacy and your own place."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Orderville, UT

842 Reviews of 148 Orderville Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • K
    May. 30, 2021

    Kitchen Corral Wash

    Easy spot

    Great camping spot and so easy to get to. Nice dirt road. Don’t pay attention to the 4WD warning sign. You can get to many spots right off the road without it. We went maybe 1/4 mile off the highway and found a wide open field. Camper vans and RVs and 2 WD would be able to camp this

  • 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!

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2021

    Leeds Canyon Dispersed #2

    Overlander site only

    Leeds Canyon Dispersed camp sites are on the Dixie NF. Lower dispersed sites 1-6 are easiest to get into with a TT. Camp in designated spots, camping free for 16 days. No water, no trash, no toilets. Sites are along a well maintained FS gravel road so dust may be a concern. Only a few miles outside of Leeds and Interstate 15.

    Leeds Canyon #2 is behind #1 a hundred yards but requires high clearance and 4wd to access....no TT or RVs. Nice big open area with views for the overlander types

  • Dave S.
    Oct. 3, 2020

    Parowan Gap Petroglyphs

    Wonderful place but please leave no trace

    We stayed here for a week while waiting for a package to arrive in Cedar City. The gap is a beautiful place and the petroglyphs would be as well were it not for the vandalism on them. On some camping apps people are saying just camp anywhere out here. I wanted to clarify that. While there are lots of places to camp please don't make new campsites or drive off roads and in the desert/grass. We stayed in a lovely spot on Jackrabbit Road, but had to drive over a mile to find what I consider an established site. All along the road there is damage from people driving and camping wherever they want. This is tragic and violates leave no trace. So does the many bullet shell casings, broken glass, dog turds, old gun targets, shotgun shells, etc, out here. This is how public lands get closed. It's a nice place and we saw respectful campers, OHV'rs, and bicyclists. Just use existing campsites and roads.

  • K
    Jun. 13, 2022

    Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site

    Quiet camping spot close to Kanab and east entrance of Zion

    We loved this free camping area! 

    There aren't tons of spots(most of it is an open area), but we never had an issue getting one, even during spring break. 

    It's close to Kanab and the east entrance of Zion.

    Please Leave No Trace! Take care of this place so it can be enjoyed by many for as long as possible!

  • Brett T.
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Dave’s Hollow Designated Dispersed Camping

    Nice USFS Dispersed Camping Right outside Bryce Canyon NP Entrance

    When our original dispersed camping spot didn’t work out we drove down the road and found this little gem, right outside the entrance to Bruce Canyon National Park. There are a bunch of designated USFS camping spots. They’re level-ish, fire rings, and pretty easy to get to. We have a 1992 (renovated!) motorhome and we got to spot 17 no problem. We could have gone to 17-19, but then the road got to rough for our old girl. Lots of quads and sideXsides riding on the dirt road, kicking up dust till about 8:30PM but was not a big deal. Solid free camping right near the park!

  • Meg G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2020

    Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest

    Fabulous - lots of space, quiet and solitude.

    October 15, 2020

    We wanted to be close to Bryce Canyon but not in all of the hub and chaos of people. This location is about a 10 minute drive away from Bryce.  This is the perfect location to get away from it all.  When you first arrive, you will see plenty of spots for RV's and travel trailers.  We traveled 1.8 miles and took a left turn on a small dirt road and found 5 or 6 campsites that were level and far away from each other. (We were the only one down this road).  

    The site was level with a lot of space to spread out.  There was a firepit but no other facilities, so come prepared with everything you need. Due to fire restrictions, we didn't have a fire, and enjoyed seeing the Milky Way and shooting stars!  There is a pit toilet across the highway before you turn into the BLM land.  

    We thought we would only stay for one night, but ended up there 2 nights since it was so beautiful!


Guide to Orderville

Dispersed camping near Orderville, Utah typically involves primitive sites located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land at elevations between 5,000-6,500 feet. The area experiences dramatic temperature swings across seasons, with daily temperature fluctuations of 30-40 degrees common between day and night. Most rustic camping locations around Orderville require self-sufficiency with all supplies including water, as the high desert terrain provides minimal natural resources for campers.

What to do

Explore Hog Canyon trails: The area around Hog Canyon offers excellent off-road recreation opportunities. "This was a very nice spot and felt very private. Unfortunately the dirt road is a pretty heavily used off-road trail so there were several groups that went by while we were there. Nothing annoying but they will be coming by," notes Ted T.

Visit Sand Arch: Located near BLM sites along Hancock Road, this natural formation makes for a convenient excursion. "Sand Arch just up the road and a cool little stop," mentions Lost Moose Meadows Campground L. from the Hancock Road 64L dispersed area.

Cool off in North Creek: During hot months, the creek provides welcome relief from heat. "You can get some refreshment under the trees and in the river," reports Jahro M. about North Creek Dispersed Camping, which is "a 20 min drive to Zion NP."

What campers like

Elevated camping locations: Many prefer the higher dispersed sites for their views. "We found a wonderful spot on top of a hill. The road can be very rough in places but great views," writes Kevin H. about camping at Zion Scenic Byway Dispersed BLM.

Accessible sites with various setups: Primitive camping near Orderville accommodates different vehicle types. "We got here around 3h30pm. Place is easy to find, no 4WD needed. Already five others parked around the area. There is even a fifth wheel. Nice view," explains Fabiola T. about the Zion Scenic Byway area.

Seclusion from crowds: Some spots offer privacy despite proximity to popular attractions. "Nice spot, secluded and great views and a beautiful sunset view," reports Alyssa C. about the Mt Carmel Old 89 area. "Quiet, secluded and great views and a beautiful sunset view."

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Many sites require careful driving. "The road up is rough and bumpy. We did like the previous review said and took the 2nd left. It snowed a few days before and left very large puddles which made us nervous to travel further," shares hannah P. about access to Zion Scenic Byway Dispersed BLM.

Capacity fluctuates seasonally: Sites fill quickly during peak periods. At Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site, one camper noted "we never had an issue getting one, even during spring break... It's close to Kanab and the east entrance of Zion."

Temperature management: The area experiences extreme heat and cold. "Summer days can be intensely hot while nights cool significantly," requiring appropriate clothing and shelter systems.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection for safety: Choose locations with enough space for children. "There are sites on both sides of the creek. The drive to Zion is around 20 minutes. It does get very hot and there is not a lot of tree cover but the stream is a great place to put some chairs and cool off," advises Kristin M. about North Creek Dispersed Camping.

Alcove camping spots: Some areas offer natural protection. At Archers Overlook East Zion, "Lots of spots to walk in and put up a small tent. Rock fire rings. About 4 spots for vehicles to pull in and camp. 4x4 not required. Pretty scenery," writes Sheryl O.

Timing arrival for better experiences: Arrive early enough to secure suitable family spots. "Try to get here before dark so you have time to scout for the spot you want. There is a lot here and you can go 3 ways once you pull in, so getting early to give yourself time to look around is a good idea," recommends Gordon F.

Tips from RVers

Pre-trip planning for road access: Many primitive sites have challenging entry points. "We are in a 40ft Motorhome with a 24ft trailer and had plenty of room to maneuver around in the site," reports Lost Moose Meadows Campground L. about Hancock Road 64L camping.

Navigating sandy terrain: Sand presents unique challenges for larger vehicles. "Be very careful with the very loose sand at these sites," cautions Roger R. about dispersed camping near Coral Pink Sand Dunes, noting these free sites have a "14 day limit."

Big rig accessibility: Some areas accommodate larger RVs despite primitive conditions. "Nice spot about 20 minutes from Zion there are a few different entrances and places to park some are alittle rough for the bigger campers but we got out 33 footer in with alittle work," explains Salvy F. about North Creek dispersed camping options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Orderville, Utah?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Orderville. Kitchen Corral Wash offers easily accessible sites with a nice dirt road where even 2WD vehicles can reach camping spots about 1/4 mile from the highway. Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site provides free camping close to Kanab and the east entrance of Zion. The area doesn't have many designated spots but features an open area where campers rarely have trouble finding space, even during peak periods like spring break. Both locations are convenient bases for exploring the natural wonders around Orderville.

Are there free dispersed camping options near Orderville year-round?

Yes, free dispersed camping is available near Orderville year-round, though accessibility varies with seasons. Tom's Best Spring Road in Dixie National Forest offers numerous sites with easy access along a well-maintained Forest Service road, making it popular for those visiting Bryce Canyon National Park. Dave's Hollow Designated Dispersed Camping provides level-ish sites with fire rings just outside Bryce Canyon. Winter access to higher elevation sites may be limited by snow, especially December through March. Lower elevation BLM lands typically remain accessible throughout winter months. No reservations are needed for any of these free sites, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Orderville?

Dispersed camping around Orderville follows standard public land regulations. At Leeds Canyon Dispersed #2 in Dixie National Forest, camping is limited to 16 days and only permitted in designated spots. Parowan Gap Petroglyphs has specific camping areas rather than allowing camping anywhere. Common rules across all sites include packing out all trash, maintaining distance from water sources (typically 200 feet), and following fire restrictions which vary seasonally. Human waste must be properly buried or packed out. Remember that regulations can change, so checking with the managing agency (BLM or Forest Service) before your trip is recommended.