The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Park Valley, UT

21 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Park Valley, Utah, with City of Rocks in Idaho offering the most developed free sites. Located about 70 miles northwest of Park Valley, City of Rocks Dispersed provides primitive camping on BLM land with established fire rings and space for both tents and RVs. The access road is rough with cobbles, ruts and large rocks, though RVs and standard vehicles can navigate it with caution.

Flat Canyon Dispersed Campground in Sawtooth National Forest provides free backcountry camping with picnic tables and fire rings but no toilets or water. The site requires traveling on gravel roads but offers quiet, secluded camping in a forested setting. Lower Goose Creek Reservoir area features spacious lakeside camping with toilet facilities, making it popular for fishing trips. According to one visitor, these sites are "open and spacious...a great spot to fish all day, light a campfire and gaze under the stars." Most dispersed sites in the region allow pets and campfires (when not restricted) but require visitors to pack in water and pack out waste.

Map showing campgrounds near Park Valley, UtahExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Park Valley, Utah (7)

    1. City of Rocks

    4 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    23 miles
    Website

    $14 / night

    "The campsite according to the map is an entirely different campsite; so ignore all the information, pictures and reviews. These are all FREE campsites."

    "There are pit toilets but no other amenities, not even trash, so please take your trash out with you.  Camp sites are scattered all along the main road, and broken up into area numbers."

    2. McClendon Spring Campground

    12 Reviews
    Malta, ID
    36 miles
    +1 (208) 677-6600

    "Well maintained dirt road and toilet! Great hanging with all the cows. Amazing views! Don’t use Apple Maps. Google will get you there on the easiest road."

    "Situated by a pond with lots of birds made our stay very peaceful. Lights of a nearby town (Malta) could be seen from a distance making this spot even more lovely at night. Pitted toilet."

    3. City of Rocks Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    29 miles

    "Basic BLM land, dispersed camping about 2mi outside the City of Rocks on the Bread Loaves side, perfect for rock climbers."

    "Easy access on a gravel road, open field with 5 stone firepits. Relatively hard to find a level spot, but not terrible."

    4. Flat Canyon Dispersed Campground - Sawtooth National Forest

    2 Reviews
    Oakley, ID
    35 miles

    "We ended up finding this  spot to when we were looking at camping near Independence Lakes. It is a dispersed camping. The site was big enough for 3-4 trailers and had a picnic table and a fire ring."

    "Really long gravel from highway to site. So far off the highway that it is complete quiet and serenity. Had firewood there and a fire ring to build a fire. Also a picnic table. Beautiful views."

    5. Lower Goose Creek (Oakley) Reservoir

    2 Reviews
    Oakley, ID
    40 miles
    Website

    6. Spiral Jetty

    2 Reviews
    Howell, UT
    43 miles

    "Took close to two hours from Salt Lake City, once you turn off I 15 you’ve still got close to an hour."

    "Was a beautiful location for one night, but not much more than that. The Golden Spike park is on the way which is nice to stop by at. Was windy on the night we stayed, no fires."

    7. Lower Goose Lake Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Oakley, ID
    40 miles
Show More
Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Park Valley Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Park Valley, UT

12 Photos of 7 Park Valley Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Park Valley, UT

21 Reviews of 7 Park Valley Campgrounds

  • Lauren C.
    Jul. 24, 2022

    McClendon Spring Campground

    What Oasis? Don't waste your time!

    HUGE disappointment. We drive 3 miles with our TT on a long steep dirt road, to find an overgrown site with no "spring". The trees and grass have taken over and the spring was dry. You could see exposed pipes, maybe the re-route that water in the summer? There are two sites (supposedly there are 5), one of which is completely exposed to the sun, the other is located close to the "spring" within a mangled mess of weeds and overgrown trees. With the hot temperatures and high winds, we didn't want to risk it. If you have travel trailer, 4x4 is recommended as the road is rough and steep in places. The turn off the highway is VERY tight, watch out of the cattle guard if you have low clearance.

  • Cody E.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2021

    Flat Canyon Dispersed Campground - Sawtooth National Forest

    Nice hidden Spot near Independence Lakes Campground.

    We ended up finding this  spot to when we were looking at camping near Independence Lakes. It is a dispersed camping. The site was big enough for 3-4 trailers and had a picnic table and a fire ring. I recommend anyone coming in with a trailer or Rv to come in from the Elba side opposed to the Oakley Side. If your looking for a nice quiet location located a few miles from a nice hike to the lakes this is the place. This is one of those hidden spots for those wanting to stay a few days hiking or taking out their ATV/UTV.

  • Alisa M.
    Jun. 7, 2021

    Flat Canyon Dispersed Campground - Sawtooth National Forest

    Open, quiet space in forest

    Really long gravel from highway to site. So far off the highway that it is complete quiet and serenity. Had firewood there and a fire ring to build a fire. Also a picnic table. Beautiful views.

  • Al L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2025

    McClendon Spring Campground

    Would give 3 stars except for the bumpy gravel road

    About 3 1/2 miles on a semi maintained gravel road. Lots of cows. Nice quiet spot with some picnic benches. There are a few nice spots. Plenty of room to turn around. Pit toilet, but no other amenities. Not worth driving out of the way to stay here.

  • Rachele V.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2025

    McClendon Spring Campground

    Little piece of cow heaven

    Great spot! Well maintained dirt road and toilet! Great hanging with all the cows. Amazing views! Don’t use Apple Maps. Google will get you there on the easiest road.

  • Becbecandbunny O.
    Apr. 8, 2022

    McClendon Spring Campground

    Little oasis

    What a great find during our travels through Southern Idaho. Situated by a pond with lots of birds made our stay very peaceful. Lights of a nearby town (Malta) could be seen from a distance making this spot even more lovely at night. Pitted toilet. One site had picnic tables. Decent cell coverage.

    Google maps led us down an unpassable road. Instead take Tiffler Road/1250 S from the 81 for a smoother ride (still dirt but passable in a 2WD vehicle).

  • Leslie W.
    Jul. 17, 2024

    City of Rocks Dispersed

    City of Rocks BLM dispersed camping

    Basic BLM land, dispersed camping about 2mi outside the City of Rocks on the Bread Loaves side, perfect for rock climbers. At least 3 rock fire pits spaced out for several different groups with plenty of room and flat areas for tents. Appears to be a similar area on the other side of the road too

  • Preston C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 10, 2024

    Spiral Jetty

    Cool to see, best for short trip

    We tried this place as a quick weekend Overlanding Trip to get the kids out of the house.

    Took close to two hours from Salt Lake City, once you turn off I 15 you’ve still got close to an hour. The road wasn’t too bad, pretty Wash boarded but fairly certain most cars could do it if they are careful around a couple of spots.

    There is a train museum along the way that looked pretty interesting.

    Once you get there, there’s a parking lot right above the spiral jetty, you could park there and camp if you wanted.

    If you have a bit more of an off-road vehicle there is a couple of camping areas down just above the Lakeshore that we camped in. You will need a 4 x 4 with decent clearance. We did it with a stock suburban just fine.

    We couldn’t even see the water line, dry Lake bed is pretty much all you can see.

    It was rather fascinating to look at and we did enjoy the time there. But I don’t feel like it would be a place I would want to camp more than one night because I think the kids would get restless.

  • Michael U.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    McClendon Spring Campground

    Long rocky rode for only 2 spots.

    Looks like a nice spot with a pit toilet, but there is only 2 spots that I saw, both taken. Ended up pulling my truck next to the gate to get a few hours sleep. Wouldn't plan this stop. Amazing views. Cows got in the fence

Guide to Park Valley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Park Valley, Utah, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Enjoy the freedom of choosing your own spot while exploring stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.

Scenic Rock Formations for Dispersed Campers

  • The City of Rocks offers breathtaking views with its unique rock formations, making it a perfect backdrop for your camping experience.
  • This area is known for its peaceful atmosphere, allowing you to unwind and connect with nature while surrounded by impressive geological features.
  • With no fees for camping, you can enjoy a budget-friendly getaway while taking in the stunning scenery.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Park Valley, Utah

  • When visiting the City of Rocks Dispersed, be prepared for limited amenities; there are no restrooms or trash services, so plan to pack out what you bring in.
  • The access road can be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended to navigate the terrain comfortably.
  • Keep an eye out for cattle, as this area is open grazing land, adding to the unique experience of camping in the wild.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Park Valley

  • Enjoy rock climbing at the City of Rocks, which is renowned for its climbing routes and attracts enthusiasts from all over.
  • Take advantage of the nearby hot springs and local restaurants, just a short drive from your camping spot, for a relaxing day trip.
  • Explore the hiking trails that wind through the stunning landscapes, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Park Valley, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Park Valley, UT is City of Rocks with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Park Valley, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Park Valley, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring