Pine Valley sits in a bowl at around 6,600 feet in the Dixie National Forest, roughly 30 miles north of Saint George. Free dispersed camping on surrounding forest land spreads across the ridges and flats above the valley floor, with no fees and no reservations. Pine Valley's cabin camping options cover the developed cabin sites if you want four walls and a roof for the same elevation.
No water, no restrooms, no trash service. Self-sufficiency applies at all dispersed sites. Bring your full water supply and plan to pack out everything. The 14-day stay limit applies across Dixie National Forest. Road conditions on the forest tracks depend heavily on recent weather. Some roads handle standard vehicles in dry conditions; others need high clearance after rain. The main forest roads are generally accessible from late April through October, with higher sites sometimes staying snowed in into May.
Fire restrictions in this zone are common from July through September. Check with the Pine Valley Ranger District or Dixie National Forest before arrival, as restrictions can change quickly during dry stretches. Saint George is about 30 miles south and has full resupply.
"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."
"There are no fees but also no amenities. So please, if you pack it in then you need to pack it out. Bring plenty of water for drinking and cleaning."
"Great camping close to Zion! There are some shaded spots but they get taken quick. There were lots of spots out in the open and we ended up at one of those."
"Quite a few dispersed spots. Being out in the desert there isn't much to create privacy from one group of people to the next but they are far enough apart you won't hear eachother."
"This spot is a little ways off the highway. The road is rutted but manageable."
"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."
"It was only a 1-2 block walk to Leeds Creek to sit on a rock and soak feet in creek. “Children’s Forest at the Kiln” maybe 1/4 mile down from site. A sweet little trail leading to a historical kiln."
"Easy to find, right off the highway and tons of spots. A few other campers there on the night we stayed. Pretty warm at night even in late September"
"Noise from highway audible so wear ear plugs. I would stay again."
"Most people were camping in a large packed area a shit distance from the highway and most campers did not have fire rings. We were there for four nights and no one came be to check. No water."
"The gps takes you crazy ways through rough dirt roads. Go down to the 2nd left and there is a perfect cul-de-sac area. We loved this spot and stayed a week."
"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."
"We got in late last night (1am) and had to drive pretty deep in to find a site. I’ve camped here several times en route to Colorado and it’s always a good choice."
"Road is great in a 2wd camper van. About 15-20 minutes from St. George. Spot 6 was ~3/4 mile from a trail, but the road was great to walk too. I will definitely be back."
"Steep climb, but my RWD was fine on dry roads. I would not attempt in wet or muddy conditions. The road is also very narrow with regular vehicles going by. Site is right off the road."
"I stayed in dispersed camping spot #5 arriving on August 31st, 2020. There are 11 or 12 designated spots here."
"Our car is 2WD and the upper spots (to the right) seemed safest- it’s a little muddier if you stay on the main dirt road into the area."
"Close to the road without having to hear all the freeway traffic. It’s a good while away from the park (25 minutes maybe) but not too far that you feel like you are wasting gas."
TravelerSolo girlie pop car camper- Great reception, clear sites. Felt safe. Some trash in the fire ring but people are gonna people I guess. I used someone’s satellite photo to access the spot, as it showed a paved road access rather than the bumpy version. I didn’t to too far in but my Subaru forester sport had no issues. Only stayed one night.
ScoutPlenty of spots available with fire pits. We got a spot right by the water. There are a lot of ant hills and it can be pretty muddy in some spots. My AWD suv did fine in the mud.
ScoutDefinitely a little bumpy and may be hard getting through to the back if wet and muddy. Other than that nice little spots with fire pits, a nice little stream, good service and not too far from the park.
ScoutEasy to get in. Small pop up
TravelerEasy to find and close to Springdale…the road in a bit tough but any 4WD can get to a spot if you take your time. The sound of the creek at night is so nice and it was super peaceful!
TravelerWe camped here three nights, the first day being a Sunday night, and I think we snagged the last spot. Our car is 2WD and the upper spots (to the right) seemed safest- it’s a little muddier if you stay on the main dirt road into the area. The scenery is gorgeous, and there is a creek running through the greenbelt of trees. Road noise was a little noticeable when we were outside our car, but sleeping in the car with one of the windows open towards the creek was very pleasant. There is some kind of off roading stuff going across the road but they seemed to turn off all the bright lights and quieted down shortly after dark. This location is about a 20-25 minute drive from Zion National Park. We will definitely be back!
ScoutStayed multiple nights. Perfect location to nearby attractions / the town of Kanab. I was on arguably one of the closest sites to the Highway and road noise was not an issue. Cell service for T-Mobile: only if you are close to the highway. I recommend turning in off the highway and taking the first right hand turn and following it all the way down (youll drive on what asphalt remains of the old highway) and there a single spot about 1 mile down that road that is nice, private, secluded, and only may have 4x4 going up / down the hill next to you. No other traffic.
ScoutLevel ground. Need clearance to get up to the spots.
TravelerIt’s a beautiful Mountain View!
Dispersed camping near Pine Valley, Utah presents diverse camping options from high-desert plateaus to pine-studded mountain terrain at elevations between 4,000-7,000 feet. Weather conditions can shift dramatically with summer daytime temperatures reaching 95°F while dropping to 50°F at night in higher elevations. Roads accessing most rustic camping areas deteriorate significantly after rain, with Leeds Canyon becoming particularly challenging beyond site #7.
Hiking through desert canyons: Multiple trailheads near North Creek Dispersed Camping provide access to desert terrain and small waterways. "We hiked at snow canyon while camping there," notes a camper who found the area convenient for day trips to nearby parks.
Stream exploration: During spring months, Leeds Creek offers small pools and flowing water access. "Leeds creek runs behind it, nice sound of water," reports a visitor at Leeds Canyon Dispersed #11, highlighting the seasonal water features sometimes available to campers.
Night sky observation: The minimal light pollution makes Pine Valley dispersed camping spots ideal for astronomy enthusiasts. "Epic view of the night sky! If you got everything you need in a vehicle, I would definitely recommend. Very quiet and peaceful. Also heard some young coyotes at night," shares a camper who used Hurricane Cliffs BLM dispersed #54 as a staging area for Zion.
Proximity to attractions: Many campers appreciate the convenient location for visiting multiple parks. "North Creek has numerous spots, most are close together but the campground was not full at all allowing plenty of space and privacy. The drive to Zion is around 20 minutes," notes one reviewer who found the location practical for national park visits.
Private camping spaces: Leeds Canyon's dispersed sites offer more separation than many other areas. "Beautiful views with camping spots really spread out!" reports a visitor to Leeds Canyon Dispersed #1, highlighting the separation between designated sites.
Cool water access: During hot months, water features become highly valued. "The stream is a great place to put some chairs and cool off. I will definitely be coming back here on my next Zion trip!" shares a camper who found relief from summer heat at North Creek Dispersed Camping.
Road conditions vary significantly: Higher-numbered Leeds Canyon sites require appropriate vehicles. "The road definitely gets sketchy (and cell service gets weak) after site #6, though we managed in our 26ft class c. Wouldn't really recommend any huge rigs," warns a visitor describing access challenges.
Trash management issues: Pack out all waste as no services exist. "There was A LOT of litter when I visited. I did my best to clean some of it up while I was there. Please remember to pack in/pack out and leave no trace!!" emphasizes a camper who stayed at Dispersed Camping in Dixie National Forest.
Seasonal crowd patterns: Summer weekends see significantly higher usage. "Here on a Saturday night and there are a lot of folks here, tons of tents. Got here mid afternoon and found a flat site by creek. Feeling pretty lucky!" shares a North Creek visitor who experienced typical weekend occupancy patterns.
Wind exposure: Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed sites lack protection from strong winds. "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," reports a camper who experienced typical wind patterns in the exposed areas.
Scout suitable tent sites: Look for wind-protected locations with natural shade. "Nice spot with tent area tucked in the trees. Leeds creek runs behind it, nice sound of water," shares a visitor to Leeds Canyon Dispersed #11 who found a family-friendly setup.
Morning wildlife viewing: Early risers can catch glimpses of desert wildlife. "Really set the ambience with the moon hanging over the skyline of mountains all around you. Also heard some young coyotes at night," notes a camper about their experience at Hurricane Cliffs BLM.
Consider shorter access routes: Lower-numbered Leeds Canyon sites offer easier access for families. "Leeds Canyon Dispersed sites 1-6 are easiest to get into with a TT. Only a few miles outside of Leeds and Interstate 15," explains a camper familiar with the relative accessibility of different sites.
Pull-through options: Leeds Canyon Dispersed #4 provides easier RV positioning. "The site is bare bones but it was perfect for our pop up camper. It's a wrap around site so we could easily pull through," explains an RV camper who appreciated the simple access design.
Size-appropriate site selection: Match your vehicle size to the right dispersed area. "Did fine with a 25ft travel trailer. Riverside spots are mostly for vans/tents," notes a North Creek visitor who successfully navigated a mid-sized trailer into an appropriate site.
Alternative access points: Some larger vehicles require special consideration. "We got our 33 footer in with a little work," shares a North Creek camper who needed to make multiple attempts before finding suitable access for their larger rig.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping in Pine Valley, Utah?
Pine Valley offers several dispersed camping opportunities in the surrounding area. Leeds Canyon Dispersed #2 on Dixie National Forest land provides designated spots (1-6) that are accessible with travel trailers along a well-maintained gravel road. These sites are free to use for up to 16 days. Another option is BLM Navajo Rd Dispersed, where camping is permitted after driving approximately 3 miles past the no camping signs at the beginning of the road. Look for Dixie National Forest dispersed sites throughout the Pine Valley region, particularly along forest service roads where designated camping spots are typically marked.
What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in Pine Valley Wilderness?
No special permits are required for dispersed camping in Pine Valley Wilderness, but regulations must be followed. Most dispersed sites on Dixie National Forest land like Leeds Canyon Dispersed #3 have a 16-day stay limit. Camp only in established, designated spots to minimize environmental impact. Fire restrictions are common, especially during dry seasons, so check current conditions before your trip. On nearby BLM land such as Parowan Gap Petroglyphs, the typical stay limit is 14 days. All dispersed campsites follow Leave No Trace principles—pack out all trash, properly dispose of human waste, and minimize site impact. Check with Dixie National Forest or BLM offices for current regulations before your trip.
What are the best seasons for dispersed camping in Pine Valley?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for dispersed camping in Pine Valley. Summer can be quite hot, especially at lower elevations, though Mammoth Dispersed near Mammoth Creek provides shaded sites that remain comfortable. Higher elevation sites in Dixie National Forest generally stay cooler. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, but forest roads to sites like Gooseberry Mesa may become impassable due to snow or mud. The late spring wildflower season and fall colors make these seasons particularly scenic, with moderate temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. Always check road conditions before heading out, as weather can significantly impact accessibility, especially after rain or snow.
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