Tent campsites near Pine Valley, Utah sit at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 6,800 feet in the northeast section of Dixie National Forest. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach 85-90°F but can drop to 45-55°F at night due to the high desert climate. The camping season runs primarily from May through October, with limited winter access in lower elevation areas where snowfall averages 12-24 inches annually.
What to do
Creek exploration: Drive 8 minutes from Kolob Road BLM Dispersed sites to Left Fork subway trail. This dispersed area makes an ideal base for hikers planning to tackle the nearby subway trail. A camper notes the convenient location "makes this spot ideal for those looking for an easy early start" with the "nearby river gives you that ambient sound to drown out the world."
Rock climbing: Visit Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon for climbing walls right next to campsites. Located 30 minutes from St. George, this campground offers unique climbing opportunities. One visitor describes it as "individual camping spots along a river valley with steep climbing walls. Camp almost directly at the base of your climb."
Crawdad fishing: Bring buckets to catch crawdads in streams at several locations. Children particularly enjoy this activity at Veyo Pool where "crawdading in the river is available. Bring a bucket or get one at the concessions." Some Leeds Canyon sites also offer creek access, though visitors note the presence of "tiny adorable lizards everywhere" along waterways.
What campers like
Creek sounds: Many sites near Kolob Terrace Road feature streams that provide natural white noise. Campers appreciate the sound of flowing water at night, with one reviewer mentioning "there is a little river that is so nice to go to sleep to and it is very quiet." Another noted that "panoramic views" and the "convenient 25 minute drive to Zion National Park" make this location practical for park visitors.
Spacious backcountry sites: La Verkin Creek Trail Campsites offer well-spaced tent pads with room for multiple tents. These backcountry sites require hiking in but reward campers with privacy. A visitor observed that "the tent sites are laid out nicely with a lot of space in between" and another described their site as "very spacious, enough for a couple tents to set up, with areas in the shade."
Old growth pine groves: Established campgrounds provide shade from mature trees. One camper described a campground as being in "an old growth pine grove" with sites nestled among tall trees. Leeds Canyon campers have observed "beautiful views with camping spots really spread out" providing both scenic vistas and privacy.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Backcountry camping in Zion requires advance planning. La Verkin Creek Trail campsites need permits that "fill up fast so make sure you reserve early." Rangers check permits on trails, so "make sure you carry your permit with you, we were stopped by park rangers along the trail."
Rock-clearing needs: Many tent sites require preparation before setting up. The terrain at Leeds Canyon Dispersed #1 is described as "not the best for tents, but I made it work with some stake-pounding sweat and effort." Bring tools to remove small rocks from tent areas.
Wind considerations: Evening winds can affect camping comfort in exposed areas. One camper at Leeds Canyon experienced wind that was "very windy at night (but not during the day) when I went" and noted being "legitimately worried about the well-being of my tent." Secure stakes and rain flies even in clear weather.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Oak Grove Campground offers creek access for cooling off. At just $5 per night, this campground provides an affordable option with natural water features. A visitor mentioned that "the stream along the road made for an excellent bath!" though sites themselves are "small" and best suited for tents.
Site selection strategy: For tent camping with children, look for sites away from traffic. Leeds Canyon Dispersed sites vary in privacy, with some campers noting that "right off the road so you'll hear plenty of vehicles. But far from other campsites so you'll get a private sense."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to see deer and smaller animals. At Mitt Moody Campground, campers reported "a few deer sightings" and others mentioned seeing "beautiful colorful birds" in the area, adding educational value for children.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Many roads to dispersed sites have turnaround challenges. At Kolob Road BLM Dispersed, visitors strongly "do NOT recommend TTs or any RV at this BLM spot due to steep downhill rd and no turnarounds! Tent or van nomads only due to no tt turnarounds!" Plan alternate options if traveling with larger rigs.
Designated RV sites: Small trailers can access some Leeds Canyon sites but require careful navigation. A reviewer noted "Leeds Canyon Dispersed sites 1-6 are easiest to get into with a TT" but warned "Site #1 has a back in angle that needs you to be heading back down the road if a TT." Always scout sites before attempting access with trailers.