BLM land around Rockville runs along the Virgin River corridor with a short drive to Zion's south entrance. No water, no restrooms, no fees at dispersed sites in this stretch. Sites are undesignated, meaning you pick a flat spot on BLM-administered land, set up, and manage everything yourself. Zion-area tent campgrounds cover the developed tier inside and just outside the park for those who want assigned sites and vault toilets.
The 14-day stay limit applies. Fire restrictions are common here from late spring through early fall, so check current status before arrival. High clearance helps on the rougher spur roads but isn't required to reach most sites from the main highway. Cell service drops off fast once you leave the Rockville town center.
"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."
"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."
"After seeing how crowded hurricane cliffs were, camped on the left fork after the Windmill trailhead. Gooseberry mesa biking is incredible."
"As soon as you turn off the freeway, it's washboard all the way until you turn left onto Wire Mesa Trailhead. From there, it's slow moving but nothing major."
"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."
"Our class B camper van made it fine on the uneven terrain. Just go slow. The snow had melted from the previous day by the sun so it didn’t affect us. Easy to find a spot. Beautiful sun rises!"
"Found a nice little campsite that fit two camper vans. In a bit of depression, out of the wind. Woke up to a wonderful view."
"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."
"Good camping site, would recommend a 4WD or AWD vehicle. The road up is steep and narrow, passing a lot of private property. Sites are out in the open, no shade."
"While you don’t need 4x4 during dry months, it will help with the drive. It’s steep, loose dirt until you start hitting rocks."
"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."
"arrived in the dark but we were able to find a site in the 30’s range- loved it especially when we woke up in the morning and saw the view. we stayed a second night tucked into a ravine next to some boulders"
"Sites 1-12 PROS:
Stunning views
Free 14 day - although in 14 days we never saw anyone check
Verizon & ATT 4-5 bars even with no booster
Wide open, strong solar all but 1 day
20m to Zion NP,"
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.
GuideThis was a quick convenient spot right off 89. I’m in a 20ft class C RV and made it to the very first campsite with no issues just using some careful navigation around the dip. There are sites back closer to the creek but the road was too rough for me to take an RV. Beautiful views of the mountain ranges to the east.
ScoutLevel ground. Need clearance to get up to the spots.
Dispersed camping near Rockville, Utah concentrates around BLM lands at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between sites. Winter nights at higher elevations can drop below freezing while summer days regularly exceed 100°F at lower sites. These free camping areas require self-sufficiency with all supplies, as nearest provisions are available in Hurricane or Springdale, approximately 15-30 minutes from most sites.
Visit Zion National Park west entrance: North Creek Dispersed Camping provides convenient access to Zion's main entrance. "Right next to Zion National Park," notes Tyler D., who stayed for three nights and "really enjoyed my time." The campground sits approximately 20 minutes from Zion Canyon Visitors Center.
Hike nearby BLM trails: Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed connects directly to multiple trail systems. "Jem & Hurricane Cliffs Trails right out the door," mentions one camper. The area features mountain biking routes with trailheads accessible from several camping areas, particularly popular in morning hours.
Swim at Virgin Falls Park: Located just minutes from several dispersed camping areas, this local swimming hole offers relief during hot months. A reviewer staying at Hurricane Cliffs noted it's "2m to Virgin Falls Park for a dip in the river," providing a convenient cooling option when temperatures climb.
Cell service for remote work: Many dispersed sites maintain usable connectivity, particularly at higher elevations. At Gooseberry Mesa, campers report "Very strong (20mbps) cell reception on both ATT and T-Mobile." North Creek sites similarly offer workable connections with one camper noting "good enough cell to work remote."
Established fire pits: Most areas have preexisting fire rings created by previous visitors. A North Creek camper mentioned finding "premade campsites + close to Zion!" while another at Kolob Terrace Road found "a nice spot with fire pits." Remember fire restrictions apply seasonally.
Creek access at select sites: North Creek Dispersed Camping offers access to a seasonal waterway. One camper reported "the stream is a great place to put some chairs and cool off," while another noted "those with 4x4s can chance a trip across the river for real solitude."
Early arrival recommended: Popular areas fill quickly, particularly during peak season. At Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed sites 40-48, "if you want a good spot, you should come really early. I got here at around 3 o'clock in the afternoon and it was almost full already."
Wind conditions: The area experiences significant wind, particularly at exposed sites. Hurricane Cliffs can be especially challenging as "it's called Hurricane for a reason!" One camper experienced wind "around midnight and it was like being in a hurricane for 5 hours." Mesa-top sites generally experience stronger winds.
Road conditions vary significantly: While some areas require minimal clearance, others demand appropriate vehicles. For Dalton Wash Dispersed, "you should probably have a AWD or 4WD high clearance vehicle for the upper campsites. There are campsites lower on but are right next to the road."
Consider creek-side options: Sites near water sources provide natural entertainment. At North Creek, "the creek was dry but trees were lovely!" Another camper noted "there are sites on both sides of the creek" with the "stream a great place to put some chairs and cool off."
Avoid summer heat on exposed sites: Mesa tops and open areas become extremely hot midday. BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed provides "beautiful, up on a hill with great views of the sunrise and sunset" but limited shade means summer camping can be challenging.
Check for facilities before arrival: No dispersed areas offer toilets or water. One visitor to Hurricane Cliffs reported "the fields in and around the camp area are filled with human and animal poop...they really need to build some pit toilets." Plan for waste management accordingly.
Arrive with tanks full: No water sources or dump facilities exist at dispersed sites. RVers recommend stopping in Hurricane where "free water at Hurricane Maverick (pump 5/6); Free dump & rinse water at La Verkin Maverick."
Scout roads before committing: Several access roads become challenging for larger rigs. At LaVerkin Overlook Road Dispersed, "road is challenging but worth the effort" and "the roads into the overlook are a bit bumpy. We have a Transit and it worked for us." Larger RVs should investigate before proceeding.
Watch for seasonal road changes: Spring rains can significantly impact accessibility. "Caution, along this road is a wash, and looks like in heavy rains it probably floods the campsites." Winter ice and summer monsoon rains both create periodic hazards on dirt access roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the BLM regulations for dispersed camping around Rockville?
BLM dispersed camping around Rockville follows standard regulations: a 14-day maximum stay limit within any 28-day period, and camping is only permitted in designated areas. At Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site, Leave No Trace principles are strictly enforced. BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed has no facilities but offers plentiful solar exposure. Campfires may be restricted or prohibited during dry seasons, with complete fire bans common during summer months. All trash must be packed out, and camping within 200 feet of water sources is prohibited. Always check current fire restrictions and road conditions at the BLM office in St. George before heading out.
Where can I find dispersed camping near Rockville, Utah?
Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Rockville. BLM Navajo Rd Dispersed requires driving about 3 miles down a narrow dirt road with high walls until you reach BLM land where camping is permitted. Another option is Gooseberry Mesa, which offers spaced-out sites with great views and access to exceptional mountain biking trails. The road to Gooseberry is heavily washboarded, so drive slowly. Other nearby areas include Dalton Wash Dispersed (better for high-clearance vehicles), BLM Dispersed N Kolob Terrace Road (accessible even with standard vehicles), and Hancock Road Dispersed Camping. Most sites are within 30 minutes of Rockville and provide easy access to Zion National Park.
Are there free camping spots in Rockville with water access?
Mammoth Dispersed offers free camping right next to Mammoth Creek, surrounded by Dixie National Forest. While there are no hookups or potable water sources, the creek access provides water for filtering or recreation. Leeds Canyon Dispersed sites are free for up to 16 days and located in Dixie National Forest with some sites near creek access, though you'll need to bring your own drinking water and water filtration equipment. Remember that water levels in creeks can vary seasonally, with higher flows during spring runoff and potentially dry conditions in late summer. Always treat natural water sources before consumption.
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