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Best Dispersed Camping near St. George, UT

476 Reviews

Public lands surrounding St. George, Utah feature extensive dispersed camping options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service land. Cedar Pockets Pass Road, located 25 minutes from St. George, offers free camping with established fire pits and room for multiple vehicles. Leeds Canyon Dispersed sites, situated in Dixie National Forest just a few miles from Interstate 15, provide numbered sites with varying accessibility. The region includes numerous BLM areas near Zion National Park, such as Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed and Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed, where campers can find primitive sites with panoramic desert views.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many sites requiring careful navigation. As one camper noted, "The road to the mesa is very washboarded and will rattle the daylights out of your car." High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing upper campsites at locations like Dalton Wash Dispersed and Gooseberry Mesa. Most dispersed sites lack amenities, with no water, toilets, or trash service available. Cell service is surprisingly robust in many locations, with one reviewer reporting "very strong (20mbps) cell reception on both ATT and T-Mobile" at Gooseberry Mesa. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly in summer months.

Scenic views consistently rank as the top highlight in camper reviews. A visitor to Cedar Pockets Pass noted, "My site has epic 360 views that make you feel like you're in the Grand Canyon." Many sites fill quickly during peak seasons, especially those closest to Zion National Park. Arriving by mid-afternoon is recommended to secure preferred locations. The 14-day stay limit applies to most BLM and Forest Service sites in the region. Several areas feature established fire rings and can accommodate various camping styles from tents to large RVs. Campers frequently mention the importance of proper preparation, as one reviewer advised: "No facilities or water but lots of space around so that if nature calls, you can get away from camp and have epic views to answer its call in private."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near St. George, Utah (73)

    1. Cedar Pockets Pass Road - Dispersed Camping

    20 Reviews
    Littlefield, AZ
    17 miles
    Website

    "Large enough for 6 vehicles (as is the case with my chosen location) and/or large campers. Most have fire pits. There are cows about when you get further in and they do walk through the campsite."

    "Fun place to drive on the dirt roads "

    2. North Creek Dispersed Camping

    44 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    24 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."

    3. Black Rock Road Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    St. George, AZ
    10 miles

    "This site was immediately accessible off I15, yet still offered various camping options.

    Its basically a large lot with scrub brush access at the back. No trash visible. Quiet and low key."

    "No frills, dispersed camping location just off the highway at the Arizona / Utah border. Great sunset/sunrise views."

    4. Sand Hollow OHV Camp

    6 Reviews
    Washington, UT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 688-3200

    "St. George. I’m surprised folks got their RVs in there given the state of the entrance."

    "The first night we had people riding around until about 2 am.

    The area is absolutely beautiful. Red Utah desert and very sandy. Your gear will be pink by the time you go home."

    5. Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed

    38 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    23 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Mount Trumbull Loop Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    St. George, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 688-3200

    "Some gunfire in distance. Said permit may be required on sign. Even with rain roads were ok."

    "Fair bit of trash around hillsides where people are shooting."

    7. LaVerkin Overlook Road Dispersed

    16 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    19 miles

    "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."

    8. Water Conservancy District Camping

    5 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    10 miles

    "just 1 night allowed big and flat ground for rv"

    "Quiet, decently dark (a commercial spot across the highway but not too much light, and good pull off."

    9. Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed sites 40-48

    16 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    20 miles

    "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."

    10. Leeds Canyon Dispersed #1

    9 Reviews
    Leeds, UT
    15 miles

    "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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near St. George, UT

237 Photos of 73 St. George Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near St. George, UT

476 Reviews of 73 St. George Campgrounds

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 23, 2021

    Leeds Canyon Dispersed #6

    Amazing! Wish I could have stayed longer.

    Visited in December and arrived on a weekday. About 1/3 of spots were full. Spot 6 was stunning and provided privacy. Spot had enough Verizon service to work/hotspot. 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.

  • R
    Dec. 1, 2024

    BLM Navajo Rd Dispersed

    Open, high land that’s awkward to get to

    At the far corner of an unassuming neighborhood, there’s a dirt road with a couple signs saying no shooting and no camping. They’re referring to the first three miles of that road. It’s a narrow road with unusually high walls but easy to drive. Make sure you go all 3 miles until you reach the big classic BLM Public Lands sign after which is the start of your options. There’s a few quite large turnoffs with fire pits

  • 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

  • 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!

  • M
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Dispersed Camping in Dixie National Forest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Secluded atmosphere. Great Views.

    I stayed in dispersed camping spot #5 arriving on August 31st, 2020. There are 11 or 12 designated spots here. There is a sign on the right side once you enter the Forest Service Road that maps all the hiking trails and dispersed camping sites available in the Leeds Creek dispersed camping area. No 4x4 is necessary to get to spots 1- 5. I didn't go all the way up the mountain and see the other spots. The entrance to spot 5 is a horseshoe shape big enough and convenient for an RV. However, for tent campers, you will want to go beyond the bushes for wind coverage and privacy. The space opens up with trails, amazing views, you can here the creek burbling below the canyon. Spectacular stargazing at night and pretty quiet aside from some road traffic. NOTE: tent campers; park your vehicle with visibility in the horseshoe drive in to avoid unbeknownst camp crashers. The coverage is good enough for tent campers that someone could easily believe the campsite was not taken. Also, bees like your trashbag. So, keep it in your vehicle rather than hanging it. Lastly, sadly 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!!

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2019

    Dalton Wash Dispersed

    Great free camping with a view of Zion!

    Ill start off by saying that you should probably have an AWD or 4WD high clearance vehicle for the upper campsites.  There are campsites lower on but are right next to the road.  Getting there you'll want to follow Dalton Wash Rd all the way to the plateau, staying left the whole way unless its private property.

    There are no bathrooms or amenities here so either come prepared or take care of business before heading up or inbetween excursions.  The good thing from that is you'll be pretty secluded! (Cant speak for the peak months as we visited in May)  The upper campsites are ~45 minutes from Zion with the lower sites being only 30 minutes away!  Summer may not be the best time to visit as the sites are kind of exposed and theres not a ton of shade

  • Jenny&Tobias P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    BLM Dispersed N Kolob Terrace Road

    Cottonwood Trees and a Creek

    Sandy and shady free Campground near Zion Natl Park. Easy access even with a car for the most spots. Crossing the creek there are more spots but not recommended without high clearance and 4x4. Beautiful sunset and shady in the morning. No highway noise. No fires permitted. Max stay 14 days. Love this place and the murmurs of the creek. Fills up very quickly around 6pm in the summer.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2022

    BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed - BLM

    Nice BLM Dispersed

    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. Free BLM Dispersed, no signage, no water, no toilets, no trash. Cell was 1-2 5g bars for me. Road access is rough broken hwy pavement, just go slow. Second road on left to GP area.

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

    Leeds Canyon Dispersed #3

    Dispersed camp

    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.

    Dispersed #3 is a large back in spot next to the parking for a trailhead, so activity and noise is possible during weekends.

Guide to St. George

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near St. George, Utah, where stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures await. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience breathtaking panoramas at Gooseberry Mesa, where you can find multiple campsites surrounded by incredible vistas of Zion National Park.
  • The Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed area provides expansive views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for stargazing and enjoying the natural beauty.
  • For a unique experience, check out Kolob Terrace Road, where you can camp alongside a small creek and enjoy the shade from surrounding trees.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near St. George

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Hurricane Cliffs BLM

  • The Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed sites 40-48 offer a variety of spots, making it easy to find a secluded area to set up camp.
  • This area is known for its accessibility, with well-maintained roads suitable for most vehicles, as noted by visitors who have successfully navigated it in standard SUVs.
  • Campers appreciate the proximity to Zion National Park, allowing for quick trips to explore the park's stunning landscapes while enjoying the tranquility of dispersed camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around St. George?

Dispersed camping around St. George is primarily primitive with minimal to no amenities. Leeds Canyon Dispersed #2 and other Leeds Canyon sites are typical examples - no water, no trash service, and no toilets. Most sites offer only the basics: a clearing for your vehicle/tent and occasionally a fire ring (though fire restrictions are common). Dalton Wash Dispersed has similar minimal facilities but provides access to plateaus with stunning views. Cell service varies by location - Leeds Canyon sites reportedly have enough Verizon coverage for work/hotspot, while BLM Road #71 sites offer 1-2 bars of 5G. Some areas like Gooseberry Mesa have vault toilets at trailheads, but this is uncommon. Campers should pack in all water, pack out all trash, and bring portable toilets or follow proper human waste disposal practices.

Is there free camping available in the St. George area?

Yes, there's abundant free camping near St. George. Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site offers free camping with convenient access to Kanab and Zion's east entrance. Though it's mostly an open area without many designated spots, campers rarely have trouble finding space, even during peak seasons like spring break. BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed provides free camping in an old gravel pit area with excellent views and good solar exposure. Most dispersed sites in the region are completely free and typically allow stays up to 14-16 days. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles at all sites, as they generally have no services or facilities.

Where can I find dispersed camping near St. George, Utah?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near St. George. Leeds Canyon Dispersed #6 offers stunning views and privacy just 15-20 minutes from St. George on a well-maintained forest service road accessible with 2WD vehicles. Another popular option is BLM Navajo Rd Dispersed, located at the end of a dirt road past an unassuming neighborhood (make sure to drive past the no camping signs to the permitted area about 3 miles in). Additional dispersed camping can be found along Kolob Terrace Road, around Gooseberry Mesa, and in multiple areas within Dixie National Forest. Most sites require no reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but it's advisable to arrive on weekdays when seeking the best spots.

What BLM land near St. George allows overnight camping?

BLM Dispersed N Kolob Terrace Road offers free camping on sandy, shaded sites near Zion National Park with easy access for most vehicles (though crossing the creek requires 4x4). This area allows stays up to 14 days with beautiful sunset views and morning shade. Gooseberry Mesa provides dispersed camping options particularly popular with mountain bikers. Sites are reasonably spaced with excellent views, though the access road is heavily washboarded. Other BLM options include Hurricane Cliffs dispersed sites, LaVerkin Overlook Road areas, and multiple locations along the Zion Scenic Byway. Most BLM lands near St. George permit overnight camping in designated areas, though specific regulations regarding fires and length of stay may vary by location.

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