BLM land around Saint George spreads in multiple directions, with accessible dispersed campsites along several highway corridors heading north and east. The lower elevation around Saint George, sitting below 3,000 feet, keeps these free dispersed campsites open year-round without snow closures, making this one of Utah's most reliable areas for winter dispersed camping. Saint George's RV hookup sites cover the developed parks in town with water, electric, and dump stations for those who need utility connections.
No water, no restrooms, no trash service at dispersed sites. Pack everything in and out. The standard 14-day stay limit applies across BLM land here. Fire restrictions go into effect during dry stretches, which in the St. George area can fall almost any time of year. Check with the St. George BLM field office before arrival. Some roads require high clearance, particularly those heading into the redrock terrain north of town. Hurricane's free camping spots sit about 20 miles east and give another corridor of BLM access with similar terrain and road conditions.
Summer temperatures in St. George regularly exceed 105 degrees F. Most desert dispersed camping in this zone is far more practical from October through April. Bring more water than you think you need.
"St. George area. Dispersed camping area with options for just camping overnight to longer if you wish to stay to ride you ATV/Side by Sides. It can get dusty but for the most part its okay."
"St. George. I’m surprised folks got their RVs in there given the state of the entrance."
"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."
"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."
"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 "
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"St. George area late night (past midnight), looking for a place to stop, with plans to hit up the Green Valley mountain biking trails the next morning."
"No amenities except the bathroom at the trailhead a mile away. A good spot overall, some traffic down this road as I think the Virgin Dam Trailhead is towards the end of this spur road."
"Great views and the camping spots are a good distance apart. There is a pit toilet near by."
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.
TravelerEasy 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.
GuideGreat camping site with a spectacular view. You get a beautiful sunrise and sunset, there are a good amount of sites scattered on the road. Not too busy, and campsites can be far enough to not see anyone once you set up. Road has lots of potholes so look out, but saw all kinds of cars driving it. Would be a 5 but the amount of trash left is a bit sad. If you come here make sure to clean up! Also be careful there are multiple signs for where the private property is, it’s all pretty clear but just don’t accidentally end up on the private property instead of a campsite.
Primitive camping near St. George, Utah offers diverse terrain options from red rock desert flats to elevated forest sites at varying elevations between 2,700 and 7,000 feet. The region receives only 8.25 inches of annual rainfall, creating dry conditions most of the year. Highway noise affects several sites closest to Interstate 15, while those tucked into canyons or on mesas provide significantly quieter experiences.
Hiking nearby: Most dispersed sites provide access to lesser-known trails. At North Creek Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate proximity to outdoor activities: "Right next to Zion National Park" and "The drive to Zion is around 20 minutes."
Explore historical sites: Visit old structures within short driving distance from camps. Near Leeds Canyon Dispersed, "Children's Forest at the Kiln maybe 1/4 mile down from site. A sweet little trail leading to a historical kiln."
Creek access: Several sites offer water features for cooling off during hot months. "The stream is a great place to put some chairs and cool off" at North Creek, while Leeds Canyon campers note "It was only a 1-2 block walk to Leeds Creek to sit on a rock and soak feet in creek."
Stargazing: Areas away from city lights provide excellent night sky viewing. At Cedar Pockets Pass Road, campers report "Quiet and star studded night" conditions when you venture beyond the first pull-offs.
Privacy levels: Sites vary from communal to secluded. One camper at Mount Trumbull Loop noted, "Plenty of room for everyone and plenty of big spots for groups." At Leeds Canyon, sites are "really spread out" with one reviewer mentioning sites are "far from other campsites so you'll get a private sense."
Cell coverage: Surprisingly good connectivity exists at many locations. At Leeds Canyon, "Cell service is ok, att seems to be better than the Verizon phone, but there is a signal." Another camper at Cedar Pockets Pass Road reported "really awesome cell service" when they "drove pretty far back in."
Established sites: Many dispersed areas have defined camping spots. Hurricane Cliffs has "Sites are clearly marked about 5-10mins from the info board" and at North Creek you'll find "Great flat sandy sites. Easy to set up!"
Permit requirements: Some areas require permits that aren't advertised. At Mount Trumbull Loop, a camper warned: "STATE TRUST LAND, NOT BLM - PERMIT IS REQUIRED TO STAY HERE" after receiving "the dreaded knock from a police officer and a Ranger."
Trash issues: Unfortunately, litter problems exist in several areas. Leeds Canyon had one camper who "picked up a full bag of booze bottles, trash, Easter candy & tons of broken glass and dishes, tp."
Road conditions: Access varies significantly by location and weather. LaVerkin Overlook Road requires caution: "Stayed here for about a week, had to leave because of the rain- wouldn't recommend in the rain, very muddy."
Wind exposure: Several sites experience significant wind. One camper at Hurricane Cliffs noted it's "called hurricane cliffs for a reason. Tons and tons of wind!" while another at Leeds Canyon reported it "was very windy at night (but not during the day) when I went."
Best kid-friendly locations: Some sites offer better setups for children. North Creek Dispersed Camping has "sites on both sides of the creek" where "the stream is a great place to put some chairs and cool off."
Activity options: Look for sites with natural features children can explore. Leeds Canyon offers "a sweet little trail leading to a historical kiln" described as "Children's Forest at the Kiln" just a short walk from camping areas.
Timing considerations: For family camping near Zion, arrive early. One camper at Hurricane Cliffs BLM advised: "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."
Vehicle requirements: Know your RV's limitations before attempting access roads. At North Creek, one camper with a 25ft travel trailer noted "Road in was just a little tough but short. Did fine with a 25ft travel trailer."
Turning radius concerns: Some sites lack turnaround space for larger rigs. At Leeds Canyon, a reviewer warned it "is good for rv only on the first four or so. After that we wondered how we were going to turn around" with their 26ft trailer.
Levelness: Finding flat spots matters for RV stability. At Water Conservancy District Camping, RVers appreciate "big and flat ground for rv" making setup easier, while Hurricane Cliffs has "Heaps of room!" with "sites that are clearly marked."
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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