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Best Dispersed Camping near Salina, UT

77 Reviews

Fish Lake National Forest offers several free dispersed camping options near Salina, Utah. Sites are generally accessible by drive-in routes, with most accommodating tents and some suitable for RVs. The area features basic primitive camping with no amenities - most locations lack drinking water, toilets, and hookups. Campers should pack out all trash and prepare for self-sufficient stays.

Mountain Mecca provides free camping with easy access from town, though the road becomes more challenging for larger vehicles. A visitor commented, "Beautiful scenery and just right outside of town. Very easy to access for most." Fish Lake National Forest sites receive positive reviews for their privacy and proximity to I-70. The Salina Reservoir and Black Flat areas offer more remote experiences with vault toilets at some locations. Fire restrictions vary by site and season, with some areas permitting campfires while others prohibit them entirely. Several spots require high clearance vehicles, particularly after rain when dirt roads can deteriorate.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Salina, Utah (49)

    1. Fish Lake National Forest

    6 Reviews
    Salina, UT
    7 miles

    "This was our first time boondocking and this spot did not disappoint! It’s convenient to I-70 but feels very remote. We passed one other camper on the way in."

    "Pulled about 3/4 mile back from the coordinates, into the trees. Quiet and beautiful"

    2. Mountain Mecca

    4 Reviews
    Richfield, UT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 896-9233

    "Road goes up past water tower and recommends using 4wd to come up to prevent washboard, but any vehicle with awe would do. No amenities and very private."

    "Beautiful scenery and just right outside of town. Very easy to access for most. I did see an RV camping but it had to be a bit more difficult for them."

    3. Willow Creek Bowl

    1 Review
    Salina, UT
    12 miles

    4. Glenwood Hills Dispersed

    1 Review
    Sigurd, UT
    12 miles

    5. Salina Reservoir Cua Dispersed

    1 Review
    Salina, UT
    17 miles

    6. Big Lake Cua Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Monroe, UT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 896-9233

    "Big lake and deep lake are so much fun. Camping here is my all time favorite. Fish, salamanders, cougars, and plenty of elk all over make it a wonderful place to camp."

    7. Black Flat Cua Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Fremont, UT
    23 miles
    Website

    "This is a first come first serve camp area and there is no picnic tables and few out houses so please pack out your garbage and keep this area beautiful."

    "No water available, Restroom is Vault toilet Directions:

    The Black Flat CUA Dispersed camping area is approximately 27.4 miles northeast of Loa."

    8. Fish Lake National Forest Campsite

    6 Reviews
    Oak City, UT
    27 miles

    "Quite a few spots accessible by car. A couple fireplaces here and there too. A fair amount of fallen pine and juniper wood there to use for building fires."

    "Super easy access for any car if roads are dry. Lots of places to get back in the junioers a lil and have a nice private place to sleep."

    9. Rex Reservoir Cua Dispersed

    Be the first to review!
    Salina, UT
    12 miles

    10. Koosharem Reservoir

    2 Reviews
    Monroe, UT
    24 miles

    "Easy access on a gravel road. Public restroom was clean."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Salina, UT

53 Photos of 49 Salina Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Salina, UT

77 Reviews of 49 Salina Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2023

    New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground

    This camp is now halfway between an organized campground and dispersed camp

        This BLM campground now has designated campsites, a picnic table, large deep fire rings, pit toilets and no trash service. Also no water.  The actual site now in October is 

    somewhat overgrown with tumble weeds. Ground is very rocky but there are quite a few tents pitched.  

         Views are 7 on a 10 scale.

         Camp fee is now $15 per night. We used a senior pass and paid $7.50

          There also appears to be true dispersed camping on BLM land just to the NE of this organized camp and more about a quarter mile south on a dirt road.  There don’t appear to be any picnic tables, fire rings or toilets.

  • Brad B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2019

    Black Flat Cua Dispersed

    Close to U.M. Creek. The views are amazing!!

    This is a GEM if you like to not see a lot of people and love the outdoors. This is a first come first serve camp area and there is no picnic tables and few out houses so please pack out your garbage and keep this area beautiful. There is some amazing fly fishing in the creeks and lakes in this area. The dirt road is well maintained and you can get a car or truck or trailer in no problem. Lots of amazing trails for side by sides and 4 wheelers.

  • Quinn M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2023

    Miller Canyon Exit #99 Dispersed

    Quiet, eerie, amazing night sky

    Get off the highway and onto a dirt road with no clear designated sites, just pull off wherever. The night sky was probably one of the best I've seen with almost no light pollution. The absolutely deserted site became a little creepy once it got completely dark, with faint glimpses of I70 in the distance.

  • Ean P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Fish Lake National Forest Campsite

    Great Spot Just Don’t Camp Here Alone in a Tent

    Great spot for camping with a group. Quite a few spots accessible by car. A couple fireplaces here and there too. A fair amount of fallen pine and juniper wood there to use for building fires. Just remember to drown out your fires with water (there’s a sign).

    I do not recommend tent camping here solo though. This wasn’t my first time tent camping solo either. As I was laying in my sleeping bag inside my tent around 11pm, some creature started stalking me around midnight. I could hear it moving and breathing outside my tent. I managed to scare it off by hitting my car’s “panic button” on the keys. I then packed up immediately and left.

  • Derek E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2019

    West Fork - Whiskey Creek Dispersed Camping

    Wildlife EVERYWHERE!

    If you’re looking for a fun backpacking camping trip where you’re guaranteed to see tons of wildlife, this is it. Not only will you avoid the crowded campgrounds, but you’ll be able to do it without hiking a million miles from your vehicle.

    You can park at the trailhead and hike up only 2 miles before you start seeing deer and elk everywhere. You simply follow the river up the canyon, and choose from any of the small flat locations for tent camping, or pick a couple trees to hang a hammock. Choices are abundant. In the summer months, water is scarce so bring water. If the creek is full and running you can simply filter water.

    There is a beautiful meadow area at the top of the trail before you begin to descend down the other side (another beautiful area).

    Was able to hike in with my 8 year old, and he loved it. Great secluded dispersed spot for wildlife watching.

  • P
    May. 25, 2023

    Dispersed West Fork 8 Mile Road

    Alone with the cows

    I found a spot on Eight Mile road, just off i-15, near the east side of the national forest. I drove up the dirt road for a while until I found a nice flat spot for the night. 

    I could hear some road noise, but had 3+ bars of T-mobile 5g service. Not another person in sight except for maybe 2 cars that drove by during the night. Plenty of cows and cow patties around though!

    Bonus: Eight mile road was a shortcut to westbound highway 50 and a nice way to start the drive in the morning.

  • Greg I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2025

    BLM Dispersed Exit 108 Lone Tree Road

    Wide open spaces, easy access

    It's a good graded gravel road going south, but as you get further in there are some dry-creek crossings that can need high-clearance. If they're real sandy or  muddy than plan on 4WD. But plenty of space before those obstacles.

    Soft silty/sandy soil... low shoes will fill up quick.

    The roads go further in but I haven't explored them yet. A mile from the highway, you can barely hear it or see it. In late April, we had one neighbor a half-mile away, and saw nobody come by our camp in two days.

  • Azaali J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Polk Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Great spot close to Capitol Reef National Park

    Numerous spots along the road. Some are very well shaded while others have lots of sun.

    This spot is large and shaded. Rock fire pit. There’s currently fire restrictions so we didn’t have a fire but we set up a nice little sitting area around the fire with logs we found in the forested area.

    There is a mama bear and cub in the area although we didn’t see her.

    Weather is cooler than in Capitol Reef so it’s a nice place to recharge and escape the heat.

    Lots of firewood in close vicinity so no need to bring any in with you (check for fire restrictions before).

    Would definitely come back here.

    If you follow the road all the way up you can access Cathedral Valley Campground (great views from up there)

    Remember to pack out your garbage.

  • g
    Jun. 18, 2021

    Shingle creek dispersed

    Beautiful, isolated

    The road getting up is about 4 miles of dirt road, 4x4 recommended but i made it up in my prius. There were a few rvs parked earlier down the road with larger trees and less of a view. I had service with verizon, but my friend with sprint had to sprint up the hill to get service. Make sure you bring everything you need, as there are no amenities out here. Primitive and perfect.

Guide to Salina

Dispersed camping opportunities near Salina, Utah extend beyond the Fish Lake National Forest to include several rustic sites across varying elevations and terrains. Most locations sit between 5,000-8,000 feet elevation, with conditions ranging from open juniper woodlands to higher mountain meadows. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during day with significant cooling at night, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for nighttime temperatures that can drop below freezing.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Koosharem Reservoir provides productive fishing with public restroom access. One visitor noted, "Quiet, public bathrooms available" while enjoying the shoreline camping options.

Target practice: Willow Creek Bowl features natural terrain suitable for shooting sports. According to one camper, "Access to a 'hollow' with a high bank that's perfect for target practice of any kind. It's a bit of a walk to the creek for water, so bring lots."

Mountain biking: Glenwood Hills Dispersed serves as a trailhead for multiple recreational trails. A reviewer mentioned, "Large, open, flat area with easy access. Trailhead for mountain biking and dirt bike trails."

What campers like

Privacy in accessible locations: Fish Lake National Forest Campsite balances seclusion with accessibility. A camper reported, "Lots of places to get back in the junioers a lil and have a nice private place to sleep. Really quiet despite being so close to the interstate."

Wildlife viewing: Big Lake Cua Dispersed offers wildlife encounters beyond typical camping experiences. One visitor shared, "Fish, salamanders, cougars, and plenty of elk all over make it a wonderful place to camp."

Tree cover and shade: Many rustic camping areas near Salina provide natural sun protection. A camper at Fish Lake National Forest Campsite observed, "This was a nice place to stop. Not far off the main roadway. Lots of shade. Open fields, so watch out for cows and cowpoo!"

What you should know

Vehicle requirements vary significantly: Conditions at many sites demand appropriate vehicles. At Mountain Mecca, a reviewer cautioned, "Drove up in an RV and needed higher clearance. Beautiful but couldn't get up the road."

Land access restrictions: Some areas require permission or have seasonal limitations. A Big Lake visitor advised, "You need permission to hike in. When we showed up, there were turkey hunters already up there. I would do much more research than we did before going to make sure it's open."

Cell service variability: Connectivity differs between camping areas. One Fish Lake National Forest camper reported, "Great views, quiet, only downside is no cell service," while another noted having "cell service - T-Mobile."

Tips for camping with families

Safety considerations: Prepare for wildlife encounters at remote sites. A camper at Fish Lake National Forest Campsite warned, "I do not recommend tent camping here solo though. As I was laying in my sleeping bag inside my tent around 11pm, some creature started stalking me around midnight."

Established campfire areas: Black Flat Cua Dispersed offers primitive camping with existing fire rings. A visitor described, "This is a first come first serve camp area and there is no picnic tables and few out houses so please pack out your garbage and keep this area beautiful."

Water planning: Surface water sources require filtration or treatment. At Willow Creek Bowl, a camper advised, "It's a bit of a walk to the creek for water, so bring lots. No toilets, so bring your own or be prepared to dig a latrine."

Tips from RVers

Road conditions: Access roads deteriorate quickly after rain. Another Mountain Mecca visitor shared, "Open area looks like local party spot, not for RVs. Road goes up past water tower and recommends using 4wd to come up to prevent washboard."

Pull-through availability: Fish Lake National Forest features some pull-through spots for easier parking. A reviewer described, "I passed several occupied sites but found a gorgeous pull through with beautiful views. Minor I70 noise, had cell service- T-Mobile."

Boondocking suitability: Some areas accommodate self-contained camping despite limited facilities. One camper reported, "This was our first time boondocking and this spot did not disappoint! It's convenient to I-70 but feels very remote."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Salina, Utah?

Several great free dispersed camping options exist near Salina. Miller Canyon Exit #99 Dispersed offers easy access directly off I-70, where you can pull off onto dirt roads and find spots to camp. Though primitive, it offers spectacular night skies with minimal light pollution. For those seeking more solitude, Dispersed West Fork 8 Mile Road provides flat spots just off I-15 on the eastern side of the national forest. The area offers decent cell service while maintaining privacy. Other options include BLM land along Lone Tree Road (Exit 108) and Fish Lake National Forest, which has numerous pull-off sites accessible by car. Most of these areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early during peak seasons.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Salina?

When dispersed camping near Salina, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all garbage. At Black Flat Cua Dispersed, camping is first-come, first-served with no reservations required. Most areas, including Fish Lake National Forest Campsite, require you to completely extinguish campfires with water (check for fire restrictions as they're common in dry seasons). Typically, you may camp in one location for up to 14 days within a 28-day period on BLM and National Forest lands. Stay on existing roads and camp in previously used sites when possible. Some areas may have specific seasonal closures or vehicle restrictions, so check with local ranger stations for current regulations. Respect private property boundaries and wildlife habitats.

What amenities and facilities are available at Salina dispersed camping areas?

Amenities at dispersed camping areas near Salina are typically minimal. New Joe's Bouldering Area Campground offers designated campsites with picnic tables, large fire rings, and pit toilets, but no water or trash service. Similarly, West Fork - Whiskey Creek Dispersed Camping provides a more primitive experience with no facilities but excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Most dispersed sites like Shingle Creek and Polk Creek Road have informal fire rings but require you to bring all supplies, including water. Cell service varies by location—some areas have good coverage while others have none. Some sites feature natural amenities, such as Meadow Hot Springs, which offers relaxing hot springs on private property that welcomes respectful visitors. Always plan to be self-sufficient with water, sanitation, and waste disposal.

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