Sterling, UT is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Sterling is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"Turn left at the map coordinates. You are at almost 8000 ft so not a winter camping spot. There is some ATV traffic but respectfully slow."
"This was a great site to stop and pitch my rooftop tent. Not too far up the canyon, and it was very quiet."
"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."
"Close to the highway, far enough to not really hear it."
"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."
"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. "
"This spot is just into the Fishlake National Forest. There is nothing fancy about this location. It is just a grassy spot along the road as you start following the road into the national forest."
"You can park at the trailhead and hike up only 2 miles before you start seeing deer and elk everywhere."
ScoutThis 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.
ScoutSite is pretty dirty, some have never heard of leave no trace . It is 7 pm and still extremely hot not much shade up here at this location
LegendThis 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.
ScoutGet 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.
GuideGreat 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.
LegendIf 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.
TravelerI 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.
GuideIt'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.
GuideNumerous 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Sterling, Utah, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these locations offer the perfect escape for campers seeking tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sterling, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sterling, UT is Willow Creek Road - Dispersed Site with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 45 dispersed camping locations near Sterling, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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