Top Free Dispersed Camping near Summit, UT

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Summit? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Utah excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Summit, UT (93)

    Camper-submitted photo from Kolob Resevoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Kolob Resevoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Kolob Resevoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Kolob Resevoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Kolob Resevoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Kolob Resevoir

    1. Kolob Resevoir

    18 Reviews
    72 Photos
    576 Saves

    Kolob Reservoir is a 250-acre impoundment of Kolob Creek in southwestern Utah. This mountain reservoir is a popular place for the desert dwellers of St. George, as well as southern Nevada. The reservoir and most of the shoreline are owned by the Washington County Water Conservancy District. Dispersed camping is allowed and a few vault toilets are provided, along with a boat ramp and dock. Private land restricts access around the southwest bay. Seasonal access from the south is by paved county road from Virgin (Utah Highway 9); and from the north, by gravel road from the Right Hand Fork of Cedar Canyon (Utah Highway 14). Winter access is limited to snowmobile.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $53 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Coal Creek Dispersed - Cedar City
    Camper-submitted photo from Coal Creek Dispersed - Cedar City
    Camper-submitted photo from Coal Creek Dispersed - Cedar City
    Camper-submitted photo from Coal Creek Dispersed - Cedar City
    Camper-submitted photo from Coal Creek Dispersed - Cedar City
    Camper-submitted photo from Coal Creek Dispersed - Cedar City
    Camper-submitted photo from Yankee Meadows
    Camper-submitted photo from Yankee Meadows
    Camper-submitted photo from Yankee Meadows
    Camper-submitted photo from Yankee Meadows
    Camper-submitted photo from Yankee Meadows
    Camper-submitted photo from Yankee Meadows

    3. Yankee Meadows

    10 Reviews
    16 Photos
    69 Saves

    Yankee Meadows Campground is a little known gem that offers outstanding beauty and recreation. The scenery is fantastic at the lake with towering volcanic cliffs of Sydney Peaks rising in the distance. Trout fishing and boating are the most popular activities. There are several ATV routes around Yankee Meadows, including the Markagunt and the Second Left Hand trails. Trail users are strongly advised to pick up a trail map from any Dixie National Forest Service Office. There are hiking, biking and horseback riding trails in and around Yankee Meadows – Vermillion Castle, Noah’s Ark, Henderson Hill, and Yankee Meadows Loop. Campground Map Facilities 27 campsites with picnic tables, and fire rings 2 double sites with picnic tables, and fire rings ATV corral for all OHV parking Drinking water Vault toilets No garbage disposal, please pack it out

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Dispersed

    4. Mammoth Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    42 Photos
    320 Saves

    Sorry! We have not entered information for this camping area yet. Information will be coming soon. In the meantime, please contact the Cedar City Ranger District at (435) 865-3200 for information on this trail. Thank you.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Flat
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Flat
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Flat
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Flat
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Flat
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Flat

    5. Bear Flat

    6 Reviews
    25 Photos
    133 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area

    6. Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area

    6 Reviews
    14 Photos
    111 Saves

    Yankee Meadows designated dispersed campground is situated in a beautiful valley near Yankee Meadows Reservoir.For information on dispersed camping click on the related link to the right.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping

    7. FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping

    24 Reviews
    58 Photos
    542 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
    Camper-submitted photo from Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
    Camper-submitted photo from Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
    Camper-submitted photo from Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
    Camper-submitted photo from Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
    Camper-submitted photo from Parowan Gap Petroglyphs

    8. Parowan Gap Petroglyphs

    4 Reviews
    8 Photos
    111 Saves
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Coal Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Coal Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Coal Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Coal Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Coal Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Coal Creek

    9. Coal Creek

    4 Reviews
    30 Photos
    49 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Uinta Flat Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Uinta Flat Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Uinta Flat Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Uinta Flat Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Uinta Flat Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Uinta Flat Dispersed

    10. Uinta Flat Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    31 Photos
    165 Saves

    Uinta Flat designated dispersed camping area is along forest road 064 just off of UT-14 near Duck Creek.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
Showing results 1-10 of 93 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Summit

568 Reviews of 93 Summit Campgrounds


  • Julie M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Zion Hwy 9 Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 31, 2024

    Zion Hwy 9 Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!!

    So close to Zion this is a great free camping spot. The access road is a bit bumpy as the pavement is potholed but no trouble in our Class C. Lots of spots to choose from and some great views to be had. Highly recommend

  • Brandon  R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FR 090 - dispersed camping
    Oct. 29, 2024

    FR 090 - dispersed camping

    Quiet and close to the park

    The area was very easy to find and very quiet. I arrived as sunset and only saw one camper. I know it is the end of the season, but other places right now are packed.

    Make sure you camp in a designated spot, marked with posts and numbers.

    T-Mobile work...2 bar LTE

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dixie National Forest Dispersed Camping Area
    Oct. 28, 2024

    Dixie National Forest Dispersed Camping Area

    Great Dispersed Camping Area

    This area is great for dispersed camping near Red Canyon and before you get to Bryce Canyon NP. Plenty of dispersed camping spots. There are no restrooms, water or electricity. Ponderosa Pine trees. Have stayed here several times.

  • J A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Single River Site
    Oct. 26, 2024

    Single River Site

    River with a dash of fall trees under the stars

    There’s a cluster of spots for both tents and trailers to post up. The river is beautiful but appears they prefer no access to it. The fence line is down so people go anyways. This place fills up on weekend so if you get there early in day you can pick a prime space. Fire pits are all over and used. We grabbed a spot right next to the bridge and water under the falls colored tree. Stars at night are stunning. It’s quiet but you do hear the occasion car passing by from the nearby road, yet the white noise from the river softens it. October gets around 50 at night so come prepared if you’re tenting. About 20 mins outside of Zion main entrance. The mountains surrounding are beautiful.

  • Hannah N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FR 090 - dispersed camping
    Oct. 23, 2024

    FR 090 - dispersed camping

    Great spot outside of Bryce!!!

    We rented a van from Escape camper vans and this spot of easy to find and get to! We saw a lot of people with campers and vans. We kept driving until site 10 which was the first one that was empty at about an hour before sunset. Very private and lots of fire wood! Right outside of Bryce NP. As we left early in the morning people were pulled off the side of the rode. Looked like they were just looking for a place to park overnight.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tom's Best Spring Road Dixie National Forest
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Tom's Best Spring Road Dixie National Forest

    Spacious & Quiet Dispersed Camping

    Pulled in around 9pm and found an empty site about .5 miles from Route 12. Awesome spot. Fire ring and very spacious. Managed to get 1-3 bars of T-Mobile 5G/LTE all night and morning.

    Will most certainly revisit next time I’m in the area.

  • Elise S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dave’s Hollow Designated Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Dave’s Hollow Designated Dispersed Camping

    Convenient but beware

    Very pretty spot. Clean and level campsites. Had a very hard time finding a site, very crowded. But once we did we loved it. BEWARE! Someone stole our trailer break emergency breakaway cord, it was a pain in the butt. Hopefully it was just a one time thing.

  • Gabe H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dalton Wash Dispersed
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Dalton Wash Dispersed

    Large and hidden

    Long drive from the main hwy with some steep and bumpy roads. A 4x4 will have no trouble regardless of the conditions. Saw a Nissan Altima go the same route, but would’ve gotten stuck if it was rainy.

    Lots of shrubs to hide behind with plenty of fire circles. Drive around until you find an empty spot. Decently quiet. You’ll hear people around when it gets busy.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 11, 2024

    FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great place to boondock with cell service!

    I enjoyed my stay here. I pitched a tent and drove a Honda Accord there. There was great cell service a bathroom/rest stop within 5 minutes and this is only a 15 minute drive to Bryce canyon NP.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kolob Terrace Road
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Kolob Terrace Road

    Excellent desert dispersed camping

    Many spots available. Trees for some shade and a small creek. Stayed on a Wednesday and there was BMX racing at night till 10pm could hear them from our spot but it wasn’t a bother to us.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed

    Spacious & Beautiful

    This is a great spot for easy access to Zion’s west entrance. It isn’t the quietest spot, lots of people pulling in to find spots late into the night, and you can see and hear your neighbors, but that didn’t bother us much personally. Everything is sandy, so be prepared to shake out your bedding before bed. The roads were not rough, just sandy and bumpy. Many spots to choose from, just look for campsite markers or fire pits. You can hear bomb testing from Nevada which was cool to us, but just a heads up.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Zion Scenic Byway Dispersed - BLM
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Zion Scenic Byway Dispersed - BLM

    Closed?

    We drove the ~7 miles on dirt roads to get to the listed coordinates and the vibes were horrible the whole way. We eventually got .2 miles from the listed location and there was a gate that was closed and locked. even if it wasn’t blocked off, i wouldn’t recommend it😅

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Old 91 Dispersed
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Old 91 Dispersed

    Tight turns getting back to the sites - Big Rigs use caution

    We stayed here for 1 night recently.  The site itself was fine, though there was a bunch of trash all over. Enough room for our 39ft rig and toad.  The road getting back to it was so twisty and tight that we scratched up the side of our rig. On the way out, we laid our outdoor rug on the bushes to keep from scratching again, so it is possible to get back here, but be prepared to work around that obstacle. 

    Also, there is a sign at the entrance warning that the area is used for "rodeo livestock" grazing, and to be cautious around them and not to approach them. We never saw or heard them, but it's something to be aware of.

  • Melanie G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Harris Rim & Stout Canyon Dispersed
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Harris Rim & Stout Canyon Dispersed

    Easy Access

    We were driving through looking for a quick place to pull off the highway for the night. It's a few tarred miles off the road, but wauper esy to find, even at 11:30 pm when we stopped. There was only one car that came in after us.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kolob Road BLM Dispersed Camp #2
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Kolob Road BLM Dispersed Camp #2

    Multiple Spots

    Bunch of options, showed up late in my ford fusion. One side of the road has multiple separate lots hidden a bit and across the road is a large lot where I ended up pulling off into, hidden slightly by brush

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tom's Best Spring Road Dixie National Forest
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Tom's Best Spring Road Dixie National Forest

    Tom’s Best

    Came to camp after dark. Had to travel 7-8 miles off the main road. Sites are sporadic- lots of big campsites with lots of people, so it took a bit to find a secluded spot. Some trees. Very few fall branches for fire. Beautiful views.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed

    Great place to stay for Zion!

    We camped for two nights (Thurs and Fri) in early October. Attached are some photos from our site as well as a map of the camping area. There are 40ish camp sites along unpaved roads. The main road is unpaved but navigable by most any car. The secondary roads that lead to the individual campsites are a bit more treacherous. Would recommend AWD or at least not a super low car as it will likely bottom out. We did it slowly without issue in our Subaru. The camp sites are big enough for multiple cars or an RV. There are fire pits at each. About 100 yards or so between camp sites. We left our tent setup unattended Thursday day while hiking in Zion and had no issue.

    The drive to the park is about 30-40 minutes, longer depending on how strong your car is. We were averaging about 10mph on the unpaved roads.

    Overall a great place to stay! Beautiful stars, amazing land scape. Quiet and safe place to stay. Will definitely stay here again!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt Carmel Old 89 Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Mt Carmel Old 89 Dispersed Camping

    Great view

    Easy access onto old 89. We parked in the old gravel pit area. Our sewer sits low on our Lance and had no problem getting in. There is a bit of garbage and stuff dumped over the edges if you look for it. No odour no flies. Nice breeze. Felt safe. Quiet as its buffered from the highway. There were 3 other campers so not alone. Just minutes from Belly of the Dragon and 10 minutes from parking lot turn off to Peekaboo Slot.

  • Haley P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kolob Terrace Road
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Kolob Terrace Road

    Easy and Close to Zion

    It was pretty easy to find even in the dark which is when we rolled in. Pretty popular spot so you are kinda close to other people but is only 25 mins to Zion and plenty of spots. There is a little river that is so nice to go to sleep to and it is very quiet.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area

    Ok dispersed camping area

    Dispersed camping at an area called LAVA FLAT in the Dixie NF above Panguitch Utah. 8330 elv here in mixed conifer aspen. No numbered sites at this location even though this area is identified as a DESIGNATED site dispersed camping area. Seems to be about 8 sites on both sides of the hwy. No vault toilets, no water, no dumpsters. Paved road all the way to the jct of the short dirt side roads. Cell was very weak LTE on T-Mobile. Starlink is the solution here for me. Seems this area has meadows for the sheep herders. In early Oct.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dave’s Hollow Designated Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Dave’s Hollow Designated Dispersed Camping

    Designated dispersed

    There are 26 DESIGNATED dispersed camp sites in the Dixie NF special management area part of Dave's hollow close to the Bryce NP boundary. The west part of Dave's hollow does not have the designated only restrictions, however there are way less campsites available. Cell signal is very good for the entire area. Note there are no vault toilets, no dumpsters and no water in the Dave's hollow area and all the roads are dusty dirt and could be muddy if wet.

  • Haley P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Gooseberry Mesa
    Oct. 2, 2024

    Gooseberry Mesa

    So Beautiful!!!

    There are several different camps all with fire pits. It’s bumpy but plenty of level ground to find once you get to the camp sites and the views are so incredible. Follow the coordinates on google maps and it will take you straight to the pull off road.

    It’s about an hour from Zion and 45 minutes from the Coral Sand Dunes and 2hr from the north rim of the Grand Canyon.



Guide to Summit

Camping near Summit, Utah, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Campers rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer from Duck Creek saying, "Very nice hiking trails, miles and miles of off-roading trails for quads!!!"
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers, perfect for fishing. A visitor at Navajo Lake Campground mentioned, "We caught trout & crawdads. There’s a porta potty for each camp site."
  • Stargazing: The clear skies in this region make for excellent stargazing. A camper at Kolob Reservoir noted, "The night sky is still just as amazing. We spotted a bald eagle on the way out."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. One happy camper at Duck Creek said, "The campgrounds are kept trash-free, the amenities are clean."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer a peaceful environment. A reviewer at Point Supreme Campground shared, "Even when kids are here, the night is quiet. So quiet, you forget that the campground is full of other humans."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A visitor at Cedar Canyon Retreat mentioned, "The camp hosts are very nice and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lava Point, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, "No water or electricity, pit toilet."
  • Crowded Sites: Campers at Navajo Lake Campground mentioned, "Good access to the lake, but absolutely not dispersed camping. Unless you like camping within 20ft of strangers."
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Point Supreme is open from June 3 to September 25.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may run low on essentials. A visitor at Duck Creek advised, "Restrooms sometimes are out of toilet paper, but we always bring spare rolls for any situation."
  • Choose Sites Wisely: Look for sites that offer more space. A camper at Navajo Lake Campground said, "The campsites were pretty close together so we got to listen to a campsite's baby crying most of the night."
  • Plan Activities: Keep kids entertained with nearby activities. A reviewer at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort mentioned, "Pool was fun, mini golf and loads of other family activities."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Ensure your RV fits the site. A camper at Cedar Canyon Retreat noted, "Some of the sites are very close together and can be difficult to access with larger trailers."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Higher elevations can mean cooler temperatures. A visitor at Lava Point shared, "Windy at night and about 20 degrees colder than the Zion Visitor center area."
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds lack drinking water. A camper at Kolob Reservoir mentioned, "There’s access to clean water by the entrance."

Camping in the Summit, Utah area provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking a peaceful retreat, there's something for you in this beautiful region.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Summit, UT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Summit, UT is Kolob Resevoir with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Summit, UT?

    TheDyrt.com has all 93 dispersed camping locations near Summit, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.