Dispersed camping near Toquerville, Utah offers direct access to high desert terrain at elevations between 3,500-5,000 feet. The region experiences dramatic temperature swings with summer highs reaching 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Most primitive sites lack natural shelter from sun or wind, with campers reporting regular gusts between 20-50 mph, especially at Hurricane Cliffs.
What to do
Hiking at sunrise/sunset: Take advantage of cooler temperatures by planning hikes during dawn or dusk. At Leeds Canyon Dispersed #1, one camper mentioned, "Children's Forest at the Kiln maybe 1/4 mile down from site. A sweet little trail leading to a historical kiln."
Creek access for cooling off: Several primitive sites near Toquerville feature small water sources for relief from heat. At North Creek Dispersed Camping, a visitor noted, "The stream is a great place to put some chairs and cool off. I will definitely be coming back here on my next Zion trip!"
Mountain biking: The Hurricane area offers extensive trail networks accessible directly from camp. A reviewer at Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed observed, "Jem & Hurricane Cliffs Trails right out the door" with "mountain bikers come through" in the mornings.
Stargazing opportunities: Open desert sites provide minimal light pollution for astronomy. "Nice and dark at night for star gazing, and shade trees for during the day," reported one camper at Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed.
What campers like
Easy access to multiple entrances: Free camping is available near both primary Zion access points. A camper at Dalton Wash Dispersed shared, "About 30-40 minutes away from the entrance to Zion" while noting the benefit of "spots you can see Zion at a distance."
Cell service for remote work: Many locations maintain reliable connectivity despite their primitive nature. At Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed sites 20-35 spur, a camper reported, "I had 8-12 MB download and 12-15 upload speeds on my internet Verizon based."
Distance between sites: Many areas offer reasonable privacy. One visitor noted that Hurricane Cliffs sites are "spaced far enough apart to where you rarely even recognize movement from the other sites, but you don't really feel 'alone' if that's what you're after."
Designated fire rings: Most sites include established fire pits despite their primitive status. A camper at Hurricane Cliffs BLM dispersed #54 noted, "Isolated site with fire pit. Great views, road leading to it is decently passable."
What you should know
Extreme wind conditions: Many exposed sites experience severe gusts. One visitor to Hurricane Cliffs BLM dispersed #54 warned, "Wind came up around midnight and it was like being in a hurricane for 5 hours. It's super close to Zion but the wind made it a no return for us."
Site availability timing: Popular areas fill quickly during peak seasons. "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," noted one camper at Hurricane Cliffs.
Road conditions vary seasonally: Many access roads deteriorate after rainfall. A visitor at Kolob Terrace Road advised, "Stayed here for about a week, had to leave because of the rain- wouldn't recommend in the rain, very muddy."
Human waste issues: With limited facilities, improper waste disposal can be problematic. One visitor to Kolob Terrace Road noted, "The fields in and around the camp area are filled with human and animal poop...they really need to build some pit toilets or something out here because it is really gross!"
Tips for camping with families
Shade considerations: Limited tree cover affects comfort during summer months. At Kolob Terrace Road, one camper mentioned, "I got to the location and kept going and found a shaded area at the bottom of a hill. It's got space for a tent too."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for potential animal sightings. A visitor to North Creek reported, "Really set the ambience with the moon Hanging over the skyline of mountains all around you. Also heard some young coyotes at night."
Swimming opportunities: Natural water features provide recreation for kids. One camper noted, "Only a few miles outside of Leeds and Interstate 15... a 1-2 block walk to Leeds Creek to sit on a rock and soak feet in creek."
Security considerations: Some areas experience theft issues. One visitor warned, "Beautiful land unfortunately plagued by awful guests. Showed up to our campsite to 3 trash bags worth of trash that we collected. The following day we came back to our stuff stolen and gone."
Tips from RVers
Turning radius challenges: Many roads lack adequate turnaround space. One RVer at Leeds Canyon noted, "After that we wondered how we were going to turn around. Spoke with BLM guy and he said the gate was probably locked after the kiln this early in the year but we should be able to turn around there."
Site leveling requirements: Many primitive sites require adjustment. A camper noted, "A lot of the sites aren't very level and not intuitively laid out with the views and where the firepit is placed."
Vehicle clearance specifics: Access roads present varying challenges. "We got our 34' 5vr, and we saw a 40'+ 5ver get in there but WOW that guy is GOOD!" shared one RVer describing Hurricane Cliffs sites 1-12.
Solar potential: Open desert locations provide excellent charging capacity. A visitor noted, "While the vegetation is very short it gives you 100% sunshine for your solar. Very little animal life or flowers but the vistas are nice."
