Looking for the best Tropic dispersed camping? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Utah camping adventure.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a developed campground. Dispersed camping is free, therefore no services or facilities are provided; such as trash removal, tables, and fire pits. In some popular dispersed camping areas, camping is limited to designated sites only. Some visitors stay in a primitive style by setting up camp outside of any designated campsite area, sometimes referred to as “boondocking”. It is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy parts of Bryce Canyon Country that not many people see. Plus, it’s free camping. Dispersed camping is not permitted in all areas. If you’re going to set up a primitive camp in this way, please be sure to adhere to the following guidelines: Only camp on public land Keep your campsite minimal so as not to disturb the natural environment Remove any waste you produce, and Leave No Trace Be respectful of other visitors and wildlife in the area Keep track of your location so as not to get lost, and stay away from potentially dangerous areas.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a developed campground. In some popular dispersed camping areas, camping is limited to designated sites only. Dispersed camping is free, therefore no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you go camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Rules for Dispersed Camping Motorized vehicle use for the purpose of dispersed camping is only allowed 150 feet from any designated route to limit resource damage. Use existing campsites. Groups of over 75 people, who wish to use the forest, need to obtain a special use permit. There is no fee and permits can be obtained at the nearest Forest Service Office. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 10 miles for camping in another dispersed area. Please place your campsite at least 200 feet from any stream or other water source. Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Follow Leave No Trace principals. Contact a local Forest Service office to see if any fire restrictions are in place.
Guide
This continues to be one of our favorite boondocking sites even after four years on the road. This time we visited in late October/ Early November. We had some minor snowfall while we were there but that is to be expected at this elevation. We filmed a campsite review for anyone who is interested, we linked in on the video tab here on Campendium but here is the direct link to
Great for rigs of any size, with thousands of acres to choose from.
Guide
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
Traveler
Excellent boondock spot. Excellent AT&T coverage
Traveler
A beautiful camp to set up RVs, vans, and tents. Plenty of space. There were several others here and did not feel close to anyone. Fire pits are available, but they are just slightly dug holes with small rocks. Recommend reinforcing the rocks before use.
Traveler
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
Guide
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.
Scout
Awesome location! Beautiful views! Multiple sites
Guide
Calf Creek campground was full and the host told us about this spot. Up a dirt road you end up just below the radio tower. Very private and quiet
TravelerWe 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.
TravelerBumpy dirt road going in. Large area with plenty of private dispersed camping spots.
Traveler
This is just a pull out off the hwy. Sign says no camping.
GuidePulled 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.
Traveler
We liked this spot however we could not go in very far due to the fact that our trailer has low clearance. There are a lot of long ruts from water run off.
There are two dumpsters near the entrance. Area was clean and good cell service.
Location is ideal for area slot canyons etc.
Scout
You do not need 4-wheel drive to get to this parking area however I will say I was there in Aug 24’ and there was a lot of plant growth in the driving area to drive over. Nothing that would scratch my suv up but just noting in case someone decides to take a sedan back this way. I was the only one there and it was quiet and peaceful. I did get some service on AT&T but it wasn’t good for using the internet. Texting was fine.
Guide
Loved this spot!! It’s quiet and has a creek and trees Lots of sand so don’t get stuck, you can go to Belly of the Dragon before anyone due to camping next to it!!
Guide
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.
Scout
Not a bad camp spot but it was hard to find a level spot. We were staying in our rooftop tent and had to find rocks to level out
Guide
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.
GuideThis has been an amazing spot to stay at. Prefect for day trips into Bryce and Red Canyon!! All the others staying were so nice.
Guide
Although the sand wasn’t a surprise, i was shocked at how much it stuck to everything LOL! But the site had lots of dedicated spots for camping and went on the quite a few miles. The view was beautiful, but we were nervous about mountain lions as we noticed a lot of tracks when we arrived, and saw even more next to our car in the morning as we were leaving. The road in isn’t very rough, just lots of sand and small bumps. Would stay here again!
GuideWe 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😅
GuideEasy to get to, plenty of room and quiet. One of the best spots we've stayed in. Vault toilets across the highway if needed.
Scout
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.
GuideCame 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.
Traveler
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.
Legend
This so called designated dispersed is actually more like a regular developed CG, with gravel pads, and a vault toilet. Don't even come on from the north on that sketch road, it was narrow rocky and VERY STEEP into the hole the CG is in. Come on on south end thru the subdivision housing area.
Legend
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Tropic, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Tropic, UT is Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest with a 4.8-star rating from 70 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Tropic, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 114 dispersed camping locations near Tropic, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
