The Bureau of Land Management maintains several no-cost primitive camping zones around Virgin, Utah at elevations ranging from 3,500-6,000 feet. These dispersed sites sit on desert plateaus and mesa tops with juniper scrub vegetation providing limited shade. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Mountain biking the Hurricane Cliffs trail system: The Hurricane Cliffs BLM dispersed camping areas provide direct access to a network of mountain biking trails. "There are hiking and biking trails all around so expect bikers but not too intrusive," notes a visitor to Gooseberry Mesa. The area features world-class singletrack routes suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.
Cool off in Virgin River swimming holes: During hot months, the nearby creek access points offer natural relief. "The little stream that runs across the campground was our saving grace; just deep enough to put our chairs in and dip in our toes," mentions a camper at North Creek. Another camper at Kolob Terrace Road appreciated that "there is a little river that is so nice to go to sleep to and it is very quiet."
Stargazing away from light pollution: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. A camper at Hurricane Cliffs BLM dispersed #54 described the experience: "Eye candy from this location made us not want to leave. The sunset, the moon, horizon to horizon of billions of seen stars, and a gorgeous sunset."
What campers like
Early morning tranquility: Many campers value the peaceful mornings at these sites. "Had a peaceful nights sleep here. Nice location right of the road, but tucked in under trees by a small river. Pretty views up the valley," says a visitor to North Creek Dispersed Camping.
Reliable cellular coverage: Unlike many remote camping areas, most sites maintain decent connectivity. A camper at Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed reported "Very strong (20mbps) cell reception on both ATT and T-Mobile." Another mentioned "I had 8-12 MB download and 12-15 upload speeds on my internet Verizon based."
Spacious camping areas: Sites typically provide ample room between neighbors. "The sites are big enough for multiple cars or an RV. There are fire pits at each. About 100 yards or so between camp sites," observed a visitor to Hurricane Cliffs BLM. Another camper at North Creek Dispersed Camping noted there are "Great flat sandy sites. Easy to set up! Creek was dry but trees were lovely!"
What you should know
Vehicle requirements vary by location: Access roads range from well-maintained to challenging. "Road in is quite washboarded, so prepare for a bumpy ride! The area is wide open, but enough spacing so you're not on top of your neighbor," warns a visitor to Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed. At Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed sites 20-35 spur, a camper advised: "The spur roads have some ruts in them. Easily passable with 4WD and even probably 2WD when not wet."
High winds can be challenging: The exposed mesa locations experience significant wind. One camper mentioned "Hurricane Cliffs BLM sites have the name for a reason. Wind came up around midnight and it was like being in a hurricane for 5 hours." Another advised: "Wind is going to be a thing. But if it stayed at a gentle breeze, this would be 5 stars all day!"
Site availability varies seasonally: During peak seasons (spring and fall), sites fill quickly. "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," reports a camper at Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed sites 40-48.
Tips for camping with families
Creek access for children: Sites with water access provide natural entertainment. At Kolob Terrace Road, a visitor noted "There is a little stream that is so nice to go to sleep to" while another mentioned "Trees for some shade and a small creek." These water features offer cooling options during hot days.
Toilet access considerations: Most areas have no facilities, but select locations offer limited options. "The third dispersed camping spur that BLM has established along the Sheep Bridge Road. The longer right-hand spur goes all the way out to a TH with a vault toilet," notes a visitor to Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed sites 20-35 spur.
Shade availability: Limited shade makes summer camping challenging with children. At Dalton Wash Dispersed, a camper mentioned "Sites are out in the open, no shade. Some spots you can see Zion at a distance." Consider camping during shoulder seasons or bringing your own shade structures.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require work to level larger vehicles. "Took a standard sized RV from Cruise America to site number 31 off of sheep bridge road. Access is from the trailhead signage and parking lot in between route 9 and 59 on sheep bridge. Site was huge, flat and had a solid fire ring," reports a visitor to Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed sites 20-35 spur.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs. A camper at North Creek Dispersed Camping advised "Road in was just a little tough but short. Did fine with a 25ft travel trailer. Riverside spots are mostly for vans/tents." Another mentioned "Nice spot about 20 minutes from Zion there are a few different entrances and places to park some are alittle rough for the bigger campers but we got out 33 footer in with alittle work."
Washboard road preparation: RVers should secure items before traveling on access roads. "The road to the mesa is very washboarded and will rattle the daylights out of your car," warns a visitor to Gooseberry Mesa. Another camper noted "Sheep's Bridge Rd is pretty washboarded right now. It is doable going slow, but your gonna rattle you're innards a bit."
