Virgin sits on Highway 9 in southwestern Utah, about 10 miles west of the Zion National Park south entrance, along the Virgin River corridor. BLM land on both sides of the highway has dispersed sites with no fees and no reservation requirements. What's available for dispersed camping near Zion covers the full range of free sites within reach of the park, including areas further from the highway. No water, no restrooms, and no trash service at dispersed sites along this corridor.
The 14-day stay limit applies. Sites close to Highway 9 pick up road noise from tour buses and day visitors, which runs heavy from spring through fall during peak park season. Hurricane is about 10 miles west and has private campgrounds with hookups if the dispersed setup isn't practical. Hurricane's free camping spots are another option when BLM sites along the highway corridor are full.
Cell service along this stretch of Highway 9 is inconsistent. Pack in enough water for your full stay since no potable water sources exist along the dispersed zones.
"There’s of shade from the trees and a beautiful creek. We arrived at around 3pm and no one was around. By 5pm a good amount of people started driving in a picking their spots."
"Went to the right from the entrance all the way to end next to a private property. It’s really quiet and more secluded. You see other campers but you have privacy and your own place."
"There are no fees but also no amenities. So please, if you pack it in then you need to pack it out. Bring plenty of water for drinking and cleaning."
"Great camping close to Zion! There are some shaded spots but they get taken quick. There were lots of spots out in the open and we ended up at one of those."
"Quite a few dispersed spots. Being out in the desert there isn't much to create privacy from one group of people to the next but they are far enough apart you won't hear eachother."
"This spot is a little ways off the highway. The road is rutted but manageable."
"Our car is 2WD and the upper spots (to the right) seemed safest- it’s a little muddier if you stay on the main dirt road into the area."
"Close to the road without having to hear all the freeway traffic. It’s a good while away from the park (25 minutes maybe) but not too far that you feel like you are wasting gas."
"Most people were camping in a large packed area a shit distance from the highway and most campers did not have fire rings. We were there for four nights and no one came be to check. No water."
"The gps takes you crazy ways through rough dirt roads. Go down to the 2nd left and there is a perfect cul-de-sac area. We loved this spot and stayed a week."
"Our class B camper van made it fine on the uneven terrain. Just go slow. The snow had melted from the previous day by the sun so it didn’t affect us. Easy to find a spot. Beautiful sun rises!"
"Found a nice little campsite that fit two camper vans. In a bit of depression, out of the wind. Woke up to a wonderful view."
"arrived in the dark but we were able to find a site in the 30’s range- loved it especially when we woke up in the morning and saw the view. we stayed a second night tucked into a ravine next to some boulders"
"Sites 1-12 PROS:
Stunning views
Free 14 day - although in 14 days we never saw anyone check
Verizon & ATT 4-5 bars even with no booster
Wide open, strong solar all but 1 day
20m to Zion NP,"
"No amenities except the bathroom at the trailhead a mile away. A good spot overall, some traffic down this road as I think the Virgin Dam Trailhead is towards the end of this spur road."
"Great views and the camping spots are a good distance apart. There is a pit toilet near by."
"After seeing how crowded hurricane cliffs were, camped on the left fork after the Windmill trailhead. Gooseberry mesa biking is incredible."
"As soon as you turn off the freeway, it's washboard all the way until you turn left onto Wire Mesa Trailhead. From there, it's slow moving but nothing major."
"Good camping site, would recommend a 4WD or AWD vehicle. The road up is steep and narrow, passing a lot of private property. Sites are out in the open, no shade."
"While you don’t need 4x4 during dry months, it will help with the drive. It’s steep, loose dirt until you start hitting rocks."
TravelerSolo girlie pop car camper- Great reception, clear sites. Felt safe. Some trash in the fire ring but people are gonna people I guess. I used someone’s satellite photo to access the spot, as it showed a paved road access rather than the bumpy version. I didn’t to too far in but my Subaru forester sport had no issues. Only stayed one night.
ScoutPlenty of spots available with fire pits. We got a spot right by the water. There are a lot of ant hills and it can be pretty muddy in some spots. My AWD suv did fine in the mud.
ScoutDefinitely a little bumpy and may be hard getting through to the back if wet and muddy. Other than that nice little spots with fire pits, a nice little stream, good service and not too far from the park.
TravelerEasy to get in. Small pop up
TravelerEasy to find and close to Springdale…the road in a bit tough but any 4WD can get to a spot if you take your time. The sound of the creek at night is so nice and it was super peaceful!
TravelerWe camped here three nights, the first day being a Sunday night, and I think we snagged the last spot. Our car is 2WD and the upper spots (to the right) seemed safest- it’s a little muddier if you stay on the main dirt road into the area. The scenery is gorgeous, and there is a creek running through the greenbelt of trees. Road noise was a little noticeable when we were outside our car, but sleeping in the car with one of the windows open towards the creek was very pleasant. There is some kind of off roading stuff going across the road but they seemed to turn off all the bright lights and quieted down shortly after dark. This location is about a 20-25 minute drive from Zion National Park. We will definitely be back!
ScoutStayed multiple nights. Perfect location to nearby attractions / the town of Kanab. I was on arguably one of the closest sites to the Highway and road noise was not an issue. Cell service for T-Mobile: only if you are close to the highway. I recommend turning in off the highway and taking the first right hand turn and following it all the way down (youll drive on what asphalt remains of the old highway) and there a single spot about 1 mile down that road that is nice, private, secluded, and only may have 4x4 going up / down the hill next to you. No other traffic.
GuideThis was a quick convenient spot right off 89. I’m in a 20ft class C RV and made it to the very first campsite with no issues just using some careful navigation around the dip. There are sites back closer to the creek but the road was too rough for me to take an RV. Beautiful views of the mountain ranges to the east.
ScoutLevel ground. Need clearance to get up to the spots.
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.
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."
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!"
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.
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.
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in North Creek?
Dispersed camping in the North Creek area follows standard BLM regulations. The maximum stay limit is typically 14 days, as practiced at Leeds Canyon Dispersed #2 and other nearby sites. Camping is only permitted in designated areas - not within the first three miles of certain access roads. Fire restrictions are common, with complete bans during dry periods. Gooseberry Mesa and similar areas operate under Leave No Trace principles, requiring campers to pack out all waste. No shooting is permitted in many sections. Always verify current regulations at the BLM office in St. George before camping, as rules may change seasonally.
Where is North Creek dispersed camping near Virgin, Utah?
North Creek dispersed camping is located near Virgin, Utah, with several nearby options. BLM Dispersed N Kolob Terrace Road offers sandy, shady spots with easy access for most vehicles, located off Kolob Terrace Road north of Virgin. For those seeking alternatives, Dalton Wash Dispersed is another option in the area - follow Dalton Wash Road all the way to the plateau, staying left until you reach the camping area. The upper campsites at Dalton Wash typically require AWD or 4WD high clearance vehicles, though lower sites exist closer to the road.
What amenities are available at North Creek dispersed camping areas?
North Creek dispersed camping areas offer minimal amenities, typical of BLM dispersed sites. Most locations have no water, no trash services, and no toilets. BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed represents the standard amenity level, with plentiful solar exposure but no facilities. However, some nearby dispersed camping areas like Mammoth Dispersed do provide pit toilets while maintaining their primitive nature. Cell service varies by location, with most areas receiving 1-2 bars at best. Campers should come fully self-contained with all necessary supplies including drinking water, cooking equipment, and waste disposal solutions.
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