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Best Dispersed Camping near Washington, UT

482 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas surround Washington, Utah on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. North Creek Dispersed Camping, Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed, and Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed provide primitive camping options within 15-20 minutes of town. These sites generally consist of informal pull-offs along dirt roads with fire rings marking established use areas. Sand Hollow OHV Camp offers another free option slightly farther south, while Leeds Canyon Dispersed sites are located northwest of the city on Forest Service land.

Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful driving, with many areas featuring unpaved surfaces ranging from well-maintained gravel to rutted dirt roads. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching Hurricane Cliffs dispersed sites 40-48 and Leeds Canyon areas. Most locations lack amenities, with no drinking water, restrooms, or trash service available. Campers must pack out all waste. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with some areas permitting campfires year-round while North Creek prohibits fires entirely. Camping duration is typically limited to 14 days in a 28-day period on BLM land.

The Hurricane Cliffs area provides panoramic desert views and multiple camping options along different roads. Sand Hollow OHV Camp attracts off-road enthusiasts but generates significant noise. According to one camper, "Sand hollow a off road era paradise," though others note "we had dirt bikes riding around at 2am." Leeds Canyon offers more secluded forest settings but requires navigating steep terrain for certain sites. A reviewer noted, "Leeds Canyon #2 is behind #1 a hundred yards but requires high clearance and 4wd to access." The Water Conservancy District site closer to town permits overnight stays only, with a reviewer mentioning "new for 2023 is a sign that notes one day limit to camping."

Map showing campgrounds near Washington, UtahExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

Leeds Canyon Dispersed #11

Leeds Canyon Dispersed #11

40 min away

Dispersed Camping in Dixie National Forest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

Dispersed Camping in Dixie National Forest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

49 min away

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Washington, Utah (78)

    1. North Creek Dispersed Camping

    43 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    19 miles
    Website

    "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."

    2. Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed

    38 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    18 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. LaVerkin Overlook Road Dispersed

    16 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    14 miles

    "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."

    4. Sand Hollow OHV Camp

    6 Reviews
    Washington, UT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 688-3200

    "The first night we had people riding around until about 2 am.

    The area is absolutely beautiful. Red Utah desert and very sandy. Your gear will be pink by the time you go home."

    "Lots of room for camping great access to ohv trails"

    5. Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed sites 40-48

    16 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    15 miles

    "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."

    6. Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 688-3200

    "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,"

    7. Hurricane Cliffs BLM dispersed #54

    14 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    15 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Eye candy from this location made us not want to leave. There was a map but campsites are hard to find so we pulled into a place flat enough to set up a tent for a night."

    8. Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed Sites 20-35 spur

    11 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    14 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "There are no amenities. The scenery is spectacular."

    9. Leeds Canyon Dispersed #1

    9 Reviews
    Leeds, UT
    12 miles

    "Leeds Canyon Dispersed camp sites are on the Dixie NF. Lower dispersed sites 1-6 are easiest to get into with a TT. Camp in designated spots, camping free for 16 days. No water, no trash, no toilets."

    "It was only a 1-2 block walk to Leeds Creek to sit on a rock and soak feet in creek. “Children’s Forest at the Kiln” maybe 1/4 mile down from site. A sweet little trail leading to a historical kiln."

    10. Water Conservancy District Camping

    5 Reviews
    Hurricane, UT
    6 miles

    "just 1 night allowed big and flat ground for rv"

    "Quiet, decently dark (a commercial spot across the highway but not too much light, and good pull off."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Washington, UT

237 Photos of 78 Washington Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Washington, UT

482 Reviews of 78 Washington Campgrounds

  • R
    Dec. 1, 2024

    BLM Navajo Rd Dispersed

    Open, high land that’s awkward to get to

    At the far corner of an unassuming neighborhood, there’s a dirt road with a couple signs saying no shooting and no camping. They’re referring to the first three miles of that road. It’s a narrow road with unusually high walls but easy to drive. Make sure you go all 3 miles until you reach the big classic BLM Public Lands sign after which is the start of your options. There’s a few quite large turnoffs with fire pits

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2021

    Leeds Canyon Dispersed #2

    Overlander site only

    Leeds Canyon Dispersed camp sites are on the Dixie NF. Lower dispersed sites 1-6 are easiest to get into with a TT. Camp in designated spots, camping free for 16 days. No water, no trash, no toilets. Sites are along a well maintained FS gravel road so dust may be a concern. Only a few miles outside of Leeds and Interstate 15.

    Leeds Canyon #2 is behind #1 a hundred yards but requires high clearance and 4wd to access....no TT or RVs. Nice big open area with views for the overlander types

  • K
    Jun. 13, 2022

    Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site

    Quiet camping spot close to Kanab and east entrance of Zion

    We loved this free camping area! 

    There aren't tons of spots(most of it is an open area), but we never had an issue getting one, even during spring break. 

    It's close to Kanab and the east entrance of Zion.

    Please Leave No Trace! Take care of this place so it can be enjoyed by many for as long as possible!

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2019

    Dalton Wash Dispersed

    Great free camping with a view of Zion!

    Ill start off by saying that you should probably have an AWD or 4WD high clearance vehicle for the upper campsites.  There are campsites lower on but are right next to the road.  Getting there you'll want to follow Dalton Wash Rd all the way to the plateau, staying left the whole way unless its private property.

    There are no bathrooms or amenities here so either come prepared or take care of business before heading up or inbetween excursions.  The good thing from that is you'll be pretty secluded! (Cant speak for the peak months as we visited in May)  The upper campsites are ~45 minutes from Zion with the lower sites being only 30 minutes away!  Summer may not be the best time to visit as the sites are kind of exposed and theres not a ton of shade

  • M
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Dispersed Camping in Dixie National Forest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Secluded atmosphere. Great Views.

    I stayed in dispersed camping spot #5 arriving on August 31st, 2020. There are 11 or 12 designated spots here. There is a sign on the right side once you enter the Forest Service Road that maps all the hiking trails and dispersed camping sites available in the Leeds Creek dispersed camping area. No 4x4 is necessary to get to spots 1- 5. I didn't go all the way up the mountain and see the other spots. The entrance to spot 5 is a horseshoe shape big enough and convenient for an RV. However, for tent campers, you will want to go beyond the bushes for wind coverage and privacy. The space opens up with trails, amazing views, you can here the creek burbling below the canyon. Spectacular stargazing at night and pretty quiet aside from some road traffic. NOTE: tent campers; park your vehicle with visibility in the horseshoe drive in to avoid unbeknownst camp crashers. The coverage is good enough for tent campers that someone could easily believe the campsite was not taken. Also, bees like your trashbag. So, keep it in your vehicle rather than hanging it. Lastly, sadly there was A LOT of litter when I visited. I did my best to clean some of it up while I was there. Please remember to pack in/pack out and leave no trace!!

  • Jenny&Tobias P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    BLM Dispersed N Kolob Terrace Road

    Cottonwood Trees and a Creek

    Sandy and shady free Campground near Zion Natl Park. Easy access even with a car for the most spots. Crossing the creek there are more spots but not recommended without high clearance and 4x4. Beautiful sunset and shady in the morning. No highway noise. No fires permitted. Max stay 14 days. Love this place and the murmurs of the creek. Fills up very quickly around 6pm in the summer.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2022

    BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed - BLM

    Nice BLM Dispersed

    This area is up BLM Road #71 and was the old hwy. The actual main camping area is an old gravel pit area but views are great, solar is plentiful. Free BLM Dispersed, no signage, no water, no toilets, no trash. Cell was 1-2 5g bars for me. Road access is rough broken hwy pavement, just go slow. Second road on left to GP area.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 16, 2022

    Gooseberry Mesa

    Nice sites by world class mountain biking

    After seeing how crowded hurricane cliffs were, camped on the left fork after the Windmill trailhead. Gooseberry mesa biking is incredible. The road to the mesa is very washboarded and will rattle the daylights out of your car. The sites are fairly spaced out and have great views. vault toilets at both trailheads but no water. Very strong (20mbps) cell reception on both ATT and T-Mobile. You will need to come from the apple valley side unless you have a very high clearance 4wd car. Smithsonian butte is no joke, I did it in my SUV with 8.5 inches of clearance and I would not repeat it.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2021

    Leeds Canyon Dispersed #3

    Dispersed camp

    Leeds Canyon Dispersed camp sites are on the Dixie NF. Lower dispersed sites 1-6 are easiest to get into with a TT. Camp in designated spots, camping free for 16 days. No water, no trash, no toilets. Sites are along a well maintained FS gravel road so dust may be a concern. Only a few miles outside of Leeds and Interstate 15.

    Dispersed #3 is a large back in spot next to the parking for a trailhead, so activity and noise is possible during weekends.

Guide to Washington

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Washington, Utah, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of options, this area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.

Dispersed campers should check out Kolob Terrace Road

  • The Kolob Terrace Road offers a serene environment with multiple camping spots surrounded by trees and a small creek, providing a peaceful retreat close to Zion National Park.
  • Many campers appreciate the well-spaced sites, allowing for a sense of privacy while still being near fellow outdoor lovers.
  • The easy access to hiking trails makes this location ideal for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Washington, Utah

  • When visiting North Creek Dispersed Camping, arrive early to secure a good spot, as it can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
  • Be prepared for varying road conditions; some areas may require a higher clearance vehicle, but many spots are accessible for standard cars.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife; campers have reported sightings of mule deer and other animals, adding to the charm of the experience.

Scenic views await at Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed

  • The Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed area is known for its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.
  • Campers have noted the spacious sites, which allow for a comfortable stay without feeling crowded, even during busier times.
  • This location is also a great launchpad for exploring nearby Zion National Park, providing easy access to some of the best hiking trails in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping in Washington state?

Washington offers abundant free dispersed camping opportunities throughout its national forests. In Olympic National Forest, you'll find numerous pull-offs along Forest Service roads. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest provides extensive options, particularly around Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers sites along its eastern slopes. Look for designated dispersed camping areas marked by fire rings, or follow Forest Service road pull-offs. Remember to camp at least 100 feet from water sources, stay on existing sites, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Most areas allow 14-day stays before requiring relocation.

Are there any free camping areas currently open in Washington?

Yes, numerous free camping areas are open year-round in Washington, though seasonal closures affect some locations during winter. Hancock Road Dispersed Camping offers excellent sandy sites accessible to most vehicles. Gooseberry Mesa provides spacious sites with vault toilets nearby, though the access road is rough. Many areas in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest remain accessible in warmer months. Always check forest service websites for current conditions and temporary closures due to fire danger, weather, or maintenance. Higher elevation sites typically close with the first significant snowfall, while lower elevation areas often remain accessible year-round.

What BLM land in Washington allows dispersed camping?

Washington has limited BLM land compared to other western states, but there are still dispersed camping options. The Eastern Washington BLM lands near Spokane provide several opportunities, including areas around Fishtrap Recreation Area. The Juniper Dunes Wilderness near Pasco allows primitive camping with proper permits. BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed - BLM offers free camping with no facilities but excellent views and decent cell service. Always check current regulations before camping, as some areas may have seasonal restrictions or require permits. Most BLM dispersed camping allows 14-day stays.

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