Desert terrain around Washington, Utah features dispersed campsites on public lands between 2,800-3,500 feet elevation. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. Primitive camping near Washington, Utah typically requires preparation for extreme temperature shifts and limited shade at most sites.
What to do
Mountain biking: Hurricane Cliffs area offers extensive trail networks accessible from several Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed sites. Campers can ride directly from their site to popular trails. "Jem & Hurricane Cliffs Trails right out the door," notes one reviewer who stayed for 14 days.
Swimming spots: Visit Virgin Falls Park just 2 miles from primitive camping areas. "Only a few miles outside of Leeds and Interstate 15... only a 20 min drive to Virgin Falls Park for a dip in the river," according to campers who found relief from summer heat.
Star viewing: Clear desert nights provide exceptional astronomy opportunities at Sand Hollow OHV Camp. The area has minimal light pollution away from town. A camper described "360 views and amazing stars at night" as a highlight of their stay.
What campers like
Cell service quality: Most dispersed sites maintain reliable connectivity for remote work. At North Creek Dispersed Camping, a reviewer reported, "Nice place with good enough cell to work remote... This was a better move than out in the open as there is some tree cover." Another camper confirmed, "We have T-mobile and had 5G service."
Creek access: Several sites offer water features despite the desert setting. Along Kolob Terrace Road, one camper enjoyed that it was "Right next to the creek, generally quiet with few other campers... Tons of hiking in every direction, and Zion is close by." Sites near flowing water fill quickly during peak season.
Supply proximity: Free water and dump station services available nearby. Hurricane Cliffs campers shared, "Free water at Hurricane Maverick (pump 5/6); Free dump & rinse water at La Verkin Maverick" with "Davis & Lin grocery stores close, well stocked, a bit high."
What you should know
Duration restrictions: Different sites have varying stay limits. The Water Conservancy District Camping area has recent rule changes: "New for 2023 is a sign that notes one day limit to camping." Most BLM sites maintain the standard 14-day policy.
Road conditions: Many access roads require cautious driving after rain. At LaVerkin Overlook Road Dispersed, visitors advised, "Wouldn't recommend in the rain, very muddy... The roads into the overlook are a bit bumpy. We have a Transit and it worked for us."
Wind considerations: Hurricane area lives up to its name with significant wind events. One camper experienced that "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."
Tips for camping with families
Shaded options: Look for rare tree cover during hot months. "Keep going and there's a shady area... I have a Honda HRV and took it really slow and didn't have any issues... I found a shaded area at the bottom of a hill," reported one camper about finding relief from summer heat.
Safety precautions: Exercise caution at sites with high OHV activity. A reviewer at Sand Hollow OHV Camp warned, "I'd be careful with small ones and pets due to all the off road vehicles using this as a trailhead."
Kiln Trail: Visit the historical site near Leeds Canyon Dispersed #1 with children. "Children's Forest at the Kiln maybe 1/4 mile down from site. A sweet little trail leading to a historical kiln," making for an educational short hike suitable for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Turning radius: Scout sites before bringing larger rigs to avoid difficult situations. For Leeds Canyon, "As someone else mentioned it is good for rv only on the first four or so. After that we wondered how we were going to turn around."
Site selection strategy: Arrive early to secure level spots for larger vehicles. At Hurricane Cliffs sites 40-48, a reviewer advised, "Easy gravel roads to get to 40-46, if those are taken the drive will get a fair bit longer. Huge selection of sites available."
Creek crossings: Consider whether to attempt water crossings based on vehicle capabilities. At North Creek Dispersed Camping, "If you have a vehicle with high clearance, take the creek crossing and you will have many more options!"
