Dispersed camping sites around Washington, Utah occupy a transition zone between lower desert terrain and higher alpine environments. Elevations range from 2,700 feet in Leeds Canyon to over 7,000 feet at Pine Valley Mountain sites. Most accessible dispersed sites sit on BLM land with seasonal closures during winter months above 6,000 feet, particularly after October when snow can make dirt access roads impassable.
What to do
Morning hikes: Nearby Lambs Knoll Climbing Site Camping offers 8 designated walk-in tent spots with morning access to climbing routes. "Such a lovely place to camp! And less than an hour from Zion," writes Brooke B. This area serves as a starting point for both rock climbing and hiking groups, with one camper noting "This area is very popular for local guide companies...Expect the area to be very busy (crowded) during the day, the lot fills up entirely most days."
Creek exploration: Set up at Kolob Road BLM Dispersed for water access near tent sites. A recent camper noted, "The little river by the site is very pretty. We only had 2 neighbors, but the spots are decently spaced apart so nobody was too close." Another visitor added, "Had the campground to myself had multiple sites here with firepits next to the creek to spend the day in. A bit of Nats due to the creek."
Stargazing: Higher elevation campsites provide exceptional night sky viewing. "This campsite was very quiet except on nights when a stargazing guide group came to meet up there around 9/9:30 PM. They weren't super loud and only met there and then left shortly after," reports Henry W. about Lambs Knoll, which sits at a higher elevation than many other dispersed sites.
What campers like
Creek sounds for sleeping: The ambient water noise at many sites enhances sleep quality. "It was pretty easy to find even in the dark which is when we rolled in. Pretty popular spot so you are kinda close to other people but is only 25 mins to Zion and plenty of spots. There is a little river that is so nice to go to sleep to and it is very quiet," reports Haley P. about Kolob Terrace Road.
Distance between campsites: Many dispersed areas provide good separation between campers. One Leeds Canyon Dispersed camper mentioned, "Cool spot with red cliffs and red sand all around. Easily accessible, but there was only one open campsite (lucky for me!) when I got there in the middle of the day in mid-May." Separation between sites varies by location, with a visitor at Kolob Road noting, "About 6 spots, well separated by trees and distance."
Proximity to attractions: Most camping areas provide quick access to hiking trailheads. "Just 8 mins from the Left Fork subway trail head makes this spot ideal for those looking for an easy early start," writes Shavit L. about Kolob Road BLM Dispersed. For those planning day trips to national parks, "This is a great spot before or after visiting Zion NP. paved road until the last few feet, easy access without 4×4, and beautiful view," notes K. K.
What you should know
Cell service variations: Coverage differs dramatically between camping areas. While some Leeds Canyon sites offer decent connectivity, other nearby areas have none. "Cell service is basically non-existent, but sometimes you might catch a bar," explains Meghan B. about Kolob Road BLM. At Mitt Moody Campground, a camper notes "AT&T - no service (spotty near entrance of park)."
Wind conditions: Some areas experience strong evening winds. One Leeds Canyon visitor reported, "It was also very windy at night (but not during the day) when I went, but I'm not sure how common that is throughout the year for the area. At the very least, it was windy enough when I was there that I was getting legitimately worried about the well-being of my tent."
Road quality concerns: Access roads vary dramatically in quality. A Kolob Road BLM camper advised, "Strongly do NOT recommend TTs or any RV at this BLM spot due to steep downhill rd and no turnarounds! Tent or van nomads only due to no tt turnarounds!" Similarly, at Leeds Canyon Dispersed sites, "We went with 26ft trailer mid march. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Oak Grove offers developed options: Oak Grove Campground provides basic amenities at low cost. "All the campgrounds near Zion get really full, so if you don't mind driving a bit and going a day without showers, this is a good campground. You have to drive on a dirt road for a while to get there. But hey, it's only $5!!" writes Corinna H. The campground includes picnic tables at established sites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites have resident wildlife for kids to observe. The higher elevation campgrounds particularly offer wildlife encounters, as one Mitt Moody camper noted, "There were a lot of areas to explore and walk through. A few deer sightings."
Swimming options: For summer heat relief, consider campsites with pool access. At Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon, "This is kids favorite camp spot. Plenty of things to do," notes Aaron W., while another visitor explains the site "features a fully finished spring-fed pool, concession area, flushable toilets and hot showers."
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: Most dispersed sites restrict larger vehicles. At Leeds Canyon, "Lower dispersed sites 1-6 are easiest to get into with a TT. Camp in designated spots, camping free for 16 days." Another visitor clarified the limitations: "We went with 26ft trailer mid march. 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."
Turning radius challenges: Many roads lack adequate turnaround space. A Leeds Canyon camper advised: "Site #1 has a back in angle that needs you to be heading back down the road..if a TT." For Kolob Road, one visitor explicitly warned, "Small tight area to get into...strongly do NOT recommend TTs or any RV at this BLM spot due to steep downhill rd and no turnarounds!"
Limited level spots: Finding flat parking can be challenging in dispersed areas. At Kolob Terrace Road, one camper noted, "After unsuccessfully navigating an access point further down Kolob Terr road, we back tracked to an open field just off route 9. No trees or coverage, but enough space to spread out. Small campers to class A's are here."
