Best Dispersed Camping near Zion National Park

Dispersed camping areas surround Zion National Park, offering free overnight options on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Popular locations include North Creek Dispersed Camping, Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed, Dalton Wash Dispersed, and Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed. These primitive sites provide alternatives to developed campgrounds within the national park. Most areas require no permits and operate on a first-come, first-served basis with a typical 14-day maximum stay limit.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. According to reviews, many areas require high-clearance vehicles, particularly for upper campsites. "The road up is steep and narrow, passing a lot of private property," notes one camper about Dalton Wash Dispersed. When accessing BLM lands, visitors should follow established roads and use only existing campsites. Several campers emphasized the importance of staying on designated routes to prevent environmental damage. Most dispersed sites have no amenities___no toilets, no trash service, and no potable water.

Fire regulations differ by location and season. North Creek Dispersed Camping prohibits fires year-round, while Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed allows fires in existing fire rings when no fire restrictions are in place. Campers should check current fire restrictions before their visit, as summer fire bans are common throughout the region. Several visitors recommend BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed for its accessibility. "It's super easy to find, and you don't need a 4x4 to get here," reports one reviewer. "The view was spectacular, and our spot had an already made fire pit." Proximity to Zion varies, with most sites located 15-45 minutes from park entrances. Cell service is inconsistent but present at many locations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Zion National Park (101)

    1. North Creek Dispersed Camping

    41 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    6 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."

    "Along this road there are several dispersed camp sites but this ground has some trees with shade if you go further in. I stayed here for 3 nights and really enjoyed my time."

    2. Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed

    37 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    7 miles
    Website

    "If you’re looking to explore a lesser known area of Zion National Park and avoid the crowds, this is the place for you."

    "This is just a place you pull off to the side of the road, sleep, then wake up and go to Zion National Park."

    3. Dalton Wash Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    4 miles

    "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."

    4. Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    10 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,"

    5. Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed sites 40-48

    16 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    10 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. BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed - BLM

    27 Reviews
    Mount Carmel Junction, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 688-3200

    "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."

    "You could easily use this as a base to explore Zion if you dont mind no facilities. The view was spectacular, and our spot had an already made fire pit."

    7. Kolob Resevoir

    18 Reviews
    Kanarraville, UT
    13 miles
    Website

    $53 / night

    "Hidden on the back side of Zion National Park, this Reservoir has amazing camping, just drive along the banks until you find an open spot."

    "Beautiful campground on a lake. During the winter there's alot of snow, so it's hard to camp up there then. Perfect during the summer. No reservations & free camping."

    8. Kolob Terrace Road

    11 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    7 miles

    "Convenient 25 minute drive to Zion National Park. Closest wild camping we found to the Springdale entrance of the park."

    "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."

    9. LaVerkin Overlook Road Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    11 miles

    "It was not easy to understand if we could have driven further down the road because there was a sign that said private property, so we just stayed closer to the front of the main road."

    "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."

    10. Kolob Road BLM Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    4 miles

    "We stayed at the BLM outside of Zion National Park. It was absolutely STUNNING. There were signs that made finding this spot super simple."

    "Road was easy to pull down and turn around in my Ford Transit. Nice views and access to creek. Quiet except a bit of road noise."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Zion National Park

546 Reviews of 101 Zion National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Zion National Park

Dispersed camping near Zion National Park in Utah offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the region. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to set up camp away from the crowds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Zion National Park in Utah

  • Many dispersed camping areas, such as Kolob Terrace Road Dispersed, allow for a peaceful experience with ample shade and space for tents and vehicles.
  • Be prepared for rough roads; a vehicle with higher clearance is recommended for accessing spots like North Creek Dispersed Camping, which can be bumpy but rewarding.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during peak seasons, as places like Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed can fill up quickly.

Dispersed campers should check out Hurricane Cliffs

  • The Hurricane Cliffs BLM Dispersed area offers beautiful views and a variety of sites, making it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy the outdoors.
  • This location is known for its stunning sunrises and clear night skies, perfect for stargazing after a day of exploring nearby Zion.
  • Campers have reported that the area is relatively quiet, providing a serene atmosphere to unwind and connect with nature.

Enjoy hiking and wildlife while free camping near Zion National Park

  • The BLM Road #71 Gravel Pit Dispersed area is close to Zion National Park, making it an ideal base for hiking enthusiasts eager to explore the park's trails.
  • Campers have spotted wildlife, including mule deer, while staying at locations like North Creek Dispersed Camping, enhancing the outdoor experience.
  • With numerous trails nearby, visitors can easily access scenic routes and enjoy the breathtaking views that the region has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Zion National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Zion National Park is North Creek Dispersed Camping with a 4.6-star rating from 41 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Zion National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 101 dispersed camping locations near Zion National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.