Parowan Gap Petroglyphs

BLM Land — Cedar City Field Office manages this dispersed camping area near ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock walls of Parowan Gap. Campers set up along dirt roads that branch off from Gap Road, with established sites scattered across the desert landscape. The main access road remains paved, though campers should expect to navigate dirt surfaces when selecting specific camping spots.

The petroglyphs sit within easy walking distance of most camping areas, displayed along interpretive trails that wind through the gap. Rock formations provide natural windbreaks, though several reviewers note strong winds can develop, particularly in the mornings. Sarah J. found the area "very quiet, hardly any traffic noise other than any neighboring campers." RVs up to 30 feet can access the area without difficulty, while tent campers should prepare for windy conditions.

Established campsites extend along Jackrabbit Road and other dirt routes, though campers may need to drive over a mile to locate appropriate spots. The area accommodates both RVs and smaller camping setups, with open terrain providing expansive night sky viewing. Summer temperatures climb high with limited shade available. For additional camping options, see campgrounds near Summit or Three Peaks Recreation Area, which offers amenities including picnic tables and disc golf.

This dispersed camping area works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with primitive conditions and interested in exploring ancient rock art.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Parowan Gap Petroglyphs is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.9091363 N
112.98398097 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 3/13/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 51 users
    Last on 3/13/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 3/13/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 51 users
    Last on 3/13/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Parowan Gap Petroglyphs needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews

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8 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the stunning views, petroglyphs, and peaceful dispersed camping opportunities suitable for RVs. Many mentioned the area gets windy and muddy conditions can be challenging after rain.

Reviewed Sep. 10, 2025

Very cool!

Good for RVs or campers/travel trailers. I wouldn’t suggest tent camping as it gets pretty windy. We drove in a 30ft camper with a 2003 ford f250 and had no issues finding a spot. Google says Gap Rd is unpaved but that’s not the case for the main road in.

Very nice views with cool trails to hike. Petroglyphs are easy to get to as they have them displayed as you come in. Very quiet, hardly any traffic noise other than any neighboring campers.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2025

Awesome area but…

We really loved exploring this area! It was great for dispersed camping. Unfortunately the bugs were unreal! We actually found several black widows near the site. The winds picked up so much in the morning we hurried up to pack and head out. Great view point for a meteor shower though! I’d recommend visiting, just be warned of higher winds and be prepared to be a little bug food!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Parowan Gap Petroglyphs by Samantha L., August 15, 2025
  • Review photo of Parowan Gap Petroglyphs by Samantha L., August 15, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2025

Dispersed Camping - Great Views

We stayed at Parowan  Gap dispersed camping several years ago (November 2021) and loved the area.  Easy access, great views!

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Parowan Gap Petroglyphs by Abner H., July 17, 2025
  • Review photo of Parowan Gap Petroglyphs by Abner H., July 17, 2025
  • Review photo of Parowan Gap Petroglyphs by Abner H., July 17, 2025
  • (12) View All
Reviewed May. 11, 2025

Dry Camping at the Gap

This is an amazing place to camp, if you like dry camping ( which I do) it is peaceful and relaxing away from the crowds

SiteN/A
Month of VisitMay
  • camping in the wild 😁
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Reviewed Mar. 28, 2022

Great spot

A nice spot with a beautiful view of the stars. I got there, and left when it was dark so I couldn't see the petroglyphs. It isn't really a campground though, it's more of a dirt parking lot.

Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2020

Wonderful place but please leave no trace

We stayed here for a week while waiting for a package to arrive in Cedar City. The gap is a beautiful place and the petroglyphs would be as well were it not for the vandalism on them. On some camping apps people are saying just camp anywhere out here. I wanted to clarify that. While there are lots of places to camp please don't make new campsites or drive off roads and in the desert/grass. We stayed in a lovely spot on Jackrabbit Road, but had to drive over a mile to find what I consider an established site. All along the road there is damage from people driving and camping wherever they want. This is tragic and violates leave no trace. So does the many bullet shell casings, broken glass, dog turds, old gun targets, shotgun shells, etc, out here. This is how public lands get closed. It's a nice place and we saw respectful campers, OHV'rs, and bicyclists. Just use existing campsites and roads.

Reviewed Jun. 1, 2019

Beautiful Sunrise and Sunset Vistas

Awesome free discrete camping along the dirt BLM roads right after you pass the petroglyph site. Lots of RVers seem to like the area but I always camped in my van. Word of warning after it rains though, it's easy to get stuck in the mud.

  • Review photo of Parowan Gap Petroglyphs by Nathan D., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Parowan Gap Petroglyphs by Nathan D., June 1, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2018

Beautiful petroglyphs with camping 30 mins away

The Parowan Gap is a gorgeous place that contains numerous petroglyphs, rock climbs, hikes, and geocache to keep you busy. We stayed in the nearby 3 Peaks Rec area which has lots of amenities including a very large group site, picnic tables, and an 18 hole disc golf course! Definitely a spring or fall site as there is not much shade and it gets hot even in May.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Parowan Gap Petroglyphs by Alan B., June 10, 2018
  • Review photo of Parowan Gap Petroglyphs by Alan B., June 10, 2018
  • Review photo of Parowan Gap Petroglyphs by Alan B., June 10, 2018
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What do reviews say about visiting the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs?

Visitors describe Parowan Gap as a gorgeous place with numerous petroglyphs to explore. The site offers beautiful views and excellent stargazing opportunities. Many appreciate the peaceful, relaxing atmosphere away from crowds. Some visitors note wind can be an issue, making tent camping challenging. Unfortunately, some petroglyphs have suffered vandalism. The area is generally considered better for RVs or travel trailers rather than tents. For the best experience, consider visiting during spring or fall to avoid extreme weather conditions.

Is camping allowed near the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed near the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs on BLM land. There are several dirt roads after passing the petroglyph site where camping is permitted. The area is popular with both RVers and van campers, offering good spots with beautiful views. Just be aware that the ground can become muddy after rain, potentially causing vehicles to get stuck, so check weather conditions before planning your stay.

What can I see at the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs?

At Parowan Gap, you can explore numerous ancient petroglyphs etched into the rock surfaces. Beyond the archaeological features, the area offers hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and geocaching activities. The site provides stunning landscape views and exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. Some visitors specifically come for meteor showers. Nearby, the 3 Peaks Recreation Area features additional amenities including picnic tables and an 18-hole disc golf course, making the area suitable for various outdoor activities.

How do I get to the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs in Utah?

The Parowan Gap Petroglyphs are accessible via Gap Road, which, contrary to some outdated information, is a paved main road suitable for all vehicles. The area accommodates large RVs (up to 30ft) without difficulty. After passing the petroglyph site, there are dirt BLM roads for accessing camping spots. The site is located near Cedar City, making it a convenient stop when traveling through the region.