Toms Best Spring Road, near Panguitch, Utah, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors and want to experience dispersed camping in the stunning [Dixie National Forest](https://thedyrt.com/camping/utah/near/dixie-national-forest). This area offers a variety of sites tucked among beautiful Ponderosa pines, providing a peaceful escape with plenty of room to spread out.

Campers appreciate the abundance of fire pits and the freedom to enjoy campfires, making it easy to gather around and share stories under the starry sky. Many visitors have noted the great Verizon cell service, which is a nice perk for those who want to stay connected while enjoying nature. One happy camper mentioned, “The stars were unbelievable,” highlighting the breathtaking night sky you can expect here.

Located just a short drive from Bryce Canyon National Park, Toms Best Spring Road serves as an excellent base for exploring the park's iconic landscapes. The area is also known for its rougher offshoot roads, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for those looking to venture deeper into the forest. With no permits required and a laid-back atmosphere, this location is perfect for anyone looking to unwind and soak in the beauty of Utah's wilderness.

Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a developed campground. Dispersed camping is free, therefore no services or facilities are provided; such as trash removal, tables, and fire pits. In some popular dispersed camping areas, camping is limited to designated sites only. Some visitors stay in a primitive style by setting up camp outside of any designated campsite area, sometimes referred to as “boondocking”. It is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy parts of Bryce Canyon Country that not many people see. Plus, it’s free camping. **Dispersed camping is not permitted in all areas.** If you’re going to set up a primitive camp in this way, please be sure to adhere to the following guidelines: Only camp on public land Keep your campsite minimal so as not to disturb the natural environment Remove any waste you produce, and Leave No Trace Be respectful of other visitors and wildlife in the area Keep track of your location so as not to get lost, and stay away from potentially dangerous areas.

Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping

Fern Ridge Lake is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Fern Ridge Lake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Fern Ridge Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Fern Ridge Lake

The Best Camping Near Fern Ridge Lake, Oregon

There are a few campsites along this road. The road is dirt and that area doesn't get a lot of rain so things are often dusty. Also, the road is the main access to a few areas on the national forest so traffic is a little high at times for a dirt road but not bad.

Dusty and noisy but plenty of places

Great area but not useable for tent campers sure to the dozens of loud RVs that will park right on top of you like you aren't even there. Guy next to me had the loudest generator I've ever heard. He's lucky I don't pour sugar into the gas tank or do worse to them. People who use contractor generators in the woods aught to be shot on sight.

Loud construction generators being used by RVs

I ended up having a late day at Bryce Canyon and needed to find somewhere close to stay around 5:30 pm on a Saturday in season. Got a spot right off the first left turn when you get on toms best spring rd. Some of the spots are less obvious, but I found a spot pretty quickly. There are clearly visible ones right off the main road, or you can pull off the side roads where there’s tons more. It was nice to be close to highway 12 since I had an early morning shuttle ticket in Zion. Sunset was lovely, and most sites have a fire pit. Road wasn’t too rough but definitely not paved. I didn’t notice any noise where I was at other than the occasion car driving past looking for a spot. Cant beat free, would definitely stay here again.

Nice free camping

There are dozens and dozens of spots down this road. When we were there it was busy and there were plenty of other campers around but we still had at least 75 yards between us and the next person. Great cell reception on AT&amp;T. Each spot seems to have a fire circle already.

A great spot to boondock outside Bryce

Loved this spot near Bryce. Was there over Memorial Day weekend and was still able to find a secluded spot. We even saw two pronghorns while camping! The stars are also amazing here. 

Great Spot Near Bryce Canyon

Off Hwy 12, onto FR294, 1.8 miles, turn right onto Tom's Best Spring Road (FR117).  Drove about 2.2 miles down a wide, well-maintained gravel road (FR117), turned right onto FR 268, drove about 0.5 miles.  

Gorgeous views of the mountains, meadows and woods!  Secluded!! Never saw another vehicle on FR268.  There were more campers closer to the entrance off Hwy 12, but fewer the further down you go.  Dozens and dozens of camping sites, most with fire pits already built.

10 miles from Bryce Canyon Country Rodeo.  Great little rodeo held at 7pm Wednesday thru Saturday nights.  $14 adults,  $9 kids.  End of May thru end of August.

Secluded Site, Beautiful Views

Easy to find! Easy to get to, plenty of great little spots to hang out.

It was a little dusty for us, even when cars weren’t turning up the dirt roads the dust almost seemed to hang in the air.

If you have things to do in the area, you can’t go wrong staying here. And if your just passing through, it’s a great one and done type of place as well. 

Dusty Summer

Right past beautiful Red Canyon coming from Panguitch on 12. Turn left on  road also call 117. Lots of spots.  Some single and some more like a campground area.  You are as close to your neighbor as you choose to be.  The "official" spots all have at least the metal post where a sign was  Rangers do come around and check as there are a lot of "not official" spots It is dusty if you are close to any roads. The pines "sing" in the wind. There are areas in the meadow or the pines  No amenities but Panguitch is about 10 miles away and Bryce City is a bit closer. Bryce City Sinclair station has dump, water, propane, diesel and reg.  Super nice people.  Can stay for 16 days.

Between anguitch and Bryce Canyon City

Great area to get away from civilization for a bit. Easy to find as well. 

Great Camping Area 

All the reviews here are for Tom Best Spring FS#117 road that is closer to hwy 12 at MP 7.5 between Bryce Canyon NP and Red Canyon on the Dixie NF.  Posted pics are of red canyon as an alternative to Bryce Canyon NP, better camping free, hiking and biking allowed with your dog....horray.

This site pin is misplaced.

Rollin in after dark , it was perfect for an overnight stay! We had two cars and a tent with plenty of room away from other campers. Lots of trees if you wanted to hang a hammock and had a fire pit. 

Clean & spacious 

Spent over a week here. Sign says you can stay 16 days. It is boondocking with packing out what you packed in. The visitor center has a dumpster and the Sinclair in Bryce has propane, a dump ($10.00) and free water. Internet with Verizon goes from 3 bars LTE to 3 bars 5G. Cell/Internet with AT&amp;T ranges from 2-3 bars LTE or 4 with a booster. For the most part is has been very quiet and not a lot of people driving down the road. We’ve also been able to go to the NP and go hike and whatnot. Very convenient location. Did have the one neighbor for a night that ran his generator all night but he left right away. Tons of big sites for bigger rigs. Most are pretty flat and the road in is well maintained gravel. 

Great place for base camp

Nice location and one of our favorite places we have stayed. Good cell service and plenty of sites to pick from. 


VIDEO REVIEW: Great location and lots of sites.

Came February 2020. Some snow and mud. Lots of sites tho. Didn't have trouble going out because it was all frozen next morning. 

Good but muddy

The road to this site off the 12 is currently closed. 3/13/22 I assume because of the snow and mud.

Road to sites are currently closed

Stayed at a dispersed site along the road for 2 nights. Was able to get far enough back to not hear the highway much. Some traffic back and forth along the FS road. The road was well maintained and passable for my Nissan Versa. Seemed to be plenty of spots up and down the road. Definitely a good spot to stay if you’re visiting Bryce Canyon

Close to Bryce Canyon and Free!

We stayed here 3 nights to do Bryce Canyon,Red Rock Canyon, Kodachrome Basin, Grosvenor Arch, part of Cottonwood Rd. and wash clothes. Easy access spot with Verizon. Late April early May

Good Base Camp

Spacious and quiet

Dispersed camping in the beautiful Ponderosa pines of Dixie National Forest. The Forest Service road is easy to navigate. There are many dirt roads branching off of it with sites to choose from. Chose a site relatively close to the forest service road. If you're sensitive to dust may want to choose a site further off the access road as there is lots of dust kicked up every time someone drove in or out on the gravel. Convenient location to Bryce (about 15 minutes). Cell service for Verizon.

When the rigs pulling in and out stopped, the only sounds were the braying of cows (the herd wandered into the site) and the wind blowing.

Views! Peaceful! Free!

Great location in a piney woods!

Tom's Best Spring Rd  aka FR117

16 day limit - posted

No campfires -  posted 

No cutting wood without permit - posted

Visible 3-4 on 4g

ATT 3 on 4g

GPS: 37.7301,-112.2523


Main road in is good. Beautiful views, several pullouts, but will be dusty when trafficked. Large meadow camping/turn around at the 2nd junction with FR646 after the main area of pullouts.

We chose FR3625 offshoot. A bit rocky coming up in one spot but doable if you go slow. 4 really good sized spots for big rigs. The 1st 2 Sites could easily handle 2 big rigs if traveling together. All have some degree of solar - even  with trees. We had no problem staying topped off.

Offshoot FR646(1st junction) just after turning off SH12 has a long drive in, rutted in spots, but the view is worth it if you can make it. Plateau faces west for sunset &amp; stunning view of Red Canyons.

There are MANY offshoot roads here &amp; plenty of spaces. Scout out &amp; you're sure to find what fits your needs. Seriously, a LOT of Sites, even in High Season July! 

Dump station, potable and non potable is available in Bryce Canyon NP about 15min away. Someone commented $6, but we saw no signs, just a donation box.

Groceries are pricey in the area. LIMITED hard alcohol is for sale at Ruby's Inn lobby, otherwise,  it's Utah, come stocked with your favorite beverage.

The shuttle service is awesome &amp; easy to use. So much nicer than trying to maneuver/park our tow vehicle in the park.

Cows are present. Most nights down in the meadows,  but did come through our campsite one evening to say hi. Also saw 4 Pronghorns in the meadow, lots of chipmunks and Mountain Bluejays. 

And for newbies like me, yes, you can make it under the rock bridges on SH12. It's posted as something like 13'8", but that must be at the very far edge, in one spot. We're 13'8" when on the truck &amp; we ...and the semi truck In front of us (we let him go 1st ;)  )... cleared it with plenty of room to spare.

If you have a smaller vehicle with high clearance there are some stunning spots 3/4 down FR646, very remote/private, but def not for bigger rigs, more like truck tent campers.

Temps in July day 85° avg, nights mid 50s. Had passing rains everyday,  but roads stayed passable. 

This is at altitude.  Be prepared.  Drink lots of water, take your time, don't overextended yourself if you're not acclimated. 

Has been a great stay, we'll definitely stay here again when in the area.





Beautiful Pines in Dixie National Forest & easy access to Bryce Canyon NP

Very close to Bryce Canyon NP. Easy to find. Quiet. 

Perfect

Stayed here one night. Posted limit of 16 days. LOTS of offshoots, many of those early on were filled, but kept driving and found lots of camping space. There were also lots of fire rings, but posted no fire signs. Trees for some privacy. Had cell service. 
Would stay here again.


Convenient location, lots of spots

We stayed at this site for 2 nights on Memorial Day weekend on a whim. From what we could tell there were a whole bunch of spots available and we only drove about 1/2 a mile in. We drove down a few off shoots and found our perfect spot nestled in the woods but still have a beautiful view of the mountains. There were about 10 different sites in that area alone. We saw lots of rv’s out there. No bathrooms but there are put toilets across the street from the entrance, pack in pack out, pretty quiet. The stars were unbelievable though. A little buggy out there but we had plenty of bug spray. Each site had a fire pit and ample room to park at least a car. 

Close to Bryce! Amazing stars! Lots of sites! 

It is now closed

This area is beautiful and easy to get around for the most part. Smaller off shoot road are rough and an atv would be best or a high clearance ve

Some rough roads

Stayed for 2 nights in July. Plenty of room. Lots of fire pits. The Verizon signal is great. Will definitely stay again 

Close to Red Canyon and Bryce 

Right off of Hwy 12. If you take the first left turn off the main road, there are some awesome spots with great views. Nice level spots with fire pits. Roads are decent. Very quiet first week in Sept. 

There’s a gas station 2 miles down the road. Very close to Bryce Canyon. Great free camping spot. 

Lots of spots. Great views 

This was our favourite site in our trip, we took the first left and there were barely any people down that way. Seemed like most people kept going straight and camped on the right side. Our area had tons of trees so it felt quite private and was very spread out from the people beside us. There was a fire pit as well so we were able to have a fire, lots of deer around and some cows out grazing in the area, so I don't be surprised if you have some visitors at night!

Amazing Site!

Great place to stay! Very quiet and not very busy.

Beautiful!!

We stayed here two nights and found it to be a perfect location for us.  There were plenty of places to choose from, even when arriving after 6pm.  Our spots were nice and flat and offered fire rings and amazing views.  No bathrooms on site as noted, however, a rest area is a mile down the road and it’s clean and has running water.  This campground is 7 miles from Bryce Canyon, so it was very easy to get to and from the park.  

Great stay at a nice quiet spot

It's a beautiful drive coming up here from Flagstaff and especially through Kanab, a sweet little town with such amazing people. For anyone wondering if your rig will clear the Red Canyon Arches on the 12, you probably won't need to worry about it like we did before we decided to stop here for sure, since according to all available info online, the clearance is between 13’ 6" and 20' , so I called the Red Canyon Visitor Center and the sweet girl I spoke to said it would definitely fit. Camping spots are not marked in this section of the Dixie National Forest Rd #117 (Tom's Best Spring Road) dispersed camping area, but we found what I would call a premium spot for the view alone... of the prairie through the trees. . As we entered the campgrounds off of the 12 and drove through, it looked like all the spots available were taken, though not surprising considering it was on July 4th, but then became discouraged when we were driving into a wide open prairie where lots of cows were grazing. Having never been here before, we had no idea if there would be more camping allowed past the prairie, so we found a spot to back our 44' rig into so we could turn around. On our way back from the prairie we noticed the first camping spot to the left and saw there was plenty of room to pull through it, so we proceeded left and came to that spot which actually includes space for 3 rigs, depending on their size. This camping spot is a nice combination of tall trees and open space for rigs, but we did experience a lot of uncomfortable heat from the sun (80 to 85 degrees)... so more trees would definitely have helped... just not sure our rig would be able to drive through it or not. Other than the sun, the worst thing about it is the dryness of the dirt, making it a bit of a dust bowl when the wind kicks up... oh, and if you're wearing sandals like me, they, along with your feet will get full of dusty dirt! Cows 🐄 do wander into the campgrounds from the prairie... so be prepared if you have animals that might "have a cow" 🐄 🤣 like ours did. We did not see any restroom facilities as we drove through to our spot, but they do have fire pits, though we just used our propane fire pit. There's a lot of OHV trails in the area which is great for those of us who love to ride, so you will hear the engines from time to time, but not constantly... and we were here over the holiday weekend! We would definitely return, but when it's cooler, although it did get pretty cold early in the mornings.

Great view from our camping spot!

we loved it here! beautiful area with decent tree coverage and a super short 20 min drive to Bryce canyon. getting to the sites was pretty easy, those some areas are sketchy so i would recommend AWD/FWD just in case. absolutely plenty of spots to choose from even in busy seasons. we encountered A LOT of cows passing through our campsite but they’re just curious and mind their own business. 

Photos of Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping

Real photos from real campers