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Top 10+ Dispersed Free Camping in Utah

2,378 Reviews

Utah's dispersed camping includes over 200 BLM sites plus hundreds of additional extensive Forest Service land where campers can stay free for up to 14 days. The terrain ranges from desert canyons near national parks to pine-covered mountains, with most areas accessible to standard vehicles.

Tom Best Spring Road near Bryce Canyon gets consistently positive reviews for its ponderosa pine setting and easy access. Campers mention the 15-minute drive to the park entrance, though dust from passing vehicles can be bothersome for roadside sites. The forest roads branch off into numerous camping spots with varying privacy levels.

Valley of the Gods near Mexican Hat delivers classic Utah desert camping with dramatic rock formations. Recent visitors appreciate the big-rig friendly sites, but warn about soft road conditions after rain that create deep ruts. The area has no amenities, so campers pack everything in and out.

Capitol Reef's BLM dispersed areas just outside the park boundary work well for park access without developed campground crowds. Visitors highlight elevated spots that RVs can't reach, particularly for sunset viewing. The location connects easily to hiking trails like Upper Muley Creek and the park's historic orchards.

Moab's dispersed camping fills quickly during peak seasons, with the best spots often requiring high-clearance vehicles. Campers note that sites tucked further from main roads tend to be quieter, though the area can echo noise between campsites at night.

Road conditions vary significantly across Utah's dispersed camping areas. Weather affects access year-round, with winter closures in mountain zones and flash flood risks in desert washes. Most remote locations have no cell service, and fire restrictions change seasonally. Successful dispersed camping here requires self-sufficiency, proper vehicles for the terrain, and advance planning for water and waste disposal.

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Best Dispersed Sites in Utah (589)

    1. Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest

    71 Reviews
    Tropic, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3700

    "October 15, 2020

    We wanted to be close to Bryce Canyon but not in all of the hub and chaos of people. This location is about a 10 minute drive away from Bryce. "

    "We chose a location, just off FR117 about 4 miles up the road. Walked across the stream and saw a few more remote sites up that little hunting and horse road."

    2. Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands

    53 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    Website
    +1 (801) 538-5418

    "high clearance vehicle recommended. Low clearance vehicles can access sights closer to highway. Lots of camping spots tucked away if you continue down the road."

    "We tent camped here in mid December and it was cold at night, but nothing too terrible if you have the right sleeping bags."

    3. Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping

    50 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 425-3791

    "We had not dabbled into BLM (Bureau of Land Management) camping before, but this experience would encourage us to utilize it throughout the rest of our year-long trip to the national parks."

    "We were not planning on going to Capitol Reef on our Utah trip but we got some unexpected snow at Canyonlands so we headed out early. So glad we made the trip!"

    4. Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping

    46 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    Website

    "Plus even if your vehicle can handle the soft soils you'll wreck the road for everyone once the deep ruts dry out and harden."

    "Free primitive camping with amazing views. No facilities. Pack in and pack out. Plenty of spaces to chose from."

    5. Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed

    45 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 896-1500

    "We spent a week along Beas Lewis Flat Road just outside of Torrey, to explore Capitol Reef National Park. This is free BLM dispersed camping with a 14-day stay limit, no sites or services provided."

    "Easy drive in, wide, dirt roads. Must be at least a hundred different sites."

    6. North Creek Dispersed Camping

    43 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    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."

    "Went to the right from the entrance all the way to end next to a private property. It’s really quiet and more secluded. You see other campers but you have privacy and your own place."

    7. Volcano Peak Campground (Dispersed)

    40 Reviews
    Wendover, UT
    Website

    "Private and quiet spot off the highway to camp near the Salt Flats. If you get a spot that can prevent some of the major winds in this area it will be best for you if you’re camping in a tent."

    "You can’t camp on the salt flats but this is the next best thing. Unpaved road but very reasonable for even 2WD."

    8. BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed

    40 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "A car with some high clearance and 4WD is probably necessary for this."

    "The best in Utah. The layout of this area is amazing and unique.

    We had the place to ourselves aside from some guy who was looking for his friends and ended up car camping."

    9. Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping

    36 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    Website

    "After entering, the dirt road to the right takes you to camping in front of the Mexican Hat there’s quite a few spots that are big rig friendly."

    "Mexican Hat is free dispursed camping on BLM land outside of the town of Mexican Hat Utah. There are sites available for RVs, tents, vans, etc."

    10. FR 090 - dispersed camping

    34 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3700

    "The road is a bit bumpy, but we were fine taking our time in our camper van. Lots of space between sites. The trees are gorgeous. & it’s super close to the entrance of Bryce Canyon National Park."

    "We rented a van from Escape camper vans and this spot of easy to find and get to! We saw a lot of people with campers and vans."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos in Utah

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Dispersed Camping Reviews in Utah

2378 Reviews of 589 Utah Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2022

    East Dispersed Area — Goblin Valley State Park

    Beautiful Area

    It costs $35 to camp in the State Park or $20 entrance fee, but there are so many dispersed spots in the BLM area right outside the state park boundaries. 

    Before you turn onto the road to take you to the state park there are several wide open flat areas to stay in. This area is pretty busy with boondockers but we found a secluded spot 1/2 mile from the Wild Horse trail head at 38.5815894,-110.7954139. There are several spots that are reachable by RV, but further back you’ll need high clearance and possible 4x4. 

    The dirt roads off the main road close to the state park are very rutted and washed out. The roads were doable in our 26’ class C but not really worth it when there are so many other easier options. 

    There is no water here and no trash service so pack in and pack out including your digested food.:) 

    There are pit toilets at the Wild Horse Trailhead, and there appeared to be some overnight campers at the trailhead as well. 

    No cell service from any carrier, and our cell booster did not help.

  • SwitchbackKids
    Jun. 26, 2017

    Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping

    Free and easy access to Capitol Reef National Park!

    After visiting two very popular Utah parks -- Zion and Bryce Canyon -- Capitol Reef was a breath of fresh air. And one of our favorite parts about visiting this park is that it was almost totally free!

    When we arrived at the visitor center, they informed us that their only developed campground, Fruita Campground (first-come-first-served only, not reservable) was full for the night, and rangers were ready with a handout full of alternative camping areas. We had not dabbled into BLM (Bureau of Land Management) camping before, but this experience would encourage us to utilize it throughout the rest of our year-long trip to the national parks.

    This “campground” is located about a mile outside of the national park, which allows great access to everything inside Capitol Reef. Usually free camping like this is harder to discover, but this pull-off is just off the road.

    Benefits of camping in BLM land include the cost (free!), solitude (you can be as far away from people as you’d like), and easy access to the national park (in fact, most national parks are surrounded with National Forest Service or BLM land!). Downsides, of course, include the lack of amenities, the sometimes uninspiring scenery, and the feeling of uneasiness (can I really just camp here? For free?)

    Capitol Reef’s BLM camping is plentiful, but this site was definitely the best. We were able to drive up on a high ridge of the pull-out area that the RVs could not easily access, so we felt alone and watched the gorgeous sunsets from our campsite each night.

    During our five days in the park, we had some favorite activities: backpacking in Upper Muley Creek, hiking to Cassidy Arch, picking and eating fruit right off the trees in the historic orchards, hiking the tough Navajo Knobs trail, and, most of all, the Sulphur Creek trail through a narrow beautiful creek with three waterfalls to climb down.

    You can read much more about our four days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Capitol Reef)

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2022

    BLM 17B Road Dispersed Overlander

    Overlander camping only

    This area is a BLM road that leaves the Dinosaur National Monument, so you need to pay NPS access or have a Senior pass to not pay. The dirt road is a sandy entrenched two track with a high center so high clearance is advised. Spots on top at right fork (.6 miles) are scenic views. Spots are few, small and are suited to truck camping, tent camping. No RVs or TTs would be able to access these sites safely....IMO

  • Bethany W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Miners Canyon BLM

    A lot of trash

    As beautiful as the view was, I felt it was ruined with all of the trash that people have left behind in the dispersed camping area as well as along the lakeshore. Tents, pillows, sleeping bags, glass, etc. There also seems to be majority long term campers who have a lot of stuff everywhere around their campsites, as well as 2-3 permanent residents living on the private property that backs up against the public lands. While there are 10-12 spots that are easily accessible, they’re being utilized by the long-term campers. Our first night here we arrived around 8 pm, right before sunset so we didn’t have a lot of time to explore so we just parked in the larger area near the public access area to the lake by 3 other campers. Luckily the next morning a camper van left so we were able to move without being on top of so many people since the people we were around all had dogs barking almost every time we let ours out to go to the bathroom. Overall, I felt like this campsite left more to be desired and took away from the beauty of the area.

  • Amber A.
    Aug. 31, 2016

    Blue Notch Canyon Primitive — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    Lake Powell shoreline dispersed camping

    You really need a jeep to explore this area. It’s incredibly beautiful here: the Utah you picture when your wanderlust kicks up. The campground is a primitive dispersed site along the lake with amazing views all around. This is Bureau of Land Management camping so it’s free and extremely basic, but they do provide drinking water in one place. There are a few little stone pits for fires but I don’t know if they restrict fire making (we used our gas stove to be safe). I hope to return someday.

  • Jenny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2018

    Dispersed Camping Willow Spring (Wasatch)

    Ranger Review: Snapbuds and Dispersed Camping toward Willow Spring

    Campground Review: In my attempt to explore as many areas in Utah as I can, I came across this wonderful dispersed camping off Highway 40, south of Heber City toward Main Canyon. I had the intention of staying in a nearby campground. But when I felt the price was a bit too high for just one night, I sought adventure elsewhere. I randomly turned off toward Main Canyon and followed the dirt road until I found a spot I liked. I knew I was in dispersed national forest camping when there are signs indicating a 14 day limit. So all along this dirt road, which got pretty rocky at times, are spots to pull off and camp for the night. It can accommodate single tents, multiple tents, RVs (obviously no hookups) and trailers.  There are man-made fire pits so if you start a fire, be sure to put it out completely and observe LNT (leave no trace) camping principles. Whatever you bring in with you is what you have as there are no amenities to speak of. The ground was soft and there were lots of trees from which to hang a hammock. I did forget to fill my water jug before I left my house so I had to search out a small run off stream from which I could filter water. But be sure to have a good water filter if you are going to go this route.  The only real negative I have for this site (or area of sites) is that there was a lot of AVT/Side-by-side/dirtbike traffic. If that type of activity was on my list, this area would be first on my list. However, since I chose not to stay in a campground because I wanted the seclusion, the traffic was a little bit of a bummer. But, because the camping was free and everyone who passed waved and was really nice, I didn’t have too much of a problem with it. Also, the site I chose was right off the road (as majority of them are). If I wanted to hike with my stuff a little more, I found a very pretty meadow away from the road that would have been very peaceful. I guess that will have to be my next spot. OI verall, I have a love for free, dispersed camping and this area is large enough to explore for a wide variety of adventures.

    Gear Review: Snapbuds

    As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I get the opportunity to test out gear every so often from our amazing partners. I was given the opportunity to test out a new product called Snapbuds. The premise of this product is to help keep your earbud cords organized or untangled by use of magnets. They come in three different colors—grey, black, and white, so you can make them coordinate with your cords or stand out. The instructions are easy to follow and have a few options for how to set these little magnets into different configurations. It also has a really handy measuring tape/picture to make sure you can get the snapbuds in the right spot. I decided to try the standard configuration on my first pair of earbuds. These are designed to be permanent additions to your cords so be sure to pay attention to what direction you snap the magnets on. Once I got them on, I wrapped them up and threw them around in my bag. The magnets held and when I went to use them, all I had to do was pull the magnets apart and the cord was untangled. It was pretty sweet. I also used them while hiking around with my dog.

    Overall, these are a pretty cool solution to a long standing annoyance of earbud cords.

  • Aliyah B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2018

    Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    Great Free Dispersed Camping

    This is a great spot just a about 2 miles off the main highway. It’s paved until you get to the campground turn off which is a good dirt road. Wide open space with tons of options to tent or RV. There’s a huge sign that says Sheep Creek Campground so you can’t miss it. Drove here with my front wheel drive sedan and tent camped. Train goes by occasionally but not loud enough to disturb. Access to hiking trails all around because it’s national forest land. You can stay 14 days. No permit required. No amenities.

  • Susan L.
    Jun. 25, 2022

    Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping

    Great location in a piney woods!

    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!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2022

    Comb Wash Dispersed Camping Area

    Awesome Area

    This is a dispersed camping area within Bears Ears National Monument. There are a few designated spots, as well as just open flat spaces where you can set up camp.  The first few spots are accessible by any vehicle, just watch the soft sandy road after a rain. 

    We found a spot close to the main road and didn't have a problem in our 26ft class c.

    Further back you'll find more sites, but you'll have to cross a wash and the sites will likely need a 4wd & high clearance vehicle.

    No cell service. 

    No amenities other than vault toilets. No garbage service.  Area was nice and clean, hopefully it stays that way.

    Some of the sites have picnic tables and a metal fire ring, but some have nothing other than a stone fire ring to mark the spot. 

    No fee.

    Beautiful area, nice hiking and walking available in this whole area.

Guide to Utah

Utah offers a stunning array of dispersed camping options, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With breathtaking landscapes and a variety of amenities, these spots are perfect for a memorable camping experience.

Top Activities While Free Camping in Utah

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping in Utah

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between dispersed camping in Northern versus Southern Utah?

Northern Utah dispersed camping features more forested mountain terrain with cooler temperatures and higher elevations. Sites like Dispersed Camping Willow Spring (Wasatch) offer pine and aspen groves with moderate summer temperatures and snowy winters, making them ideal from late spring through early fall. Southern Utah presents desert landscapes with striking red rock formations, offering year-round accessibility at places like Miners Canyon BLM. Northern areas typically have more tree cover and natural shade, while southern sites provide expansive views and star-gazing opportunities. Water availability is generally better in northern regions, while southern areas require bringing all water needs. Road conditions also differ—northern mountain roads can be muddy or snowy, while southern routes often involve sandy or rocky terrain requiring higher clearance vehicles.

Where are the best dispersed camping locations in Utah?

Utah offers exceptional dispersed camping opportunities, with some of the best sites located in and around national parks and forests. Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping provides free camping with stunning views, a welcome alternative to more crowded parks. In southern Utah, Comb Wash Dispersed Camping Area within Bears Ears National Monument offers designated spots accessible by most vehicles, with beautiful desert landscape views. Other top-rated areas include the BLM lands surrounding Goblin Valley, the pine forests of Dixie National Forest, and the scenic Glen Canyon area. For the best experience, seek locations that balance accessibility, views, and proximity to Utah's natural attractions while considering your vehicle's capabilities and the season of your visit.

Where can I find free dispersed camping sites in Utah?

Free dispersed camping is abundant throughout Utah, particularly on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. East Dispersed Area — Goblin Valley State Park offers free camping just outside the park boundaries, providing a cost-effective alternative to the $35 park camping fee. Blue Notch Canyon Primitive in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area provides free lakeside camping with spectacular Utah vistas. Additional free options include areas around Moab, the Dixie National Forest, and lands outside Zion National Park. Most of these sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and typically have a 14-day stay limit. While these areas lack amenities like toilets and water, they offer unparalleled access to Utah's natural beauty without cost.

What are the rules and regulations for BLM dispersed camping in Utah?

BLM dispersed camping in Utah generally follows a 14-day stay limit within any 28-day period. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources and use existing fire rings when possible. Pack out all trash and human waste or use a portable toilet, as demonstrated at BLM 17B Road Dispersed Overlander near Dinosaur National Monument. Some areas like Toms Best Spring Road have specific regulations regarding site selection and road use. Many BLM areas require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain. Fire restrictions vary seasonally and by location—always check current restrictions before your trip. Remember that while camping is free, some adjacent areas may require entrance fees or permits, particularly near national parks and monuments.

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