Best Dispersed Camping in Utah (Free Sites + GPS Coordinates)
Looking for free dispersed camping in Utah? I've mapped out 25 locations across the state, from easy-access spots perfect for beginners to remote sites that require 4WD and backcountry skills.
This guide covers real campsites with GPS coordinates, access requirements, and practical tips based on actual experience. No generic advice—just the information you need to find and camp at these locations.
Best Free Camping Spots in Utah
1. Burr Trail Dispersed Zones
"Free dispersed camping around Boulder Backroads Utah. Canyon views and slickrock benches with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Long Canyon/Boulder. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Narrow shoulders; limited shade Arrive early to claim a legal
GPS Coordinates: 37.88000°N, 111.33300°W
Access: SUV or truck recommended. Roads can be rough, especially after rain.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: pack out all waste
View photos and detailed directions →
2. Diamond Fork/5th Water Corridor
"Free dispersed camping around Uinta–Wasatch–Cache NF Utah. Canyon benches and creek pullouts with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Spanish Fork Canyon. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Seasonal closures; heavy use Arrive early to claim a legal
GPS Coordinates: 40.06200°N, 111.46700°W
Access: SUV or truck recommended. Roads can be rough, especially after rain.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: pack out all waste
View photos and detailed directions →
3. Mineral Bottom Road Benches
"Free dispersed camping at Mineral Bottom Road Benches in Utah. Canyon benches above the Green River with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Mineral Bottom switchbacks. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Steep grades; shelf roads Arrive early
GPS Coordinates: 39.02200°N, 109.74700°W
Access: Most vehicles can access. Maintained dirt/gravel roads.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures."
View photos and detailed directions →
4. Manti Skyline Drive Pullouts
"Free dispersed camping around Manti–La Sal NF Utah. High-elevation ridge with lakes with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Fairview–Huntington divide. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Snow into July some years Arrive early to claim a legal
GPS Coordinates: 39.15000°N, 111.56000°W
Access: SUV or truck recommended. Roads can be rough, especially after rain.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: pack out all waste
View photos and detailed directions →
5. Caineville Desert BLM Flats
"Free dispersed camping around Henry Mountains/BLM Utah. Badlands benches and wide open flats with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Factory Butte. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Strong winds; no shade Arrive early to claim a legal
GPS Coordinates: 38.38300°N, 110.90600°W
Access: SUV or truck recommended. Roads can be rough, especially after rain.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: pack out all waste
View photos and detailed directions →
6. Lockhart Basin Corridor
"Free dispersed camping at Lockhart Basin Corridor in Utah. Rugged canyon country and benches with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Lockhart Basin. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. 4WD high clearance Arrive early
GPS Coordinates: 38.32800°N, 109.75900°W
Access: Most vehicles can access. Maintained dirt/gravel roads.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures."
View photos and detailed directions →
7. North Klondike Bluff BLM Corridors
"Free dispersed camping around Moab BLM Utah. Red rock mesas and singletrack access with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Klondike Bluff trails. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Crowded on weekends Arrive early to claim a legal
GPS Coordinates: 38.70690°N, 109.67500°W
Access: SUV or truck recommended. Roads can be rough, especially after rain.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: pack out all waste
View photos and detailed directions →
8. Cathedral Valley Road Pullouts
"Free dispersed camping at Cathedral Valley Road Pullouts in Utah. Bentonite flats and monolith views with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Temple of the Sun and Moon. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Impassable when wet Arrive early
GPS Coordinates: 38.57390°N, 110.93420°W
Access: Most vehicles can access. Maintained dirt/gravel roads.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures."
View photos and detailed directions →
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Vehicle Requirements
Most sites are accessible with standard SUVs or trucks. 0 locations work for any vehicle with decent clearance.
Water Situation
Most Utah dispersed sites have zero water. Pack everything—typically 5 gallons per person for a weekend minimum. Water is heavy but non-negotiable.
Best Season
Most Utah dispersed camping is accessible spring through fall. Some low-elevation sites work year-round. Check fire restrictions before every trip—they change frequently.
Pro Tips for Camping in Utah
- Download offline maps: Cell service is terrible to nonexistent. Use Gaia GPS or similar with downloaded topo maps.
- Check fire restrictions: Utah fire bans change based on conditions. Call local Forest Service or BLM offices before departure.
- Arrive with daylight: Finding dispersed sites in the dark is frustrating. Give yourself 2-3 hours before sunset.
- Pack recovery gear: Traction boards, shovel, and tow strap if going remote. Getting stuck is expensive.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out everything. Use existing fire rings only. Bury waste 200+ feet from water.
Rules and Regulations
Most Utah dispersed camping is on BLM or National Forest land. Standard rules apply:
- 14-day stay limit in one location
- Camp 200 feet from water sources
- No camping in designated "No Camping" zones
- Follow current fire restrictions (check before every trip)
- Pack out all trash—leave sites cleaner than you found them
National Parks in Utah typically don't allow dispersed camping except in designated backcountry areas with permits. Focus on BLM and National Forest lands for true dispersed camping.