Free Camping Near Utah (7 Spots with GPS)
Finding free camping near Central Utah is easier than most people think. I've identified 7 dispersed camping locations within this region, all on public land with no fees or reservations required.
These are real locations with actual GPS coordinates—not vague suggestions. Each site below includes access information, what to expect, and practical tips for camping there.
Free Camping Locations Near Central Utah
1. 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
Location: 40.06200°N, 111.46700°W
Access & Difficulty: Moderate difficulty. SUV recommended, especially in wet conditions.
What to Expect: No water—bring all you need. Limited cell service. Completely free, no facilities.
2. Mirror Lake Hwy – Bear River Corridors
"Free dispersed camping at Mirror Lake Hwy – Bear River Corridors in Utah. Subalpine forests and river flats with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Bear River. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Cold nights; mosquitoes Arrive early
Location: 40.90800°N, 110.73400°W
Access & Difficulty: Moderate difficulty. SUV recommended, especially in wet conditions.
What to Expect: No water—bring all you need. Limited cell service. Completely free, no facilities.
3. 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
Location: 39.15000°N, 111.56000°W
Access & Difficulty: Moderate difficulty. SUV recommended, especially in wet conditions.
What to Expect: No water—bring all you need. Limited cell service. Completely free, no facilities.
4. 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
Location: 38.38300°N, 110.90600°W
Access & Difficulty: Moderate difficulty. SUV recommended, especially in wet conditions.
What to Expect: No water—bring all you need. Limited cell service. Completely free, no facilities.
5. 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
Location: 37.88000°N, 111.33300°W
Access & Difficulty: Moderate difficulty. SUV recommended, especially in wet conditions.
What to Expect: No water—bring all you need. Limited cell service. Completely free, no facilities.
6. Gemini Bridges Road Dispersed
"Free dispersed camping at Gemini Bridges Road Dispersed in Utah. Slickrock mesas and juniper flats with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Gemini Bridges. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. OHV traffic and dust Arrive early
Location: 38.64900°N, 109.73200°W
Access & Difficulty: Moderate difficulty. SUV recommended, especially in wet conditions.
What to Expect: No water—bring all you need. Limited cell service. Completely free, no facilities.
7. Mirror Lake Highway Spurs
"Free dispersed camping around Uinta Mountains Utah. Subalpine forests and lakes with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Bald Mountain/Provo River. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Cold nights; storms Arrive early to claim a legal
Location: 40.64600°N, 110.99200°W
Access & Difficulty: Moderate difficulty. SUV recommended, especially in wet conditions.
What to Expect: No water—bring all you need. Limited cell service. Completely free, no facilities.
What You Need to Know
Getting There
All coordinates above work in Google Maps, Gaia GPS, or any GPS app. Download offline maps before losing cell service—most of these areas have poor to zero coverage.
Most sites are accessible to standard SUVs and trucks. Check recent conditions before attempting access roads.
Essential Supplies
- Water: Most sites have no water. Bring 5+ gallons per person for a weekend.
- Navigation: Offline maps are mandatory. Cell service is unreliable to nonexistent.
- Fire tools: Check current restrictions. Bring alternative cooking if fires are banned.
- Warm layers: Nights cool down significantly even in summer.
Best Time to Visit
Spring through fall works for most sites. Summer weekends see moderate crowds. Weekdays or shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer more solitude.
Dispersed Camping Rules for Utah
These sites are on public land (BLM or National Forest). Standard regulations:
- 14-day maximum stay per location
- Camp 200+ feet from water sources and trails
- Use existing campsites and fire rings—don't create new ones
- Pack out all trash, toilet paper, and waste
- Follow posted fire restrictions (these change frequently)
Check with local ranger districts before your trip for current conditions, closures, and fire restrictions.