Free camping and dispersed camping locations in Utah - 37 primitive campsites and boondocking spots across Red Rock, Desert, Mountains, Canyons, Arches terrain

Free Camping in Utah

Discover 37 free and dispersed camping spots

Best Seasons

Spring, Fall, Winter

Climate

Desert and semi-arid with regional variations

Terrain

Red Rock, Desert

Free Spots

37 locations

Complete Guide to Free Camping in Utah

Overview

Utah is a premier destination for free dispersed camping, offering over 22 million acres of public land managed by the BLM and several national forests. The state's diverse landscape ranges from red rock deserts to alpine forests, providing countless opportunities for backcountry camping. Popular areas include the San Rafael Swell, Cedar Mesa, and the vast expanses surrounding Moab.

Best Times to Visit

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal camping conditions with moderate temperatures. Summer is excellent for high-elevation sites in the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, while winter camping is possible in southern Utah's lower deserts.

Popular Camping Areas

The Moab area offers endless dispersed camping opportunities along the Colorado River. San Rafael Swell provides remote desert camping with dramatic geology. Cedar Mesa in Bears Ears features ancient ruins and pristine wilderness.

Regulations & Important Information

Utah follows the standard 14-day stay limit on most BLM and Forest Service lands. Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings but may be restricted during dry seasons. Always check for current fire restrictions before heading out.

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Camping Spots (37)

La Sal Mountains Dispersed Camping
DispersedModerate

La Sal Mountains Dispersed Camping

4.093830265162675(75)

Free dispersed camping around Manti–La Sal National Forest, Utah. Aspen groves, alpine meadows, and cool temps with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Warner Lake and Geyser Pass. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. High-clearance advised on rough spurs Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

3,427 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Valley of the Gods Roadside Camping
DispersedModerate

Valley of the Gods Roadside Camping

4.510107128615608(33)

Free dispersed camping around BLM Valley of the Gods, Utah. Sandstone buttes and open desert benches with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Mexican Hat and Monument Valley. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Flash floods and strong winds Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

6,189 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Temple Mountain Pullouts
DispersedModerate

Temple Mountain Pullouts

4.052147965539536(34)

Free dispersed camping around San Rafael Swell, Utah. Rugged reef walls and wide benches with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Temple Mountain Wash. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Remote; no services Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

9,053 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Hole-in-the-Rock Road Dispersed
DispersedModerate

Hole-in-the-Rock Road Dispersed

4.84771628706824(68)

Free dispersed camping around Grand Staircase–Escalante, Utah. Slickrock, slots, and pinyon-juniper flats with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Dry Fork/Peekaboo/Spooky. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Deep sand after storms Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

8,570 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Burr Trail Dispersed Zones
DispersedModerate

Burr Trail Dispersed Zones

4.318000294273711(85)

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, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

9,520 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
North Klondike Bluff BLM Corridors
DispersedModerate

North Klondike Bluff BLM Corridors

4.960681671599874(100)

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, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

2,741 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Gooseberry Mesa Vicinity
DispersedModerate

Gooseberry Mesa Vicinity

4.878390664100888(82)

Free dispersed camping around Hurricane Mesa BLM, Utah. Rim-country camping with bike trails with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Gooseberry Mesa. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Soft sand; respect closures Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

9,601 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Diamond Fork/5th Water Corridor
DispersedModerate

Diamond Fork/5th Water Corridor

4.6196181141039405(21)

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, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

9,377 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Mirror Lake Highway Spurs
DispersedModerate

Mirror Lake Highway Spurs

4.597931639959017(59)

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, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

3,835 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
San Rafael Desert Rim Sites
DispersedModerate

San Rafael Desert Rim Sites

4.75541905490943(109)

Free dispersed camping around San Rafael Desert, Utah. Remote rim benches and open views with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Green River/Temple Mountain. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Very limited cell coverage Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

4,355 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Koosharem/Monroe Mountain Roads
DispersedModerate

Koosharem/Monroe Mountain Roads

4.34419836945857(52)

Free dispersed camping around Fishlake NF, Utah. Aspen high country and meadows with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Monroe Mountain. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Monsoons rut roads Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

2,934 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
North Fork Uinta Backroads
DispersedModerate

North Fork Uinta Backroads

4.855940736382011(84)

Free dispersed camping around Uinta–Wasatch–Cache NF, Utah. Primitive creekside sites with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by North Fork River. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Narrow, rough spurs Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

9,127 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Cedar Breaks Plateau Spurs
DispersedModerate

Cedar Breaks Plateau Spurs

4.955307884605665(91)

Free dispersed camping around Dixie NF, Utah. High alpine meadows and bristlecone with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Cedar Breaks vicinity. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Cold nights; afternoon storms Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

2,512 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Manti Skyline Drive Pullouts
DispersedModerate

Manti Skyline Drive Pullouts

4.865916046371486(38)

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, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

5,443 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Caineville Desert BLM Flats
DispersedModerate

Caineville Desert BLM Flats

4.99464509280801(94)

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, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

3,926 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Pine Valley Mountain Backroads
DispersedModerate

Pine Valley Mountain Backroads

4.548072170399162(59)

Free dispersed camping around Dixie NF, Utah. Pine forests and cooler temps with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Pine Valley. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Seasonal closures Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

3,950 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Goblin Valley BLM Corridors
DispersedModerate

Goblin Valley BLM Corridors

4.852402804251301(27)

Free dispersed camping around Central Utah BLM, Utah. Desert flats near hoodoos with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Goblin Valley area. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Pack out all water and waste Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

5,115 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Valley of the Gods East Bench
DispersedModerate

Valley of the Gods East Bench

4.34167541448504(31)

Free dispersed camping around BLM Valley of the Gods, Utah. Wide pullouts with iconic views with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Cedar Mesa. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Limited shade; soft sand Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

4,016 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
San Rafael Swell – Buckhorn Wash Corridors – North Spurs
DispersedModerate

San Rafael Swell – Buckhorn Wash Corridors – North Spurs

4.455963846801677(28)

Free dispersed camping around San Rafael Swell, Utah. Canyon walls and benchlands with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Buckhorn Wash. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Remote; no water Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

5,394 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
San Rafael Swell – Buckhorn Wash Corridors – South Spurs
DispersedModerate

San Rafael Swell – Buckhorn Wash Corridors – South Spurs

4.365064662525091(57)

Free dispersed camping around San Rafael Swell, Utah. Canyon walls and benchlands with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Buckhorn Wash. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Remote; no water Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

5,261 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Notom–Bullfrog Road Dispersed
DispersedModerate

Notom–Bullfrog Road Dispersed

4.434500070544346(93)

Free dispersed camping at Notom–Bullfrog Road Dispersed in Utah. Desert benches below the Waterpocket Fold with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Capitol Reef east side. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Flash flood risk in washes Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

7,831 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Cathedral Valley Road Pullouts
DispersedModerate

Cathedral Valley Road Pullouts

4.424610383663862(25)

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, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

2,110 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Mineral Bottom Road Benches
DispersedModerate

Mineral Bottom Road Benches

4.922030007102818(27)

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, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

5,034 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Gemini Bridges Road Dispersed
DispersedModerate

Gemini Bridges Road Dispersed

4.29148421771939(40)

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, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

8,645 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Lockhart Basin Corridor
DispersedModerate

Lockhart Basin Corridor

4.687924161621363(51)

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, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

3,722 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Kane Creek Road Corridors
DispersedModerate

Kane Creek Road Corridors

4.092743177464541(58)

Free dispersed camping at Kane Creek Road Corridors in Utah. Canyon bottoms and cottonwoods with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Kane Creek. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Flooding after storms Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

5,363 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Onion Creek Road Pullouts
DispersedModerate

Onion Creek Road Pullouts

4.3276777748382536(91)

Free dispersed camping at Onion Creek Road Pullouts in Utah. Colorful canyon walls and flats with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Fisher Towers. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Narrow crossings Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

8,867 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Sand Flats Road Outside Fee Area
DispersedModerate

Sand Flats Road Outside Fee Area

4.660990364406488(63)

Free dispersed camping at Sand Flats Road Outside Fee Area in Utah. Pinyon-juniper flats near slickrock with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Sand Flats area. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Popular on weekends Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

2,482 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Goosenecks State Park Vicinity BLM
DispersedModerate

Goosenecks State Park Vicinity BLM

4.611751603396357(100)

Free dispersed camping at Goosenecks State Park Vicinity BLM in Utah. Desert benches above river meanders with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Goosenecks. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Cliff edges; no guardrails Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

5,192 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Skutumpah Road Dispersed
DispersedModerate

Skutumpah Road Dispersed

4.280107070203106(27)

Free dispersed camping at Skutumpah Road Dispersed in Utah. Canyon country with hoodoos and slots with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Cannonville and Kodachrome. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Road slick when wet Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

2,156 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Smoky Mountain Road Corridors
DispersedModerate

Smoky Mountain Road Corridors

4.202869774510935(98)

Free dispersed camping at Smoky Mountain Road Corridors in Utah. Remote benches and badlands with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Big Water to Escalante. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Very remote; carry water Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

4,163 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Kolob Terrace Road Pullouts (outside NPS)
DispersedModerate

Kolob Terrace Road Pullouts (outside NPS)

4.219061732075167(46)

Free dispersed camping at Kolob Terrace Road Pullouts (outside NPS) in Utah. Ponderosa and meadow edges with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Kolob Terrace. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Private inholdings nearby Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

3,655 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Nine Mile Canyon Access BLM
DispersedModerate

Nine Mile Canyon Access BLM

4.669364316968715(52)

Free dispersed camping at Nine Mile Canyon Access BLM in Utah. Desert benches near rock art canyons with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Nine Mile Canyon. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Respect cultural sites Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

9,514 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Snow Canyon Backroads (designated)
DispersedModerate

Snow Canyon Backroads (designated)

4.95481175069779(91)

Free dispersed camping at Snow Canyon Backroads (designated) in Utah. Red sandstone and lava fields with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Snow Canyon vicinity. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Day-use limits nearby Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

6,875 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Strawberry Ridge FR 083 Spurs
DispersedModerate

Strawberry Ridge FR 083 Spurs

4.8186100940972665(78)

Free dispersed camping at Strawberry Ridge FR 083 Spurs in Utah. High-country meadows and spruce with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Strawberry Reservoir. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Cold nights; summer storms Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

4,117 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Mirror Lake Hwy – Bear River Corridors
DispersedModerate

Mirror Lake Hwy – Bear River Corridors

4.427403396147872(47)

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, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

5,707 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
Uinta – Bear River Corridor Spurs
DispersedModerate

Uinta – Bear River Corridor Spurs

4.548052808716558(27)

Free dispersed camping at Uinta – Bear River Corridor Spurs 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 Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

6,530 ft
High-clearance recommended
No water
poor
Best: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fire rings
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Popular Camping Areas

  • Moab BLM Areas
  • Capitol Reef Area
  • Zion Area
  • Bryce Canyon Area

Important Regulations

  • 14-day limit on BLM lands
  • Fire restrictions common
  • Flash flood awareness

Permits: Most BLM camping is free

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Complete Guide to Free Camping in Utah

Utah is a world-renowned boondocking destination with red rock landscapes, national parks area camping, and extensive BLM lands for free camping.

Best Free Camping Areas in Utah

Utah offers diverse free camping opportunities across red rock, desert, mountains, canyons, arches. The most popular areas include Moab BLM Areas, Capitol Reef Area, Zion Area, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.

When to Visit Utah for Camping

The best times for free camping in Utah are during spring, fall, winter. The state's desert and semi-arid with regional variations means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.

Utah Camping Regulations

Before camping in Utah, it's important to understand local regulations. Most BLM camping is freeMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.

What to Expect

Free camping in Utah typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore red rock, desert, mountains, canyons, arches at your own pace.