
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.
Camping Spots (37)

La Sal Mountains Dispersed Camping
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.

Valley of the Gods Roadside Camping
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.

Temple Mountain Pullouts
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.

Hole-in-the-Rock Road Dispersed
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.

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

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

Gooseberry Mesa Vicinity
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.

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

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

San Rafael Desert Rim Sites
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.

Koosharem/Monroe Mountain Roads
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.

North Fork Uinta Backroads
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.

Cedar Breaks Plateau Spurs
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.

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

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

Pine Valley Mountain Backroads
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.

Goblin Valley BLM Corridors
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.

Valley of the Gods East Bench
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.

San Rafael Swell – Buckhorn Wash Corridors – North Spurs
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.

San Rafael Swell – Buckhorn Wash Corridors – South Spurs
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.

Notom–Bullfrog Road Dispersed
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.

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

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

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

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

Kane Creek Road Corridors
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.

Onion Creek Road Pullouts
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.

Sand Flats Road Outside Fee Area
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.

Goosenecks State Park Vicinity BLM
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.

Skutumpah Road Dispersed
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.

Smoky Mountain Road Corridors
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.

Kolob Terrace Road Pullouts (outside NPS)
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.

Nine Mile Canyon Access BLM
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.

Snow Canyon Backroads (designated)
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.

Strawberry Ridge FR 083 Spurs
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.

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

Uinta – Bear River Corridor Spurs
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.
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
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.