Best Free Camping Near Zion & Kanab, UT

3 free & low-cost dispersed spots within 40 miles

Kanab is the launchpad for Zion's east entrance, Bryce, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and the North Rim. Dozens of free BLM pullouts line Hwy 89 and the roads out to White Pocket and The Wave — a mecca for photographers on a budget.

Best time to visit

April – May, September – October

Insider tips
  • House Rock Valley Road (BLM 1065) is the free camping corridor for Wave permit holders.
  • Coral Pink Sand Dunes area has designated free BLM camping just north of the state park.
  • Zion itself has no free camping — dispersed on Kolob Terrace Road is the closest option (30 min north).
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Top 3 free camping spots near Kanab / Zion East

  1. 1
    Coral Pink Sand Dunes Dispersed
    Public Land (BLM)· Kanab, UT· 11.4 mi from Kanab / Zion East

    Free BLM camping.

  2. 2
    Shingle Creek Rest Area
    Rest Area· Glendale, UT· 23.1 mi from Kanab / Zion East

    Shingle Creek Rest Area — Rest Area

  3. 3
    Rest Area
    Rest Area· Washington County, UT· 27.8 mi from Kanab / Zion East

    Rest Area — Rest Area

Kanab / Zion East boondocking — FAQ

Where is the closest free camping to Zion National Park?

Kolob Terrace Road and BLM land off Hwy 9 west of Virgin, UT are the closest free dispersed sites to Zion's main canyon (about 30 minutes).

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