Camping
Utah dispersed camping rules for ATV campers (BLM and national forests)
Stay limits, where you may camp and drive to camp, fire and water rules for dispersed camping on Utah BLM land and the Dixie, Fishlake, Manti-La Sal and Ashley national forests, with sources.
Quick answer
BLM Utah allows free dispersed camping with a 14-day limit on previously disturbed sites; Dixie and Fishlake national forests allow 16 days and then require a move (10 and 5 miles). Stay on designated routes, keep camps well away from water, follow current fire restrictions and pack everything out.
Dispersed camping rules in Utah depend on who manages the land. This page compares what each agency's own page says; it is not legal advice. Rules, fire restrictions and closures change, so check the land manager, the current MVUM and Utah Fire Info before you go.
Agency-by-agency rules
| Land manager | Stay limit | Other rules from the agency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLM Utah | 14-day limit in any campsite; camping is free with no fee or permit | Only on previously disturbed sites or areas; not near developed recreation sites, picnic areas, campgrounds or trailheads; not in livestock watering areas; no trenching, digging or levelling; do not cut tree limbs; pack out all trash | BLM Utah dispersed camping |
| Dixie National Forest (Paunsaugunt, Markagunt) | Up to 16 days, then move at least 10 miles | Drive off a designated route for camping only up to 150 ft; camp at least 300 ft from streams and other water and from corrals (May 1 to Nov 15); not within one mile of developed campgrounds; some popular areas are designated sites only; groups over 75 need a free permit | Dixie NF camping and cabins |
| Fishlake National Forest (Paiute, Gooseberry) | 16 days, then move at least 5 road miles; gear may not stay in place longer than 16 days | Nine undeveloped dispersed areas plus camping allowed across most of the forest unless closed or restricted by order; many campgrounds can be reserved at Recreation.gov | Fishlake NF camping |
| Manti-La Sal NF (Arapeen) | Not verified: we could not open a current dispersed-camping page | Ask the Sanpete or Ferron-Price district office and check the MVUM | Manti-La Sal NF |
| Ashley National Forest (Uinta) | Older visitor guide says 16 days (confirm) | Free dispersed camping per older guide; confirm with the district | Ashley visitor guide (older) |
| Sand Flats (Moab) | Designated sites only; 14 days in a 30-day period | 140 sites in nine campgrounds; first come, first served | Sand Flats guide (2023) |
| Little Sahara (BLM) | Four campgrounds plus dispersed camping outside them | Fee area; confirm current rules | BLM Little Sahara |
| Utah State Parks (Coral Pink, Sand Hollow) | Designated campsites only | Coral Pink: up to eight people per site; Sand Hollow has an OHV loop with tunnel access to the dunes | Coral Pink brochure, Sand Hollow camping |
Fire restrictions
- BLM: check current restrictions at utahfireinfo.gov, use an existing fire ring or a fire pan, collect only dead and down wood (do not cut limbs), never leave a fire unattended, and drown and stir before bed or leaving (BLM Utah: Dispersed Camping (PDF)).
- Dixie NF: campfires are allowed when dispersed camping unless fire restrictions are in effect; it is your responsibility to know before you go; ashes must be cool enough to put your hand in (Dixie National Forest: Camping & cabins (dispersed camping rules)).
- Restriction orders often change which stoves or fires are allowed. We have not verified what the current orders say about pressurized stoves; ask the local office before relying on a stove in a restricted period.
What this means with an ATV
- Stay on designated routes to reach a site. BLM: only travel on designated routes; Dixie: motorized use for dispersed camping only up to 150 ft from a designated route, using existing sites.
- Use established sites and one path in and out. Do not ride around camps and trailheads; keep speed low in camps (Tread Lightly!) (BLM / Tread Lightly!: ATV Riding responsible recreation tips (PDF)).
- Distance from water: Dixie says 300 ft; the BLM/Tread Lightly! tip sheet suggests 200 ft from water and trails. Use the larger number.
- Human waste: Dixie says to dig catholes 6 to 8 inches deep at least 300 feet from water, camp and trails, and to pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. Pack a trowel and waste bags (Dixie National Forest: Camping & cabins (dispersed camping rules)).
- Water treatment: the Forest Service says treating is the only way to ensure water from an undeveloped source is safe.
Plan so you never get stranded without a site
Sites near trailheads fill on holiday weekends (Little Sahara and Sand Hollow have large event weekends). Have a backup site and a developed campground in mind; see the Utah trail pages for campgrounds. Read ATV camping setup for packing and the overnight loadout.
Leave No Trace
Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles and the Tread Lightly! principles: plan ahead, camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impact, respect wildlife and be considerate of others. Avoid cryptobiotic soil in the desert (BLM/Tread Lightly! tip sheet).
Product picks
Sources
- BLM Utah: Dispersed Camping (PDF)
- Dixie National Forest: Camping & cabins (dispersed camping rules)
- Fishlake National Forest: Camping & cabins
- Sand Flats Recreation Area visitor guide (Grand County/BLM, 2023 edition; PDF)
- BLM: Little Sahara Recreation Area
- Utah State Parks: Coral Pink Sand Dunes brochure (print date 06/24; 2026 digital copy)
- Utah State Parks: Sand Hollow camping & lodging
- Ashley National Forest Visitor Guide (PDF; appears to be an older edition, about 2009-2010)
- Utah Fire Info (fire restrictions)
- BLM / Tread Lightly!: ATV Riding responsible recreation tips (PDF)
- Leave No Trace: The Seven Principles
- Tread Lightly!: T.R.E.A.D. principles
Researched Oct 25, 2026. Rules, specs and prices change; confirm with the source.