Tom's Best Spring Dispersed Camping

We really enjoyed this area. Biked around the area to view the various different sites. We camped close to the main access gravel road for better sun/solar as many of the sites have beautiful tall trees. Most of the farther out side roads to the north were rocky & had lower branches but doable for vans and smaller tear drop trailers. Some beautiful views out there to the north. Lots of cool sites of various kinds.

Close to the Red Canyon Bike trail too. We spent time exploring stunning Bryce Canyon. We stayed there in our 25’ Passport Trailer. We wanted to stay much longer but due to the predicted 3-6 inches of snow & strong winds coming in, we decided to beat the weather, get down from the high elevation and head to somewhere warmer.

Really nice stay. Turned right on branch road after 6 minutes and found quiet spot. This place on Google is called Dixie National Forest Dispersed camping area. From it's perspective, Tom's was farther inland. Either way they're are many large sites but you need to watch your clearance due to ruts and "plowing". It looks like a few sites could be OHV users, so cautious ⚠️ if this would bother you. No noise at all except rigs traveling down the dirt road. Please slow down on this dirt road near other sites as the dust does travel. Biggest benefit is your only 20 minutes from a town and park entry.

The main access road into the spot we selected was in good shape without any washboarding. Some of the side roads deeper into the area were deeply rutted and questionable. There were a lot of people camping out there during the middle of the week, but there were dozens of available spots that were well spread out. The location is convenient to Bryce Canyon NP.

Tree cover for solar was mixed depending on the site. Some sites were heavily wooded whereas there are some open fields available. It was fairly dusty during our stay.

We were able to find a fairly level site without too much issue. Trash where we were was minimal.

Noise levels were good - no road noise from the highway was audible though there is some OHV traffic going back and forth during the day. Water/dump is available for $10 at the Sinclair station in Bryce Canyon City.

T-Mobile Speeds were good at 45mbps download and 6mbps upload with a roof mounted Pepwave antenna. AT&T speeds were also good at 18.5/18 respectively

I arrived later in the day, around 8:30pm and managed to grab a dispersed site to camp on. It was great until two huge rvs pulled in right next to us around 9:30pm, generators roaring.I was puzzled and a little taken aback, but kept to myself and hoped the generator would stop since it was well beyond curfew.
The generator did not stop.

It became very clear that sleeping was not going to be an option. With all the courage I could muster I walked the six yards to the camper door and gently knocked two times. Just then, as if I’d startled something, I heard noises of grunting and squealing coming from inside. There was something sinister and inhuman about these… voices. Before I could comprehend the possibilities of who, or what, was on the other side of that door, it jerked open, quickly, but only enough for me to see a sliver of what will haunt my dreams til the day I die.
A contorted pale face with black eyes stared back at me. “What?!” It’s quivering chapped lips glistening with spittle spat out at me.

“I uh,” I stutter out “was just wondering if you could turn off your generator? It’s just that this is technically our campsite here-which is fi-“

“CAN’T YOU WAIT 5 MINUTES? THE CHILDREN CAN’T SURVIVE ON MEATS ALONE. THEY MUST FEED ON ENERGY” interrupts the strange creature as it opens the door wider now to present two smaller creatures sitting, mouths agape in front of an open, running microwave. They’re eating microwaves? I’m very concerned for my own safety at this point so I start backing up and trying to apologize for being bothered by their children’s odd diet “hey we’ve all had a long day of travel I bet I’m totally okay with you sharing this site with me, I’m just very ti-“
“IT’S FOR THE CHILDREN” it yelled at me again and slammed the door in my face.
Five minutes came and went and the
generator continues to rattle on. I’m not sure what made me believe this promise of waiting just five minutes was actually going to be held to very strictly. Finally, the rumbling whirs down and I settle into my sleeping bag. Just as I’m about to drift off I’m jolted awake by a bright light shining right into my tent door
“Uh, excuse me..?” I squint into the light
“You should find another camp site if we’re too noisy. This is our vacation. “ a deeper, even more disconcerting voice says then turns and walks back to the RV.

Worst experience I’ve ever had at a national park. Really wish people would be more like humans and less like goblins.
Keep you eyes out for these little buggers, they can really ruin a night!

Tom's Best Spring Rd aka FR117
16 day limit - posted
No campfires - posted
No cutting wood without permit - posted
Visible 3-4 on 4g
ATT 3 on 4g
GPS: 37.7301,-112.2523

Main road in is good. Beautiful views, several pullouts, but will be dusty when trafficked. Large meadow camping/turn around at the 2nd junction with FR646 after the main area of pullouts.
We chose FR3625 offshoot. A bit rocky coming up in one spot but doable if you go slow. 4 really good sized spots for big rigs. The 1st 2 Sites could easily handle 2 big rigs if traveling together. All have some degree of solar - even with trees. We had no problem staying topped off.
Offshoot FR646(1st junction) just after turning off SH12 has a long drive in, rutted in spots, but the view is worth it if you can make it. Plateau faces west for sunset & stunning view of Red Canyons.
There are MANY offshoot roads here & plenty of spaces. Scout out & you're sure to find what fits your needs. Seriously, a LOT of Sites, even in High Season July!
Dump station, potable and non potable is available in Bryce Canyon NP about 15min away. Someone commented $6, but we saw no signs, just a donation box.
Groceries are pricey in the area. LIMITED hard alcohol is for sale at Ruby's Inn lobby, otherwise, it's Utah, come stocked with your favorite beverage.
The shuttle service is awesome & easy to use. So much nicer than trying to maneuver/park our tow vehicle in the park.
Cows are present. Most nights down in the meadows, but did come through our campsite one evening to say hi. Also saw 4 Pronghorns in the meadow, lots of chipmunks and Mountain Bluejays.
And for newbies like me, yes, you can make it under the rock bridges on SH12. It's posted as something like 13'8", but that must be at the very far edge, in one spot. We're 13'8" when on the truck & we ...and the semi truck In front of us (we let him go 1st ;) )... cleared it with plenty of room to spare.
If you have a smaller vehicle with high clearance there are some stunning spots 3/4 down FR646, very remote/private, but def not for bigger rigs, more like truck tent campers.
Temps in July day 85° avg, nights mid 50s. Had passing rains everyday, but roads stayed passable.
This is at altitude. Be prepared. Drink lots of water, take your time, don't overextended yourself if you're not acclimated.
Has been a great stay, we'll definitely stay here again when in the area.