Camp off the Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Byway

Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Byway is gorgeous 9.5 mile road that runs between Rockville near the entrance to Zion National Park and Apple Valley UT, and affords excellent places to camp & boondock *as long* as it is 0.5 miles from the road itself (and there are numerous turn offs).

To get there take Utah Highway 9 and a left (if you're coming from the east) or a right (if you're coming from the west) on Bridge Road and then stay right after a quarter mile onto road 250 S. Stay left after about a mile at the split onto Smithsonian Butte Road. Alternatively, if coming from the South take Main Street due north from highway 59 until it becomes the Byway.

Note: if coming from the north a 4WD vehicle may be necessary. This is not the case if coming from the south, though you may have difficultly making it down the Byway into Zion.

The first obvious campsite is on your left, often called "Rockville Campsite", with numerous others interspersed on the route to the top of the Butte.

After about a mile the road begins a steep ascent without campsites to the top of the Butte and after a strong rain requires a 4WD vehicle to make the top.

Note: Camping is permitted with a 0.5 mile buffer from 250 S as long as you are not within the town limits of Rockville. The camping buffer helps campers preserve the stunning visuals for future visitors. Please remember to Leave No Trace and follow local regulations. For additional questions, see the BLM contact information below. 

BLM Contact Information

BLM Smithsonian Butte website

utsgmail@blm.gov

(435) 688-3200