Cedar Pockets Pass Road - Dispersed Camping

Found the perfect spot empty with one fire ring… on a Thursday, drove past open sites to one against the canyon, parked early around 2pm— only to look out around 7pm to see not one but two separate vehicles setup and people just STANDING literally right outside our camp window. Seriously people… give some space!! They were walking around our vehicle within 5 feet on the side that is not connected to their site at all but completely in our personal space. Seriously doubt they would appreciate people to hover around their camp like that, be respectful people.

There are so many other spots that were ALL open. Even posted photos of some of the empty sites available! After a day of dealing with the crowds of Zion we were ready for some private tranquility, at least they were quiet.

Next morning: Awake to take photos of the sunrise and greeted by someone going to defecate in the hills. (said nothing to me but had a roll of tp)

Other than the neighbors not respecting personal space, this site was beautiful. You could still hear a low hum of the hi-way. Great phone service.

This location takes you to the beginning of the road into this area. Right off, there are large pull-through campsites with fire pits. As these were all taken, I pushed further in. Along the way, there are small pull offs that I considered but it was early in the day so I kept going. I’m glad I did. Lots of great spaces further up and it is 2wd friendly. Tip: get there earlier in the day, like 3-4pm to get a good spot. After I’d settled in and started exploring the area, a couple from British Columbia joined my campsite which was fun. Later, a truck with a 28’ camper drove past and then two other trucks with over landing setups also drove past. They didn’t stay with us but if you do choose to go solo at a site that can hold 5-6 vehicles, be prepared to share!

Camping If you keep going a few miles past the pull-through sites, there are several amazing sites further up. Large enough for 6 vehicles (as is the case with my chosen location) and/or large campers. Most have fire pits. There are cows about when you get further in and they do walk through the campsite. At mine, there were cow pies; however, the cows just watched from the perimeter as they past. Chewing their cuds and gossiping I have no doubt. No facilities or water but lots of space around so that if nature calls, you can get away from camp and have epic views to answer its call in private. Sans cows. There is a section of I-15 visible but I didn’t hear it despite being only 25 min from St. George.

The Approach and Ace Test Definitely Ace friendly (Ace was my 2016 VW Jetta that I often took on roads like this and use it as a sort of standard). That said, it is pretty washboarded so watch out if you’re bringing the fine China with you. Once you’re further in (wilderness) there are free range cows so keep an eye out for them and mind the signs that say no camping.

Activities Good hiking nearby. All trails has some listed but some are cow paths and lead down into the canyon. There is one across the “street” from my site that goes all the way to the top of the ridge. I won’t have time to hike it but it looks like a good one. My site has epic 360 views that make you feel like you’re in the Grand Canyon. Bring your camera, take photos in the morning or in the evening, the sun will give great light regardless of which “golden hour” you take advantage of. Fire pit looking out over the canyon for a good evening of relaxing. If you absolutely need, St. George is 25 min away.

Weather Mid-April when I was there gave me a high of 89 and a low of 58. Honestly a bit hot for me but very desirable for most. It was windy at my spot during the day but it calmed by evening. I did not bring firewood and I will regret that forever. It was a beautiful calm, clear evening in the 60’s.

Cell Service Verizon gave me 3 bars at 5G and I was able to do some remote work while I was there as well as send videos in iMessage and things of that nature

Easy enough, a few good campfire spots right at the start of the road. Otherwise, pull offs and lots are spacious enough so that it doesn't feel crowded. There weren't too many people when I went on a Thursday.

I went up about a mile with my 27ft camper and found a spot big enough to back in. Very quiet only a couple cars go by looking for a spot every once in a while. Absolutely fantastic Verizon service

This is a beautiful site. Conveniently located right off I15. The down side is that there is quite a bit of trash and many burs all over which made it difficult for our dog to walk around. If you have a dog, go elsewhere, if not, it’s great.

I pulled off here just after dark and there were some people camped farther up the road so I didn’t go too far from the highway. Some traffic noise from the spot I stayed at, not sure how it is farther up, but there was a multitude of cars coming in and out looking for a place then turning around. So quite a popular area. Had a little campfire which was nice and a great view of the stars. Perfect place for some solitude if you’re just passing through for the night.

Great pull off location. I spent the extra time and gas to head up the road several miles for some grand views. Only drawback is it's so far up that when it rains it may take a couple of days for the road to be passable. Otherwise so beautiful with the red rock, Joshua Trees, and fine terracotta clay. My cell service is not consistent but I have had a signal on both Verizon and ATT. Make sure you have plenty of clearance and plenty of time. At one point the road is very rocky and the erosion is deep. Good to have a multi-terrain vehicle like our 4RunnerOffRoadPremium which has easily handled the ruggedness of this trail. Enjoy a beaut!

Easy access a great pull off on the way to southern Utah national parks. There are a couple of nice trails If you want to do a morning or evening hike. Many beautiful Joshua trees and cactus with cows, wondering about.

Easy to find, close to the highway, not many people here camping in March.

Fun place to drive on the dirt roads 

Large open area along gravel road, will likely get neighbors. Cell signal good at upper end of this camping area, hwy noise excessive. Livestock water tanks close by will bring cows. The developed CG across the hwy is a way better option....cheap $8/$4 with restrooms, dumpster, water spigot, tables and fire rings. However limited cell so use the free dispersed as a phone booth!

it’s a bit crowded. nice sites and road is decent until you get toward the burn bin. very rough after that. there are free range cattle walking around.

Great campsite, decent amount of traffic coming thru

I drove pretty far back in, roads are pretty good condition gravel. Some really cool camp spots and really awesome cell service.

We've stopped here numerous times including 2 overnights.  Both overnights we bypassed the first 1/4 mile stretch of easy sites and made our way back another mile (at least).  There is now a marked Cedar Pocket Wash Trail Head with a camp area setup just before the trail head where we camped in 2018.  In 2021, we proceeded beyond and found a site with a beautiful view.  Road was an easy drive esp for a smaller rig.  I wouldn't tow a trailer.

We had decent T-Mobile LTE service.

Quiet and star studded night.

It was very hot!  

More details on our blog: http://workingonexploring.com/2021/06/21/camping-arizona-cedar-pocket-road/

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/fNbABQg\_IIc

We drive by this all the time when we go to and from Las Vegas to Utah. It’s dispersed which means no resources available, a lot of open area for you to pull over and get some rest in either direction that your driving. It’s going to be nosey from where it’s located but I’m an RV it should not be a problem. The constant flow of traffic could be soothing to some. Keep Mother Nature clean! Cheers

Needed a spot for one night en route to Las Vegas. We took the first big clearing on the left side. Saw at least 4 other RVs and campers. Verizon 3 bars LTE. Crazy winds but expected.

Stayed: 10/5/2020- FREE

Site: First big parking area on the left

Vehicle: Hyundai Rogue

Equipment: Tent

We came in after sunset, but its very easy to find. If you pull up the area on maps and look at the satellite view, you can see a couple possible small sites on the left when you pull in. We passed those and went for the first big, open area. *See photo*

We were the only ones that parked on that site when we went to bed, but someone else had shown up during the night. There were a few more people that had traveled down further, as well.

It was dark and a little rough for a tent, so we just slept in the car. There were surprisingly a lot of semis that passed on the main road, but it wasn’t too noisy. Would stay here again.

AT&T: No Service Sprint: 2 bars LTE