Free dispersed camping at around 9,700 feet elevation, Bear Flat sits just off the main forest service road near Brian Head, Utah, making it one of the more accessible no-reservation sites in Dixie National Forest. The gravel road in handles standard passenger cars without trouble, and several reviewers have pulled in with trailers and larger rigs. Sites divide into two distinct settings: open meadow positions with long sightlines toward the surrounding mountains, or spots tucked into a grove of aspen and pine. As Grace R. puts it, it's "either in a field or in the trees."

That meadow-forest contrast shapes the whole experience here. The aspen grove includes a section locals call the twisted forest, where white, contorted trunks make for an unusual visual at any hour. Wake up on the meadow side and the view runs toward rock formations on one horizon and grass-covered slopes on the other. Ryan A. notes waking up to "a view of the ski slopes," a reminder that Brian Head Resort sits just minutes away by bike or car, giving campers access to resupply, coffee, and mountain bike trails without a long drive.

Road noise is a real consideration. The campground sits close to the main route, and ATV and side-by-side traffic picks up on weekends. Saturdays can bring enough visitors to make the area feel crowded, with some sites positioned close together. Midweek visits or arriving early on a Friday evening tend to yield more open spots. Snow lingers into late June at this elevation, so early-season trips warrant extra preparation.

A vault toilet is on-site and has been consistently described as well-maintained. No fire pits are installed at every site, though campfires are permitted. Cell service is available. Campers wanting more solitude in the same general area can look at Dixie NF Dispersed off FR 2055 near Brian Head or, for a developed alternative near Cedar Breaks National Monument, Point Supreme Campground is roughly five miles south.

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Map & DirectionsBear Flat is located in Utah near Brian Head

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

37.68222349 N
112.8584787 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 9/9/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 9/9/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 9/9/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 9/9/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 9/9/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 9/9/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Bear Flat needs a permit.

Drive Time


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Reviews14 Camper Reviews - Bear Flat

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5 Stars

4 Stars

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4.5

out of 5

14 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the stunning views of Cedar Breaks and diverse site options from meadow to aspen grove settings. Many mentioned the convenient proximity to Brian Head Resort and mountain biking trails. Some noted crowding during peak times.

Reviewed Jul. 21, 2026

Beautiful views

We are flat has beautiful views in all directions. Pine trees and Aspen are everywhere surrounding a large meadow that overlooks the valley with mountains in the distance. There are not a lot of spots to camp, but if you can get one, they’re all really good. Easily accessible by a car and sites are flat and usable. I even saw a few trailers as well. Only negative would be road noise since it’s very close to the main road in and there are a lot of side-by-side and ATVs using the forest service road for exploration. there is actually a bathroom here, I didn’t check it out, but that’s a plus. Weather is beautiful about 85° this time of year, a little windy no rain so far. Altitude is about 9700 feet.

Sitewhen you approach the information sign, veer to the right, the first meadow spot to the left
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by Daniel W., July 21, 2026
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2026

Gorgeous

Fire down the road may be a problem if the wind shifts. Lots of great spots. Really one of the nicest places I've been to.

Site1
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2026

Clean air

Ok, so maybe there isn't as much O2 here, but it's crystal clear. Not too far from a couple national parks. 10,500 feet up. Cool days and cooler nights.

Siter1
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 18, 2026

Clean air

It's way up in the mountains great cool autumn like weather. Beautiful, Bryce canyon is about 1.5 hours drive 143, great drive and scenery

Sitefirst on left
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by Gregg T., June 18, 2026
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by Gregg T., June 18, 2026
Reviewed May. 15, 2026

Beautiful site at 10,000 feet!

One of our first dispersed camping trips and this spot was perfect! Easy to get to, spectacular views, and since we were there “off season” on A Wednesday we were all alone — perfect. We drove up the road in our Ekko only a couple hundred yards and found a spot tucked in the trees which was perfect since it was windy up at elevation. Excellent access to mountain bike trails. Pit toilets were locked so can’t comment on that, but this area is basically in Brian Head Resort so an easy bike ride to stores, coffee, beers , etc if that’s your thing.

Siteup the road, on the left
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by Geoffrey T., May 15, 2026
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by Geoffrey T., May 15, 2026
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by Geoffrey T., May 15, 2026
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2025

Perfect Rest or MTN spot

This is the second time that I have been to this site. The roads are good. Graveled and ready for campers. Each spot is different. Either in a field or in the trees. No fire pits and bathrooms are a little ways a way. But my favorite free spot by far with the views and how close it is to all the mountain biking. Highly recommend .

SiteField.
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2025

Beautiful and Clean!

We loved this spot! There was a creek nearby that my dogs loved playing in and lots of trails to off road on. The place was very clean and please help keep it that way if you go.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2024

Great sight at 1am

Rolled into camp around 1 am. Found a sight relatively easy and set up. Woke up to a view of the ski slopes.

Great spot for a quick stop. Close to ceeder breaks and Zion.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by Ryan A., July 25, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2024

It's ok

Spots scattered around, more so on the left side when you drive in - towards and around marathon trail head.

Bring extra bug spray!

Some spots are very close and the place is BUSY, on a Saturday afternoon at least. Not my ideal dispersed camp set up with many people around but it's close to Cedar Breaks and that was the goal.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by Shavit L., June 29, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2023

goods views + saw a rainbow

Awesome spot - easy to get to in our Subaru outback. After a bit of driving on Sugar Loaf Mtn road you get to a clearing with lots of fire pit sites + bathroom. You can continue up the road where it narrows to more private spots but we didn’t feel the need to. Got here around 6pm on a Friday and lots of spots were open.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by lizzie , August 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by lizzie , August 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by lizzie , August 26, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2023

Pleasant Surprise for a camper that didn’t look at pics before arriving

We showed up around 1 am. This seems to be a trend for us. At the time the camp site looked straight out of a horror movies. The trees are twisted and white. Now I know it’s called the twisted forest lol.

We couldn’t see the views and at night the woods seemed endless.

In reality when we woke we were just on the end of the woods and there were a couple of meadows between us and a pretty amazing view off a cliff showing rock formations like Zion on one side and beautiful grass covered hills and mountains on the other.

There’s a decent drop toilet as well. Be aware that even in late June there’s lingering snow.

Sitefirst one on the left
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by Michael E., July 3, 2023
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by Michael E., July 3, 2023
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by Michael E., July 3, 2023
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2023

Delightful dispersed

Campground with dispersed campsites within a grove of aspen trees adjacent to a large meadow and the Marathon TH, with a stunning view of Cedar Breaks. Vault toilet is well-maintained. Our go-to campsite for MTB…as Brian Head reaort is only a couple of minutes away.

Sitevarious
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by Stefanie I., June 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by Stefanie I., June 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Bear Flat by Stefanie I., June 1, 2023
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Bear Flat Campground?

Bear Flat Campground offers basic amenities for dispersed camping. There's a well-maintained vault toilet in the main area, though it may be a little distance from some campsites. Fire pits are available at numerous sites throughout the campground, particularly in the clearing area. The campground doesn't have developed amenities like water hookups or electrical connections. There's a creek nearby that's perfect for dogs and recreation. The area features good graveled roads suitable for most vehicles.

When is the best season to camp at Bear Flat Campground?

Summer is the prime season for camping at Bear Flat, typically from June through August when the weather is most favorable and the aspen grove creates beautiful surroundings. This period offers the best opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of Cedar Breaks and nearby recreational activities. The meadow blooms during summer months, enhancing the scenic experience. Be prepared for bugs during this peak season by bringing extra insect repellent. Fall can also be spectacular with aspen color changes, though temperatures drop significantly at this elevation.

What dispersed camping options are available near Brian Head, Utah?

Bear Flat is a premier dispersed camping option near Brian Head, offering sites scattered throughout aspen groves and meadows. The area features spots in both open fields and forested sections, providing options for different camping preferences. Some sites are clustered around the Marathon Trailhead, while more private spots can be found by continuing up the narrower section of the road. The area can get busy on weekends, particularly Saturdays. Other dispersed camping can be found along Sugar Loaf Mountain Road, with various pull-offs leading to informal sites. These areas provide convenient access to Cedar Breaks and are typically just minutes from Brian Head Resort.

Where is Bear Flat Campground located?

Bear Flat Campground is located near Brian Head, Utah, situated within a beautiful grove of aspen trees adjacent to a large meadow. The campground offers stunning views of Cedar Breaks and is positioned next to the Marathon Trailhead. It's only a couple minutes away from Brian Head Resort, making it an ideal location for mountain biking enthusiasts. The campground is accessible via Sugar Loaf Mountain Road, which leads to a clearing with various camping spots.