Cedar City sits at the base of the Markagunt Plateau in southwest Utah, between the red rock country near St. George to the south and the forested highlands of Dixie National Forest above. Campgrounds in and around Cedar City span very different elevations and terrain types, from valley-floor sites with hookups to high-elevation forest campgrounds above 9,000 feet that close from October through May. Cedar City's dispersed sites cover the no-fee BLM and forest land options accessible from town, where no reservation is required and self-sufficiency is expected.
Developed campgrounds in Dixie National Forest charge $15-25 per night and book through recreation.gov. Spring and fall see the heaviest demand, with summer weekends filling campgrounds quickly given proximity to Cedar Breaks National Monument. Most forest campgrounds have vault toilets and fire rings; water availability varies by site, so confirm before arrival. Brian Head sits about 30 miles northeast and has its own cluster of campgrounds at high elevation with snow-season closures. Brian Head cabin campgrounds list the cabin options up on the plateau for those who want weather protection at that elevation.
Nights cool sharply at higher elevations even in July. Layers are necessary. Duck Creek Village sits about 40 miles east and has developed camping as well, which makes it a reasonable fallback when Cedar City-area sites are full.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$12 - $30 / night
"If you don’t have time to go far and you live close to the Cedar city area, it’s a great place to go and still be close to amenities before you venture out even farther up the mountain."
"1 MTB trails are awesome right out of the campground
2 close to Cedar City which we really liked especially the SUU athletic part and swimming pool
#3 hardly any ATV activity Only downside is a bit"
$35 - $130 / night
"Sites were typical National Park, small and close together but well positioned. We had close access to a modern restroom that was clean and well maintained. "
"Watchman is conveniently located within walking distance of the Zion National Park south entrance. The camp sites are shaded with trees and red gravel/sand ground structure."
$25 - $250 / night
"It is right off of Highway 14 and can be noisy, however we didn't have any issues sleeping. The restroom/showers were extremely clean. It seemed they were cleaned several times a day. "
"Right off the 15 - Cedar City nearby - an easy overnighter as you head into Tetons, Yellowstone or Glacier from Southern California."
$30 / night
"One member of our group got mild altitude sickness and had to go down to Cedar City. Camp is above 10000 feet. Nice facility. Bathrooms are a little tired."
"You know all those calendar photos of Utah you’ve seen your whole life? This is that part of Utah."
"We booked Cedar City KOA as our first trip to a KOA. The park is on the edge of town but close to anything you might want or need."
"The showers weren't that great, very close to main road and I'm surprised at how bumpy and angled the entrances are considering. Wifi works well, tmobile and Verizon service."
"Not far from Cedar City (15min). Medium cell signal on T-Mobile. Right off of highway but plenty of tree cover to dampen road noise. Waterfall and creek noise to lull you to sleep."
"Bummer, it’s right off the highway, but late at night it’s pretty quiet. Just have to checkout all the pullouts for a walking trail down to a camping spot. Not too shabby."
$53 / night
"They charge 25$/night for WASHINGTON COUNTY, UTAH residents plus others (military etc). 50$/night for non-residents We booked our sites online at bookyoursite.com ."
"Love the Deer 🦌 Eagles 🦅 and Ducks 🦆 on Lake. Small boats 🚣♀️ only but quite because of it."
"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."
"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."
"The park is conveniently located whether you want to ride the East or West side/s of Cedar City. The park is clean, mostly level, and has a nice dog park. "
"Clean bathrooms and close to everything cedar city has to offer. Nice dog park too."
$12 - $40 / night
"I imagine this campground is busy in the colder Mon when the nearby mountains to the east are inaccessible. Here the last week of May and have the place virtually to myself."
"The campsites are clean with good access to facilities. The location is really beautiful. It can get a little loud at night with some of the guests there for the off-roading."
GuideQuiet area in Dixie NF. Elevation meant cold nights, even in late May. Deer came around morning & evening. Chose this site based on proximity to both Zion & Bryce. Muddy after precipitation, but dried quickly. Our site was very level.
TravelerNice park that provides all the essentials and a pool. Check-in was smooth and staff was fine, but not very friendly. Sites are either gravel or concrete and fairly flat. We had a gravel site along the North Creek and needed two level squares to get level, but it was not a big deal. Electric, water, and sewer all worked fine and easy to hook up. Had awesome 4-bar Verizon cell service. There are only six bathrooms/showers, so they were often occupied especially in the morning and early evening. Bathrooms were in average condition and no complaints. This RV park is 20 minutes from Springdale and the Zion NP entrance. I would definitely stay here again, especially considering the other available options.
ScoutThis paradise would’ve been perfect if there wasn’t that much bugs/insects
ScoutMake sure you book 6 months before hand and depending on ur times zone.. the availability opens at midnight utah time. But be ready to book 6 min before midnight.
ScoutMe and my girlfriend are travelling together in rv for 3 weeks, and this is the best campground we have been so far. The campground team is the best. They take care of everything and they are super super nice and caring. Just about 35 minutes from Bryce NP, 50$ for full hookups.
GuideGood over night or base camp for Zion/Bryce National Parks. Friendly staff. With a simple mostly burger restaurant (Red Dirt Cafe). Clean restrooms/showers. We spent three nights in the open style parking with sewer/water/electric area. But it does have sites along the small river. Usually when we arrived back in the park. There was not an attendant at the check in station. And on our first night...had to call to get checked in. We were on site 4. Spacious sites. The biggest concern was the daily winds at 20 to 25 mph winds. Which one camper said is somewhat normal. The WiFi was pretty much worthless at our site. But all in all...would recommend this park for easy access to national parks and right on 89 hwy. And really didn't have the hwy noise because of the ridge between hwy and camp site.
TravelerIm currently tent camping out of my car and managed to make the place work. Sand obviously made it more difficult, but was doable. Accessible by RWD but be careful of patches of deeper sand. If you drive far enough away, highway isnt much of an issue past midnight- plus the moon makes the place look great at night.
TravelerI imagine this campground is busy in the colder Mon when the nearby mountains to the east are inaccessible. Here the last week of May and have the place virtually to myself. Large nicely spaced campsites and clean vault toilets. Lots of hiking opportunities. There are also a lot of OHV trails and the area surrounding the campground looks well used at times by those vehicles. That said, very quiet when I have been here (3 nights). Beautiful views to the east of the mountains and the lights of Cedar City do not interfere with great star gazing.
ScoutThe dogs from the house kept barking until 3 AM. At one point we woke up and one was 20 feet from our tent just barking at us. Couldn’t sleep at all
Cedar City, Utah offers camping options across diverse elevations from 5,800 to 10,000 feet, creating a significant temperature difference between valley and mountain sites. In summer months, valley temperatures often reach 95°F while higher-elevation campsites maintain cooler conditions in the 70s. Cedar Breaks National Monument's Point Supreme Campground sits at 10,000 feet, making it one of the coolest summer camping destinations in the region.
Mountain biking access: The area around Bear Flat provides excellent mountain biking opportunities with trails connecting to Brian Head resort. "Great spot for a quick stop. Close to ceeder breaks and Zion," reports Ryan A. The dispersed camping area features a grove of aspen trees with easy trail access, as Stefanie I. notes: "Our go-to campsite for MTB…as Brian Head reaort is only a couple of minutes away."
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Kolob Reservoir offers water-based recreation with equipment rentals available onsite. "SUP and kayak rentals right there at the lake front so no hauling yourself, affordable rentals. And the most friendly people," shares Tanya D. The reservoir provides calm waters ideal for beginners and families with "amazing camping, just drive along the banks until you find an open spot."
Stargazing at higher elevations: Cedar Breaks National Monument provides exceptional dark sky viewing opportunities due to its remote location and high elevation. Brian P. describes Point Supreme Campground as having "some of the darkest skies in all of the country." The 10,000-foot elevation puts you above much of the atmospheric disturbance, creating ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Creek access for cooling off: Many campers appreciate natural water features during hot summer months. At Coal Creek dispersed camping area, Jeff K. mentions that the "waterfall and creek noise to lull you to sleep" creates a peaceful atmosphere despite being near the highway. The creek offers a refreshing spot to cool off when temperatures in Cedar City climb.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The transitional zones between desert and mountain ecosystems support diverse wildlife. At Watchman Campground near Zion, Bonnie M. reports: "We had deer strolling through our campsite in the morning." While this campground is farther from Cedar City, it demonstrates the wildlife viewing potential throughout the region's public lands.
Cooler temperatures at elevation: Higher elevation campgrounds offer relief from summer heat. At Kolob Reservoir, Oguz notes: "Stayed one night 8k feet (2500 meters) elevation in a cool weather. 70-50 Fahrenheit in September." These moderate temperatures allow for comfortable camping when valley locations experience intense heat.
Road conditions vary significantly: Many dispersed camping areas require navigating unpaved roads. At Pyramid Ridge Campground, Jared K. notes: "The road in, Shirts Canton Road, is starting to washboard pretty good." Coal Creek access also presents challenges as Will describes: "Easy to miss pulloff and extremely rough road. I was able to get a 24ft class C up and off the road a bit but was definitely nerve racking."
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Fire regulations fluctuate based on conditions, particularly during dry months. As Johanna A. notes about Point Supreme Campground: "Starting August 1, no fires are allowed." Always check current fire restrictions before planning your trip, as they may differ between federal, state, and private lands.
Weather changes rapidly at high elevations: Mountain camping requires preparation for sudden weather shifts. Amber N. experienced this at Kolob Reservoir: "We stayed in our RV camper And it was absolutely freezing thank God we had that our friends stayed in tents in the dispersed camping area...and they came and crashed in our RV it was so cold!!"
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: For families with children, recreational facilities are valuable amenities. Lane H. recommends Cedar City RV Resort by Rjourney: "Our site was directly across from the playground and 50 steps from the off-leash dog park. Both the kids and the dog greatly appreciated both." The proximity to town also provides access to additional family activities and supplies.
Consider cabin options for weather flexibility: When camping with children, having weather contingency plans is important. Cedar Canyon Retreat offers cabin accommodations alongside tent sites. Taleah U. notes: "My partner and I tent camped here with our two dogs for 2 nights and it was such a great trip! The tent area we stayed in was a little closely packed and kinda awkward to get to because we had to walk through our neighbors campground."
Choose campgrounds with clean facilities: When traveling with children, clean restrooms become essential. Jennifer T. comments on Cedar Canyon Retreat RV Park: "The restroom/showers were extremely clean. It seemed they were cleaned several times a day. Each time we would use one, the toilet would be spotless." This attention to cleanliness makes the camping experience more comfortable for families.
Understand site layouts and access: Many RV parks have specific access considerations. Michele H. notes about Sand Hollow State Park's Westside Campground: "The campground is on a hill, the spaces at the top have the best view, the lower spaces are below the level of the reservoir so don't have a water view."
Secure reservations well in advance: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, particularly those in national parks. For Watchman Campground in Zion, Brittany S. advises: "You MUST make reservations online 6 months in advance to get a spot and they go SO FAST!" This principle applies to many established campgrounds in the region during peak seasons.
Consider site location relative to noise sources: Site selection impacts the quality of your stay. At Cedar City RV Resort by Rjourney, Aaron notes: "Our site was near the entrance, which meant we were close to Main St and quite a bit of traffic noise. Next time, I'd look for a place more towards the back of the park." This insight applies to many campgrounds near highways or urban areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Cedar City, Utah?
Cedar City offers diverse camping options for every preference. Cedar Canyon provides spacious sites with vault toilets and water spigots, perfect for large groups with multiple tents and vehicles. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Coal Creek Dispersed - Cedar City offers quiet tent and truck camping with the soothing sounds of a waterfall and creek, located just 15 minutes from town. The area features both developed campgrounds with amenities and dispersed options for those wanting more seclusion. Cedar City's camping options benefit from the area's natural beauty and moderate climate, making it a great base for exploring southern Utah's attractions.
Is RV camping available near Cedar City, Utah?
Cedar City offers excellent RV camping options with full amenities. Indian Peaks RV Park is conveniently located just off I-15, offering special rates for veterans ($30/night with cash payment) and is only 6 miles from Cedar City's services. Cedar Canyon Retreat RV Park and Campground features large pull-through and back-in sites with extremely clean restrooms and showers. Other options include Cedar Breaks RV Park with its dog park and convenient location for mountain biking, and Red Ledge RV Park which offers free showers and laundry facilities. Most RV parks in the area provide full hookups, level sites, and easy access to Cedar City's attractions.
How far are Cedar City camping areas from popular attractions?
Cedar City's camping areas provide convenient access to numerous attractions. Camp Lutherwood of Utah is ideally positioned about an hour from both Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, offering a strategic basecamp for exploring Utah's natural wonders. Temperature differences can be dramatic - while Cedar City might reach 95°F, Navajo Lake Campground at higher elevation might be a comfortable 75°F, with good hiking trails around the lake. The Kanarraville waterfall hike is extremely close to some campgrounds, and Cedar City itself, with all its amenities and cultural attractions like the Shakespeare Festival, is typically within a 15-minute drive from most nearby camping areas.
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