Best Dispersed Camping near Cedar City, UT

Several public lands around Cedar City let you camp away from established campgrounds. The Lava Flat area has no facilities at all, so you'll need to bring everything you need including water. Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area works similarly - you'll find places to set up camp but should follow Leave No Trace practices. Parts of Bryce Canyon National Park allow primitive camping in specific zones. When camping on these public lands, stay at least 200 feet from any water sources to protect them. The area frequently has fire restrictions, especially in summer and fall, so check before planning to have a campfire. Most of these dispersed sites require vehicles with good clearance since access roads aren't maintained. You can stay up to 14 days in most spots before needing to move. Since there's no trash service, you must pack out everything you bring in. These spots give you a real backcountry experience without facilities. Always call the local BLM or Forest Service office before your trip to get current conditions and rule updates.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cedar City, Utah (120)

    1. Coal Creek Dispersed - Cedar City

    12 Reviews
    Cedar City, UT
    5 miles

    "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."

    2. Kolob Resevoir

    18 Reviews
    Kanarraville, UT
    15 miles
    Website

    $53 / night

    "Beautiful campground on a lake. During the winter there's alot of snow, so it's hard to camp up there then. Perfect during the summer. No reservations & free camping."

    "Campsite #4 was great with privacy and direct lake access. No bug/ mosquito issues when we went in September. Weather fluctuated from 70s in the day to 30s at night."

    3. Bear Flat

    8 Reviews
    Brian Head, UT
    11 miles

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

    Bring extra bug spray!"

    "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."

    4. Coal Creek

    5 Reviews
    Cedar City, UT
    3 miles

    "I had discounted it at first because someone indicated the need for high clearance. We had no problem with our sprinter except the bumper hitch drug a tiny bit."

    "Close to town for anything you need.

    It was a little crowded but the heavy presence of evergreen trees allows plenty of privacy. We actually didn’t hear any other campers the whole night."

    5. Parowan Gap Petroglyphs

    8 Reviews
    Summit, UT
    17 miles
    Website

    "We stayed here for a week while waiting for a package to arrive in Cedar City. The gap is a beautiful place and the petroglyphs would be as well were it not for the vandalism on them."

    "This is an amazing place to camp, if you like dry camping ( which I do) it is peaceful and relaxing away from the crowds"

    6. Yankee Meadows

    11 Reviews
    Parowan, UT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3700

    "After passing through Parowan it’s about a 20 min drive into Dixie National Forest. My T-Mobile & Verizon signal dropped completely as I entered the NF."

    "One being the actual Yankee Meadows campground and the other is an overflow. The overflow is where we stayed which is tucked into the trees and has a creek running through it."

    8. North Creek Dispersed Camping

    45 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    32 miles
    Website

    "There’s of shade from the trees and a beautiful creek.

    We arrived at around 3pm and no one was around. By 5pm a good amount of people started driving in a picking their spots."

    "Went to the right from the entrance all the way to end next to a private property. It’s really quiet and more secluded. You see other campers but you have privacy and your own place."

    9. Mammoth Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Duck Creek Village, UT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3200

    "Right next to Mammoth Creek surrounded by Dixie National Forest. Lots of sites and pull offs. No hookups or water but there are pit toilets. New favorite campsite!!"

    "Mammoth Dispersed Campground offers a beautiful setting among tall pines, with plenty of shade, cool temperatures, and easy access to a peaceful stream (both day use area and overnight campsites with access"

    10. Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Parowan, UT
    18 miles
    Website

    "Much of the Dixie National Forest is burned but the immediate area has ample trees of many colors. This is remote so no amenities at all. We have a small rv and made the .trip no problem."

    "The drive into the campground was beautiful with trees starting to turn fall colors with the backdrop of vermillion rock formations and bright blue sky."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cedar City, UT

788 Reviews of 120 Cedar City Campgrounds


  • Susan L.
    Jun. 25, 2022

    Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping

    Great location in a piney woods!

    Dispersed camping in the beautiful Ponderosa pines of Dixie National Forest. The Forest Service road is easy to navigate. There are many dirt roads branching off of it with sites to choose from. Chose a site relatively close to the forest service road. If you're sensitive to dust may want to choose a site further off the access road as there is lots of dust kicked up every time someone drove in or out on the gravel. Convenient location to Bryce (about 15 minutes). Cell service for Verizon.

    When the rigs pulling in and out stopped, the only sounds were the braying of cows (the herd wandered into the site) and the wind blowing.

    Views! Peaceful! Free!

  • Dave S.
    Oct. 3, 2020

    Parowan Gap Petroglyphs

    Wonderful place but please leave no trace

    We stayed here for a week while waiting for a package to arrive in Cedar City. The gap is a beautiful place and the petroglyphs would be as well were it not for the vandalism on them. On some camping apps people are saying just camp anywhere out here. I wanted to clarify that. While there are lots of places to camp please don't make new campsites or drive off roads and in the desert/grass. We stayed in a lovely spot on Jackrabbit Road, but had to drive over a mile to find what I consider an established site. All along the road there is damage from people driving and camping wherever they want. This is tragic and violates leave no trace. So does the many bullet shell casings, broken glass, dog turds, old gun targets, shotgun shells, etc, out here. This is how public lands get closed. It's a nice place and we saw respectful campers, OHV'rs, and bicyclists. Just use existing campsites and roads.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2021

    Cabin Hollow FS #121 Dispersed Camping

    Primitive road access dispersed

    This dispersed camping area is to the west of the more well known Tom Best Road Dispersed area. Still on Dixie NF but access road is native dirt one lane and no gravel or graded...so if very wet or rain could be sketchy access ( hence 3 stars). Sites are along the road upland side in flat spots and alcoves for about first mile or so. There are TT spots and also good overlander sites up higher. I would recon first before pulling a TT up there to make sure you can get a turnaround. No designated sites, no trash, tables, water or toilets. 14d limit. However cell signal is good if a clear line to Wilson peak antennas. Posted map screenshot shows my recon of campsites...trailer icon are sits with trailers, tent icon is more suited to overlander type setups with high clearance vehicles or smaller rigs.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Tom's Best Spring Road Dixie National Forest

    Lots of spots off this road!

    Plenty of spots (though we were here on a weekday) and SO CLOSE to Bryce NP! The stars were beautiful at night - even got some photos with my phone. There were some cows but they mostly stayed clear of the road. Road was pretty level and easy for cars to get back (and there were spots right off the road). I already want to come back!

    There was a fire ban in July so bring your camp stove and leave no trace!

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2021

    Leeds Canyon Dispersed #2

    Overlander site only

    Leeds Canyon Dispersed camp sites are on the Dixie NF. Lower dispersed sites 1-6 are easiest to get into with a TT. Camp in designated spots, camping free for 16 days. No water, no trash, no toilets. Sites are along a well maintained FS gravel road so dust may be a concern. Only a few miles outside of Leeds and Interstate 15.

    Leeds Canyon #2 is behind #1 a hundred yards but requires high clearance and 4wd to access....no TT or RVs. Nice big open area with views for the overlander types

  • Brett T.
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Dave’s Hollow Designated Dispersed Camping

    Nice USFS Dispersed Camping Right outside Bryce Canyon NP Entrance

    When our original dispersed camping spot didn’t work out we drove down the road and found this little gem, right outside the entrance to Bruce Canyon National Park. There are a bunch of designated USFS camping spots. They’re level-ish, fire rings, and pretty easy to get to. We have a 1992 (renovated!) motorhome and we got to spot 17 no problem. We could have gone to 17-19, but then the road got to rough for our old girl. Lots of quads and sideXsides riding on the dirt road, kicking up dust till about 8:30PM but was not a big deal. Solid free camping right near the park!

  • K
    Jun. 13, 2022

    Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site

    Quiet camping spot close to Kanab and east entrance of Zion

    We loved this free camping area! 

    There aren't tons of spots(most of it is an open area), but we never had an issue getting one, even during spring break. 

    It's close to Kanab and the east entrance of Zion.

    Please Leave No Trace! Take care of this place so it can be enjoyed by many for as long as possible!

  • Meg G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2020

    Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest

    Fabulous - lots of space, quiet and solitude.

    October 15, 2020

    We wanted to be close to Bryce Canyon but not in all of the hub and chaos of people. This location is about a 10 minute drive away from Bryce.  This is the perfect location to get away from it all.  When you first arrive, you will see plenty of spots for RV's and travel trailers.  We traveled 1.8 miles and took a left turn on a small dirt road and found 5 or 6 campsites that were level and far away from each other. (We were the only one down this road).  

    The site was level with a lot of space to spread out.  There was a firepit but no other facilities, so come prepared with everything you need. Due to fire restrictions, we didn't have a fire, and enjoyed seeing the Milky Way and shooting stars!  There is a pit toilet across the highway before you turn into the BLM land.  

    We thought we would only stay for one night, but ended up there 2 nights since it was so beautiful!

  • Jeff K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2020

    Coal Creek Dispersed - Cedar City

    Great for Dirtbagging!!!

    Quiet tent/truck camping. 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. Large dirt parking area. Dispersed tent sites or truck bed/van life in the dirt lot. Go slow going in, pot holes and rocks. Two entrances both from highway. 4-star only because local kids use this as their bonfire/drinking spot and as such tend to make late night noise.


Guide to Cedar City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cedar City, Utah, where nature meets adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Enjoy the freedom of choosing your own spot while soaking in stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Cedar City

  • Fishing enthusiasts will love the opportunities at Kolob Reservoir, where trout and crawdads are plentiful, making for a rewarding day on the water.
  • For those seeking breathtaking views, La Verkin Overlook Road East offers stunning vistas of Zion National Park, perfect for photography and stargazing.
  • If you're into hiking, the trails around Mammoth Dispersed lead to beautiful landscapes and are ideal for exploring the great outdoors.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Cedar City, Utah

  • Always check for cell service availability before heading out; some areas like Coal Creek Dispersed - Cedar City have limited connectivity, which can be a concern for those needing to stay connected.
  • Bring your own firewood, as many spots, including Yankee Meadows, do not provide firewood on-site, but fires are allowed.
  • Be prepared for varying road conditions; some areas, like Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area, may require high clearance vehicles due to rough terrain.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The Parowan Gap Petroglyphs provide a unique cultural experience with ancient rock art, making it a fascinating stop for history buffs.
  • Nature lovers will appreciate the serene environment at Bear Flat, where you can enjoy peaceful surroundings and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
  • For a more secluded experience, check out Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area, which offers a tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle, perfect for relaxation and reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available near Cedar City, Utah?

Yes, Cedar City is surrounded by free dispersed camping options. Leeds Canyon Dispersed #2 in Dixie National Forest offers free camping for up to 16 days, with sites along a well-maintained gravel road. Sites #1-6 are particularly suitable for travel trailers. Another excellent free option is Cabin Hollow FS #121 Dispersed Camping, located west of the more popular Tom Best Road area. Note that access is via a native dirt one-lane road that can be challenging during wet conditions. Remember that free dispersed camping means no services – bring your own water, pack out all trash, and be prepared for no toilets or facilities.

Where can I find dispersed camping areas near Cedar City, Utah?

Numerous dispersed camping areas surround Cedar City in the Dixie National Forest. Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping offers beautiful sites among Ponderosa pines with easy-to-navigate forest service roads and multiple dirt roads branching off with various sites. Another option is Coal Creek Dispersed - Cedar City, located just 15 minutes from town, offering quiet tent/truck camping with creek and waterfall ambiance. It features a large dirt parking area suitable for truck bed or van camping. Both areas provide a true outdoor experience without facilities, so come prepared with everything you need including water and waste disposal plans.

What BLM land is available for camping around Cedar City?

Several BLM dispersed camping areas exist near Cedar City. Parowan Gap Petroglyphs offers camping opportunities near ancient rock art, though it's important to respect designated camping areas rather than setting up anywhere. The gap itself is a beautiful natural formation. Another option is Old Highway 89 Dispersed BLM Site, which includes both designated spots and an open area. While this site is closer to Kanab than Cedar City, it provides access to both Zion's east entrance and areas around Cedar City. BLM land typically allows 14-day stays, requires Leave No Trace practices, and has no facilities, so come prepared with water and waste management plans.