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Best Dispersed Camping near Cedar City, UT

780 Reviews

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.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Cedar City, Utah (119)

    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. 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."

    6. Parowan Gap Petroglyphs

    7 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"

    7. 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"

    8. North Creek Dispersed Camping

    43 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. 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."

    10. Candy Loop Camp

    2 Reviews
    Brian Head, UT
    14 miles

    "I saw a few spots at the marker but in driving further to find a turnaround spot for my long van I found a few other spots. Found an open space with rock fire spots and was great."

    "Standard dispersed camping, non designated camping. Level spots and good tree coverage. Minimal road noise and 5G service on T-Mobile"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cedar City, UT

780 Reviews of 119 Cedar City Campgrounds

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.

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