Duck Creek Village sits in the Dixie National Forest at around 8,800 feet, putting it within about 40 miles of Cedar City and well-positioned for campers who want a forested base in southern Utah. The village is a small cluster of cabins and seasonal lodges surrounded by Ponderosa pine, and the campgrounds here draw visitors who want access to the Escalante Petrified Forest and the Pink Cliffs without driving into the national park corridor. Duck Creek's cabin rentals give a breakdown of the permanent structures in the area for those who want walls and a roof rather than a tent.
Developed sites at Duck Creek Campground have vault toilets, fire rings, and tent pads, but no water hookups or electrical service. Road conditions into the campground are manageable for most vehicles when dry, but a few side roads require clearance after rain. Dispersed sites near Cedar City are worth considering as a fallback if the Duck Creek sites are full during peak summer weeks.
Elevation means cold nights even in July, so bring layers regardless of the daytime forecast. The area sits in a snow zone and most sites close by November, reopening in late May depending on snowpack.
$30 - $160 / night
"It is tucked into a woodsy area and the sites are very private; it almost felt like we were the only ones there."
"It’s situated near Duck creek Village but since they don’t allow ATVs in the campground it can feel very quiet. Rain is common. Great tent pads. Flush toilets, no showers."
$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."
$30 / night
"You know all those calendar photos of Utah you’ve seen your whole life? This is that part of Utah."
"This campground has easy access to All the Cedar Breaks National Monument has to offer! Great sites, although my only complaint is that they are pretty close to one another."
$23 - $60 / night
"It’s a nice spot right across from Navajo Lake. 11 sites are walk-in and another 12 are drive-up. There are also a couple of double sites."
"Walking access to the lake and beautiful views! No cell service FYI, but 20 min drive to duck creek village where there is a general store, gas station, and cell service"
"Just a few miles past duck creek village. Summer time alway brings a lot of off road activities, so I wouldn't camp close to trails."
"We have never had a problem finding a site though sometimes you need to drive further back on the dirt road to the left."
"Lots of great trails close by and super close to the park entrance - all for FREE! Couldn’t ask for more!"
"Physically cooler than other Utah spots due to the trees. Could even set up a hammock if you wanted. Wifi (Verizon) was decent. Easy road in."
"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"
"Perfect location for any size group. Very quiet and serene. Next to a river and close to navajo lake. Had some fire pits and a small bathroom. Awesome spot!"
"Its the perfect spot situated 1/2 way between Bryce and Zion, we stayed 6 much needed nights. Staff small but extremely friendly and helpful. Nice laundry. Nice bathrooms and showers."
"Horses just feet away from you. The best part about this location is that it’s between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. FREE hot showers and Amazing host."
$23 - $60 / night
"This campground has the advantage of being up the canyon so you feel far away from the city, but close enough that you could go on a work night and still make it to the office the next day."
"There is an awesome hike to Dog Lake on the North side of the canyon close to the campground."
"Site was easy to find and a great stop right outside of eastern entrance to Zion. Was close to road but traffic noise was minimal and not too distracting."
"Great spot close to the back entrance of Zion National Park. Lots of camping sites, some already have fireplaces made by previous goers."
TravelerThis was a great spot! We are car campers and it was perfect. There are 5-7 easily accessible sites with fire rings. A large camper was at the site near us. There may be more up the dirt road but it is very rutted out and we were not going to risk it. Very quiet and dark! Saw the Milky way on our first right. Dumpsters at the park entrance but no other services. Some cell service.
GuideThere are 10 dispersed sites in this area all spaced out over several miles. We stayed at Site 6 and it was one of my all time favorite dispersed camping sites. Site 6 is very large and would easily accommodate several rigs if you were group camping. Site 6 is 15 miles out the road right at the junction of FR087 and FR099 at the ATV crossing. There is a vault toilet at the ATV crossing. Turn left onto FR099 to access site 6. The first 5 miles of FR087 are paved but the unpaved dirt portion of the road is in good condition and easily driven. We saw multiple fish in this easily accessed stream but didn’t have fishing gear with us. 30 minute drive to Bryce Canyon NP. No cell service on Verizon or AT&T
TravelerDecent little rv park. Nice and friendly staff. Very close to road so lots of traffic noise, and spaces are very close together.
GuideAt the end of the road there is a loop with 2 sites. Both of these were occupied when we arrived after 5PM on a Thursday afternoon in May. If you turn right after the gravel pit there is one small additional site along the river and cliff which is where we stayed. It was 30 minutes from Bryce Canyon and a nice place to spend 1 night. Lots of bird activity with nesting Swifts along the rock face. Road was narrow Dirt and gravel but easily navigated in our Sprinter
TravelerOne 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.
ScoutGreat place to camp if you want a somewhere nice for sunsets and sunrise
TravelerAbout 10 mi down a washboard dirt road but beautiful spot to camp. Lots of interesting cactuses and beautiful sunsets with an alpin glow on the sandstone mountains to the east.
ScoutIt’s a small lot off the highway, there are a few immediate fire pits you’ll see, we chose the one off to the left because it was shaded and a little more hidden. The ground is very uneven and a bit rocky, we had some trouble with our tent but got it up eventually. If you walk straight down a bit there are more fire pits and if you keep going a little bit, there is an amazing view of the canyons. We came at 3 to set up the tent, an back around 6:30, as of 8:30 we are still the only ones. Keep in mind this is towards the back entrance of Zion and a Wednesday night
TravelerSuper close to the park entrance and shuttle stop! Super clean, staff extremely pleasant, all the amenities! Great view from our spot along river no
Dispersed camping near Duck Creek Village, Utah offers high-elevation options between 8,500-10,000 feet throughout Dixie National Forest. The alpine terrain features mixed pine and aspen forests with meadows opening to mountain views. Summer nights regularly drop below 50°F even when daytime temperatures reach 75-80°F, requiring adequate insulation regardless of season.
Hiking to Cascade Falls: Located about 4-5 miles from Navajo Lake Campground, this trail requires a short drive on a dirt road followed by "a little adventurous hike to the falls," according to reviewer Emal R. The waterfall viewpoint offers views of Zion National Park on clear days.
OHV trail exploration: With over 800 miles of OHV trails throughout the area, campers at the Uinta Flat Dispersed area can access numerous routes directly from camp. "There are many different RV and tent sites that you can find dispersed throughout this area," notes reviewer Steffy V., who recommends visiting nearby attractions like "mammoth caves, Afton Mirror Lake, Strawberry point, and Swains Creek."
Stargazing: The high elevation and minimal light pollution make Duck Creek Village ideal for astronomy enthusiasts. At Point Supreme Campground, visitors experience "some of the darkest skies in all of the country," according to Brian P., who recommends this area specifically for stargazing.
Creek access: At Mammoth Dispersed, campers appreciate the stream running through the area. "Right next to Mammoth Creek surrounded by Dixie National Forest. Lots of sites and pull offs," reports Marcie R. Amanda L. adds that "There are 4 or 5 spots along the river and two beautiful tucked away spots just for tent camping at the end of the road."
Cooler temperatures: Summer camping near Duck Creek Village provides relief from lower elevation heat. Mark F. notes at Navajo Lake Campground, "The best part was leaving cedar city at 95F arriving at the lake at 75F!" This temperature difference makes for comfortable days and cool nights.
Natural privacy: Many dispersed sites offer separation between campers. "We found a great spot surrounded by big pines and aspen trees. Our spot was closely connected with a few other great spots but we were all alone," reports Daniel D. about Uinta Flat. The mixed forest provides natural screening between sites throughout most camping areas.
Weather extremes: Despite being a summer destination, camping near Duck Creek Village requires preparation for cold nights. Shalynn S. found that "Ended up at Duck Creek mid May where nights got down to 25 degrees." Prepare for freezing temperatures even in summer months.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas lack services. At Duck Creek Campground, Deborah C. found "No showers or cell service, the bathrooms had running water and were clean. We never found any showers or laundry in duck creek village as the site suggested and there was no one to ask."
Busy weekends: Prime camping spots fill quickly, particularly on weekends. Christie notes about Mammoth Dispersed: "Came in Thursday night and had no problem finding a spot, however by Saturday it was crazy busy." Plan to arrive mid-week for better site selection.
High clearance benefits: For dispersed camping, vehicle capability matters. At Uinta Flat, Thomas R. reports "Access is via a dirt road and is easily manageable even with a 2WD," but Amanda L. cautions about Mammoth that "We had a heck of time navigating the steep hill with the camper."
Fishing opportunities: Children can enjoy fishing at Navajo Lake Campground where Jason C. notes "kids fishing in the streams" is a common activity, adding that "the water's edge is very close" making lake access convenient.
Animal encounters: Watching for wildlife is a highlight for kids. Horses at Bryce Zion Campground are particular favorites, where Janet G. mentions "Horses just feet away from you" and Lara K. suggests "Bring carrots and apples for the horses."
Noise consideration: For families needing quiet, choose locations wisely. Elliott B. observes at Duck Creek Campground that "RV are more open" while "tent sites in loop D and E are better since you're further away from the highway and get less noise."
Temperature preparation: Pack extra layers for children, especially for sleeping. Brittley A. at Navajo Lake Campground found it "absolutely stunning, and I completely forgot I was actually in Utah!" but cautions about temperature swings, so bring appropriate clothing for cold nights.
Site leveling: Many campgrounds require work to level RVs. At Point Supreme Campground, Johanna A. notes "We stayed at site 14 which was very close to level" suggesting many other sites are not. Pack leveling blocks and survey sites carefully before settling.
Hookup options: Full hookups are rare in the area. Christopher W. found at Bryce Zion Campground that "Rv sites not level (or even close) and abysmal wifi (no cell service either)" but still enjoyed the experience, noting "overall not a bad place to stay."
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly by location. Daniel D. reports at Uinta Flat: "The road through the area is not paved but was well groomed, did not require 4WD, and could easily accommodate larger rigs." However, Greg L. warns about Mammoth: "Don't even come on from the north on that sketch road, it was narrow rocky and VERY STEEP into the hole the CG is in. Come on on south end thru the subdivision housing area."
Elevation awareness: RV systems operate differently at high elevation. Duck Creek Village's 8,500+ foot elevation affects propane efficiency and vehicle performance. Prepare for slower climbs and more fuel consumption when towing at this altitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Duck Creek Village, Utah?
Duck Creek is highly recommended for its beautiful setting tucked into a woodsy area with private sites. It's quiet (no ATVs allowed in the campground) with great tent pads and flush toilets. Another excellent option is Navajo Lake Campground, located in the Dixie National Forest with easy access to fishing. It offers a good mix of back-in, pull-through, and tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings. For those seeking dispersed camping, Uinta Flat Dispersed is just a few miles past Duck Creek Village and provides beautiful surroundings, though it can be windy at times. Duck Creek's central location makes it an ideal base for day trips to Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Cedar Breaks.
How much does camping cost at Duck Creek Village campgrounds?
Camping costs in the Duck Creek Village area vary by campground type. At Lava Flats Dispersed Camping, camping is free as it's on public land, with established fire rings and nearby dumpsters for trash. For developed campgrounds like Navajo Lake Campground, expect to pay standard Forest Service fees, typically $15-25 per night, which includes amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and flush toilets. Campgrounds in the area generally offer a mix of reservation and first-come, first-served sites. Many dispersed camping areas on Forest Service land around Duck Creek Village are free but have fewer amenities. Some private RV parks and retreats in the vicinity may charge $30-50 per night, especially for sites with hookups.
Are there RV camping facilities available in Duck Creek Village?
Yes, Duck Creek Village offers several RV camping options. Point Supreme Campground near Cedar Breaks provides drive-in access with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. For a more private experience, Strawberry Point Retreat offers secluded RV sites with full hookups on level, gravel pads surrounded by trees, though it's privately owned. Several dispersed camping areas around Duck Creek Village can accommodate RVs, including Tom Best Spring Road FR117 which is big-rig friendly. When camping at higher elevations around Duck Creek Village, be prepared for cooler temperatures even in summer. Most RV sites in the area don't offer amenities like showers, and cell service can be limited or non-existent.
What amenities are available at Duck Creek Village campgrounds?
Amenities at Duck Creek Village campgrounds vary by location. Duck Creek campground offers flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads, but no showers or cell service. It's conveniently located near hiking trails leading to fishing spots. For dispersed camping at Uinta Flat, amenities are minimal with just basic fire rings and natural surroundings. Most campgrounds in the area provide picnic tables and fire rings, while developed sites like Spruces Campground include water and toilets. Firewood is available for purchase at some locations. Though most sites lack cell service, they offer excellent access to outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, and OHV trails. Duck Creek Village itself is nearby for basic supplies and services. During summer, many campgrounds in the area fill quickly, so reservations are recommended where available.
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