8 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Campers using Parowan as a base get access to Brian Head, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and the Dixie National Forest without paying resort-town rates. Campground options include developed Forest Service sites at higher elevations east of town and dispersed land along national forest roads. No-fee camping outside Parowan is the option for those who don't need designated spots or water on-site.
Cedar Breaks sits above 10,000 feet, and campgrounds in that zone close from October through late May. Lower sites around Parowan stay accessible longer into fall. Cedar City-area dispersed sites cover a broader set of no-fee options to the south for those who want more forest land without a long drive.
"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."
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"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."
"As native Las Vegans, we are desperate to find summer respite in higher altitudes in Southern Utah, which is barely 3 hours away with many options within minutes of I-15. "
"We stayed at Parowan Gap dispersed camping several years ago (November 2021) and loved the area. Easy access, great views!"
"The Parowan Gap is a gorgeous place that contains numerous petroglyphs, rock climbs, hikes, and geocache to keep you busy."
"Trails to explore on the property and great private bathrooms w/showers. Only been open a couple seasons. We got lucky. Once the word gets out this place will need to be booked months in advance."
"As people say there is traffic during the day and it is close to the road, but it is quiet at night. We got in after hours and just went to our reserved site. Site was not totally level."
from $25 - $250 / night
"No cell reception until you are in the town of Parowan"
"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."
"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."
Available next weekend
from $35 - $130 / night
"The park is on the edge of town but close to anything you might want or need. Our site was directly across from the playground and 50 steps from the off-leash dog park."
"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."
"A very nice campground, Scott was s very helpful from the history of Parowan to dining and fun places to visit."
Available next weekend
from $58 - $65 / night
"Bummer, it’s right off the highway, but late at night it’s pretty quiet. Just have to checkout all the pullouts for a walking trail down to a camping spot. Not too shabby."
"Right off of highway but plenty of tree cover to dampen road noise. Waterfall and creek noise to lull you to sleep. Large dirt parking area."
LegendBeautiful area. Came on a very rainy weekend unfortunately so most campsites were flooded a decent bit. The sidewalks flood and get very slick due to the red clay turning into mud. Like that the bathrooms have a designated spot to go wash your dishes. Seemed in general a very clean campground. Stayed 2 nights. No noise issues with anyone nearby.
LegendNothing too grand. Most sites are very off level for van camping. Each site has a pretty leveled off space for tents. Pit toilets are some of the cleanest ones I have ever seen. Bike trails go through this campground as well. Sign in front states 12$ a night booking online only. With an 8$ fee. So 20$
ScoutLarge clean park with new improvements. Only drawback might be the payment kiosk was a bit confusing and the layout of the big RV area was a bit ambiguous.
TravelerSolo girlie pop car camper- Great reception, clear sites. Felt safe. Some trash in the fire ring but people are gonna people I guess. I used someone’s satellite photo to access the spot, as it showed a paved road access rather than the bumpy version. I didn’t to too far in but my Subaru forester sport had no issues. Only stayed one night.
TravelerEasy to find and gravel roads throughout and easy to navigate.
ScoutPlenty of spots available with fire pits. We got a spot right by the water. There are a lot of ant hills and it can be pretty muddy in some spots. My AWD suv did fine in the mud.
GuideNice views and close to town yet far enough away to be quiet. Only a couple other people here. Most sites are pretty small and on the back half the most are pretty slanted. We had to change sites because the first one required 12 inches at the front to get level. Road in is a little bump but not bad at all.
ScoutDefinitely a little bumpy and may be hard getting through to the back if wet and muddy. Other than that nice little spots with fire pits, a nice little stream, good service and not too far from the park.
TravelerWe parked just past the gate/cattle guard to the left. Good location relative to Bryce Canyon. Spaces seemed to be sparse and spread out. The road has pretty deep tire ruts and mud (at least this time of the year) so we had to be careful in our 2Wd car. Otherwise, spaces were pretty flat. It was very cold, there was frost everywhere in the morning, so dress warmly! Showers are available at the Bryce canyon general store (in the park) for $5 / 8 minutes. Also potable water at the visitor center.
Dispersed camping options around Parowan, Utah range from forest campsites at 8,300 feet elevation to desert locations near ancient petroglyphs. The region experiences significant temperature variations, with summer highs averaging 85°F in town while mountain locations can be 15-20 degrees cooler. Winter camping is limited primarily to lower elevations due to snow accumulation in the Dixie National Forest areas from October through May.
Explore petroglyphs near town: Parowan Gap Petroglyphs offers camping with access to ancient rock art. "This is an amazing place to camp, if you like dry camping (which I do) it is peaceful and relaxing away from the crowds," notes one camper. The area includes several dispersed sites along dirt roads.
Mountain biking from camp: The Bear Flat area provides quick access to trails. A camper reports, "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... my favorite free spot by far with the views and how close it is to all the mountain biking."
Fishing at higher elevations: Yankee Meadows reservoir provides fishing opportunities. "Yankee meadow is a nice campground that is a short walk from the reservoir where you can fish or kayak," mentions one reviewer. The reservoir is accessible during summer months when roads are clear.
Privacy between sites: Some dispersed areas offer more isolation than others. At Bear Flat, a camper notes, "Very private spot with a great view," while another mentions seeing a "stunning view of Cedar Breaks" from their site.
Water features at campsites: Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area has sites with creek access. "The near by creek keeps the vehicle noise to minimum and is a nice place to sit and relax," shares one visitor. Another mentions, "Beautiful stream runs thru our camp and the trees were situated perfectly for parking the van."
Star-gazing opportunities: The high desert and mountain locations offer excellent night sky views. A camper at Yankee Designated Dispersed notes, "Star Gazing - Easy access dispersed campsites. Perfectly level in lower loop," highlighting the astronomical benefits of the area's dark skies.
Seasonal access limitations: Many mountain roads close in winter. "This is remote so no amenities at all... No cell reception until you are in the town of Parowan," reports a camper at Yankee Designated Dispersed Area. The road involves "13% grade for about 8 miles."
Insect populations vary by season: Bear Flat campers warn about bugs in certain periods. One reviewer advises, "Bring extra bug spray!" while another at Parowan Gap notes, "The bugs were unreal! We actually found several black widows near the site."
Road conditions affect accessibility: After storms, many areas become difficult to navigate. A Coal Creek camper reports, "Our 2WD van got stuck in the mud and had to be towed out," highlighting the need for appropriate vehicles in dispersed areas.
Look for established campgrounds with facilities: Cedar Canyon Retreat RV Park and Campground provides amenities for families. "The bathrooms were incredibly well kept and clean with running toilets, sinks, and showers," notes a reviewer, though they mention tent sites are "a little closely packed and kinda awkward to get to."
Consider campgrounds with activities: "My partner and I tent camped here with our two dogs for 2 nights and it was such a great trip! The camp hosts are super nice and friendly and we're super informative about the nearby hikes we could do," reports a Cedar Canyon camper.
Choose dispersed sites with natural features: Water features engage children. A Yankee Meadows camper shares, "Great campground. Very quiet... has a creek running through it," providing natural entertainment for young campers.
Evaluate road grades carefully: When heading to mountain sites, be prepared for steep climbs. A camper at Yankee Meadow warns, "The road up there is so steep and winding - I was really worried that our rig wouldn't make it, even though it's a V10. So make sure that you've got enough engine in your truck to be able to tow a trailer up there."
Size restrictions limit dispersed options: Many forest service roads aren't suitable for larger rigs. "This place is really beautiful and there are a lot of dispersed spots, but you really have to have the right setup for it. We have a 36' Class A, and we only found 2 spots where we'd fit," reports a Yankee Meadow visitor.
Consider staying in town for full hookups: Painted Hills RV Resort in Parowan offers conveniences. "Very nice place with full hookups. They have a pool/jacuzzi that is opening soon. We stayed here as base camp and spent our days 20 minutes up the mountain skiing at Brian Head," shares a visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping spots in Parowan, Utah?
Parowan offers several camping options in the surrounding area. Yankee Meadows provides a scenic location with easy access from Parowan, though spring visits may encounter bugs. For dispersed camping, Parowan Gap Petroglyphs offers easy access and great views, plus the opportunity to explore ancient rock art. A short drive from Parowan takes you to Navajo Lake Campground in Dixie National Forest with both walk-in and drive-up sites near the lake. The area also has Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area, which features a paved road except for the last mile and sits at about 8,300 feet elevation. For those seeking more remote options, the mountains surrounding Parowan offer additional dispersed camping possibilities.
What RV facilities are available in Parowan, Utah?
Painted Hills RV Resort is a well-regarded RV facility in Parowan with helpful staff who can provide information about local history, dining options, and attractions. For those willing to drive a short distance, Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground offers a historic setting with full RV hookups, though it has a more touristy atmosphere. Additional RV options near Parowan include Cedar City RV Resort by Rjourney, which provides water hookups and toilet facilities. Most RV parks in the area are accessible year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. The Parowan area is conveniently located near popular destinations like Brian Head, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and within driving distance of Zion National Park.
What camping is available near Parowan, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Parowan, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 292 campgrounds and RV parks near Parowan, UT and 130 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Parowan, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Parowan, UT is Bear Flat with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Parowan, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 130 free dispersed camping spots near Parowan, UT.
What parks are near Parowan, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Parowan, UT that allow camping, notably Dixie National Forest and Bryce Canyon National Park.
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