The Summit, Utah area encompasses a variety of camping destinations from developed facilities to dispersed sites across public lands. Point Supreme Campground in Cedar Breaks National Monument maintains a 4.6/5 rating for its well-maintained tent and RV sites, operating seasonally from June through September. Coal Creek Dispersed camping areas near Cedar City provide free primitive camping with access for both tents and recreational vehicles. The region includes several mixed-use campgrounds like Cedar Canyon Retreat RV Park and Campground, which offers cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping areas, and Bear Flat dispersed camping which provides basic amenities in a more remote setting.
Access to camping areas varies significantly by season and elevation in this mountainous region. Many campgrounds, including Yankee Meadows, operate only during warmer months from May through September due to winter conditions. Dispersed camping areas like Coal Creek and Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area remain accessible to high-clearance vehicles but lack amenities like drinking water and restroom facilities. Road conditions often deteriorate after rainfall, especially on unpaved forest roads. Visitors should prepare for temperature fluctuations, particularly at higher elevations where overnight temperatures can drop significantly even in summer. According to one visitor at Navajo Lake Campground: "It's a nice spot right across from Navajo Lake. The spots are surrounded by natural beauty with easy access to fishing, kayaking, canoeing, off roading, hiking and more in the area."
Campground experiences in the Summit area vary widely based on location and amenities. Cedar City KOA receives positive reviews for its full hookup sites, picnic tables, and shower facilities, making it popular with families seeking more comfortable accommodations. Meanwhile, primitive camping options like Bear Flat appeal to those seeking more solitude and natural settings. Public lands near Parowan Gap Petroglyphs combine camping opportunities with archaeological interests. Many campgrounds in the area receive praise for proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, hiking, and off-road trails. Several reviews mention the importance of securing reservations well in advance for established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when visitation peaks throughout the region's public lands.
$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."
$25 - $250 / night
"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."
"Cedar Canyon Retreat is a cute little campground close to Cedar Breaks National Monument and to the town of Brian Head. We stayed in our 30' TT and site 20 was plenty big enough."
"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."
"While there are lots of places to camp please don't make new campsites or drive off roads and in the desert/grass."
"This is an amazing place to camp, if you like dry camping ( which I do) it is peaceful and relaxing away from the crowds"
"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."
"Spots scattered around, more so on the left side when you drive in - towards and around marathon trail head. Bring extra bug spray!"
"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."
"The overflow is where we stayed which is tucked into the trees and has a creek running through it."
"The other spots by the creek are all close to each other with minimal privacy. The spot we found was completely separate and next to creek. Wed was pretty empty but then it filled up on Thursday."
$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."
$12 - $30 / night
"Temperatures were a little bit hot, but that’s to be expected this time of year at this elevation in Utah. Very few people were here, and I stayed on the Fourth of July."
"Pyramid was a good place to take a break as we moved across Utah. We were there for 1 night in May. There is a well serviced bathroom. No water or electricity."
"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."
"I drive a scion tc and had no trouble driving in."
GuideElite dispersed camping, it is very convenient to the highway. But yet we parked behind a mound of gravel, and it helped block the noise and some of the view of the highway. It was very convenient from interstate 15. No rough roads. Very flat areas.
Travelerthe spot i maneuvered into is level, clear enough for good starlink, and isolated enough not to hear the few other people that are around. no water, no toilets. dry camping at it’s best.
TravelerLove this place, the showers and bathrooms are among the cleanest that we've ever seen. The spaces are layed out in such a way that you don't feel as though you might be encroaching on your neighbors space.
Things to be aware of, the local area is called Hurricane for a reason, it can be windy. Also, their water pressure isn't the greatest. If it is your first visit, getting to your site can be confusing, just follow the arrows on the pavement and look for your site number.
GuideI picked this campground because it was along my route, and it turned out to be a great find. The views are beautiful, and the area has plenty of trails—I even got some mountain biking in. Everyone here has been super friendly. I originally planned to stay one night, but I’m thinking about staying three.
ScoutWe stayed at Zion White Bison Resort for 3 days in March and we are obsessed! We are traveling in a Cruise America class "C" mothorhome and they have 2 long rows of RV sites dedicated to the smaller Cruise America RV's. Concrete sites with real grass! And full Hookups! Close to the Restrooms/Pool/Laundry. There are larger sites and Big Rig friendly sites as well. We saw a couple of big semi's with their trailers in the really long sites! The property is huge and the RV park is at the bottom of their property, next to the Virgin River and it is amazingly quiet! And the VIEWS! AMAZING! This park gives you a very safe, comfortable and peaceful feel and we love the friendly and wonderful staff! We are so excited we found this RV Park and it is now our new home away from home!
GuideBeautiful place, but lots of gun shell casings and trash close to the spot I chose. Others were pretty clean and some looked to be by prairie dogs.
ScoutGreat spot but if you don’t have the ground clearance to get back 1/2 mile from the trailhead you may have to pack your stuff in. Super easy either way!
ScoutIt's new. Washers, dryers work great. Lots are roomy. Not much highway noise. Extra clean! Nice safe place. Dog parks are just ok.
ScoutNice, clean, secluded spot in a few juniper trees. Noise from highway audible so wear ear plugs. I would stay again.
High-elevation camping in the Summit area ranges from 7,500 to over 10,000 feet, creating significant temperature fluctuations. Dispersed camping options dominate the landscape across Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands. Roads to camping areas typically transition from paved to graded gravel or dirt, with conditions deteriorating rapidly after rain events.
Fishing opportunities: Plan time at Yankee Meadows, located near a reservoir where fishing is accessible. "Yankee meadow is a nice campground that is a short walk from the reservoir where you can fish or kayak," notes Molly D. The reservoir offers a calm environment for both fishing and water activities.
Mountain biking access: Located within minutes of Brian Head resort, making Bear Flat an ideal base for cyclists. "My favorite free spot by far with the views and how close it is to all the mountain biking," writes Grace R. Sites are scattered throughout fields and forested areas, providing options for shade preferences.
Archaeological exploration: Visit the petroglyphs at Parowan Gap, which features ancient rock carvings alongside hiking trails. "The Parowan Gap is a gorgeous place that contains numerous petroglyphs, rock climbs, hikes, and geocache to keep you busy," explains Alan B. The area combines recreational activities with historical significance.
High-elevation escape: Cooler temperatures make Point Supreme Campground a refuge during summer heat. "This is by far my favorite place to camp. With a high elevation it makes a great spot to escape the heat and has some of the darkest skies in all of the country," reports Brian P. The campground sits at approximately 10,000 feet.
Dark sky viewing: Minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. "Visit when the moon is dark for some of the best stargazing ever," recommends Amber A. about Point Supreme Campground. Cedar Breaks National Monument holds regular astronomy programs during summer months.
Wildlife sightings: Dawn and dusk animal activity enriches the camping experience. "We had deer strolling through our campsite in the morning," shares Bonnie M. about her stay at Watchman Campground. Wildlife commonly seen includes deer, rabbits, and various bird species throughout the region.
Road conditions: High-clearance vehicles recommended for most dispersed sites. "Not a bad spot near a stream, off the highway, but our 2WD van got stuck in the mud and had to be towed out," cautions Paul M. about Coal Creek Dispersed. Weather changes can transform passable roads into challenging terrain within hours.
Fire restrictions: Regulations change seasonally and often prohibit open flames during dry periods. "Starting August 1, no fires are allowed," notes Johanna A. at Point Supreme. Carry a portable stove as backup for cooking needs.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and gnats affect comfort levels during certain months. "Other than the biting gnats, the kids loved it," mentions James W. about Cedar City KOA. Biting insects tend to be most active during late spring and early summer, particularly near water sources.
Entertainment options: Combine camping with festival activities in Cedar City. "We stayed five nights at this campground. It is a smaller, family-ran campground. This was a nice place to stay that was in between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks," reports Jennifer T. about Cedar Canyon Retreat, which offers convenient access to Cedar City's cultural events.
Child-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with play areas to keep younger campers engaged. "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," shares Lane H. from his stay at Cedar City KOA.
Educational opportunities: Visit ranger programs at national monuments for family learning. "It is basically a mini bryce canyon. Very beautiful and super underrated," explains Michael K. about Cedar Breaks National Monument, which hosts interpretive programs suitable for various ages.
Site selection strategy: Research carefully before booking at Cedar City RV Resort to avoid unwanted noise. "The corner spot was roomy enough for my tow rig unhooked or hooked up," notes Lane H. in his second visit, after previously experiencing noise issues near the playground in his first stay.
Elevation considerations: Be prepared for increased fuel consumption on steep mountain roads. "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," cautions Francisco F. about the drive to Yankee Meadow. Many roads to higher-elevation campgrounds feature grades exceeding 8%.
Connectivity needs: Plan for limited or no cell service at most forest campsites. "I loved my stay at Yankee Meadows. 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," reports Kiley S. Download offline maps before heading to remote camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Summit, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Summit, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 281 campgrounds and RV parks near Summit, UT and 124 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Summit, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Summit, UT is Point Supreme Campground — Cedar Breaks National Monument with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Summit, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 124 free dispersed camping spots near Summit, UT.
What parks are near Summit, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Summit, UT that allow camping, notably Dixie National Forest and Zion National Park.
Keep Exploring
