Within Dixie National Forest, Pine Lake Campground sits at 8,100 feet elevation along a five-mile gravel road that requires careful navigation. The Forest Service manages this 32-site campground where vault toilets stay clean and centralized water taps serve campers throughout the season.
"Secluded sites, you rarely see into the sites near you," notes Ramdas S., who has visited for nearly 50 years. Tree cover varies significantly between sites, with some offering full shade while others remain more exposed. The campground operates two loops—an upper section for reservations and a lower area for first-come, first-serve camping. Sites accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, though maneuvering space varies by location.
The adjacent lake provides fishing opportunities and space for kayaking, though wind conditions can be persistent. A walking trail circles the water, and campers report easy access from most sites. Range cattle, chipmunks, and jays frequent the area, while ospreys fish the lake. ATV enthusiasts use this as a base for exploring nearby trails, and dispersed camping options exist along the access road for those preferring primitive sites.
That gravel approach road demands attention—reviewers consistently mention securing loose items before the drive. "Tie down everything that can be tied down," advises Jen R.. The camp host sells firewood for $7 per bundle, and dumpsters sit conveniently at the road's end. Cell service remains unreliable, and the campground typically closes by mid-September for winter.
This elevation provides relief from summer heat while maintaining access for campgrounds around Tropic and regional attractions. The combination of lake access, dispersed camping potential, and genuine backcountry feel attracts campers seeking an alternative to more developed facilities in the area.
Description
Overview
Pine Lake Campground is located next to its scenic namesake lake high on the Colorado Plateau at an elevation of 8,100 feet. Visitors enjoy canoeing, fishing and exploring local hiking and off-road vehicle trails.
Recreation
A short trail leads from the campground to Pine Lake, which offers excellent canoeing and kayaking, as well as fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout. Hiking and off-road vehicle trails are plentiful within the area, however off-road vehicles are not allowed in the campground. The Pine Lake OHV Trailhead is located adjacent to the campground. A loading ramp is provided.
Facilities
The campground offers four group sites and 17 family sites. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A well-maintained gravel road leads to the campground, providing good access for cars and RVs alike.
Natural Features
Pine Lake is situated at the foot of beautifully forested peaks banded with red and white layers of sandstone. The campground is nestled among a forest of spruce and towering ponderosa pines, and is adjacent to Pine Lake.
Nearby Attractions
Bryce Canyon National Park is approximately 30 minutes from the campground, offering breathtaking scenery and excellent hiking opportunities. Kodachrome Basin State Park is an hour away, with towering rock spires, a natural arch and great hiking trails.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
With the current water levels and weather fluctuations delays in water access are expected at Pine Lake Campground. Please plan to have enough water, including drinking water, for your stay.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPine Lake Campground is located in Utah
Directions
Travel Utah Highway 12 to the junction with SR 63 and CR 1660. Turn north at sign pointing toward Antimony. Travel 10.5 miles and turn right at Pine Lake turnoff. Travel 5.5 miles to the campground.
Address
DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST
1789 N WEDGEWOOD LANE
Cedar city, UT 84721
Coordinates
37.7455556 N
111.9525 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/27/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/27/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/27/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/27/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 30 min from St. George, UT
- 3 hrs 21 min from Provo, UT
- 4 hrs 39 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 4 hrs 53 min from Flagstaff, AZ

























