Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area

Within Dixie National Forest, Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area provides free camping at 8,300 feet elevation near Parowan. The US Forest Service manages this drive-in and walk-in site where campers can access clearly marked spots along a dirt road that extends about half a mile from the paved highway.

A creek runs through several campsites, and stone fire pits mark designated camping areas. The terrain shows evidence of 2017 forest fires, with burned areas actively regrowing while deer and grazing cattle move through the open landscape. Multiple reviewers note the area remains quiet despite occasional vehicle traffic on the continuing dirt road. The 13% grade climb to reach the campground requires preparation, though RVs up to 26 feet navigate the route successfully.

Stephanie U. found "perfectly level" sites in the lower loop, though wind conditions can be persistent year-round. Cell service remains unavailable until reaching Parowan. The elevation brings cold temperatures even in warmer months, with snow possible into late spring.

Nearby Yankee Meadows sits just 0.3 miles southwest for those seeking additional options. For more choices, explore places to camp around Parowan. Note that pets are not permitted at this location, and no amenities are provided beyond the natural setting.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Cedar City, head north on Hwy 15. \_\_Take exit 75 to merge onto UT-143 toward Parowan. \_\_Go 2.9 miles then turn right on UT-143. \_\_Go 3 miles then turn left onto 1st Left Hand Road/ Bowery Creek Raod. \_\_Drive 4.9 miles to Yankee Meadows.

Coordinates

37.773 N
112.749 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Many visitors reported beautiful scenery and peaceful camping with clearly marked free sites. Some noted concerns about dirt-heavy conditions and lack of amenities, while others appreciated the quiet atmosphere and stream access.

Reviewed Apr. 28, 2025

Star Gazing

Easy access dispersed campsites. Perfectly level in lower loop. Wind was relentless and despite nearly being May, it did snow a tiny bit today. We will return!

Site13
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2022

Stunning scenery, excellent stay

What a fantastic experience. The road is paved except the last mile. The climb is 13% grade for about 8 miles so be prepared, but it is all paved. Two camps were closed so the only one open was busy, but quiet. At about 8300 feet altitude it does get cold. 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. No cell reception until you are in the town of Parowan

Site13
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area by K C., October 8, 2022
Reviewed May. 26, 2021

Great spots!

Spots are clearly marked and free to camp. I drive a scion tc and had no trouble driving in.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 23, 2021

Great little spots

The road from the main highway is paved for most the way. Very beautiful. I’m not sure if we stayed in this spot directly, but we found a camp along side the road and it was great. The stream ran through our camp and the trees were situated perfectly for parking the van. Forest fires have burnt most of the trees though and the wind was relentless. I still enjoyed my experience.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area by Jake M., May 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area by Jake M., May 23, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2020

Quiet

Easy to get to. Nobody there. Beautiful area. Lots of spots to park and they’re clearly marked. Stone fire pits at sites. Beautiful stream runs thru a few sites! Very peaceful.

  • Review photo of Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area by Caleb C., October 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area by Caleb C., October 25, 2020
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Reviewed Sep. 18, 2020

Quiet, not crowded and relaxing.

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. The road turns to dirt and the campgrounds (see photo of sign at entrance) are about a half mile on a fairly smooth dirt road. We have 26 foot class C and it did fine. The area burned in 2017 so views at campgrounds are of burned areas trying to regrow with grazing cattle and deer. Nice quiet place with occasional vehicles on dirt road which continues on. The near by creek keeps the vehicle noise to minimum and is a nice place to sit and relax. There are hiking trails along the road on the drive in. Good are for hiking, biking, camping, and OHV use.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area by Laura M., September 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area by Laura M., September 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area by Laura M., September 18, 2020
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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any photos of Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area to view before visiting?

Photos of Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area can be found online, showing its picturesque setting with streams running through some campsites, stone fire pits, and clearly marked camping spots. Images typically showcase the surrounding forest with trees that display beautiful fall colors in autumn, the backdrop of vermillion rock formations, and the bright blue sky characteristic of the area. For the most current and comprehensive collection of photos, check the official Dixie National Forest website or popular camping platforms.

Where is the Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area located in Utah?

Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area is located in the Dixie National Forest at approximately 8,300 feet elevation. It's accessible via a road that features beautiful vermillion rock formations and is surrounded by scenic forest land. The campground is situated near a stream that runs through some of the campsites, offering a peaceful natural setting with mountain views. The area is characterized by its high elevation, which provides cooler temperatures than surrounding lower elevations.

How do I get to Yankee Meadows from Flagstaff or Parowan?

From Parowan, take the road heading into Dixie National Forest. The route is paved for most of the way except for the last mile which is dirt. Be prepared for a 13% grade climb for about 8 miles on the paved section. Despite the steep grade, the road is well-maintained and accessible to most vehicles. The campgrounds are located about half a mile down a fairly smooth dirt road after you see the entrance sign. From Flagstaff, you would need to travel north on I-15 to Parowan first, then follow these directions to reach Yankee Meadows.

Is Yankee Meadows a free dispersed camping option near Cedar City, Utah?

Yes, Yankee Meadows is a free dispersed camping option near Cedar City, Utah. The campsites are clearly marked and no fee is required to camp there. It offers stone fire pits at designated sites, and some spots feature a beautiful stream running through them. This makes it an excellent budget-friendly option for those looking to explore the Cedar City area while enjoying the natural beauty of the Dixie National Forest.