Dixie National Forest Cedar Mountain Camping — Free Camping Near Cedar Breaks
About Dixie National Forest Cedar Mountain Camping
Dixie National Forest Cedar Mountain Camping gives travelers a cooler, forested alternative to the hot desert parks of southern Utah. This area sits near Cedar Breaks National Monument, Brian Head, Duck Creek Village, and the high plateaus above Cedar City.
Unlike a developed campground, this page focuses on dispersed camping areas and existing forest-road pullouts on Cedar Mountain. It works well for rooftop tents, vans, truck campers, small trailers, and travelers who want shade, cooler temperatures, and access to nearby scenic drives.
💡 CIWILD tip: This is a strong summer option when Zion, Bryce Canyon, or lower-elevation desert campsites feel too hot. Expect cooler nights and bring warm layers.
What to Expect
The landscape
Expect pine and aspen forest, high meadows, volcanic ridges, forest roads, cool mountain air, and access to scenic overlooks near Cedar Breaks and the Markagunt Plateau.
Campsite setup
Most dispersed sites are simple clearings off forest roads. Some are flat and easy for vans or rooftop tents, while others may be rocky, muddy, or narrow after storms.
Things to do nearby
- Visit Cedar Breaks National Monument and nearby overlooks.
- Explore Duck Creek Village, Brian Head, and Cedar City.
- Drive scenic byways and forest roads across Cedar Mountain.
- Hike, mountain bike, fish, or explore nearby lakes and meadows.
- Use the area as a cooler basecamp for southern Utah road trips.
Rules & Regulations
- Dispersed camping means camping outside a developed campground.
- Camp at least 150 feet from paved roads, at least one mile from developed campgrounds, and at least 100 feet from streams where local Dixie National Forest guidance applies.
- Use existing campsites and durable surfaces whenever possible.
- No services are provided at dispersed sites, including water, trash, tables, or fire rings.
- Pack out everything you bring in and leave the campsite clean.
- Make sure campfires are fully extinguished, and check with the local office before having a fire.
- Follow posted road closures, seasonal gates, and motor vehicle travel maps.
- Respect wildlife, private property boundaries, and quiet hours near other campers.
⚠️ Important: High-elevation weather can change quickly. Summer thunderstorms, muddy roads, cold nights, and early snow are possible on Cedar Mountain.
Seasonal Access
- Spring — April to May: Lower areas may open, but snow and mud can linger at higher elevations.
- Summer — June to August: Best for cool forest camping, hiking, and escaping desert heat.
- Fall — September to October: Excellent for aspen color, cool nights, and quieter camping.
- Winter — November to March: Many roads are snow-covered or closed, and regular vehicle camping is limited.
How to Get There
From Cedar City: Drive east on UT-14 toward Cedar Mountain, Duck Creek Village, and the Markagunt Plateau. Use signed forest roads and legal dispersed sites where allowed.
From Brian Head or Cedar Breaks: Use nearby forest roads and scenic routes to access higher-elevation camping areas when roads are open.
Last fuel and supplies: Cedar City, Duck Creek Village, Brian Head, or Panguitch depending on your route.
Offline maps: Download Forest Service maps and offline navigation before exploring side roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
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