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.

This is an area guide, not a listing for an official campsite. It covers possible dispersed camping on National Forest System lands outside developed campgrounds. Confirm that the specific road and site are open to public motor vehicles and camping on the current Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), posted orders, and on-site signs. Nearby developed campgrounds are separate facilities with their own fees, reservations, seasons, and rules.

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

Where dispersed camping is legal, use an existing disturbed site rather than creating a new pullout. Road surfaces, widths, seasonal gates, snow, and storm damage vary; the planning point below does not certify access or identify an authorized campsite.

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 on National Forest System land where camping is not closed or otherwise restricted.
• The current forestwide order limits dispersed occupancy within a 10-mile radius to 16 consecutive days or 16 days in any 60-day period. After 16 days, move at least 10 miles. The 14-day limit applies to developed campgrounds, not this dispersed-camping guide.
• Dixie National Forest's FAQ says to camp at least 150 feet from paved roads, one mile from developed campgrounds, and 100 feet from streams. Its current camping page gives a more protective 300-foot distance from streams or other water sources. Because the official pages differ, this guide recommends using 300 feet and confirming current district instructions and posted orders.
• Separate orders restrict camping around specified water sources in the Cedar City and Powell ranger districts. Review the order and its maps before choosing a site.
• 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.
• As reviewed July 31, 2026, Stage 1 fire restrictions allow campfires only in permanent Forest Service-installed metal or concrete fire pits or grates at developed recreation sites. A liquid- or gas-fueled device that can be turned on and off may be used in an area cleared or barren for 10 feet. Recheck the current order before every trip.
• Use the legal MVUM for motorized access and follow all posted closures and seasonal gates. A road absent from the MVUM is not open to public motor vehicle use unless another official authorization applies.
• Respect wildlife, private property boundaries, and quiet hours near other campers.

Seasonal Access

• Spring — April to May: Snow, mud, and seasonal gates can limit higher roads; verify the MVUM, alerts, and on-site signs.
• Summer — June to August: Often the most practical access window, but storms, closures, and fire restrictions can change conditions quickly.
• Fall — September to October: Cold nights and early snow can arrive; road access is not guaranteed.
• Winter — November to March: Many higher roads may be snow-covered, seasonally gated, or unsuitable for ordinary vehicles.

How to Get There

From Cedar City: UT-14 reaches the Cedar Mountain area. Before turning onto a forest road, use the current MVUM to confirm that the route is open to the type of motor vehicle you are driving, then obey gates, signs, and closure orders.

From Brian Head or Cedar Breaks: Do not assume nearby National Park Service land or a roadside pullout permits camping. Confirm the land manager and use only legal National Forest routes and existing sites where dispersed camping is allowed.

Last fuel and supplies: Cedar City, Duck Creek Village, Brian Head, or Panguitch depending on your route.

Offline maps: Download the official Dixie National Forest MVUM and relevant closure maps before exploring side roads. The MVUM governs public motor-vehicle use; a commercial navigation app does not replace it.