Top 10 Places To Camp Near Cedar City
Posted: May 24, 2018 | Author: Kaden Mcbride | Read Time: 6 minutes
One of the best ways to explore the picturesque scenery of southern Utah is through camping. The area is full of rugged mountain peaks, red rock expanses and wild areas unique to this corner of the world. With so much to take in, we’ve compiled an insider’s guide on the some of the best places to camp that aren’t very far from Southern Utah University.
Point Supreme Campground
Distance from SUU: 31 minutes
Camping Fees: $20 per night
At 10,000 feet, this campground’s elevation gives you a front row seat to nature’s splendor. The camp places you near the Cedar Breaks National Monument Visitor Center which offers many ranger-led programs that cover subjects ranging from astronomy to wildlife. Wearing sturdy hiking shoes is a must as nearby trails will take you through landscapes that can only be described as awe inspiring. The site is also the location of the highest regularly held star-viewing program in the National Park system. Only two tent sites are available to reserve with the rest on a first-come, first serve basis so plan to arrive early.
Getting there: From Cedar City, head east on UT-14 E for 13 miles. Turn left onto UT-148 N for 3.9 miles. Turn right onto Campground Rd.
Red Cliffs Recreation Area
Distance from SUU: 37 minutes
Camping Fees: $15 per night
Just off of I-15, the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, and nearby Red Cliffs Campground, is one of the best recreational area in southern Utah. Located 15 miles north of St George, the area is filled with breathtaking scenery in all directions. There are countless activities available, with multiple hiking trails starting directly at the campgrounds, rock climbing and rappelling opportunities, and dinosaur tracks.
Getting there: From Cedar City, get on I-15 S towards St. George for 34.9 miles. Take exit 23. Follow N Main St and Old Hwy 91 to your destination.
Duck Creek Village
Distance from SUU: 38 minutes
Camping Fees: $17 per night
Located 28 miles east of Cedar City, Duck Creek is the largest campground in the Cedar City Ranger District. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and mountain vistas, Duck Creek serves as the gateway to several national parks. With great locations for biking, hiking, ski, and snowmobiling, the area is a fantastic location to visit year-round. The village also offers several restaurants, shops, lodges, cabin rentals, and inns, making it a prime destination for locals and tourists alike.
Getting there: From Cedar City, head east on W. Center St toward N 200 W St for 5.1 miles. Continue onto UT-14 E and follow the road for 24.9 miles before turning right onto Pioneer Mountain Rd.
Navajo Lake
Distance from SUU: 40 minutes
Camping Fees: $17 per night
Located 25 miles east of Cedar City, Navajo Lake offers a plethora of gorgeous sights, with plenty to see and do. Escape the heat with a day out on the water, with boat and canoe rentals available from the local Navajo Lake Lodge. The area also offers several trails for hiking, with one of the most popular being the one mile round trip to the beautiful Cascade Falls.
Getting there: From Cedar City, head east on W Center St toward N 200 W St for 5.1 mi. Continue onto UT-14 E and follow the road for 20.4 miles. Turn right onto Navajo Lake Rd, following it for 2.9. Slight right onto Forest Rd 4222.
Te-Ah Campground
Distance from SUU: 49 minutes
Camping Fees: $17
Set atop the Colorado Plateau, Te-Ah is an aspen covered wonderland. The 34-mile Virgin River Rim trail offers striking views of wildlife and geological formations and is open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
Getting there: From Cedar City, head east on W. Center St toward N 200 W St for 5.1 miles. Continue onto UT-14 E and follow the road for 20.4 miles before turning right onto Navajo Lake Rd. Continue for 5.5 miles then turn right onto Te-Ah Campground Rd.
Snow Canyon State Park
Distance from SUU: 1 hour
Camping Fees: $16 per night
Offering over 15 miles of hiking trails, as well as a year-round camping ground, Snow Canyon State Park is one of the best locations for those who enjoy seeing the majestic scenery of St George. In addition to its biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing opportunities, the area also boasts a history of use in Hollywood and TV productions, including The Electric Horseman and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Getting there: From Cedar City, take I-15 S for 50 miles, then take exit 8. Follow E Red Hills Pkwy and W snow Canyon Pkwy for 9.4 miles to Snow Canyon Dr.
Panguitch Lake
Distance from SUU: 1 hour 3 minutes
Camping Fees: White Bridge Campground: $17 per night
Located 20 minutes south of Panguitch, Panguitch Lake is ideal for boating, hiking, and horseback riding during the summer months. Unlike some locations, however, the area also has plenty to offer during the winter months, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Getting there: From Cedar City, take N 1150 W to W 200 N. Follow I-15 N and UT-143 S for 49.6 mile to FR245 in Garfield County. Turn left on FR245.
Pine Valley
Distance from SUU: 1 hour 16 minutes
Camping Fees: $17 per night
Nestled in the shade of towering Ponderosa Pine trees, Pine Valley offers visitors a chance to escape the heat often associated with southern Utah. The nearby reservoir offers campers a chance to try their hand at shore-fishing for trout. The beautiful scenery has several trails close at hand that affords hikers the opportunity to explore the surrounding forest. Several campgrounds can be found in the area allowing for larger groups or horses. A local favorite, Pine Valley should be included on every list of best places to camp in Southern Utah.
Getting there: From Cedar City, head west on UT-56 W for 28.6 miles. Follow Bench Rd to UT-18 S in Beryl for 8.8 miles. Follow UT-18 S 16.3 miles to Center St/ Pine Valley Hwy in Central. Follow Pine Valley Hwy for 9.7 miles to Pine Valley Recreation Area Rd. in Pine Valley.
Cathedral Gorge Nevada State Park
Distance from SUU: 1 hour 30 minutes
Camping Fees: $17 per night
While not part of southern Utah, this park offers a view of the areas explosive past. The cliffs and spires were formed after volcanic eruptions deposited layers of ash that eroded after millions of years, leaving the spectacular landscape you can enjoy today. This historic park became one of Nevada’s first state parks. When you stay here, keep your eyes peeled for the many desert dwellers who call this place home.
Getting there: From Cedar City, head west on UT-56 W for 60.1 miles. Continue on NV-319 W for 20.9 miles. Turn right onto US-93 N for 0.9 miles. Turn left onto Cathedral Gorge State Park Road.
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Distance from SUU: 2 hours 20 minutes
Camping Fees: Wide Hollow Campground $20 per night
Take a trip into prehistory by visiting this one-of-a-kind park. The fantastic array of colorful petrified wood found on the Trail of Sleeping Rainbows is truly astonishing. This park is the perfect place to make your base camp as you explore the wonderfully wild Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Some points of interest near the area include the Calf Creek Recreation Area with trails to both the Upper and Lower Calf Creek Falls. Free permits to camp in the Monument’s backcountry are available from the Interagency Office in Escalante.
Getting there: From Cedar City, head east onto UT-14 E for 35.5 miles. Turn left onto US-89 N and follow for 20.6 miles. Turn right onto UT-12 E for 58 miles. Turn left onto Reservoir Road and follow for 0.6 miles.
This article was published more than 5 years ago and might contain outdated information or broken links. As a result, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
Tags: Cedar City Blog Outdoors
