Lava Flat Designated Dispersed Camping Area

4.41

32 reviews

Off Mammoth Road near Duck Creek, UT

Featured in:Camping Near Bryce Canyon National Park Camping Near Zion National Park

Quick Facts

8,333 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Cedar City Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,333 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Cedar City Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lava Flat Designated Dispersed Camping Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees charged for camping at Lava Flat Designated Dispersed Camping Area.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

(435) 865-3200

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 32 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethiking

"User reviews for Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area are generally positive, highlighting the seclusion, natural beauty, and lack of fees but noting the absence of facilities and occasional litter issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Off Mammoth Road near Duck Creek, UT

Lava Flat Designated Dispersed Camping Area

Off Mammoth Road near Duck Creek, UT

Driving directionsFrom Main Street in Cedar City, go east on UT-14/ E Center Street. Go 31 miles. Turn left on Mammoth Rd. and go 1.7 miles to the camping area.

The roads leading to the camping area are rough in some areas, which may pose a challenge for regular cars. User review highlights: 'Some of the roads in this camping area are pretty rough for a regular car. I think the roads are passable with a normal car and some driving skills in most areas but be prepared to turn around or back up for a while.'

Nearby places

Duck Creek (approximately 5-10 minutes away), Cedar City (approximately 31 miles from Lava Flat)

Nearby supplies

User review highlights: 'There’s a True Value hardware store 2 miles or so away that really has everything you need if you forget anything for your trip. They also have a good selection of groceries for a small town store.' Nearby Duck Creek also has gas stations, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and camping supply vendors.

Best Time to Camp at Lava Flat Designated Dispersed Camping Area

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of Utah's high country at Lava Flat. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those brave enough to face the freezing temperatures. As spring awakens the forest, wildflowers burst through the melting snow, and temperatures gradually climb to comfortable camping conditions. Summer brings perfect weather for outdoor adventures, with pleasant daytime temperatures reaching up to 70°F—ideal for hiking, exploring, and gathering around evening campfires under star-filled skies.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer sees higher activity; reviewers enjoyed warm-month visits.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

High-country aspens imply strong fall color and good autumn visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers thaw and wildlife activity but can be muddy and variable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter blankets area in snow but access and vehicle safety can be problematic.

Planning Tips

About Lava Flat Designated Dispersed Camping Area

Escape to the tranquil wilderness of Lava Flat, a hidden gem tucked away in the Dixie National Forest, just off Mammoth Road near Duck Creek, Utah. This pristine dispersed camping area beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience without the crowds or fees. Here, the only sounds you'll hear are the whisper of wind through the pines and the occasional call of wildlife. With the mysterious Mammoth Cave waiting to be explored nearby, Lava Flat serves as your perfect basecamp for discovering the untamed beauty of southern Utah's high country.

Primitive dispersed camping with no formal campsites or facilities.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of Utah's high country at Lava Flat. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those brave enough to face the freezing temperatures. As spring awakens the forest, wildflowers burst through the melting snow, and temperatures gradually climb to comfortable camping conditions. Summer brings perfect weather for outdoor adventures, with pleasant daytime temperatures reaching up to 70°F—ideal for hiking, exploring, and gathering around evening campfires under star-filled skies.

ElevationPerched high in Utah's mountainous terrain, Lava Flat offers camping at elevation where the air is crisp and pure. The natural topography creates a diverse landscape of ridges, valleys, and gentle slopes that provide both shelter and stunning vantage points throughout the dispersed camping area.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of Dixie National Forest at Lava Flat, where towering pines and aspens create a natural cathedral above your campsite. This mountainous sanctuary comes alive with seasonal surprises—from curious sheep that graze peacefully through the meadows to an abundance of fallen timber perfect for crackling campfires. The dispersed sites are thoughtfully spaced among the native vegetation, offering privacy while maintaining the wild character that makes this area so special. Each site feels like your own private piece of wilderness, where you can truly disconnect and reconnect with nature.

Geological RegionNestled within the remarkable geological tapestry of Dixie National Forest near Duck Creek, Lava Flat occupies a fascinating corner of Utah's volcanic past. The mountainous terrain tells ancient stories through its rugged features, while nearby Mammoth Cave offers a glimpse into the underground wonders carved by time and water. This dispersed camping paradise sits amid rolling hills and natural meadows that transform with the seasons—from sheep-dotted grasslands in summer to snow-covered wonderlands in winter. The diverse landscape provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery in one of Utah's most captivating wilderness areas.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

No designated group sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is dispersed, offering secluded sites across the area.

Walk-in AvailabilitySince reservations are not required and no fees apply, sites are first-come-first-served. User reviews suggest the area is generally quiet with few groups present even during the summer.

AccessibilityNo accessibility features are noted or available.

Site SizeSites are dispersed and not formally designated.

PrivacyThe area is described as secluded by some visitors, but proximity to roads may limit privacy.

Recommended SitesReview suggests choosing sites located farther from the road to avoid noise and dust. 'OHV area but some sites on side roads minimize noise and dust.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Lava Flat offers opportunities for outdoor activities typical of dispersed camping areas, such as hiking, enjoying nature, and exploring nearby attractions.

Hiking"Plenty of diverse hikes all over!" according to Abraham Covarrubias.

Wildlife viewingWildlife, such as sheep and sheep herding dogs, are commonly observed. Amber mentions that sheep presence is significant in this area.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews caution about rough roads for regular vehicles, sheep grazing (and waste) in the camping area, and lack of facilities like restrooms and potable water.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyUser reviews mention the availability of fire pits; no specific fire restrictions are noted.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely located in Duck Creek or Cedar City (specific facilities not listed).

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available on-site. Gregory Jones mentions dumpsters being available a few miles south at the highway.

Water FeaturesNo notable water features mentioned directly within the camping area; visitors may need to explore the larger Dixie National Forest region.

Weather at Lava Flat Designated Dispersed Camping Area

Reviews

4.4

32 reviews

Recommended

Lava Flat Designated Dispersed Camping Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area are generally positive, highlighting the seclusion, natural beauty, and lack of fees but noting the absence of facilities and occasional litter issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

"Secluded," "free," "fire pits," and nearby hiking opportunities were praised. Gregory Jones described it as a "quiet place," and Abraham Covarrubias rated it highly for its proximity to diverse...

Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include littering, specifically toilet paper in the bushes (as noted by Adrenaline Jackie), proximity to roads and occasional noise, and the presence of sheep and their droppings (Amber).

Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Adrenaline Jackie recommends bringing trash bags to manage litter. She also advises caution with low-clearance vehicles due to rough roads. Gregory Jones mentions that dumpsters are available a few...

Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer sees higher activity, with users like Adrenaline Jackie enjoying the area during warm months. Winter conditions may make access more challenging due to snow.

Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

Adrenaline Jackie: "I'm from Nevada and this is one of my favorite places to camp in the summer." Michael Anys: "Awesome dispersed camp site, free, secluded!" Abraham Covarrubias: "A beautiful spot...

Based on 32 reviews