Yankee Meadow Campground

3.85

28 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$25 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Open late spring to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Dixie National Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$25 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Open late spring to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Dixie National Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Yankee Meadow Campground

$25.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $25 for a single site accommodating up to 8 people and 1 vehicle, to $75 for a group site accommodating 1-40 people. Double sites...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$75.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.85

Mixed Reviews

Based on 28 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"User reviews are mixed, with some praising the campground's scenic beauty and well-maintained facilities, while others note closures due to fire damage. Brenda Wood wrote, 'I absolutely love Yankee Meadows. We camp there every summer,' while Eric Myers mentioned, 'Overnight camping is CLOSED due to 2017 fire.'"

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Yankee Meadow Campground

37.7610, -112.7590

Driving directions34 miles from Cedar City: Take I-15 northbound. Drive 19 miles to Parowan, take Exit 78 into Parowan, then take Highway U-143 south out of Parowan and drive 3 miles, then turn left on First Left Hand Road and drive 6 miles to the campground.

The campground is accessible by car, with a combination of major highways and dirt roads. There is a 6-mile stretch on First Left Hand Road which leads directly to the campground.

Nearby places

Cedar City, 34 miles

Parowan, 9 miles

Nearby supplies

Parowan (9 miles away) has the nearest options for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Yankee Meadow Campground

The rhythms of Yankee Meadows follow the dramatic swings of high-elevation seasons. Winter's icy grip holds the landscape in crystalline stillness for months, transforming the meadows into a frozen wonderland accessible only to the most determined souls. As spring slowly awakens the land, wildflowers push through melting snow, and by late May, the campground emerges fully alive. Summer brings perfect camping weather with warm days, cool nights, and brilliantly clear skies that showcase the Milky Way in all its glory. The brief but spectacular fall season paints the aspens gold before winter returns to reclaim its domain.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is the most popular season; reviewers report regular summer camping visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open through late fall with good scenery, but fire impacts and shorter season reduce appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open late spring; variable conditions from snowmelt make spring moderately appealing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open late spring to late fall
Current Alerts: Campground closures due to the 2017 Brianhead fires are noted, with overlapping user reports indicating intermittent access restrictions.

About Yankee Meadow Campground

Tucked away like a secret whispered among seasoned adventurers, Yankee Meadows Campground rests in the shadow of Sydney Peaks' dramatic volcanic cliffs. This hidden sanctuary beckons those seeking solitude and adventure in equal measure, where crystal-clear waters teem with trout, forest trails wind through recovering wilderness, and the rumble of ATVs mingles with the calls of mountain birds. Far from the crowds yet rich with recreational possibilities, this high-country retreat offers an authentic taste of Utah's rugged backcountry.

Yankee Meadow Campground offers multiple types of camping accommodations, including standard campsites, double sites, and dispersed camping in areas outside the campground.

Historical SignificanceThe landscape surrounding Yankee Meadows tells a story of resilience and renewal. The devastating Brianhead fires of 2017 swept through these forests, leaving behind a transformed ecosystem that nature is steadily reclaiming. Today, visitors witness firsthand the remarkable regeneration of the land, where new growth emerges from charred earth and wildlife returns to restored habitats. This ongoing ecological transformation offers a unique opportunity to observe nature's powerful ability to heal and adapt.

Weather and SeasonsThe rhythms of Yankee Meadows follow the dramatic swings of high-elevation seasons. Winter's icy grip holds the landscape in crystalline stillness for months, transforming the meadows into a frozen wonderland accessible only to the most determined souls. As spring slowly awakens the land, wildflowers push through melting snow, and by late May, the campground emerges fully alive. Summer brings perfect camping weather with warm days, cool nights, and brilliantly clear skies that showcase the Milky Way in all its glory. The brief but spectacular fall season paints the aspens gold before winter returns to reclaim its domain.

ElevationPerched at 8,500 feet above sea level, Yankee Meadows exists in that rarified air where the sky seems touchably close and every breath reminds you of your altitude. This lofty setting rewards visitors with cooler temperatures and escape from summer's heat, though the thin mountain air may leave newcomers slightly breathless during their first day or two. Taking time to acclimate allows you to fully embrace the high-country experience, where eagles soar at eye level and storm clouds form below the horizon.

Natural Features and SceneryThe dramatic volcanic cliffs of Sydney Peaks create an awe-inspiring amphitheater around Yankee Meadows, their ancient lava flows frozen in time like nature's own sculpture garden. Below these towering sentinels, a tapestry of ecosystems unfolds: dense pine and aspen forests give way to wildflower-studded meadows, while a pristine alpine lake mirrors the sky and surrounding peaks. This diverse landscape serves as a natural playground, with trails branching out like spokes from the campground hub, each leading to new discoveries whether you're on foot, mountain bike, horseback, or ATV.

Geological RegionYankee Meadows occupies a fascinating geological crossroads within the Dixie National Forest, where ancient volcanic forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary diversity. The towering cliffs of Sydney Peaks stand as monuments to the region's fiery past, their columnar basalt formations and weathered lava flows creating a dramatic backdrop unlike anywhere else in Utah. This volcanic heritage has blessed the area with nutrient-rich soils that support lush meadows and diverse forests, creating a unique ecosystem where mountain meadows bloom beneath prehistoric rock formations and pristine lakes fill ancient volcanic depressions.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Single site: 8 people
Double site: 16 people
Group sites: up to 40 people.

Groups

Group site capacities vary: Group A accommodates 1-40 people, while Groups B and C accommodate 1-30 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features 27 single campsites and 2 double sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. The sites are well spaced for privacy.

Walk-in AvailabilityThere are no reserved spots; get there early as all sites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not provided in the source materials.

Site SizeThe campground features 27 standard campsites and 2 double sites.

PrivacyUser Brenda Wood noted that 'The camp sites are spread out so you're not too close to other campers,' suggesting a good level of privacy.

Total Campsites29 campsites

Recommended SitesAdvice from reviews includes arriving early for the best spots, particularly those closer to the lake for scenic views.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Yankee Meadow Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The lake is noted for its scenic beauty, with towering volcanic cliffs in the background. There are several popular trails in the area, such as Vermillion Castle, Noah's Ark, Henderson Hill, and Yankee Meadows Loop. ATV enthusiasts can explore routes like the Markagunt and Second Left Hand trails, though OHV/ATV use is prohibited within the campground itself.

HikingHiking trails in the area include Vermillion Castle, Noah's Ark, Henderson Hill, and Yankee Meadows Loop. These trails offer scenic views and opportunities for exploration.

FishingThe lake at Yankee Meadow Campground is a popular spot for trout fishing. User reviews frequently highlight the quality of fishing in the area.

BikingBiking is available in and around the campground, but no specific trail details are provided.

BoatingBoating is a popular activity at the lake, although no details about boat rentals or facilities are provided.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include active wildfire recovery areas and no garbage disposal system, requiring campers to pack out all waste. Fire dangers are periodically at maximum levels.

Active AlertsCampground closures due to the 2017 Brianhead fires are noted, with overlapping user reports indicating intermittent access restrictions.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only in designated fire pits. Fire danger is periodically at maximum, leading to full restrictions on campfires and charcoal grilling.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesThe nearest city, Parowan (9 miles away), likely has emergency services such as clinics or law enforcement. Cedar City (34 miles away) provides hospitals and more advanced medical or emergency services.

Trash & RecyclingNo garbage disposal is provided. Visitors are required to pack out their trash.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located near a scenic lake known for trout fishing and small boating. A creek with dispersed camping areas is also nearby.

Camp HostUser reviews mention campground hosts positively, describing them as 'pretty cool'.

Weather at Yankee Meadow Campground

Reviews

3.9

28 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Yankee Meadow Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, with some praising the campground's scenic beauty and well-maintained facilities, while others note closures due to fire damage. Brenda Wood wrote, 'I absolutely love Yankee Meadows. We camp there every summer,' while Eric Myers mentioned, 'Overnight camping is CLOSED due to 2017 fire.'

Review Summaries

Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the campground's beautiful scenery, clean vault toilets, spaced-out campsites for privacy, and recreational activities such as fishing and boating.

Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative reviews focus on the campground's closure due to the 2017 Brianhead fire, the lack of garbage disposal facilities, and restrictions on campfires in certain areas.

Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend bringing folding chairs, packing out your trash, and checking fire regulations upon arrival. Eric Myers advised, 'Be sure to stop and read the signboard as you come into Yankee...

Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular camping season, but closures due to the 2017 fire have impacted visits. Brenda Wood mentioned camping there every summer, while Eric Myers pointed out closures affecting...

Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. Brenda Wood: 'I absolutely love Yankee Meadows. We camp there every summer.' 2. Eric Myers: 'PAY FOR CAMPING CLOSED DUE TO 2017 FIRE.' 3. Shane Russell: 'Always the best place to camp but get...

Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Brenda Wood highlighted free sites closer to the lake and along a creek, though campfires are not allowed in these areas. Eric Myers mentioned dispersed camping down the hill from the main campground.

Based on 28 reviews