Duck Creek Village - Dispersed Camping

The Cedar City Ranger District is located on the Markagunt Plateau, a gently sloping, eastward tilted earth block that has been modified by erosion, volcanism, and some glaciations. Bordered by the beautiful pink limestone of the Wasatch formation (the same formation that forms the spires and landscape of Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument), the District has some of the more spectacular scenery in the west. This panoramic tapestry becomes even more spectacular during the splendor of autumn's colors.

Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a developed campground. In some popular dispersed camping areas, camping is limited to designated sites only. Dispersed camping is free, therefore no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided.

There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you go camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.

Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot near a stream or with a view of the mountains. Visitors are encouraged to use existing camp sites. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Dispersed camping is not allowed within one mile of developed campgrounds. Motorized vehicle use for the purpose of dispersed camping is only allowed 150 feet from any designated route to limit resource damage. Use existing campsites. Visitors are encouraged to use one path of ingress and egress to prevent resource damage.

If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace principals.

Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damage or killing plants and grass. Camping within 200 feet of any water source is discouraged.. Avoid camping in the middle of a clearing or meadow; try to make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting Pick a tent/camp trailer site that is already level with good drainage as opposed to digging trenches.