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Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area

6 ReviewsAdd Review

This free dispersed camping area sits at 8,330 feet elevation in the Dixie National Forest, accessible via paved road with short dirt spurs leading to individual camping spots. The US Forest Service manages approximately eight sites scattered on both sides of the highway, though no formal site numbers or vault toilets exist here. Mixed conifer and aspen trees provide the forest setting, with nearby meadows that occasionally host sheep herds moving through the area.

Road access makes the area suitable for RVs, though campers should expect a pack-in, pack-out experience with no water or dumpster service. Cell coverage varies significantly by carrier, with T-Mobile users reporting weak LTE signal strength. The elevation and forest location mean ATV traffic can be noticeable during daytime hours, particularly in summer months.

Multiple reviewers mention the area's low visitor numbers, especially during shoulder seasons. Greg L. notes "No vault toilets, no water, no dumpsters" at this designated dispersed site. Some spots offer walk-in access for those seeking more secluded positioning away from the road.

The no-pets policy distinguishes this location from many other dispersed sites near Dixie National Forest. Early October visits may coincide with sheep drives through the meadows, creating temporary activity but also unique wildlife viewing opportunities.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Directions

From 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.

Coordinates

37.542 N
112.645 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area needs a permit.

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General Info

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the scenic dispersed camping with good variety of sites from RV-accessible to secluded tent spots. No facilities available but paved road access. Some noted ATV noise and livestock movement affecting tranquility.

Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2024

Ok dispersed camping area

Dispersed camping at an area called LAVA FLAT in the Dixie NF above Panguitch Utah. 8330 elv here in mixed conifer aspen. No numbered sites at this location even though this area is identified as a DESIGNATED site dispersed camping area. Seems to be about 8 sites on both sides of the hwy. No vault toilets, no water, no dumpsters. Paved road all the way to the jct of the short dirt side roads. Cell was very weak LTE on T-Mobile. Starlink is the solution here for me. Seems this area has meadows for the sheep herders. In early Oct.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area by Greg L., October 4, 2024
  • Review photo of Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area by Greg L., October 4, 2024
  • Review photo of Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area by Greg L., October 4, 2024
  • (12) View All
Stephanie W.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2023

Wonderful view -atv noise

This was a wonderful location but the ATVs start up early and run most of the day. If you don’t mind that then this may be a good spot to stop. Many people also camp writhing eye sight so if you want to be away from people then stay away. Verizon two bars!

Siten/a
Month of VisitAugust
  • deer in the meadow
    Play button icon
Cale D.
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2021

Sweet spot

Very quiet and low-key. We were the only campers here in late September. Good hiking and a good range of spots for tents.

Month of VisitSeptember
A
Reviewed Sep. 16, 2021

Sweet spot

It was a nice site with several spots for RVs or cars. Even more secluded spots if you want to park and carry your gear in farther. I was the only camper there. It was perfect except for the flock of 1000s of sheep with sheep dogs that passed through one afternoon and through the next morning. It made it difficult to let the dog out.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area by Amanda , September 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area by Amanda , September 16, 2021
R
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2021

Nice spot

Nice area to explore. Good fishing nearby.

Month of VisitJuly
Trisha S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2020

Beauty in the Trees

Very pretty area. Not what I expected when we turned off the main road. Very private dispersed camping. Great trails, some of which I was able to do with my Renegade. Kids and dogs had a blast. Pack in, pack out. This was our first time finding a dispersed spot to set the tent up and it worked out good for us!

Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lava Flat dispersed camping located and how do I get there?

Lava Flat Dispersed Camping Area is located in Dixie National Forest above Panguitch, Utah at an elevation of about 8,330 feet. The camping area is situated in a mixed conifer and aspen forest environment. Access is via a turn-off from the main road, with camping spots distributed on both sides of the highway. The area is accessible by standard vehicles, though some secluded spots may require parking and carrying gear a short distance.

What is the best time of year to visit Lava Flat dispersed camping area?

Late spring through early fall is ideal for camping at Lava Flat, with late September offering particularly quiet experiences with fewer fellow campers. Summer provides pleasant weather at this 8,330-foot elevation mixed conifer and aspen forest. Be prepared for potential sheep herds passing through occasionally. The area can be busy with ATV activity during peak summer months. Fall brings beautiful aspen colors but cooler temperatures. Winter camping is not recommended due to the high elevation and likely snow coverage.

Are there any amenities or facilities at Lava Flat dispersed camping?

Lava Flat offers true dispersed camping with no developed amenities or facilities. There are no restrooms, water sources, trash services, or designated fire rings. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including water and waste disposal bags. The area does have decent cell coverage with Verizon reporting two bars of service. Multiple camping spots accommodate both RVs and tents, with additional secluded areas available for those willing to park and carry their gear in further.

What are the rules and regulations for Lava Flat designated dispersed camping area?

Lava Flat is a designated dispersed camping area in Dixie National Forest that follows standard pack-in, pack-out principles. While there are no numbered sites, there are approximately 8 camping spots located on both sides of the highway. The area permits RVs and tent camping, and you'll need to practice Leave No Trace ethics. ATVs are allowed but should be operated responsibly. Pets are welcome but must be controlled, especially given the occasional presence of sheep herds with guard dogs in the area. As with all dispersed camping in national forests, stays are typically limited to 14 days.

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