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Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground
Public Campground

Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground

Torrey, Utah
4.3 (26 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground

It is located approximately 23 miles (37.0 km) south of Utah State Highway 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road and is at 5,500 feet (1,676 m) in elevation. This primitive, no-fee campground has five sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is also a pit toilet, but no water is available. The campground is open year-round, but visitors should check with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for road conditions prior to planning an overnight stay. No reservations; first-come, first-served.

Cedar Mesa Campground offers a back-to-basics camping experience in the heart of Utah's stunning landscape. Located in a region renowned for its geological wonders and outdoor recreation opportunities, this public campground provides primitive camping that appeals to those seeking an authentic connection with nature without the trappings of developed facilities.

The area surrounding Cedar Mesa is characterized by dramatic red rock formations, deep canyons, and sweeping desert vistas that have captivated visitors for generations. This part of Utah sits at the intersection of some of the state's most iconic natural features, making it an ideal base for exploration and adventure. The landscape shifts from season to season, offering golden light in autumn, surprising wildflower displays in spring, and brilliant starry skies year-round that rival most destinations in the country.

Primitive camping at Cedar Mesa means you'll experience the landscape much as early travelers did, with minimal infrastructure allowing the natural environment to remain the primary attraction. This style of camping appeals particularly to those who value solitude, photography, hiking, and a genuine outdoor experience. The lack of amenities forces a meaningful disconnect from daily distractions, creating space for relaxation, reflection, and family connection around a campfire.

The region offers exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation. Hiking trails range from gentle walks to challenging backcountry adventures, with many leading to stunning viewpoints, archaeological sites, and hidden water sources. Photography enthusiasts find endless subjects in the shifting light across canyon walls and desert terrain. The area is also rich in cultural and archaeological significance, with numerous sites representing centuries of human habitation.

Nearby towns provide access to supplies and services when needed, so you're never too far from conveniences despite the remote camping experience. Cedar Mesa Campground suits visitors seeking a slower pace, those planning extended explorations of Utah's natural wonders, and outdoor enthusiasts who prefer simplicity to luxury. The 4.3-star rating from past visitors reflects a community of satisfied campers who appreciate what this location offers.
4.3

Rating

26

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Torrey is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

Utah weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Torrey.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Torrey. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground Reviews

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Brian Erickson

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Brian Erickson

Great backcountry spot. Clean vault toilets. Will stay again. Quiet

G
F Rodgers

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by F Rodgers

Camping. Permits needed for hiking and camping. No services. Cell phone services are not dependable. Download maps and trails prior as cell phone coverage is not always reliable. Paper maps, coordinates and compass knowledge recommended. Restrooms at Kane county ranger station with Minimal to no water and ranger station is not always open. Hours vary. To some of the hikes you need AWD to 4WD / hig... Camping. Permits needed for hiking and camping. No services. Cell phone services are not dependable. Download maps and trails prior as cell phone coverage is not always reliable. Paper maps, coordinates and compass knowledge recommended. Restrooms at Kane county ranger station with Minimal to no water and ranger station is not always open. Hours vary. To some of the hikes you need AWD to 4WD / high clearance vehicles. Campsites are clean and should be left this way. Bring in trash and take out. Propane cooking and fires only. Friendly and helpful ranger station. In Blanding Utah you can get gas and necessities. What a treasure! Beautiful hikes and views. Nationals parks all around.

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castirondude

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by castirondude

Great campground. Super remote. We were there for a day and never saw another soul. Both att and Verizon had zero coverage. We have the 5w gmrs radios and there was nobody in range. i would recommend having an iridium or inmarsat phone in case of emergency. The sign has "no rv's" spray painted on it but a small/midsize rv with decent ground clearance can go there. Anything over 30' would be toug... Great campground. Super remote. We were there for a day and never saw another soul. Both att and Verizon had zero coverage. We have the 5w gmrs radios and there was nobody in range. i would recommend having an iridium or inmarsat phone in case of emergency. The sign has "no rv's" spray painted on it but a small/midsize rv with decent ground clearance can go there. Anything over 30' would be tough to turn around. road looks sandy but there is only a few inches of sand on top of a rocky substrate, so 2wd is fine. Just don't drive your 40' Prevost or wanderlodge there.

G
castirondude

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by castirondude

Great campground. Super remote. We were there for a day and never saw another soul. Both att and Verizon had zero coverage. We have the 5w gmrs radios and there was nobody in range. i would recommend having an iridium or inmarsat phone in case of emergency. The sign has "no rv's" spray painted on it but a small/midsize rv with decent ground clearance can go there. Anything over 30' would be toug... Great campground. Super remote. We were there for a day and never saw another soul. Both att and Verizon had zero coverage. We have the 5w gmrs radios and there was nobody in range. i would recommend having an iridium or inmarsat phone in case of emergency. The sign has "no rv's" spray painted on it but a small/midsize rv with decent ground clearance can go there. Anything over 30' would be tough to turn around. road looks sandy but there is only a few inches of sand on top of a rocky substrate, so 2wd is fine. Just don't drive your 40' Prevost or wanderlodge there.

G
Richard Reid

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Richard Reid

It was absolutely beautiful there was no light pollution so the sky was gorgeous it was quiet and peaceful. That being said it is primitive camping although there are picnic tables of fire pit and a toilet but you'll need to pack in and pack out. My final point of note is that getting to the campground requires you to traverse about 5 mi of fairly rough road consisting of sand rocks and a lot of... It was absolutely beautiful there was no light pollution so the sky was gorgeous it was quiet and peaceful. That being said it is primitive camping although there are picnic tables of fire pit and a toilet but you'll need to pack in and pack out. My final point of note is that getting to the campground requires you to traverse about 5 mi of fairly rough road consisting of sand rocks and a lot of washboards and some potholes I wouldn't want to try it with anything less than about 3 inches of clearance on the vehicle so sedans are pretty much out I definitely wouldn't try to take an RV down there.

G
Richard Reid

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Richard Reid

It was absolutely beautiful there was no light pollution so the sky was gorgeous it was quiet and peaceful. That being said it is primitive camping although there are picnic tables of fire pit and a toilet but you'll need to pack in and pack out. My final point of note is that getting to the campground requires you to traverse about 5 mi of fairly rough road consisting of sand rocks and a lot of... It was absolutely beautiful there was no light pollution so the sky was gorgeous it was quiet and peaceful. That being said it is primitive camping although there are picnic tables of fire pit and a toilet but you'll need to pack in and pack out. My final point of note is that getting to the campground requires you to traverse about 5 mi of fairly rough road consisting of sand rocks and a lot of washboards and some potholes I wouldn't want to try it with anything less than about 3 inches of clearance on the vehicle so sedans are pretty much out I definitely wouldn't try to take an RV down there.

G
Katie Fiola Jones

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Katie Fiola Jones

This is a free first come first serve campground in the National Park. We got there at 7pm on a Thursday night in June and it still had 3 of the 5 campsites available. Great views from the campsite. It did take quite a while to get out there - most of the road is a very bumpy dirt road. So only drive out there if you’re comfortable with that. There’s a toilet out there as well as each campsite has... This is a free first come first serve campground in the National Park. We got there at 7pm on a Thursday night in June and it still had 3 of the 5 campsites available. Great views from the campsite. It did take quite a while to get out there - most of the road is a very bumpy dirt road. So only drive out there if you’re comfortable with that. There’s a toilet out there as well as each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table.

G
Katie Fiola Jones

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Katie Fiola Jones

This is a free first come first serve campground in the National Park. We got there at 7pm on a Thursday night in June and it still had 3 of the 5 campsites available. Great views from the campsite. It did take quite a while to get out there - most of the road is a very bumpy dirt road. So only drive out there if you’re comfortable with that. There’s a toilet out there as well as each campsite has... This is a free first come first serve campground in the National Park. We got there at 7pm on a Thursday night in June and it still had 3 of the 5 campsites available. Great views from the campsite. It did take quite a while to get out there - most of the road is a very bumpy dirt road. So only drive out there if you’re comfortable with that. There’s a toilet out there as well as each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table.

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