RV Parks Near Cedar Breaks National Monument

Quick Definition

Cedar Breaks National Monument is a 3-mile-wide natural amphitheater carved into the Claron Formation at elevations between 10,000 and 10,662 feet—roughly 2,000 feet higher than Bryce Canyon and sitting at true subalpine elevation. Often called Bryce Canyon's higher, less-crowded twin, Cedar Breaks features the same hoodoos, spires, and fins in burnt orange and crimson, but the landscape is dominated by ancient bristlecone pines, wildflower meadows in summer, and a clarity of air that's almost otherworldly. The monument operates seasonally (late May or June through October only) because winter brings deep snow that closes the monument entirely. Entry is 10 dollars per vehicle. Cedar Breaks is an NPS gem if you're willing to base yourself nearby and take full advantage of the short season. For Southwest Utah RV Parks, this is one of the most dramatic targets for a multiday stay.

TL;DR

• Cedar Breaks sits at 10,000 feet elevation with hoodoos, bristlecone pines, and wildflower meadows; open late May through October only
• On-rim camping at Point Supreme costs 20 dollars per night (no hookups, small RVs only); Cedar City full-service parks are 27 miles east at 40 to 55 dollars per night
• RV Parks in Cedar City provide the closest full-service hookups and year-round option if you're visiting outside the monument's season
• Bristlecone Pine and Ramparts trails (2 and 4 miles respectively) are the best hikes; stargazing is exceptional at this International Dark Sky Park
• Brian Head ski resort (adjacent to Cedar Breaks) offers winter skiing and summer mountain biking; Cedar City (27 miles south) has the Utah Shakespeare Festival and Southern Utah University culture

Access Zones

Cedar Breaks and the surrounding region break into four distinct RV camping zones, each with different amenities, seasons, and price points.

Zone 1: Cedar Breaks National Monument (On Rim) Point Supreme Campground sits directly on the rim at 10,190 feet, offering 25 sites with no hookups at 20 dollars per night. The season runs late May through early October, depending on snow. Sites accommodate small RVs only (under 27 feet) due to road grades and parking constraints. This is the closest you can park to the actual monument, but you must accept primitive camping and a very short season. Every site fills during peak July and August weekends.

Zone 2: Brian Head (Adjacent) Brian Head is a small ski resort town (elevation 9,600 feet base) immediately adjacent to Cedar Breaks, about 15 minutes' drive from the monument entrance. RV options here are extremely limited; the town caters almost entirely to skiers in winter and mountain bikers in summer. A handful of private RV spots operate seasonally at 50 to 70 dollars per night. This zone is best if you're combining Cedar Breaks with a Brian Head mountain biking or skiing trip, not as a standalone choice.

Zone 3: Cedar City (27 Miles East) Cedar City is the nearest real town with full-service RV infrastructure. Located at 5,840 feet elevation, the city sits 27 miles east of Cedar Breaks via Utah Highway 14 (a stunningly scenic canyon drive). Cedar City is a vibrant small city with 90,000 people in the metro area, Southern Utah University, the Utah Shakespeare Festival (operating summers), and dozens of shops, restaurants, and services. Full-service RV parks range from 40 to 55 dollars per night and operate year-round. This is where most Cedar Breaks visitors base themselves because you get hookups, amenities, and a fallback if weather or park availability forces a change.

Zone 4: Parowan (15 Miles North) Parowan sits 15 miles northeast on Interstate 15, positioned as a faster access point if you're coming from Salt Lake City or heading south toward St. George. Elevation is 6,000 feet. RV parks run 35 to 50 dollars per night and operate year-round. This zone is less scenic than Cedar City but serves as a practical base if you're connecting multiple destinations (Zion, Bryce, Cedar Breaks) or need a quick I-15 pit stop.

Best RV Parks Near Cedar Breaks

Point Supreme NPS Campground is the on-monument choice—25 sites, no hookups, 20 dollars per night, open seasonally. Reservations are essential in July and August. The trade-off is proximity to the rim; you wake up at 10,190 feet with views of the hoodoos. Size limits apply; call ahead if you have an RV over 27 feet. No shower facilities or dump station.

Cedar City KOA offers full hookups, pull-throughs, and reliable Wi-Fi at 48 dollars per night. The location is convenient to both Cedar Breaks and Zion. This is the most predictable choice if you want amenities without hauling into the mountains.

Cedar City RV Park is slightly cheaper at 42 dollars per night with full hookups and a downtown location. Pet-friendly and open year-round. Good alternative to KOA if you prefer a quieter, locally-owned feel.

Duck Creek Village Camp is a National Forest option about 20 miles north on UT-14, operating seasonally. No hookups, 25 dollars per night. Quieter and more forested than Cedar City but less convenient to town services.

Parowan RV Park positions you on the I-15 corridor at 38 dollars per night with full hookups. Best if you're doing a quick stop or connecting multiple parks (Bryce, Cedar Breaks, Sand Hollow State Park).

Red Canyon USFS Campground is 60 miles south near Bryce Canyon at 18 dollars per night, no hookups. A budget option if you're doing a Bryce-Cedar Breaks loop over several days.

St. George KOA at 75 miles southwest is a year-round fallback with full amenities at 52 dollars per night. St. George is warmer and lower elevation, useful if you're caught off-season or want a basecamp for Zion and Nevada.

Things To Do

Trails and Overlooks at Cedar Breaks Bristlecone Pine Trail (2 miles round-trip) leads you through ancient bristlecone pines—some of the oldest living trees on Earth—with views into the red and orange amphitheater. Ramparts Trail (4 miles round-trip) is the most complete rim experience, hugging the edge and revealing the full scope of the hoodoo formations. Alpine Pond Loop (2 miles round-trip) is a short meadow walk with peak wildflower displays in July and August (blue columbine, Indian paintbrush, larkspur). Point Supreme Overlook at 10,190 feet is a short walk from the visitor center and delivers the signature postcard view.

Stargazing Cedar Breaks is a designated International Dark Sky Park. At 10,000 feet with zero light pollution, the Milky Way is stunningly visible. Summer nights are cool but perfect for stargazing. The NPS occasionally hosts ranger-led programs at night. Bring a headlamp with a red-light filter to preserve night vision.

Brian Head Activities Brian Head Resort offers winter skiing (open December through March) and summer mountain biking on hundreds of miles of singletrack. The elevation (9,600 feet base) makes for cool summer riding. Both activities are world-class for the region. The scenic chairlift operates in summer if you want high-altitude views without the pedal or hike.

Cedar City Culture The Utah Shakespeare Festival runs May through November in Cedar City. It's a 60-seat professional theater with ambitious productions—worth planning a dinner-and-show evening. Iron Mission State Park in Cedar City showcases pioneer artifacts and equipment. Southern Utah University's campus adds vibrant arts and lecture programming in summer.

Utah Highway 14 Scenic Drive The drive from Cedar City (5,840 feet) up to Cedar Breaks via UT-14 is one of the most dramatic in the Southwest. You climb 4,000+ feet over 27 miles through Ashdown Gorge, with pullouts for photos and short walks. Allow two hours without stops. This is a world-class scenic drive, not a race.

Multi-Day Loop Options Cedar Breaks pairs naturally with Bryce Canyon (60 miles south via UT-14, UT-12, and US-89), Zion National Park (60 miles south via Cedar City), and Sand Hollow State Park (near St. George, 75 miles southwest). A three-day Cedar Breaks-Bryce loop is manageable from Cedar City base. A five-day Cedar Breaks-Zion-Bryce itinerary is legendary among RV road-trippers.

Cost Math

Entry and Permits Cedar Breaks entry is 10 dollars per vehicle (America the Beautiful Pass honored). Point Supreme Campground is 20 dollars per night for NPS sites. No additional activity fees.

Lodging

• On-rim (Point Supreme): 20 dollars per night
• Brian Head: 50 to 70 dollars per night (very limited)
• Cedar City: 40 to 55 dollars per night (full hookups, year-round)
• Parowan: 35 to 50 dollars per night (I-15 corridor, year-round)

Fuel From Cedar City to Cedar Breaks is 27 miles each way (54 miles round-trip from your RV park). Most RVs will burn 4 to 6 gallons per day of local driving at 6 to 8 miles per gallon. Budget 25 to 50 dollars per day for local fuel if based in Cedar City.

Food and Services Cedar City has full grocery, restaurant, and service infrastructure. Expect 60 to 90 dollars per day for two people on a moderate food budget. Shower facilities and laundry are available at most RV parks. No fuel, propane, or dump services at the monument itself; plan dumps in Cedar City or Parowan.

Sample 5-Day Cedar Breaks Trip (Family of 4, Cedar City Base)

• RV park: 5 nights at 45 dollars per night = 225 dollars
• Monument entry: 10 dollars (daily pass)
• Fuel: 40 dollars
• Food: 350 dollars
• Activities (optional Shakespeare Festival tickets, Brian Head chairlift): 60 to 150 dollars
• Total: approximately 685 to 775 dollars for a five-day trip from a Cedar City base

Most visitors spend 3 to 5 days. The on-rim Point Supreme Campground saves 100 to 150 dollars per night on lodging but sacrifices hookups and town services.

Practical Tips

Timing and Seasons Cedar Breaks opens late May or early June (depending on snowmelt) and closes in early October. Mid-July through mid-August is peak season—crowded, hot at noon, but wildflowers are peak and nights are cool. Shoulder seasons (June and September) are ideal: fewer crowds, wildflowers still present, clear skies. Winter visitation is impossible; the monument is closed. If you're visiting Cedar City in winter, skip Cedar Breaks and focus on Zion or Sand Hollow instead.

RV Size and Road Grades Utah Highway 14 to Cedar Breaks has grades up to 7 percent and some sharp switchbacks. Large RVs (over 35 feet) may struggle and are not recommended. Point Supreme Campground has a 27-foot limit due to parking and turnaround constraints. Confirm your RV length with the visitor center before driving the monument road. Towing vehicles should disconnect trailers at Cedar City RV parks and drive up in a tow vehicle only.

Water and Waste Point Supreme Campground has water hookups at some sites but no dump station. Plan a dump stop in Cedar City on your way out (most RV parks allow non-guests to dump for 10 to 15 dollars). The monument road has no services; fill water and fuel in Cedar City before heading up.

Weather and Elevation At 10,000 feet, Cedar Breaks is 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than Cedar City. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Bring rain gear and warm layers even in summer. Sunrise and sunset are stunning but brief due to the rapid cooling at elevation. Plan to be off the rim road before dark.

Pets Most parks allow pets (confirm at booking). Pets are allowed on paved areas and overlooks at Cedar Breaks but not on trails. The bristlecone and other hiking trails are dog-free. Cedar City parks and Parowan parks are pet-friendly with good walking areas.

Cell and Wi-Fi Cell service is spotty on the monument road and patchy at Point Supreme. Cedar City has excellent cell coverage and Wi-Fi. If you need reliable internet, stay in Cedar City. Brian Head has seasonal service (better in summer). Parowan has good I-15 corridor coverage.

Check Best RV Parks in Utah for additional context on regional campground quality and comparisons across the state.

FAQ

How far is Cedar Breaks from Zion? Cedar Breaks is approximately 60 miles north of Zion National Park via Cedar City. The drive from Cedar Breaks to Zion is about two hours (down UT-14 to Cedar City, then south via US-89). Cedar City is the natural staging base for both parks.

Can I see Cedar Breaks and Bryce Canyon in one day? Technically yes, but it's rushed. Both parks are 60 miles apart via scenic roads (3+ hours driving). A better plan is a two or three-day loop: stay in Cedar City, visit Cedar Breaks one day, Bryce Canyon the next. The UT-14 and UT-12 scenic drives are worth their own travel time.

What's the best time to visit for wildflowers? July through early August is peak wildflower season at Cedar Breaks. At 10,000 feet elevation, the alpine meadows explode with color. June can have flowers too, but July is most reliable. September flowers are sparse; frost kills blooms by Labor Day.

Is Point Supreme Campground reservation-required? Yes, reservations are nearly mandatory for July and August (often full 30 days in advance). June, September, and early October are more flexible but still warrant reservations. Use Recreation.gov to book NPS sites.

Can I RV camp at Brian Head? RV options at Brian Head are extremely limited (fewer than 10 spots). Most visitors base in Cedar City (27 miles south) and drive up for activities. If you're committed to Brian Head, call ahead to the resort or town council for current options. Summer is easier than winter for RV availability.

What's the elevation gain on the trails at Cedar Breaks? Bristlecone Pine Trail is relatively flat (200-foot elevation change). Ramparts Trail loses about 400 feet in elevation as you descend into the amphitheater, so the return is uphill. Alpine Pond Loop is nearly flat. All are manageable for moderate fitness at altitude.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle to reach Cedar Breaks? No. Utah Highway 14 is paved and well-maintained. Standard passenger cars and normal-size RVs (under 35 feet) handle it fine. The road is steep but not rough. Winter closure (snowfall) is the only seasonal restriction.

Are propane, fuel, and dump services available at the monument? No. All services (fuel, propane, RV dump, shower, laundry) are in Cedar City, 27 miles south. Plan your logistics before heading up the monument road. Parowan also has fuel and RV services if you approach from the north.

What's the weather like in summer at Cedar Breaks? Afternoons are warm (70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) in direct sun but drop to 40 to 50 degrees after sunset. UV exposure is intense at 10,000 feet; use high-SPF sunscreen. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August; they pass quickly but can be intense. Morning and evening are clear and cool.

How does Cedar Breaks compare to Bryce Canyon? Cedar Breaks is higher (10,000 vs. 9,000 feet), less crowded, more intimate in scale (3 miles of rim vs. 30 miles), and has a shorter season. The hoodoos are similar in color and shape but Cedar Breaks feels more remote. Bryce has more trails and visitor facilities. Both are stunning; Cedar Breaks is the less-touristed choice.

Thinking About Selling

If you own an RV park near Cedar Breaks or in Cedar City, you're sitting on an asset in one of the most beautiful corners of the Southwest. Cedar Breaks traffic drives seasonal but consistent demand. Cedar City's proximity to Zion, Bryce, and Sand Hollow makes it a hub for multiday RV loops. The Utah Shakespeare Festival and Southern Utah University add non-park revenue stability (lodging, dining, entertainment spending).

Full-service parks in Cedar City at 40 to 55 dollars per night with 25 to 40 sites generate solid seasonal income. Occupancy in summer is reliably 70 to 90 percent. Off-season (November through May) is softer but still viable given year-round services.

We work with park owners across the Southwest to evaluate acquisition opportunities, manage transitions, and structure deals that reflect the true value of your asset. If you're thinking about selling, retiring, or consolidating, we'd like to talk.

Jenna Reed
Director of Acquisitions
rv-parks.org
jenna@rv-parks.org

Or reach out via /sell to start a confidential conversation.