Cedar Springs Campground

Star4.16
58 reviews
PO BOX 279, MANILA, UT, 84046, USA
Cedar Springs Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation Use Fee of $10 applies per night for standard non-electric campsites during peak season. Various fees apply for additional services,...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$10.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
435-889-3000comments@AmericanLL.com

About this campground

Perched on a scenic hillside overlooking the azure waters of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Cedar Springs Campground offers an intimate escape into Utah's high desert beauty. This peaceful retreat features thoughtfully spaced sites that provide excellent privacy among the native vegetation, while panoramic views of the reservoir create a stunning backdrop for your outdoor adventure. Though the desert landscape offers limited natural shade, the campground's elevated position ensures refreshing breezes and spectacular vistas that make this small gem a favorite among those seeking tranquility and water recreation access.
Cedar Springs Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, offering options for tent camping, RV camping, and group sites while emphasizing a primitive and natural setting.
Historical SignificanceThe towering Flaming Gorge Dam stands as a testament to human engineering, offering fascinating tours through its hydroelectric facilities and exhibits that chronicle the transformation of this ancient canyon. Along the legendary Green River below, ancient Native American petroglyphs tell stories carved in stone, while the same rugged canyons once sheltered notorious outlaws like Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch. This landscape holds layers of human history, from prehistoric peoples to pioneer settlers, all drawn to the life-giving waters of the Green River corridor.
Weather and SeasonsFrom April through October, Cedar Springs basks in warm, sun-drenched days perfect for exploring the reservoir's sparkling waters. However, Mother Nature keeps things interesting with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the landscape, bringing spectacular lightning shows and sudden downpours. Strong winds can sweep across the exposed hillside, adding to the wild character of this high desert environment. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-covered wonderland, with freezing temperatures and harsh conditions that close the area to all but the most intrepid adventurers.
ElevationAt 6,100 feet above sea level, Cedar Springs Campground sits in the sweet spot of Utah's high country, where crisp mountain air provides welcome relief from the desert heat below. This elevation creates a unique microclimate with cooler temperatures that can drop significantly after sunset, offering cozy campfire evenings under star-filled skies. While the thin air at this altitude energizes some visitors, others may need a day or two to acclimate, especially when hiking the surrounding trails or engaging in water sports on the reservoir below.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground emerges from a tapestry of hardy desert vegetation, where ancient junipers twist skyward alongside fragrant pinyon pines and silvery sagebrush that perfumes the air after rain. From your campsite, sweeping views unfold across Flaming Gorge Reservoir, its deep blue waters creating a striking contrast against the surrounding high desert landscape. While the sparse vegetation provides natural privacy screens between sites, the open character of this hillside setting ensures unobstructed views of both sunrise and sunset painting the sky in brilliant colors.
Geological RegionCedar Springs Campground sits within the spectacular Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, where millions of years of geological drama have sculpted a landscape of breathtaking beauty. Towering red cliffs rise like ancient sentinels above the deep blue reservoir, their layered bands telling the story of prehistoric seas and shifting sands. The signature vegetation of juniper, pinyon pine, and aromatic sagebrush clings to the rocky slopes, creating a classic high desert ecosystem. Below, the engineered marvel of Flaming Gorge Reservoir fills the ancient canyon, its 91-mile length creating endless opportunities for water-based exploration amid this geological wonderland.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessibility details for campers with disabilities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as small to medium-sized, accommodating single and double-family units. Some sites are noted to be spacious with good privacy.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with many sites offering good separation due to vegetation, though shade is limited. Some sites are noted as secluded, while others face issues with proximity to roads.
Total Campsites23 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor best access to facilities, choose sites near water spouts and restrooms, such as site 7. For scenic views, opt for sites 14 and 16.
Best CampsitesSites 14 and 16 are ideal for groups or campers seeking privacy. Site 9 is very secluded.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 16 nights within a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each single site allows one sleeping unit and up to two vehicles.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCedar Springs Campground is organized into loops with pull-through and back-in sites. Sites are separated by vegetation, and some offer views of Flaming Gorge.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: Apr 15 to Oct 4. No reservations accepted in off-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, through the app, or by calling the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are first-come, first-served. Availability cannot be guaranteed, and fill patterns are seasonal.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to a $10 fee, plus forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations. No-show fees are $20. Reservations can be modified up to 3 times without additional fees if the cost remains unchanged.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cedar Springs Campground offers a plethora of activities, both within and in close proximity to the site. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. Nearby Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Marina add opportunities for water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and even scuba diving. The Bear Canyon Trail offers a scenic hiking and biking experience, while Flaming Gorge Dam presents educational tours.
Hiking
The Bear Canyon Trail is an easy 3-mile round-trip hike accessible from the campground. This trail also supports mountain biking and offers scenic views of Red Canyon and Flaming Gorge.
Fishing
Flaming Gorge is renowned for world-class fishing, particularly for lake trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout. However, some reviewers noted slow fishing conditions during their stay.
Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, which is adjacent to the campground. However, campers have noted steep paths to the water, making access challenging.
Biking
Mountain biking is available on the Bear Canyon Trail, which is described as an easy, scenic route.
Boating
Boating is a major draw, with activities like water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, and kayaking being popular. The Cedar Springs Marina nearby provides rental options and docking facilities.
Cultural and Educational Programs
Guided tours of Flaming Gorge Dam and its hydroelectric plant are nearby, offering insights into area history, geology, and Native American rock art.
Winter Activities
Campground is closed during the winter season.
Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, jet skiing, and scuba diving are popular due to the campground's proximity to Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Fires only allowed in designated fire rings. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent pest invasion.
  • Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Hazards

General hazardsHigh winds and sudden thunderstorms are frequent. Wildlife includes bears; campers reported bear encounters in 2022. Vault toilet odors depend on wind direction.
Active alertsWater availability issues reported frequently in user reviews. Late season closures have been inconsistent.

Weather forecast

40
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 29%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 5.9 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Closest emergency services include a hospital and police station in Vernal, Utah (42 miles), and ranger stations within Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

Good to know

Peak season datesApril 15 - October 4 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, though users have reported overflowing bins causing issues with animals. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLess than a mile to Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Cedar Springs Marina. Access to water for fishing, boating, and kayaking.
Common complaintsFrequent water outages, unresponsive camp hosts, noisy marina, and maintenance issues like overflowing trash and restroom deficiencies.
HostCamp hosts generally helpful but have received mixed reviews regarding responsiveness to maintenance issues.

Campground Map

PO BOX 279, MANILA, UT, 84046, USA
Driving directionsFrom Vernal, Utah, take U.S. 191 north 42 miles. Turn north onto Forest Road 183 and travel approximately 2 miles to the campground, adjacent to Cedar Springs Marina. From Manila, Utah, take Highway 44 for 28 miles. Turn left on U.S. 191 and go north for about 4 miles. Turn north onto Forest Road 183 and travel approximately 2 miles to the campground, adjacent to Cedar Springs Marina. From Rock Springs, Wyoming, take I-80 west toward Green River about 6 miles to the junction with U.S. 191/Flaming Gorge Road. Take U.S. 191 south for 67 miles, passing through Dutch John. Turn north onto Forest Road 183 and travel approximately 2 miles to the campground, adjacent to Cedar Springs Marina.
Road access is via paved highways and forest roads. Seasonal closures and accessibility are dependent on weather conditions. Forest Road 183 leads directly to the campground and is navigable for most vehicles.
Nearby places
Manila (28 miles, ~40 min), Vernal (42 miles, ~1 hour), Rock Springs (67 miles, ~1 hour 30 min)
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies, including groceries, fuel, and camping gear, can be found in Manila, Utah, which is approximately 28 miles away.

Camper Reviews

4.2
58 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Cedar Springs Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Cedar Springs Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment score of approximately 4.02. Positive themes include cleanliness, scenic surroundings, and helpful camp hosts. Complaints often pertain to water service disruptions, trash management, and fees for showers. Noise from the nearby marina is another recurring issue.
Review Summaries
Based on 58 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, scenic views, proximity to Flaming Gorge Marina, and helpful camp hosts are frequently praised. "The campgrounds were a good size and were very clean. The campground hosts were very...
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Based on 58 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent issues with water outages, overflowing trash bins, and noise from the marina. Several users reported dissatisfaction with misleading information about water availability: "Awful. There was...
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Based on 58 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing extra water due to past outages, arriving early for better site selection, and preparing for high winds. "Sites 14 and 16 are perfect for a couple people camping together...
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Based on 58 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season (mid-May to early October) reviews are characterized by complaints about water outages and crowded conditions. Off-peak reviews often note the quiet and serene environment.
Based on 58 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The park is very well laid out. Most sights spacious." "We had a wonderful stay at Cedar Springs Campground! The grounds were private and shady." "Vault toilets and water available. Sites are small...
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Based on 58 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 007 is noted for being close to the bathroom and water spouts, but also near the marina, leading to potential noise. Campsite 010 offers privacy and scenic views. Campsite 014 is spacious...
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Based on 58 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility-specific reviews are not provided in the source materials.
Based on 58 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Information on pet policies or pet-related reviews is not available.
Based on 58 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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