Pine Valley Recreation Area
4.70139 reviewsDIXIE NATIONAL FOREST, 1789 N WEDGEWOOD LANE, CEDAR CITY, UT, 84721, USA
Pine Valley Recreation Area
$23.00 - $237.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$237.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The fees vary by campsite type, ranging from $23 for tent-only non-electric sites to $237 for group picnic areas accommodating 101+ people during the peak season (May 2 to September 27). Additional fees apply for extra vehicles.
About this campground
Nestled among towering ponderosa pines at 6,900 feet, Pine Valley Recreation Area beckons adventurers seeking refuge from Utah's desert heat. This mountain sanctuary in Pine Valley offers everything from intimate single-family campsites to sprawling group gathering spots, each surrounded by endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and the sweet scent of pine-filtered air.
Pine Valley Recreation Area offers diverse camping options, including family, group, tent, equestrian, and non-electric sites.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives gently at Pine Valley, where mountain breezes keep temperatures refreshingly cool while the valleys below swelter. As daylight fades, the high elevation works its magic—bringing crisp, star-filled nights that call for campfires and warm sleeping bags, especially as autumn approaches with its golden touch.
ElevationPerched at 6,900 feet where the air grows thin and crisp, this mountain retreat offers a natural air conditioning system that transforms scorching southern Utah summers into pleasant outdoor adventures. Here, the elevation creates a completely different world from the red rock country below.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living tapestry where stately ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark mixing with the earthy aroma of oak and mountain mahogany. Juniper and sagebrush dot the understory, creating a diverse ecosystem that borders the pristine Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness. Dappled sunlight filters through the canopy, painting shadows that dance across your campsite throughout the day.
Geological RegionThe Pine Valley Mountains rise like a forested island within the greater Dixie National Forest, creating a unique ecosystem where ponderosa pines reign supreme. This geological wonderland showcases nature's diversity—from the towering pines and sturdy oaks to the resilient mountain mahogany, aromatic juniper, and silver-green sagebrush that carpet the forest floor.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites, drinking water, picnic shelters, trails, vault toilets, and grills are available.
Sites SizeSites accommodate single-family setups to large group areas for up to 150 people. Equestrian campsites feature corrals.
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy levels. Group areas are open while individual sites are spaced, with varying proximity to other campers.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites in the Dean Gardner loop are highly recommended for their location and shade. Yellow Pine loop is noted for its quiet environment.
Best CampsitesUser reviews often praise sites in the Dean Gardner loop for their proximity to the reservoir and forested setting.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
14-night maximum stay per visit, with a rolling 30-day limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy varies by site type, with standard sites accommodating up to 8 people.
Groups
Group sites accommodate 35 to 150 people and include picnic tables, grills, fire circles, and vault toilets.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into several loops, including Dean Gardner, Crackfoot, and Yellow Pine, with well-spaced sites for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from May 2 to September 27 during the peak season. The campground is closed to reservations outside these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the contact center at 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome campsites, such as Mitt Moody, Crackfoot, and Ebenezer Bryce Campgrounds, are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to the day before arrival for individual sites, with a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night's use fee for late cancellations. Group sites follow a 14-day cancellation window.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Pine Valley Recreation Area offers an array of recreational options, such as fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. It also includes paved trails for walking and activities like volleyball and horseshoes.
Hiking
Numerous trails varying in length from 2 to 35 miles are available. Some trails allow mountain biking, and others are adjacent to Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness.Fishing
Fishing for stocked rainbow trout in the Pine Valley Reservoir is popular; however, flotation devices like canoes and paddleboards are prohibited.Biking
Paved trails, including the Santa Clara River Walk, are suitable for biking. Mountain biking is allowed on designated trails.Wildlife viewing
Commonly viewed wildlife includes deer, turkeys, and ground squirrels. Some sites are known for abundant wildlife interactions.Winter Activities
Limited snow activities might be possible in nearby regions during winter.Water Sports
Water sports are restricted due to the prohibition of flotation devices on Pine Valley Reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings. Visitors are encouraged to use firewood purchased locally to prevent the spread of tree pests.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as deer and coyotes are common. Secure food to prevent attracting animals. The area may experience high winds and cold nights.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Cedar City, which is around 40 miles away. The nearest hospital, police station, and other critical services are located there.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 2 to September 27 each year.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities exist, but recycling is not explicitly mentioned. Some sites lack garbage services entirely.
Proximity to water featuresNear the Pine Valley Reservoir, which is used for shoreline fishing. Swimming and flotation devices are not allowed.
Common complaintsSome complaints include unfriendly camp hosts, unclear campsite rules, and occasional issues with restroom cleanliness.
HostMixed reviews about the camp hosts—some are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, while others are criticized for being rude.
Campground Map
DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST, 1789 N WEDGEWOOD LANE, CEDAR CITY, UT, 84721, USA
Driving directionsFrom St. George, Utah, go north on Highway 18 to Central. Take a right on Forest Highway 35 towards Pine Valley. Take a left on Main Street and go 3 miles to the recreation area.
The campground is accessed via paved roads, with clear instructions from major highways. Seasonal considerations such as snow may apply at certain times of the year.Nearby places
St. George (approximately 40 miles, around 1-hour drive), and Zion National Park (75 miles, 1.5-hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies like groceries and fuel can be found in St. George, which is approximately 40 miles away. For basic needs, a small store and a restaurant are available in Pine Valley town, just outside the recreation area.
Camper Reviews
4.7
139 reviews
Pine Valley Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Pine Valley Recreation Area are generally positive, highlighting clean facilities, friendly hosts, and excellent scenery. Complaints primarily focus on group site behavior and infrastructure changes.
Review Summaries
Based on 139 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets, scenic surroundings, well-maintained trails, and helpful staff are frequently praised.
Based on 139 reviewsCommon Concerns
Reviews mention inappropriate host interactions, noisy neighbors, lack of power and shower facilities, and insufficient site privacy.
Based on 139 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sufficient water and firewood, choosing shaded spots, and being mindful of site-specific rules.
Based on 139 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews focus on escaping heat, while autumn highlights cold temperatures and reduced crowds. Winter activities are limited.
Based on 139 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Vault toilets are the CLEANEST I have EVER seen." - Holly M
"We love the Pine Valley Recreation Area." - Heather E
"Fishing was amazing, temps were perfect, site was great." - Craig F
"Beautiful and...
Based on 139 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Dean Gardner Loop is praised for shade and proximity to the reservoir. Crackfoot Campground offers secluded sites with abundant wildlife sightings. Yellow Pine is quieter but less shaded.
Based on 139 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible campsites and trails provide options for visitors with disabilities. Hosts are described as accommodating.
Based on 139 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but reviews highlight occasional noise disturbances caused by pets.
Based on 139 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025