If hot weather pushes you towards higher ground, head to Spruces Campground in Dixie National Forest. At an elevation of over 9,000 feet and on the shores of Navajo Lake, this campground is a cool oasis in the otherwise scorching summer months. Be sure to arrive with fishing pole, inflatable, and sand castle tools in hand!
Your tent or camper will likely be surrounded by seasonal wildflowers—lupine, Indian paintbrush, and showy goldeneye decorate the campground and neighboring forested slopes. Spruces Campground provides access to many local trails, including Cascade Falls, Navajo Lake Loop Trail, and the well-known Virgin River Rim Trail (33 miles of single track trail that is especially popular among mountain bikers).
Duck Creek Village, which is about 8 miles east of Navajo Lake, offers additional OHV and mountain biking trail networks. Cedar Breaks National Monument is 15 miles north of the campground, and worthy of a visit if your travel plans allow.
From Cedar City, Utah, drive east on UT 14 for about 25 miles before turning right onto Navajo Lake Road. After passing a brown gate and trash pickup area, the road curves around the south side of Navajo Lake and follows the shoreline. Drive past the dike at 27 miles and arrive at Spruces Campground on the right in a half mile.
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