Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area, located in Utah, features a feral horse herd. The California Trail crosses this area too, which is where the Donner Party endured extreme hardships crossing the desert. Today, visitors enjoy vast panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake Basin. You can’t RV camp inside the area, but free dispersed camping is allowed on the surrounding BLM land. In fact, no vehicles can enter the Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area. Boundary pass roads provide vehicle access to the edge, but you enter on foot. Those looking for solitude will love this place.
Quick Facts About RVing in Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area
• RV Friendly: No • Max RV Length: Vehicles and RVs are not allowed • Camping Type: Dispersed tent camping • Reservations: No • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None onsite • Potable Water: Bring your own • Cell Service: Spotty • Pets: Allowed if kept on a leash • Roads: Gravel access roads • Best Season: Late spring or early fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Large herd of wild horses • Wide range of wildlife • Sweeping views • Excellent proximity to dispersed camping • Scenic hiking trails • Horseback and mule-riding opportunities
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Cedar Benchmark
There is a 2,200-foot elevation gain throughout the out-and-back climb. After leaving I-80 at Exit 56, next to the abandoned town of Aragonite, it takes quite a while to get to Cedar Benchmark via a well-graded dirt road. Although the road can usually get you to within 2 miles (3.2 km) of the summit, if you have a vehicle with good clearance, you can get out of the car at any point and start hiking. The route is easygoing and reasonably simple, but a thorough mastery of off-trail travel is required due to the absence of well-established paths.
Length: 4.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
Climbing
The highest peak is known as Cedar Peak. Since this is on the route to nowhere, you shouldn't expect to see many people here. Kids can easily reach the summit because the ascent is not too difficult. Take a little distance east up the valley from your car while searching for the ideal location to climb the ridge on your right. Since the area is open, there shouldn't be a problem. The going becomes easier as you follow the ridgeline southeast up to the crest of the Cedar Mountains once you have gained the ridge. As you make your way south on a rough trail to the peak, you will get fantastic viewpoints. Pay attention to the wild horses.
Picnicking
A recreation area is set aside in the wilderness, which is an excellent location for a picnic. With its tunnels and maze-like atmosphere, the picnic area is a veritable playground for children.
Wildlife Viewing
The Cedar Mountain Wilderness is a great place to see wildlife. There are roughly 250 magnificent, well-known-for-their-beautiful-colors wild horses within the confines of the wilderness region. Additionally, watch out for Skull Valley pocket gophers, spotted bats, black tail jackrabbits, bobcats, mountain lions, badgers, golden eagles, bald eagles, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, ferruginous hawks, and spotted bats.
Horseback Riding
The Cedar Mountain Wilderness is open to horses and other pack animals, and riding across the area is a great opportunity to see all it has to offer. On either side of the mountain, just off the borderline roads, are benches that offer options for riding. Although grazing troughs may provide livestock water, it is advised that you transport your water for your animals to make sure they stay well hydrated.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
If you do not wish to camp in the undeveloped bureau of land management campgrounds, there are a few developed options that make BLM RV camping simple. Great Salt Lake State Park campground has five sites, all of which have a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. The campground can accommodate RVs and trailers up to around 40 feet in length. A boat ramp, beach, dump station, and drinking water are also accessible.
Clover Springs Campground, located about an hour and a half from the Cedar Mountain Wilderness, is a natural spring-fed creek, and cottonwood trees can be found in the peaceful campground. The ten individual sites in the campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Two of these sites have room for horses. Additionally, a big group site with room for up to 50 people is available and can be reserved. The park can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet in length and has pit toilets, tables, and fire rings.
The Upper Narrows Campground is the best place to unwind after a day of outdoor exploration. The sites at the campground are dispersed throughout a mile-long stretch of the road. It is a modest, rustic campground. There are six single sites and two group sites, one of which can hold up to 30 people and the other up to 50. Vault toilets are provided for campers, and each site has a picnic table and a campfire ring.
Dispersed Camping
You can’t enter the wilderness area itself in an RV, but dispersed camping is available on the BLM lands surrounding Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area. Campsites are generally within 150 feet of the designated routes, allowing for easy access. Travelers find that boondocking here provides one with plenty of privacy and isolation. You can stay up to 14 days within a 28-day period. The roads around the wilderness area are primarily unpaved, and they can be slick and muddy when wet. Look for the graded ones leading off from I-80. Campfires and wood or charcoal burning are prohibited. Check local fire restrictions before visiting.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
Maintained dirt and gravel access routes become impassable during rain and snow. Large RVs can easily get stuck. The dispersed campsites in the surrounding area don’t have hookups, water, or trash services. You’ll need adequate onboard water tanks, waste management, and a power supply. • Camper Vans: Camper vans are ideal for navigating your way around the BLM lands surrounding Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area. • Travel Trailers: Travel trailers under 22 feet provide the maneuverability necessary for tight dirt access routes. • Fifth Wheels: Fifth Wheels are suitable, especially if towed with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. • Class A Motorhomes: These large RVs run the risk of getting stuck on the narrow primitive tracks. • Class B Motorhomes: Class B motorhomes have similar difficulties to Class A RVs in this area. • Class C Motorhomes: The compact design and shorter wheel base of a Class C will handle uneven approach roads better than larger rigs.
Free Camping 
Bureau of Land Management free camping is not popular in Cedar Wilderness. Only those locations on the South Platte Ranger District marked with "Parking," and "Tent" marks are authorized for dispersed camping and parking. No restrooms, garbage pickup, or potable water facilities are available on such sites. Along NFSR 360 and 523, there is authorized dispersed camping. By driving off-road, past the approved parking spots, or behind obstacles, you risk causing resource damage. Parking spaces must be 30 feet or less from site markers. Outside of specified overnight locations, campfires are forbidden. A few more sites may pop up if you google BLM camping near me.
RV Rentals Near Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area Plan your next adventure
Planning your Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area BLM trip
Dispersed camping is only permitted in authorized areas, and since there aren't many developed campgrounds, you'll need to make a reservation as soon as possible. Dirt roads that are regularly maintained provide access to the area but can become extremely muddy and impassable during inclement weather. Four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance are advised. Most places typically have fair to good cell phone coverage.
You must take caution and keep from trampling any delicate vegetation. Do not leave unattended food, litter, or other animal attractants when visiting the highlands and forests. Pack out everything you pack in and store all food and rubbish in safe containers. A fee may be charged for failure to comply. It is prohibited to camp or leave camping gear at any location for more than 14 days in a row. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Delle, Utah is the closest town. It’s roughly a 45-minute drive away at I-80’s exit 70. Here, you’ll find Delle City Station, where you can get gas, propane, and groceries. Prepare for emergencies by bringing a physical map, a compass, extra water, high-calorie food, and a flashlight. You can’t count on cell service. While there are no formal seasonal road closures, snow and rain often make access roads impassable. Check the local weather before arriving. Furthermore, you cannot use a generator in the area or when boondocking nearby.
Leave No Trace 
Ensure that you clean up after yourself. Keep everything in its original place. If you remove rocks, twigs, or pine cones from a surface area, restore them before you leave. Waste should be disposed of properly to prevent contamination of water sources, avoid negative consequences from someone else discovering it, and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area Location
From Salt Lake City, follow I-80 W to exit 56 to get to the Cedar Mountain Wilderness. After exiting, drive toward the aragonite plant two miles south on the paved road. There is a dirt road on your left just before the plant. After a mile, you should come upon a BLM information board.
Address: 2370 South 2300 West Salt Lake City, UT 84119
Ready to visit Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, enjoying a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area
Morning: Have a hearty breakfast in your RV. Pack a day bag with plenty of water to bring with you while exploring. Enjoy open-terrain hiking along the lower benches and juniper woodland slopes. Choose a safe ridge or canyon edge to follow near Hastings Pass to spot wildlife. Afternoon: Eat a packed picnic lunch while overlooking the Great Basin and Skull Valley. Afterwards, continue your explorations. Evening: Return to your RV to relax and cook dinner. Delight in a quiet evening under the desert stars.
Nearby Attractions
Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area is a wonderful place to explore and boondock, but you’ll want to save some time for other nearby attractions. Consider the following for stops on your way to or from Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area. • Great Salt Lake Park: Great Salt Lake Park is only 45 minutes away. Here, you’ll have marine access, sailing opportunities, and stunning views of the lake. • Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge: Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge is about an hour's drive south of Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area. It features marshland, desert springs, and prime bird-watching opportunities. • Desert Peak Wilderness: A 1.5-hour drive will take you to this stunning location. The centerpiece of Desert Peak Wilderness is the 11,031-foot Desert Peak. You’ll also find rugged hiking trails here. • Great Salt Lake Desert and Pony Express Trail: This spot is popular for retracing historic pioneer paths and doing some remote desert sightseeing. It is a 90-minute drive from Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this area suitable for large RVs? You cannot take an RV, or any vehicle, directly into Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area. You can, however, enjoy dispersed camping on the BLM land surrounding it. Be aware that the access roads are dirt or gravel and may not be suitable for large RVs. Is there drinking water available? No, there is no drinking water available in the Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area. Be sure to have a filled water supply tank in your RV before arriving. When you venture into the area for hiking and wildlife viewing, bring along a bag with plenty of extra water, especially during the hot summer days. Can I bring pets to Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area? Yes, you can bring your pets into this area, but they must be on a leash. Bring plenty of water for them. Natural water sources are scarce, and you are not allowed to disturb them. You also need to pack up their waste to keep the area clean. Can I have a campfire? No, campfires are not allowed. Neither is any kind of wood or charcoal-burning grill or fire pit. BLM strictly enforces these policies. Utilize your RV’s kitchen stovetop for preparing meals, or consider using a propane grill for cooking outdoors. What’s the best season for RV camping near Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area? Spring and fall are the best seasons for visiting this area. These shoulder seasons offer more comfortable temperatures, which make it easier to enjoy hiking and exploring. Spring has the added beauty of blooming wildflowers, and the trails are more visible. By fall, the summer tourist season dies down, which adds to your privacy.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
The best RV for this trip is a campervan. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate around the perimeter of Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area. It’s also a lighter weight than your larger motorhomes, which reduces the likelihood of getting stuck in muddy conditions. If you’re looking for something with a little more room, consider a travel trailer or fifth wheel. When pulled with a four-wheel-drive vehicle, these are ideal. Renting an RV once you arrive is a wonderful way to enjoy a stress-free vacation. Browse RV rentals near West Valley City, Utah for your next adventure in the Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area.
Nearby BLM Locations
- Pony Express National Historic Trail - Bureau of Land Management
- Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway (BCB) East Access - Bureau of Land Management
- Crystal Cave - Bureau of Land Management
- White Rocks - Bureau of Land Management
- California National Historic Trail (NHT), Salt Lake Cut-Off - Bureau of Land Management