Pine Valley Recreation Area

Overview

The Pine Valley Recreation Area sits in a scenic valley surrounded by the Pine Valley Mountains within the Dixie National Forest. At roughly 6,900 feet elevation, it offers a significantly cooler escape from the desert heat of the St. George area. The area includes multiple campgrounds serving families, large groups, motorhomes, and horse users, along with picnic areas and a network of established trails such as Brown's Point, Whipple, Equestrian, Pine Valley Canal, and Gardner Peak. Winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Planning Your Visit

The recreation area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Pine Valley Ranger District, and is reached via the community of Pine Valley north of St. George. Portions of the area have been affected by flooding tied to the Forsyth Fire burn scar, and closures here can last for years rather than weeks: a burn scar sheds water instead of absorbing it, so a slope that has lost its vegetation will flood repeatedly until the cover grows back. Check the Dixie National Forest website or call the Public Lands Information Center for current conditions, fees and reservations before you go — do not assume a campground or road is open.

More on this: Pine Valley Recreation Area and camping near St. George.