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Big John's Flat Dispersed Camping

Overview
The Big John's Flat dispersed camping area is located just south of the Tushar Mountain range on the Beaver Ranger District. The area is a popular recreation spot because of its scenic views, recreation opportunities and expansive meadows.

Facilities
Three separate vault toilet restrooms are available near of Big John's Flat, located roughly 1 mile apart along FR-123. No water or garbage receptacles are available in the area.

Natural Features
Common vegetation includes Engelmann spruce, Aspen, and Fir stands with large open meadows. Wildflowers bloom in the late summer.

Recreation
The areas surrounding Big John's Flat offer a plethora of opportunities for summer and winter sport enthusiasts such as horseback riding, hiking, wildflower viewing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. This area is open to ATV use on designated roads and trails.

Current Conditions

Snow currently limits access via car or truck. FR-123 to Big John's Flat is closed at the 1st gate.

General Information

Please help prevent erosion and soil compaction by staying on roads and main driving trails. Driving on the meadows is prohibited and creates ruts or channels that water flows through, removing topsoil and creating scars that last many lifetimes. Delicate meadow plants can be damaged, leaving less forage for wildlife and leaving the soil unprotected. when riders drive through the trees and around them in circles the soil becomes compacted, depriving root systems of water and air.

June - October

Any group of 75 persons or more requires a permit. This is a free permit and can be obtained by calling the applicable District Office

You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area. Campers may not spend more than 16 days of any 30-day period at the same dispersed area.
All motorized travel is restricted to designated travel routes. Cross country travel, driving around closed gates and barriers, and driving on meadows is prohibited
Do not drive on meadows to access camp areas. Use only existing roads and park/camp in cleared areas with bare soil.
Keep a Pack-In Pack-Out camp. Follow 'Leave No Trace' guidelines
Use existing campfire rings when possible and always check fire restrictions before your trip.

No fees are required for this site

Pets must be leashed within this recreation area. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and to protect wildlife.
Clean up dog waste and dispose of it properly.
Keep dogs from chasing, harassing, and disturbing wildlife, livestock or other visitors.
When on a trail, yield to other hikers, horses, and other trail users by stepping off the trail and keeping control of your dog.

Landscape view of the Beaver Ranger District Office on the Fishlake National Forest

Address: 575 South Main Street Beaver, UT 84713
Phone: (435) 438-2436
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 38.3443

Longitude: -112.3999

Elevation

10,200

Directions

Big John's Flat Dispersed camping area is located 20 miles east of Beaver, Utah. From Beaver travel east on Hwy-153 for approximately 16 miles. Turn left onto the FR-123 for 3.3 miles until you reach Big John's Flat.

From Junction, Utah travel 24 miles east on Hwy-153. Turn right onto FR-123 and travel another 3.6 miles north to Big John's Flat. Click the link below for directions.

Google Map Directions

Travel Considerations

FR-123 is a narrow dirt road with minimal turnouts. Please be courteous of other road users by driving slowly and pulling off to let trailers pass in narrow sections when able. *AWD or 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended but not required.