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Big Flat Dispersed Camping

Overview
Big Flat is an established dispersed camping area located on the Beaver Ranger District. Big Flat is a popular recreational spot any time of the year because of the beautiful meadows and scenery, nearby recreation opportunities and availability for group camping.

Facilities
Three vault toilet bathrooms are available in the area of Big Flat. The first is located at Timid Springs on FR-514, the second is at the Skyline Trailhead, and the third is located at the Buck Ridge turnoff.

Natural Features
Common vegetation in the area includes Engelmann spruce, aspen and fir. The general terrain is a large meadow encompassed by trees, broadcasting beautiful views of the Tushar Mountain range.

Recreation
ATV riders can access the Paiute ATV trail from these dispersed camping sites. The area also offers bird watching, wildlife viewing and nearby fishing. Winter sport opportunities such as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are also popular activities here.

Current Conditions

Snow currently limits access via car or truck. Hwy-153 is closed at Puffer Lake

General Information

This area is open to ATV use on designated routes only. Please help prevent erosion and soil compaction by staying on roads and main driving trails. Driving on the meadows is prohibited as it creates ruts or channels that water flows down 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 on vegetation or through the trees and around them in circles the soil becomes compacted, depriving root systems of water and air, this will eventually kill the tree.

June - October

Groups larger than 75 persons must obtain a permit before using this area. Permits are free and may be obtained by calling the Supervisor's 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.
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.
Fireworks are prohibited on all National Forest Lands.
Use existing campfire rings when possible and always check fire restrictions before your trip.

Pets must be leashed at all times 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: 38.2633

Longitude: -112.3736

Elevation

10,207

Directions

This area is located approximately 20 miles east of Beaver, Utah near Puffer Lake. From Beaver travel east on State Road #153 for approximately 20 miles. This paved road is plowed during the winter. When you reach the gravel road continue on for another two miles until you reach Big Flat. The graveled road is not plowed during the winter. From Junction, Utah travel west 6 miles on paved Hwy-153, then approximately another 11 miles on dirt road to reach Big Flat.

Click here for Google Map Directions to Big Flat

Travel Considerations

Portions of Hwy-153 are narrow with minimal turnouts. Please be courteous of other road users by driving slowly and pulling off to let larger trailers pass in narrow sections when able. Highway 153 (SR-153) is a state road, maintained by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). Portions of the road are closed seasonally due to snow.