Best Dispersed Camping near Garden City, UT

Several dispersed camping areas exist near Garden City, Utah, primarily on U.S. Forest Service land in the Cache National Forest. Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping and Franklin Basin Road provide free primitive camping opportunities approximately 15 miles from Garden City. Additional dispersed sites include Green Canyon, Smithfield, and Curtis Creek/Arbs Basin areas. These public lands permit camping without developed facilities, typically in pull-off areas along forest roads or near creeks and meadows. Most sites feature established fire rings created by previous campers but lack other amenities.

Access roads to dispersed camping areas vary significantly in quality and difficulty. Franklin Basin Road is generally 2WD-friendly with a well-maintained gravel surface, while other areas may require high-clearance vehicles. Many reviews note rough, rutted roads leading to more remote sites. Most dispersed camping in this region lacks drinking water, toilets, and trash service, though some areas like Green Canyon have vault toilets at trailheads. Camping is typically limited to 14 days in a 30-day period on national forest land. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, so campers should check current regulations before arrival.

The dispersed sites around Garden City provide varying levels of solitude and scenery. Franklin Basin offers mountain views and creek access, with one camper noting, "You can drive well into Idaho. You can drive for about 1.5 hours up in here and see amazing river meadow mountain views." Green Canyon sites experience heavier use due to proximity to Logan, with reviews mentioning "high traffic and high litter volume." Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with most remote areas having no connectivity. Wildlife sightings are common, and many sites provide access to hiking and mountain biking trails. During peak summer weekends, campers should arrive early as popular spots fill quickly, particularly those with river or creek access.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Garden City, Utah (19)

    1. Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Garden City, UT
    9 miles
    +1 (435) 232-2674

    "You can drive well into Idaho. You can drive for about 1.5 hours up in here and see amazing river meadow mountain views. The views are truly amazing."

    "Amazing location especially because it’s close to bear lake!

    I heard it’s better in August, but if you camp way further down the mosquitos are absolutely miserable."

    2. Green Canyon Dispersed Campground

    16 Reviews
    North Logan, UT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 755-3620

    "About 15 mins outside of Logan up a beautiful canyon. Headed up around 4pm on a Saturday during Memorial Day weekend so didn’t have high hopes but found a spot with a fire ring almost immediately!"

    "Easy to find by putting the coordinates provided in Google Maps. Came in after dark and easily found a site about 1/4 mile or so up the road. Road is a bit bumpy but nothing major."

    3. Franklin Basin Road

    1 Review
    Garden City, UT
    8 miles

    "Pull in off thr highway you will see a large gravel loop to your left. With bathrooms. This is the big rig area. There are also a few dispersed spots down in this lower area."

    4. Smithfield Dispersed Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Richmond, UT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 320-8300

    "After you've passed the Smithfield campground there are plenty of spots on both sides of the road where you can pull off and have dispersed camping."

    "Stayed here for two nights, at the end of a dead end road, close to the creek. Real easy place to be."

    6. High Creek

    Be the first to review!
    Richmond, UT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 755-3620

    7. Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo

    8 Reviews
    Eden, UT
    36 miles

    "About 1/4 mile down a dirt road from Hwy 39 is a good single boondocking spot with a great view. Not for large RVs."

    "Two nice boondocking spots just a short drive on a tight dirt road off the highway. The campsite on the right is bigger, the one on the left is very small."

    8. Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin

    2 Reviews
    Woodruff, UT
    29 miles
    Website

    "Awesome time love the dirt road love love the trees the nature, everything about it basically the hills and country"

    "We stayed here for the night on our rooftop tent. It’s very quiet, barely any people. There’s man made firepits made out of rocks of people who have stayed here. It’s chilly and very pretty around."

    9. Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area

    7 Reviews
    Woodruff, WY
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 777-4600

    "Very private boondocking area about 10 miles off the highway. Wide open area; fairly level in the campsites we saw."

    "I wandered in after dark and the dirt road was easy to navigate. No one was around for miles which was quite nice! A few people drove past (I assume to go hunting) but not much traffic noise."

    10. Fossil Butte National Monument BLM

    3 Reviews
    Kemmerer, WY
    33 miles

    "Beautiful and remote area 10 miles up the road from the Visitor’s Center. Paved road that turns to dirt- both in great condition. High clearance vehicle needed, especially on the BLM land."

    "Not a lot of info listed for this location so adding a review to hopefully help out! We didn’t get to camp here but it made me leave “stars”.

    The drive into the monument is easy, zero issues."

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Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Garden City, UT

52 Reviews of 19 Garden City Campgrounds



Guide to Garden City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Garden City, Utah, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Dispersed campers should check out Green Canyon Dispersed Campground

  • This site features plenty of shaded areas thanks to the surrounding trees, making it a great choice for summer camping.
  • Visitors have noted the proximity to the road, which allows for easy access while still enjoying the natural surroundings.
  • For those who enjoy hiking, there are trails nearby that provide opportunities to explore the beautiful landscape.

Top activities while free camping near Garden City

  • Many campers appreciate the chance to enjoy campfires, as fires are allowed at Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping, creating a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings.
  • The area is known for its stunning views and solitude, especially if you venture further down the dirt roads to find a more secluded spot.
  • Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the numerous hiking trails and scenic routes that lead to breathtaking vistas and unique landmarks.

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

  • The Smithfield Dispersed Campsite offers a picturesque canyon setting with a creek running through it, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
  • Campers can explore the nearby High Creek area, which is known for its beautiful riverside spots and access to hiking trails that lead to stunning natural features.
  • For those seeking a quieter experience, the Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin is a hidden gem that provides a tranquil environment with minimal foot traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Garden City, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Garden City, UT is Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Garden City, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Garden City, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.