Tent camping near Garden City, Utah offers opportunities for solitude and lakeside recreation within the Cache National Forest region. Located at elevations averaging 5,900-6,000 feet, campsites experience temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night, even during summer months. The area's camping season typically runs May through September, with some sites receiving heavy snow until late spring.
What to do
Water activities at Bear Lake State Park Campground: The shallow, gradual-entry water makes this location popular for families with children. As one camper noted, "The water is perfect and so blue. Really earns the title of the Caribbean of the Rockies. Had my own trail straight to the water facing the sunset."
Hiking near Monte Cristo: The dispersed camping areas provide direct access to numerous trails. "We could not have asked for a more perfect spot. The views were immaculate, the sites were very spread out, it was the end of September and all the leaves were changing," shared one visitor about dispersed camping near Monte Cristo.
Cave exploration: Located near North Fork Campground in St. Charles Canyon, the Minnetonka Cave offers guided tours during summer months. A camper described the area as having "beautiful scenery in Idaho mountains" with a campground that "has 2 sections one of which is mainly for RVs and the 2nd which is for tents and camper Vans."
Winter yurt stays: For off-season adventure, the Green Canyon Yurt offers a unique winter camping option. "The yurt itself can sleep 12, on four twin over full bunk beds. There's a cooking area, table, pots and pans, and of course a pot belly stove to keep it nice and warm," explains a winter visitor.
What campers like
Secluded spots: Maple Creek River Bottoms offers privacy not found at more developed sites. "This private oasis in the woods feels secluded, but you are 6 min away from local amenities. Lots of trees and perfect place to relax around your fire-pit," according to a review of Secluded Maple Creek River Bottoms.
Lakeside access: Direct water access ranks high among tent campers visiting Bear Lake. One visitor shared, "The views were amazing right from our tent! The water was a little on the chilly side so we did more wading than swimming, but you cant ask for too much more in UT/ID."
Fall foliage: Camping during September and October provides spectacular autumn colors. As one camper at Cache National Forest Bridger Campground described, "A great and spacious area worth the trip for sure!" while another added it was "Spacious and not too crowded. Lots of hiking spots!"
Fire rings: Most dispersed sites feature established fire rings. A camper at Monte Cristo noted, "About 1/4 mile down a dirt road from Hwy 39 is a good single boondocking spot with a great view... Has a fire pit but with fire restrictions we didn't have a fire."
What you should know
Limited availability: Dispersed camping fills quickly on weekends. One camper warned about Monte Cristo: "If you leave on Friday plan to get there by 3 at the latest. Spots fill quick."
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require navigating rough roads. A visitor to Smithfield Dispersed Campsite reported, "No warning that the road narrows with no turn around about a mile into the campground, or the trees are overgrown which scratched up my sides."
Site limitations: Many dispersed sites accommodate only small camping setups. A Smithfield camper explained, "Most of the spots are pretty small and would only work for one or two tents or maybe a couple of hammocks."
Seasonal fire restrictions: Late summer often brings fire bans. "We weren't able to have a fire when we stayed there," reported a Monte Cristo camper in September.
Tips for camping with families
Gradual-entry swimming: Bear Lake State Park's beach features extremely gradual depth changes. A camper described, "The beach has fine sand and the water depth is super gradual - it'll take 50-60 yards to get waist deep."
Look for shaded sites: Cottonwood Campground at Bear Lake State Park offers more tree cover than some lakeside alternatives. "It's a beautiful spot, with full hook ups and lovely campgrounds. The beach is spectacular and lots of other things to do around the lake," noted one visitor.
Consider glamping options: For families new to camping, Garden City offers hybrid accommodations. A visitor to Conestoga Ranch mentioned, "Ranch had a variety of accommodations luxury tents, the Joshua tree house, or the covered wagons. The covered wagons are super unique and can sleep up to six."
Tips from RVers
Site selection cautions: Many dispersed sites won't accommodate larger vehicles. One Monte Cristo camper advised, "Not for large RVs. Our 17 ft trailer with 4x4 was tricky to get into the spot because the loop was so small."
Hookup availability: Cottonwood Campground provides full-service options for RVs near Garden City. One camper noted, "It's a beautiful spot, with full hook ups and lovely campgrounds."
Weather preparedness: The area's elevation means significant temperature variations. At the Idaho section of Bear Lake, one camper advised, "East side also Idaho side. Saint Charles ID elevation 5940 ft. Sites are pretty level they have electric some with water and some with 50amps."
