Primitive camping near Howell, Utah provides access to remote canyon and forest environments within Cache National Forest. Elevations in this area range from 4,700 to 8,500 feet, creating distinct seasonal conditions where summer temperatures can drop to 40°F at night even when daytime highs reach 85°F. Most dispersed sites in this region require campers to pack out all waste, as garbage facilities are extremely limited.
What to do
Hiking nearby mountain trails: Franklin Basin Road area connects to several trail systems where campers can explore dense forest and meadow terrain. "I have grown up camping in the Franklin Basin area. It is the perfect location for anyone looking for places to hike or ride. There are many different places to visit throughout the area such as the 'Plane Crash' site, Beaver Creek, old logging trails, and more," notes a camper at Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping.
Mountain biking: Green Canyon offers popular mountain biking trails accessed directly from camping areas. A visitor mentioned, "Plenty great dispersed sites for car camping. Tons of little spots along a gravel road. Fire rings and multiple clean bathrooms are available... Also tons of trails and mountain bikers. Met some climbers working on a sketch little project on one of the many many boulders."
Stargazing: The remote nature of Spiral Jetty provides exceptional dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Was a beautiful location for one night, but not much more than that. The Golden Spike park is on the way which is nice to stop by at," reported one visitor who stayed overnight.
What campers like
River access: Multiple campsites along Franklin Basin feature proximity to water. As one camper observed, "Tons of dispersed spots all up and down Franklin Basin Rd. Road is very well maintained, sites are easily accessible and close to Logan river if not on it! Also good hike or two on the same road."
Peace and quiet: For those seeking solitude, traveling deeper into dispersed areas often yields more isolated sites. A camper at Smithfield Dispersed Campsite shared, "Stayed here for two nights, at the end of a dead end road, close to the creek. Real easy place to be."
Spacious group camping: Many areas accommodate larger gatherings. One visitor noted about Franklin Basin, "Ended up driving this road up to Idaho to find a bigger spot and some solitude. Took the dirt road for about 30 minutes and got the most perfect spot. Nobody was near us and the view was amazing. We went at the beginning of June, it was a bit chilly some mornings and at night, so come prepared."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many sites require traveling on unmaintained roads. A camper at Heart Mountain Spring warned, "This was a very amazing experience. The hot springs were absolutely amazing... It's worth the drive if you have 4WD or very good shocks and suspension."
Weekend crowding: Sites fill quickly, especially those closest to Logan. "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! There was also another spot open down the road. Lots of people camping, hiking, mountain biking, and ATVs, so some traffic on the road, even after dark," reported a Green Canyon visitor.
"Claimed" sites issue: Empty equipment sometimes occupies prime locations. One camper noted, "Absolutely beautiful location off highway 89. A popular place especially for ohv-ers. Lots of places to park but most of them seemed to be 'claimed' (tents or trailers with no vehicles) for the upcoming weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection timing: Arrive early for family-friendly spots during peak season. A visitor to Green Canyon observed, "Perhaps a little too close to the university in Logan Utah it was busy that Friday night. I think all the spots filled by 7pm some 50 people there that night. There is close spots for small couples and large groups and also more private spacious spots for people with pets like me."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several areas offer chances to observe local fauna. One camper mentioned, "Birds in caves in side of valley. Well loved trail starts a short distance up the road. Looks like a beloved student hang out in the area with picnic tables so you may want drive further in if visit in summer."
Prepare for temperature swings: Elevation changes mean significant day-to-night variations. "We went at the beginning of June, it was a bit chilly some mornings and at night, so come prepared," advised a Franklin Basin camper.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many primitive camping sites near Howell cannot accommodate larger vehicles. A Franklin Basin Road visitor advised, "This is just the lower section! Pull in off the 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. NO cell phone signal at all."
Road narrowing concerns: Some roads become unsuitable for RVs without warning. A recent visitor to Smithfield noted, "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. The only spaces large enough for my 23 ft RV were occupied, and all of the car-sized spots were also taken."
Washboarded roads: Many access routes require slow travel due to rough conditions. "2wd friendly road for MILES. You can drive well into Idaho. You can drive for about 1.5 hours up in here and see amazing river meadow mountain views... Beware of cows! They will be in several sections of the road but are friendly to cars and move out of the way," noted one Franklin Basin camper.
