Tent campsites near Howell, Utah extend throughout the foothills of the Wellsville Mountains, with elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,000 feet. The region experiences cold winters with significant snowfall and mild summers with temperatures typically between 50-85°F. Most dispersed camping areas require self-sufficiency, with campers navigating unmaintained forest roads to reach remote sites.
What to do
Snowshoeing trails: During winter months, Green Canyon offers groomed trails for winter recreation near camping areas. A local camper notes, "The Green Canyon yurt is owned and managed by Powder Ridge ski touring. During the winter months, Powder Ridge manages the Green Canyon Road and grooms it on an almost daily basis."
Ice fishing: Winter camping provides unique outdoor activities on frozen lakes. At Port Ramp Marina, "The lake will freeze over enough to walk on or fish on. There were plenty of people ice fishing when we went."
Cross-country skiing: Established trails near winter camping spots accommodate various snow activities. As one visitor to Green Canyon explains, "The trail is approximately 3.8 miles long with a steady incline most of the way. There are a few spots with decent little hills."
What campers like
Water features: Many camping locations feature streams that enhance the camping experience. One visitor to Smithfield Dispersed Campsite shared, "It's very beautiful with lots of greenery and a river through the whole canyon. The road is dirt and bumpy so be prepared for that."
Low crowds at seasonal sweet spots: Beach camping areas change dramatically with water levels. A camper at Port Ramp Marina advises, "Spring runoff makes this lake rise significantly, which completely submerged the beach we were playing on. If you hit the season right, it won't be too busy and you'll have very long extended beaches to play on!"
Dead-end roads: Some campers prefer the reduced traffic of terminal camping areas. One Smithfield visitor mentioned, "Stayed here for two nights, at the end of a dead end road, close to the creek. Real easy place to be."
What you should know
Limited drinking water: Many primitive sites lack basic resources. At Dry Canyon Campground, "This place had plenty of place for activities and many picnic tables close to a large cement fire place. Only downside is there's no water there."
Road conditions: Forest service roads can challenge vehicles with low clearance. A Smithfield camper warns, "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."
Seasonal water noise levels: Stream-side camping brings varying sound conditions. One camper observed about Smithfield, "In the spring the river is loud because it is more rushing."
Tips for camping with families
Group amenities: Some sites offer specific facilities for larger parties. A visitor to Dry Canyon noted, "This place had plenty of place for activities and many picnic tables close to a large cement fire place. There were also plenty types of sheep nearby!"
Winter family activities: Cold-weather camping provides unique recreational opportunities. A camper at Port Ramp Marina mentions, "Huntsville, which is a ten minute drive away also has an awesome field that they turn into a skating rink, which is really fun for ice hockey and normal ice skating."
Private fire sites: Some established campgrounds offer designated cooking areas. At Secluded Maple Creek River Bottoms, campers enjoy "private sites with personal fire-pit" despite being "6 min away from local amenities."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many forest roads limit larger vehicle access. A Smithfield visitor cautioned, "The only spaces large enough for my 23 ft RV were occupied, and all of the car-sized spots were also taken."
Spacious alternatives: Some camping areas accommodate larger vehicles better than others. At Cache National Forest Bridger Campground, campers report it's "a great and spacious area worth the trip for sure!"
Proximity to supplies: Some camping areas offer better access to necessities. One reviewer noted about Secluded Maple Creek, "This private oasis in the woods feels secluded, but you are 6 min away from local amenities."
