Camping near Mantua, Utah provides access to both high-elevation forest sites and lakeside options with elevations ranging from 4,300 to 5,800 feet. The Mantua region sits at the intersection of Cache Valley and Box Elder County with the Wellsville Mountains to the east and the Wasatch Range to the south. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach 85-90°F while dropping to 50-60°F at night in forested campgrounds.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 1-mile trail accessible near North Fork County Park leads to a small waterfall that's popular with families. "There's a short waterfall hike, but also a long hike that will take you up to Ben Lomond Peak & cut across to Willard Peak. Go when there's no smoke and you'll have breathtaking views (I'd say May & June are your best bet)," notes Morgan L. who camped at North Fork County Park.
Lakefront recreation: Beach access within 5 minutes of camping sites at Willard Bay State Park. "The lake is clean and still very natural. The swans circling the water are something to see," reports a camper. Willow Creek Campground offers "beach access down to the beach and got to watch the sunset completely private. They had numerous bathrooms, water fill up stations, and the campsites are very big," according to Haley N. at Willow Creek Campground.
Mountain biking: Trail networks accessible directly from certain campgrounds. "Had a great stay at North Fork. Camped in the canyon near the trailheaad for the waterfall hike. We stayed at campsite 6 which was great, but they were all really nice. Excellent mountain bike trails also. Can't wait to go back and ride more of them," shares Rich J.
What campers like
Creek-side camping spots: Several campgrounds offer streamside sites popular with families. "The site we like best is right on the creek! If you go in early June you will be delighted with the poppy fields!" says Barb D. about Box Elder Campground, which operates from May through mid-October.
Large, level camping sites: Many local campgrounds feature spacious sites with natural separation. "The sites were plenty big, each had a fire pit and picnic table and were close to legit toilets. It was beautiful. Worth the drive to get a little further off the beaten path," explains Stephanie R. about her experience at North Fork County Park.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high in camper reviews. "Handicap accessible bathrooms and showers, plenty of hot water!" notes Nathan D. who stayed at Hyrum State Park Campground. This campground is located within a neighborhood near the lake and remains open year-round.
What you should know
Seasonal bug activity: Mosquitoes can be intense near water, especially at Willard Bay. "Memorial Day weekend there are already loads of bugs. It would be a great spot in the dead of winter," warns Rara B. from a May visit to Willow Creek Campground. Bring insect repellent for summer camping.
Road and rail noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds from nearby highways. "This campground is literally right off the NB/SB freeway. The sites are pretty nice and many are very close to the lake... but keep in mind, your day and night will be filled with freeway noises," Derek E. explains about Cottonwood Campground at Willard Bay State Park.
Free dispersed camping: Areas like Dock Flat Campground offer no-cost options with limited facilities. "Not very far from Brigham City at all. Easy to find and some roads are a little rough in the campgrounds. At least 30 established campsites with fire pits and lots of shade. A lot of hiking and star gazing available. No Services whatsoever," reports Steve M. from his experience at Dock Flat.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible creek play: Several campgrounds feature shallow creeks safe for younger children. "We stayed in the group A site with a bunch of families and 15 kids ages 2-10. Tons of shade, picnic tables, and seating around the fire pit. The kids had a blast playing in the creek. It's not too deep, and it runs fast enough to not be gross or slippery," explains Anastasia E. about Box Elder Campground.
Nature trail options: Short hiking trails suitable for various ages. "This campground has been a friends and family favorite for many years. My husband and I recently took our toddler and infant here and had a blast. They found joy in simply throwing pebbles in the creek and making mud," shares Morgan L. about North Fork County Park.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play structures. "We had a delightful stay over Memorial Day weekend. Our kids had a blast swimming, playing at the playground and then spending time in the arcade. The New Owners are super friendly and the Bathrooms are very clean," reports Kristan J. about her family's experience at Brigham City-Perry South KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Some RV parks assign sites without preview options. "They assign spots when u arrive without u looking at the spots. Then if u don't like the spot they give u a lot of trouble to change it," warns Jess T. about Cottonwood Campground, suggesting RVers request specific sites when possible.
Sewer hose length: Be prepared with additional hose length at some parks. "Note the sewer is toward the back, not the middle so bring lots of sewer hose," advises Laura K. about Cottonwood Campground at Willard Bay State Park, who also mentions highway noise can be problematic for light sleepers.
Arrival timing restrictions: Several parks enforce strict check-in policies. "Be aware that they DO NOT allow early arrival and will turn you away before 3pm even if the site is empty," notes Erin A. from her experience at Willard Bay State Park Cottonwood, which offers spacious pull-through sites with full hookups.
