Dispersed camping near Mantua, Utah offers opportunities throughout the Cache National Forest with sites spanning elevations from 5,000 to 9,000 feet. The area experiences rapid weather changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during days and dropping to 40-50°F at night. Most dispersed sites in this region require campers to pack out all trash, as formal facilities are limited to a few locations with vault toilets.
What to do
Hiking trails: Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping provides access to numerous hiking paths including old logging trails. "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.
Mountain biking: Green Canyon Dispersed Campground offers popular mountain biking trails. "Stopped in Logan on our way through Utah. Logan has STUNNING and charming views of mountains and an vast valley. Green Canyon was recommended by a friend. Plenty great dispersed sites for car camping. Tons of little spots along a gravel road. Fire rings and multiple clean bathrooms are available," shares one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Monte Cristo Pull-off provides opportunities to spot local wildlife. "This is now my current go to for last minute camping. Picked a pull-off spot about 10 min up the highway and was really surprised. It went pretty deep and and truly felt like I was away. Only downside is you can occasionally hear louder vehicles like motorcycles during the day," reports a camper.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping offers sites directly on the Logan River. "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," writes one visitor.
Fall colors: Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo showcases spectacular autumn foliage. "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. No notes. Can't recommend this spot enough," shares an enthusiastic camper.
Quieter alternatives: Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin provides more secluded options. "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. Nice view of the sunset. There's no cell service," notes a visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal accessibility: Most sites close during winter months, with snowfall possible even in late spring. "Testing teardrop camper in winter conditions. Road to dispersed camping is closed Dec 1 - April 15. Permit fee is $10 for 3 days," shares a Green Canyon camper.
Weekend crowds: Sites closest to Logan fill quickly on weekends. "There are tons of free site all up and down the main road. The only problem is it is busy if you leave on Friday plan to get there by 3 at the latest. Spots fill quick," warns a Monte Cristo visitor.
Site claiming practices: Smithfield Dispersed Campsite and other areas sometimes have empty equipment holding spots. "Tons of land, tons of campsites.. but most are 'occupied' by empty trailers with no other vehicles or people around. There's empty cars parked on top of fire pits, no tents or any sort of life nearby," observes a Franklin Basin camper.
Tips for camping with families
Quiet midweek visits: Middle Fork Conservation Area offers peaceful family camping during weekdays. "My family and I were driving through and needed a place to stay for the night. We camped the first night that lot camping was allowed (9/10) so it was quiet and peaceful. It is down a dirt road in a valley surrounded by cattle and deer and elk. Beautiful sunset and moonrise," shares a visitor.
Canyon exploration: Small children enjoy exploring the creek at Smithfield Dispersed Campsite. "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. It's a very pretty canyon with a creek running through it," notes a camper.
Bug protection: Mosquitoes can be intense in early summer. "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," warns a Franklin Basin visitor.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Middle Fork Conservation Area and other sites have varying road quality. "We came during a week day and the whole site was empty! Very quiet, very pretty, and very colorful. There were only two or maybe three spots total, so get here early," advises a Monte Cristo camper.
Size restrictions: Many dispersed sites cannot accommodate larger rigs. "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," cautions a Smithfield visitor.
Roadside pullouts: For smaller rigs, roadside camping works well. "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. The views are truly amazing. There are nice size and spread out dispersed camping spots along the way," notes a Franklin Basin camper.
