Best Dispersed Camping near Mantua, UT

The mountainous terrain surrounding Mantua, Utah features predominantly dispersed camping options within the Cache National Forest and nearby public lands. Green Canyon Dispersed Campground, located approximately 15 minutes from Logan, provides free camping with established fire rings and vault toilets. Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping extends along well-maintained gravel roads with sites situated near the Logan River, some continuing into Idaho. Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo offers secluded spots with panoramic views of aspen and fir forests, while Curtis Creek/Arbs Basin provides quieter alternatives with primitive amenities.

Road conditions vary significantly across camping areas, with some sites accessible by standard vehicles while others require high-clearance 4WD. As one camper noted, "The road is a bit bumpy but nothing major. Our truck handled it with ease, but even a sedan would probably be fine." Many dispersed sites require permits, with Green Canyon charging $10 for a 3-day permit. Seasonal closures affect accessibility, particularly during winter months when roads like Green Canyon are closed from December through mid-April. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, and weather can change rapidly at higher elevations, with campers reporting snow even during late spring.

Visitor experiences highlight the natural beauty and relative solitude available despite proximity to urban areas. Green Canyon receives mixed reviews due to its popularity, with one visitor noting it's "kinda crowded on the weekend. Lots of trucks, razors, and ATVs." Sites farther from town generally offer more seclusion but fewer amenities. Franklin Basin earns praise for its riverside locations and mountain views, though campers warn about mosquitoes in early summer. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with varying carrier coverage. Wildlife sightings are common, and campers should follow proper food storage practices as bears and mountain lions inhabit the area. Most sites feature established fire rings and flat areas suitable for tents, while RV options are more limited due to narrow access roads.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mantua, Utah (17)

    1. Green Canyon Dispersed Campground

    16 Reviews
    North Logan, UT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 755-3620

    "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!"

    "Easy to find by putting the coordinates provided in Google Maps. Came in after dark and easily found a site about 1/4 mile or so up the road. Road is a bit bumpy but nothing major."

    2. Middle Fork Conservation Area

    4 Reviews
    Eden, UT
    17 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo

    8 Reviews
    Eden, UT
    23 miles

    "About 1/4 mile down a dirt road from Hwy 39 is a good single boondocking spot with a great view. Not for large RVs."

    "Two nice boondocking spots just a short drive on a tight dirt road off the highway. The campsite on the right is bigger, the one on the left is very small."

    5. Monte Cristo Pull-off

    1 Review
    Eden, UT
    20 miles

    "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."

    6. Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin

    2 Reviews
    Woodruff, UT
    24 miles
    Website

    "Awesome time love the dirt road love love the trees the nature, everything about it basically the hills and country"

    "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."

    8. Smithfield Dispersed Campsite

    4 Reviews
    Richmond, UT
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 320-8300

    "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."

    "Stayed here for two nights, at the end of a dead end road, close to the creek. Real easy place to be."

    9. Hobbit 2 Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    North Logan, UT
    26 miles

    "Didn’t stay, it’s right next to the road maybe for a camper van not for a truck and 30’ camper"

    10. Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Garden City, UT
    36 miles
    +1 (435) 232-2674

    "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."

    "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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mantua, UT

51 Reviews of 17 Mantua Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo

    Boondocking site on a hill

    About 1/4 mile down a dirt road from Hwy 39 is a good single boondocking spot with a great view. Not for large RVs. Our 17 ft trailer with 4x4 was tricky to get into the spot because the loop was so small. Has a fire pit but with fire restrictions we didn’t have a fire. The view is fantastic of hills covered with aspen and fir trees. Quiet but cars can be heard now and then.

    There are many other boondocking spots in this area but this one is a good one.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2023

    Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo

    Beautiful and secluded

    Two nice boondocking spots just a short drive on a tight dirt road off the highway. The campsite on the right is bigger, the one on the left is very small. Very popular for hunters in September, so you'll have lots of people walking right by your camp. The views are beautiful, but it can get quite blustery. We weren't able to have a fire when we stayed there.

  • Steven E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2019

    Green Canyon Dispersed Campground

    Green Canyon Disbursed Campgrounds

    Green Canyon is one of Logan Utahs underrated and overused gems. The canyon itself is open for recreation of various kinds year-round.

    During the summer months when most of us like to go camping, there are between 15 and 25 sites available on a first-come first-serve basis. Some of these are groups sites that can accommodate large gatherings. Most sites have established fire rings, however the overall site condition as well as the condition of the fire ring is sometimes questionable. This is usually due to high volume. This Canyon is also notorious for high school Gatherings, so there is usually a lot of pallet wood burned. You will find on almost every trip Nails screws Staples and broken glass. Beer bottles beer cans and cigarette butts are also pretty common unfortunately. (Wear good shoes!) Aside from questionable condition of the campgrounds, it is easy to get to and free. And relatively close to Logan. So it's easy to see why I get so much use.

    Green Canyon is better known and more happily known for its trail that runs alongside the road. Local residents love this Trail for trail runs, or mountain biking. There are Vault toilets in the parking lot at the bottom, as well as at the very top where Green Canyon meets water shed Canyon.

    In the winter months the road is closed, and is groomed by a local group named Nordic United. They groom it for cross country skiing several times a week and after every good storm. Trail is also used during the winter for snowshoeing, as well as Fat Tire snow biking.

    To top it off in the winter at the top Powder Ridge ski touring also has a yurt you can rent if you are willing to cross country ski or Snowshoe to it. (See separate review).

    Overall Green Canyon only gets 3 out of 5 stars because of its high traffic and high litter volume. Remember to leave no trace and always leave it better than you found it!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Hobbit 2 Dispersed Site

    A one spot stop

    Didn’t stay, it’s right next to the road maybe for a camper van not for a truck and 30’ camper

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2020

    Green Canyon Dispersed Campground

    Easy Access

    This canyon is within the Cache National Forest. Just outside of Logan, UT. Super easy access to a neat little canyon. My Honda Civic was able to navigate the gravel road far back into the canyon. There are two restrooms - one at the trailhead and one down into the canyon a bit. Several spots with picnic tables. Many pullouts / camping spots with stone fire rings on either side of the road. There were tons of mountain bikers around, as there is a mountain bike / trail running / hiking trail that goes through the canyon as well. Kinda crowded on the weekend. Lots of trucks, razors, and ATVs. BUT the canyon itself is cool and pretty. There is even a cave up on the left coming in and we saw some people bouldering up there. Overall not bad for a free place to stay! Met some super kind folks in there.

  • Sherry N.
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area

    Great boondocking spot but long dirt road

    Very private boondocking area about 10 miles off the highway. Wide open area; fairly level in the campsites we saw. The road is okay if you go slowly; we came in with our 31’ class A pulling a 12’ box trailer. There’s a bathroom about 6 miles in. Good Verizon service.

  • Janelle K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Middle Fork Conservation Area

    Great spot!

    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. A local ranger came by to chat and told us it can get busy with local homeless people and drug users, just FYI. But overall we felt completely safe and our neighbors were nice and friendly!

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping

    Amazing mnt views great road

    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. Just make sure you stick to the gravel road as you go up, dont turn off. The road turns to dirt in idaho but is still 2wd safe until you get to a ver clear turn around. Beware of cows! They will be in several sections of the road but are friendly to cars and move out of the way. The sites can be a little buggy but many have direct river access or beaver pond access. If this place had cell signal it would be one of the best spots ever

  • Maddie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping

    Great for big groups

    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.

    I went by myself on a Friday afternoon and it was super busy but there were still some spots for just a car right off the side of the road which worked fine for me since I was car camping, but I would be cautious if you aren’t car camping to make sure you show up earlier than I did (6pm).

    Also if you keep driving for maybe 20-30min down the road there’s even more beautiful spots, but it’s pretty rocky so be careful if you don’t trust your car/have low clearance. I got my car stuck in a ditch trying to pull into one of the further spots (10/10 don’t recommend) lol. Bumper is now falling off and I think one of the rocks gave my tire a leak.


Guide to Mantua

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Mantua dispersed camping?

Mantua dispersed camping sites typically offer minimal amenities, as is standard with most dispersed camping areas. Green Canyon Dispersed Campground provides some basic facilities including fire rings and multiple clean restrooms along the gravel road. Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping offers spacious, spread-out sites with natural settings but few developed amenities. Most dispersed sites in the area have established fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Visitors should plan to be self-sufficient by bringing their own water, toilet supplies, and packing out all trash.

Where is Mantua Valley dispersed camping located?

Mantua Valley dispersed camping is located near northern Utah, with several options in the surrounding area. Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo is situated about 1/4 mile down a dirt road from Highway 39, offering spectacular mountain views. The area features two boondocking spots just a short drive on a tight dirt road off the highway. For other nearby dispersed camping options, the Mantua area provides access to various National Forest lands where dispersed camping is permitted following proper regulations.

Are permits required for dispersed camping in Mantua?

Generally, permits are not required for dispersed camping in the Mantua area, but certain regulations must be followed. Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis without formal permits. Similarly, Left Hand Fork - Dispersed Site follows standard Forest Service dispersed camping rules that don't require permits. However, campers should always check for seasonal fire restrictions, adhere to Leave No Trace principles, camp only in established sites, and follow the 14-day stay limit typically enforced in National Forest areas. During hunting season, be aware of increased activity in these areas.