1 campground with availability this weekend
Dispersed camping dominates the tent camping options near Mantua, Utah, with multiple free sites scattered throughout the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Curtis Creek and Monte Cristo offer primitive tent sites with drive-in and walk-in access, while established campgrounds like Hobble provide more developed facilities. These areas typically sit at higher elevations in aspen and fir forests, providing good summer escape options when valley temperatures rise.
Most dispersed tent sites lack basic amenities, requiring campers to pack in all water and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, particularly at Monte Cristo where several reviewers noted fire bans in effect. While dispersed areas permit fires when conditions allow, established rings should be used. The free tent sites require no reservations but fill quickly on summer weekends. Campers should arrive by mid-afternoon on Fridays to secure spots at popular areas like Monte Cristo. Many locations have vault toilets at trailheads but not at individual campsites.
The higher-elevation tent sites provide excellent views and relative seclusion compared to developed campgrounds. Monte Cristo dispersed camping offers particularly scenic vistas from hillside locations, though the access road may be challenging for larger vehicles. A visitor commented, "There are many other boondocking spots in this area but this one is a good one." Fall brings spectacular foliage displays when aspens change color, making September an ideal time for tent camping if prepared for cooler temperatures. Sites at Curtis Creek offer more protection from wind than exposed areas, with natural rock fire rings constructed by previous campers. Sites nearest to roads fill first, while walk-in locations just 5-10 minutes from parking areas provide more privacy and quieter camping experiences.
"Not only is it more beautiful (IMO) in the winter, but it gets loads of snow for snow sports, and it is right next to Powder Mountain and Snow Basin!"
"Beautiful lake, nice beaches, but only if you go in the late summer or fall."
from $650 / night
"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."
"It is groomed for cross-country skiing with the designated track on one side. You can also Snowshoe, or ride your bike with fat tires up if your adventurous!"
"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."
"Stayed here for two nights, at the end of a dead end road, close to the creek. Real easy place to be."
"I first visited this area in the spring, and have since been there around 4-5 times. It’s very beautiful with lots of greenery and a river through the whole canyon."
"Aside from the excessive litter in a few places, This was a great place to give my 5 year old a taste of backpacking."
"I find the tent site #3 (my watch says exactly 4.5 miles from the car) and set up my tent."
"Good hiking trails with great views and lots if animals to see."
Available this weekend
from $20 / night
GuideNice little campground. Know what it is. Its a campground at a theme park. Noisy during the day. Stay here if your going to Cherry Hill. I wouldn't stay here without that due to better locations. Grassy spots get slick.
LegendI know some people had a huge issue with bugs. Maybe its because we came towards the end of October. But the only issue with bugs we had were a few annoying flies. This place is absolutely stunning. Ended up staying 2 nights. One night was very windy since there isnt much to protect you from the wind. Bathrooms have showers and flush toilets. Literally no one was here after the Bison roundup weekend. And the sunsets were spectacular !
LegendI like that the spots are paved. Close to a road causing lots of traffic noise. Not much privacy between sites either. But lots of grassy places to play
LegendA nice campground. About to close for the season so I was the only one here. Its currently dry. The water was shut off and whatnot. Lots of spots. Some better than others! I bet this place would be stunning when the leaves are green and lush!
GuideThis is one of the best campgrounds around. The owners are amazing and the location with large trees for shade. Deck with BBQs. Big hangout area in grass. We hold a fishing tourney here every year and we all love hanging out at the campground after!
RangerCamp is about 25 minutes from town via a dirt road 4x4 not required in certain areas just be cautious when selecting certain sites if you don't have 4x4. Also worth noting lots of dirt bikes and side by sides and folks shooting guns, so if you're a light sleeper you may not enjoy this site. Otherwise, it's totally fine.
ScoutFantastic location, price and staff.
GuideFirst the campsite was very nice, bathrooms very clean, the campsite was well cared for which is why were shocked someone didn't correct the signs .....We were at WIllow Creek site 161, we arrived late in the evening ( at dusk) the signs only indicated camp sites up to 159 so we stopped at the camp host and knocked on the door, no one came to the door, so we drove around trying to find our camp site. We finally found our site ( 161) which was not listed on any sign, frustration we didn't need. For that reason I will never camp there again. How difficult is it to change a sign? Don't rely on Google Maps to get you here, follow the directions on your reservation confirmation.....
LegendNice KOA. Clean, friendly staff, convenient location, but construction across the street. Looks like a new neighborhood may be going in. This would drop the rating to a 3 but it is not their fault. Pool available on request. Our site seemed wider than some. For passing through it is great. Not sure I’d stay here for days unless needing to be in Brigham City. Peek view of the Great Salt Lake.
Primitive tent camping near Mantua, Utah offers accessible options between May and September when higher elevation areas become snow-free. Most sites in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest sit between 7,000-9,000 feet elevation, providing natural air conditioning during summer months when valley temperatures frequently exceed 90°F. The region features predominantly aspen and conifer forests with scattered meadows and valley views.
Fishing local streams: Curtis Creek provides fishing opportunities with native Bonneville cutthroat trout. Campers report success using small flies and spinners in deeper pools. According to one visitor at Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin, "It's very quiet, barely any people. There's man made firepits made out of rocks of people who have stayed here."
Mountain biking: The Green Canyon trail system offers intermediate to advanced trails accessible from camping areas. During winter, the main road becomes a groomed cross-country ski trail. "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," notes a visitor to Green Canyon Yurt.
Fall color viewing: Late September brings spectacular autumn colors as aspens turn gold. "We stayed here for the night on our rooftop tent... It's chilly and very pretty around. Nice view of the sunset," describes one camper at Curtis Creek.
Small camping footprint: Most dispersed sites accommodate 1-3 tents maximum with limited parking. "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. Most of the spots are pretty small and would only work for one or two tents or maybe a couple of hammocks," explains a reviewer at Smithfield Dispersed Campsite.
Weekday solitude: Many campers report having entire camping areas to themselves during weekdays. "We came during a week day and the whole site was empty! Very quiet, very pretty, and very colorful," reports a camper about Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo.
Natural campsite features: Sites often include rock formations that create natural windbreaks and sitting areas. "There are many spots with decent little Hills," notes one visitor describing the terrain near camping areas.
Road conditions: Access roads to several dispersed sites narrow significantly after the first mile. "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," cautions one Smithfield visitor.
Early arrival necessity: Friday arrivals should plan to reach camping areas before 3pm. "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," advises a Monte Cristo camper.
Limited cell service: Most camping areas have no cellular reception. "There's no cell service," confirms a Curtis Creek visitor, suggesting campers download offline maps before arrival.
Weather variability: Even in summer, temperatures can drop below 40°F at night. Prepare for significant temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night.
Beginner backpacking: Several areas offer short walk-in experiences perfect for children's first backpacking trip. "Aside from the excessive litter in a few places, This was a great place to give my 5 year old a taste of backpacking," explains a visitor to Cook Campsite.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot deer, elk, and various bird species. Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting from camp.
Shorter stays recommended: Limited amenities make 1-2 night stays most practical with children. Pack entertainment options as hiking and exploring are the primary activities.
Size limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller trailers under 20 feet. "Not for large RVs. Our 17 ft trailer with 4x4 was tricky to get into the spot because the loop was so small," notes a visitor at Split Rock Bay Backcountry Campsites.
Limited turnaround space: Several camping areas lack adequate turnaround space for larger vehicles. Scout sites before committing to a specific location.
Leveling challenges: Most sites require significant leveling blocks due to uneven terrain. Bring twice the normal amount of leveling equipment you would typically use at developed campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mantua, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mantua, UT is Port Ramp Marina with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Mantua, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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