Several dispersed camping options surround Mendon, Utah, situated at the base of the Wellsville Mountains with elevations ranging from 4,700 to 9,000 feet in nearby camping areas. Winter camping often requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles on forest roads, while summer temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between daytime highs and nighttime lows, sometimes dropping 30-40 degrees after sunset.
What to do
Fishing access: Green Canyon Dispersed Campground offers proximity to small stream fishing just 20 miles from Mendon. "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," notes Kristen P.
Swimming options: Hyrum State Park Campground provides lake swimming with a designated beach area 15 miles from Mendon. "This is a great campground, the host is really nice, it's clean, has great bathrooms and a great view of the lake," reports Rachel G.
Trail exploration: Smithfield Campground offers hiking trails within walking distance of campsites. "Great campground. Secluded. Next to a beautiful creek. No cell service," shares Adam D., highlighting the natural setting ideal for disconnecting.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Box Elder Campground features sites with natural separation. "This is a wonderful campground. There are trees everywhere that offer lots of shade. The campground is clean and the hosts are great. The campsites feel very private," explains Jenn.
Clean facilities: Cottonwood Campground maintains well-kept amenities despite its popularity. "Great State Park. The sites are well spaced apart giving plenty of privacy. We didn't have much shade in ours but they provide a ramada on a cement pad over the picnic table which was great," writes Erin A.
Nature observation: Bridger Campground provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and river access. "Great trails and a beautiful river. The double site in the back is my favorite... Very wooded. Campsites have firepit and picnic tables. Water source but no water hookups. Vault toilets were clean and looked new," notes GoWhereYouAreDraw N.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds near Mendon experience traffic noise. At Green Canyon Dispersed Campground, "Camped with friends we had cell service via t-mobile, att&t, and visible with varying strengths. No cost, first come first serve... Popular trail with bikers. Lots of traffic even late at night," reports CrookedSnake.
Permit requirements: Some dispersed camping areas require permits. "Road to dispersed camping is closed Dec 1 - April 15. Permit fee is $10 for 3 days. We had a quiet (only a couple of other campers further up) and enjoyable overnight visit but road was quite icy," shares joanna about Green Canyon.
Campsite competition: Arrive early to secure spots at popular locations. "Very loud, with folks driving around until the AM. Definitely a local party spot," warns pang B. about Green Canyon Dispersed Campground, indicating its popularity with local residents.