Most camping near Mendon, Utah sits between 4,500 and 7,000 feet elevation, with campgrounds experiencing temperature variations of up to 30°F between day and night during summer months. The area features diverse terrain spanning from valley lakes to alpine forest settings with dispersed camping options typically opening in late May after snowmelt clears access roads.
What to do
Waterfront recreation options: Hyrum State Park Campground offers lake activities with boat ramp access and a small beach area. "It's right on a small lake with a boat ramp and a small beach. The campground is small… about 8 or 9 sites with w/e and about a dozen sites with dry camping," notes Brenda L.
Mountain biking trails: North Fork County Park provides access to quality singletrack routes. "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," writes Rich J.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Antelope Island State Park offers chances to spot native animals. "Saw bison and antelope driving in the park," reports James B. Another camper, Steven M., adds, "The bison are free grazing all around and a few came right up to our campground in the early morning!"
What campers like
Riverside sites: Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping provides direct water access. "There are nice size and spread out dispersed camping spots along the way. The sites can be a little buggy but many have direct river access or beaver pond access," notes johny R.
Clean facilities: Hyrum State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses. "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. Nathan D. adds, "Handicap accessible bathrooms and showers, plenty of hot water!"
Spacious campsites: North Fork County Park offers roomier camping areas. "This place is favorite spot to camp if I'm staying local. There are so many spots, and they are all very private," writes Debbie P. Another camper notes, "each of the sites seem to have plenty of space for any time of camping you do, and are well tended in between seasons and visitors."
What you should know
Bug conditions: White Rock Bay Campground and other area sites can have significant insect issues during certain seasons. "The landscape is beautiful but I cannot stress to you enough the amount of biting gnats there were. It was unbearable for us and bug spray didn't deter them one bit," warns Becca S.
Gate restrictions: Some parks have strict closure times. "The only thing that was annoying is that they lock the front gate at 10PM so if you are out after that time, you have to park your car on the street and walk to your campsite," explains Sandra W. about Hyrum State Park.
Wind exposure: Many area campgrounds lack natural windbreaks. "The campsites provide 0 protection from the wind. We were in a tent and the wind shook our tent back and forth all night," shares Caroline N. about camping on Antelope Island.
Tips for camping with families
Creek-side options: North Fork County Park offers family-friendly water features. "Spent a weekend camping with friends. Got lucky and lined up the three spots in a row right by the creek (last three before the trail up to the falls)," shares David H.
Playground access: Cottonwood Campground has amenities for children. "There's a nature trail through the grounds, a nice playground, and a 5 min walk to the beach," mentions Rara B.
Easy activities: Simple nature exploration works well for young children. "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," reports Morgan L. about North Fork Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Cottonwood Campground provides full-service sites. "Very spacious pull ins, full hook ups, and a quick trip to the beach (Eagle and Pelican Beach)," notes Erin A., adding "Be aware that they DO NOT allow early arrival and will turn you away before 3pm even if the site is empty."
Level site conditions: Hyrum State Park offers good parking surfaces. "All the sites are paved (even the dry camping sites) and level. Grassy and shady on most sites," reports Brenda L.
Utility placement considerations: Bring adequate equipment lengths. "Hookups were in good shape, note the sewer is toward the back, not the middle so bring lots of sewer hose," advises Laura K. about Willard Bay's campgrounds.
Legend
