Best Dispersed Camping near North Logan, UT

Dispersed camping near North Logan, Utah is concentrated in several free primitive areas across Cache National Forest, particularly in Green Canyon, Franklin Basin, and Smithfield Canyon. These areas feature undeveloped sites with fire rings but minimal other infrastructure. Most sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system, and camping is typically permitted for 14 days. Green Canyon Dispersed Campground, located approximately 15 minutes from Logan, offers the most accessible options with multiple pull-off spots along a gravel road.

Access roads to these dispersed sites vary significantly in quality. Green Canyon has a maintained gravel road suitable for most vehicles, while Franklin Basin and Smithfield Canyon routes may require higher clearance, especially after rain. Some areas become impassable during winter months, with Green Canyon road closing December 1 to April 15. A 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." Most sites lack drinking water, hookups, or sanitary dump stations. Vault toilets are available at Green Canyon entrance and at Franklin Basin, but most areas have no restroom facilities.

These primitive camping areas tend to be heavily used, especially on weekends and during summer months. Green Canyon experiences significant traffic due to its proximity to Logan and Utah State University, with mountain bikers, hikers, and local visitors frequently passing through. One visitor observed, "Very busy with lots of road traffic even until late," while another mentioned it's "notorious for high school gatherings." Franklin Basin offers more solitude, particularly for those willing to travel farther down the access road. A camper reported, "Ended up driving this road up to Idaho to find a bigger spot and some solitude." Curtis Creek and Monte Cristo areas provide additional options with generally less crowding and beautiful mountain scenery, though they require longer drives from North Logan.

Best Dispersed Sites Near North Logan, Utah (16)

    1. Green Canyon Dispersed Campground

    16 Reviews
    North Logan, UT
    3 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. Smithfield Dispersed Campsite

    4 Reviews
    Richmond, UT
    8 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."

    3. Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Garden City, UT
    17 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."

    4. Hobbit 2 Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    North Logan, UT
    8 miles

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

    5. Franklin Basin Road

    1 Review
    Garden City, UT
    16 miles

    "Pull in off thr highway you will see a large gravel loop to your left. With bathrooms. This is the big rig area. There are also a few dispersed spots down in this lower area."

    6. Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo

    8 Reviews
    Eden, UT
    29 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."

    8. Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin

    2 Reviews
    Woodruff, UT
    25 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."

    10. High Creek

    Be the first to review!
    Richmond, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 755-3620
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near North Logan, UT

48 Reviews of 16 North Logan Campgrounds


  • Matt P.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Heart Mountain Spring

    Dirt pull out

    Not sure where precious reviewer went but the GPS coordinates are for a dirt pull out beside a narrow spring. A mile further uphill on dirt road is a small camping area. Free for 21 days. No facilities but a few fire pits. It was full with trailers that have been there a while by the look of it. No spring. I drove another few miles up the mountain and found the entrance to the massive ranch that owns most of the surrounding land. Beyond that was yet more dirt road with no sign of a antelope park or spring. I gave up and was thankful I didn't arrive late in the day.

  • 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.

  • 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 North Logan

Free camping near North Logan, Utah concentrates in Cache National Forest at elevations between 5,500 and 8,000 feet. Most dispersed sites lie along forest service roads with variable conditions depending on recent weather. Seasonal closures affect access, with many roads becoming impassable from late fall through mid-spring due to snow accumulation.

What to do

Mountain biking and trail running: Green Canyon Dispersed Campground offers direct access to popular trails within 15 minutes of Logan. A visitor noted, "Plenty great dispersed sites for car camping. Tons of little spots along a gravel road. Fire rings and multiple clean bathrooms are available... Also tons of trails and mountain bikers."

Bouldering and climbing: Multiple sites in Green Canyon feature climbing opportunities. As one camper observed, "Met some climbers working on a sketch little project on one of the many many boulders. Sounds like there's some legit stuff farther down the canyon."

Wildlife viewing and birding: Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping provides opportunities to observe local wildlife along the Logan River. One camper mentioned, "We had that for our soundtrack as we slept," referring to the creek flowing through the camping area.

What campers like

Secluded camping spots: For campers seeking solitude, Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo offers more remote options. A reviewer commented, "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."

Scenic mountain views: Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin provides mountain scenery approximately 30 miles from North Logan. According to a camper, "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."

River access: Several dispersed camping areas provide direct access to streams and rivers. At Smithfield Dispersed Campsite, one visitor reported, "It's a very pretty canyon with a creek running through it. Would recommend."

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: While some roads remain accessible to standard vehicles, others require high clearance. A camper at Smithfield Dispersed Campsite warned, "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."

Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities. Franklin Basin campers should note there are "Lots of spaces here. Big pull-in spots for camper rigs. And some small side pull outs for sedans who don't mind walk-in tent spots."

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. At Franklin Basin Road, a visitor reported, "NO cell phone signal at all. This area is not scenic like the upper section but is for fast easy access."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection for children: Choose areas with safer terrain and water access. At Green Canyon, a camper advised, "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."

Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly, especially at higher elevations. A Curtis Creek visitor mentioned, "It's chilly and very pretty around. Nice view of the sunset. There's no cell service."

Avoid popular party spots: Franklin Basin Road offers more family-friendly options. A reviewer observed, "This is just the lower section! Pull in off the highway you will see a large gravel loop to your left. With bathrooms. This is the big rig area."

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility: Larger rigs should consider Franklin Basin where, "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!"

Rig size limitations: Many dispersed sites cannot accommodate large RVs. A camper at Monte Cristo noted, "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."

No-cost overnight options: The North Logan area offers numerous free camping spots for self-contained vehicles. Near Green Canyon, one RVer reported, "Camped with friends we had cell service via t-mobile, att&t, and visible with varying strengths. No cost, first come first serve."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near North Logan, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near North Logan, UT is Green Canyon Dispersed Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near North Logan, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near North Logan, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.