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."
