Providence, Utah sits at around 4,600 feet elevation in Cache County, with camping options ranging from lakeside spots to mountain retreats. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F during the day and 50-60°F at night. Campers should prepare for afternoon thunderstorms in summer months and significant snow accumulation during winter visits.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: North Fork County Park offers several trails including a waterfall hike near the campsites. "Got lucky and lined up the three spots in a row right by the creek (last three before the trail up to the falls). Was a great time with good people," notes one visitor to North Fork County Park.
Swimming and kayaking: Hyrum State Park provides water recreation with a designated swimming area and calm waters. "This state park is basically in the middle of a neighborhood of a small community. Locals seem to love it but it's not crowded at all. It's right on a small lake with a boat ramp and a small beach," according to a camper at Hyrum State Park.
Waterfall exploration: Spring Hollow Campground offers unique water features for families. A visitor mentions, "The spring was fun for the kids to play in. There was a small dam at the bottom where the kids could swim and kayak." The natural spring creates shallow play areas suitable for younger children.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance of bathrooms and showers at local campgrounds. "Bathrooms were clean and camp host was nice and helpful," reports a visitor to North Fork County Park, making it a reliable choice for those concerned about facility quality.
Private, spacious sites: At Friendship Campground, campers appreciate the thoughtful layout. "This is a paid campground, but it is in a beautiful canyon with amazing views! We brought our dogs and they loved it. There is a small stream that pools up right by the campsites," shares one reviewer.
Mountain biking access: Serious riders appreciate the trail access from camping areas. "Had a great stay at North Fork. Camped in the canyon near the trailhead for the waterfall hike. Excellent mountain bike trails also. Can't wait to go back and ride more of them," notes an enthusiast who visited the area.
What you should know
Gate closing times: Some campgrounds have strict access hours that can impact evening plans. At Hyrum State Park, "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. It's a residential area and a lot of the street parking is restricted since it's close to the boat ramp."
Bug protection required: Insect activity can be intense, particularly at waterfront locations. At Cottonwood Campground, one camper warns: "With citronella candles, bug sprays and bug deterrent bracelets, the mosquitoes and other bugs were relentless. That's the only bad thing I have to say about camping here."
Variable weather conditions: Mountain campgrounds can experience rapid weather changes. Pack extra layers and rain gear even for summer trips. Spring and fall camping requires thermal sleeping bags rated for temperatures that can drop below freezing overnight.
Tips for camping with families
Look for shallow water play areas: Spring Hollow Campground features a spring-fed area perfect for children. A visitor notes, "The spring is really nice for little kids to play with and there is a small dam at the bottom to go fishing, swim and kayaking."
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Some locations offer dedicated play equipment to keep children entertained. Cottonwood Campground provides "a nice playground, and a 5 min walk to the beach," making it suitable for families with various age groups.
Dog-friendly options: Tony Grove Campground welcomes pets and offers nature exploration opportunities. "The campsite has many trails going down to the lake. Fir trees are everywhere, and the campground is very clean," shares a visitor, making it ideal for families with four-legged members.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for size limitations: At Bridger Campground, an RVer advises: "There used to be a lot more trees here but due to a beetle infestation a lot of them have died and been cut down. Plenty of camp spaces for RVs or just tents." When reserving, confirm site dimensions match your vehicle requirements.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can present challenges. One camper at Friendship Campground notes, "The road getting there is bumpy, but doable with a small car. (We brought our Honda Accord)." Larger RVs may need to stick to more accessible locations like Traveland RV Park, where a reviewer mentions, "The sites are super nice and level, and have great grass area to relax in."
Hookup placement: When selecting sites with hookups, check the positioning. At Cottonwood Campground, one RVer advises, "Note the sewer is toward the back, not the middle so bring lots of sewer hose." This planning prevents frustrating setup challenges upon arrival.
