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Several free dispersed camping areas surround Smithfield, Utah, with Green Canyon and Franklin Basin being the most established options. Green Canyon Dispersed Campground, located just outside Logan, offers numerous sites along a gravel road with vault toilets available. Reviews indicate the area becomes quite busy, especially on weekends. One camper shared, "Several spots with picnic tables. Many pullouts/camping spots with stone fire rings on either side of the road." The area is popular with mountain bikers and hikers using the adjacent trails, which creates consistent traffic even late at night.
Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping provides more remote options along Highway 89, with sites suitable for tents, RVs, and even big rigs. The dirt access road is described as "rough and very bumpy" but passable for most vehicles. Sites are scattered along a creek that "flows back and forth around the area," providing a natural soundtrack for campers. Smithfield Dispersed Campsite offers additional options in a canyon setting with a creek, though the narrow road limits larger vehicles. Most dispersed sites in the area allow fires when restrictions aren't in place, require no reservations, and permit pets.
"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."
"While there are a lot of disbursed sites along the corridor, they were all completely filled due to a bike race happening at nearby Beaver Mountain."
"Easily accessible spot off FR 006. Found shady, mostly level spot to park van right off the road. Peaceful location. Fire pit in the camp area. No amenities."
"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."
"Very easy access off 89. Very large sites with fire rings start about 1/4 off the main road. Only one other site being used that I saw. Pit toilet available at the large parking area."
"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."
"Didn’t stay, it’s right next to the road maybe for a camper van not for a truck and 30’ camper"
"Amazing place to camp right next to the river. The entrance you go across the bridge. It looks low, but a 13.5 RV can make it under no problem."
"The coordinates on the map are not exactly right for this campsite, at least in early may."
"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."
TravelerGoogle maps took us up a dirt road, must have a high clearance vehicle way. We still arrived, but at 5-10 mph. If Google maps asks you to leave a nice gravel road on your way here, dont do it lol. Campground very nice with newer pit toliets (bring your own TP). View is amazing of the reservoir and surrounding mountains.
GuideThis had amazing views, including a cool cave. However, the road is very bumpy and the spots are smaller. It would not be good for a larger RV. The spots fill up very quickly.
RangerVery easy access off 89. Very large sites with fire rings start about 1/4 off the main road. Only one other site being used that I saw. Pit toilet available at the large parking area. Clean and well kept. No cell service. Free range cows.
ScoutWhile there are a lot of disbursed sites along the corridor, they were all completely filled due to a bike race happening at nearby Beaver Mountain. We continued up and finally found a nice camp site just on the south side of Utah border but it turned out to be on private property. There’s a small stretch of a private property near the state line marked by a sign posted cattle grate. The property owner stopped by, he was super polite, but explained the boundaries and asked us to move along.
In many spots on the road on the way up there were wide open areas where a single camper had claimed a large area, even sites that could comfortably accommodate several rigs, so just a few things to watch out for.
TravelerEasily accessible spot off FR 006. Found shady, mostly level spot to park van right off the road. Peaceful location. Fire pit in the camp area. No amenities.
TravelerSo much space but about 20 mins from I-80. Peaceful right by the water
ScoutThe drive is doable in any vehicle, the road has many dips/ruts so it is slow going. The area was pretty and green, there are spots available with fire rings.
This campground is extremely busy that it is impossible to enjoy a peaceful time outdoors. From the few hours I was there, there were people constantly walking or biking on the road.
While I was sleeping, I was woken up by a police officer questioning me. Police will come and question you; be prepared to speak to the police and explain what you are doing there, how long you are there for, and any other questions they have for you.
This was the absolute worst campground I’ve ever been to; do not recommend this to anyone who is looking for a peaceful and pleasant experience.
You may find a spot that looks nice, but be prepared for vehicles, lots of people, and to be questioned by the police.
ScoutThe app said that overnight camping would be allowed in the parking lot and within a third of the mile, the parking area from the second there's a sign that expressly prohibits this exact thing. Saturday of April through September 9th. This is incorrect. There's a sign that expressly prohibits this exact thing.
TravelerI got here around midnight. If I could do it over, I’d get here while the sun was still up so I could scout out a better spot, but it was a nice, quiet night. I was the only one here and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Made for a nice night of stargazing. A little on the chilly side, which is what I wanted. Pit toilets within walking distance. The only noise in the morning were ducks and some other large water fowl I couldn’t identify. Not sure I’d stay multiple days, but not bad for a quiet night away from the city
Dispersed camping options near Smithfield, Utah provide overnight stays in the Cache National Forest. Located in northern Utah's Bear River Mountains at elevations ranging from 4,600 to 9,000 feet, the area experiences warm summer days with cool nights and cold winters with significant snowfall. Most primitive camping near Smithfield requires visitors to bring their own water and pack out all trash, as facilities are limited.
Mountain biking trail access: At Green Canyon Dispersed Campground, campers can access popular trails directly from camp. "Stopped in Logan on our way through Utah. Logan has STUNNING and charming views of mountains and an vast valley. Green Canyon was recommended by a friend. Plenty great dispersed sites for car camping," notes a reviewer who appreciated the recreational options.
Cross-country skiing: Winter visitors can enjoy groomed trails in Green Canyon when the road closes from December through mid-April. "Road to dispersed camping is closed Dec 1 - April 15. Permit fee is $10 for 3 days. We had a quiet and enjoyable overnight visit but road was quite icy," reports one winter camper.
Hiking to plane crash site: The Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping area offers access to unique hiking destinations. "I have grown up camping in the Franklin Basin area. It is the perfect location for anyone looking for places to hike or ride. There are many different places to visit throughout the area such as the 'Plane Crash' site, Beaver Creek, old logging trails, and more."
Creek-side camping: Many Smithfield Dispersed Campsite users appreciate the natural water features. "It's a very pretty canyon with a creek running through it. Would recommend," shares a camper who found the creek enhanced their experience.
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevations provide relief from summer heat. "I first visited this area in the spring, and have since been there around 4-5 times. It's very beautiful with lots of greenery and a river through the whole canyon," notes a Smithfield camper who adds that "in the spring the river is loud because it is more rushing."
Scenic driving routes: The Franklin Basin Road offers extensive driving options. "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," explains a camper who explored beyond the immediate camping area.
Weekend crowding: Free dispersed camping around Smithfield fills quickly, especially in summer. "Camped with friends we had cell service via t-mobile, att&t, and visible with varying strengths. No cost, first come first serve. Bathroom is about a mile from the coordinates. Popular trail with bikers. Lots of traffic even late at night," reports one Green Canyon camper.
Narrow road access: Some camping areas have limited access. "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," cautions a visitor to Hobbit 2 Dispersed Site.
Variable cell service: Connectivity varies widely between sites. "NO cell phone signal at all. This area is not scenic like the upper section but is for fast easy access. The road up is 2wd safe so if you want to go higher you can," notes a Franklin Basin Road camper.
Find quieter locations: To avoid party spots and late-night noise, drive further from town. "Ended up driving this road up to Idaho to find a bigger spot and some solitude. Took the dirt road for about 30 minutes and got the most perfect spot. Nobody was near us and the view was amazing," shares a Franklin Basin camper.
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain camping means preparing for cold nights. "We went at the beginning of June, it was a bit chilly some mornings and at night, so come prepared," advises a family who camped in Franklin Basin.
Consider wildlife areas: Be aware of land designations when searching for primitive camping near Smithfield. "From googling, it looks like you used to be allowed to camp anywhere along La Plata road on the way up to Porcupine Reservoir, but they stopped allowing people to camp 2 years ago because it was getting trashed. It's all a Wildlife Management Area now," warns a visitor to East Fork Little Bear River.
RV site limitations: Larger rigs should carefully select camping areas. "Didn't stay, it's right next to the road maybe for a camper van not for a truck and 30' camper," warns a reviewer of Hobbit 2 Dispersed Site.
Best big rig options: Some areas accommodate larger vehicles better than others. "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," explains a camper at Franklin Basin Road.
Road condition awareness: Access roads vary in quality. "The road is dirt and bumpy so be prepared for that but I've never had a problem finding a spot," shares a Smithfield camper who has visited multiple times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Smithfield, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Smithfield, UT is Green Canyon Dispersed Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Smithfield, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Smithfield, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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