Primitive camping near Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest offers solitude at elevations ranging from 4,500 to over 11,000 feet across its 2.1 million acres. The forest spans seven counties in Utah, with dispersed camping areas open from late spring through fall, depending on snow conditions. Many sites become inaccessible after October due to seasonal road closures and mountain weather patterns.
What to do
Trail exploration: Franklin Basin offers access to numerous hiking trails and old logging paths. "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," shares one Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping visitor.
Cross-country skiing: Winter recreation transforms closed camping areas into ski terrain. "Road to dispersed camping is closed Dec 1 - April 15. Permit fee is $10 for 3 days. We had a quiet (only a couple of other campers further up) and enjoyable overnight visit but road was quite icy," notes a winter visitor to Green Canyon Dispersed Campground.
Backcountry camping: Millcreek Canyon requires campers to hike in at least half a mile from roads. "You can backpack in and camp anywhere a 1/2 mile from any road like the other nearby canyons. Good trails to approach from are Church fork and Lambs Canyon Trailhead. Lambs Canyon is much more shaded and provides views down the canyon into Salt Lake Valley from the saddle," explains a camper.
What campers like
Solitude and isolation: Many campers seek spots away from crowds. "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," reports a Franklin Basin visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest hosts diverse wildlife. "Everytime we come here we also see moose and deer. Best time is definitely fall," shares a Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping visitor regarding their encounters.
Stream access: Many primitive sites offer proximity to water sources. "There is a creek that flows back and forth around the area, we had that for our soundtrack as we slept," notes one camper about Franklin Basin, while another mentions, "The sites can be a little buggy but many have direct river access or beaver pond access."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to many sites requires adequate vehicles. "This road is rough and very bumpy. Didn't feel comfortable 'taking over' a campsite with things already parked there," warns one Franklin Basin visitor, while another contradicts this, noting "2wd friendly road for MILES. You can drive well into Idaho."
Local party spots: Some areas attract noisy visitors. "Very loud, with folks driving around until the AM. Definitely a local party spot," warns a Green Canyon visitor, while another notes it's "Perhaps a little too close to the university in Logan Utah it was busy that Friday night."
Site cleanliness concerns: Trash can be an issue at popular areas. "The site was LITTERED with spent ammo, broken glass and broken pieces of clay pigeons. Another group camping near us told us they found the same at their site so be weary of where you step," cautions a visitor to Bountiful B Dispersed.
Tips for camping with families
Timing is everything: Weekday arrivals offer better site selection. "There are tons of free site all up and down the main road. The only problem is it is busy if you leave on Friday plan to get there by 3 at the latest. Spots fill quick," advises a visitor to Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo.
Scout for level terrain: Some areas feature challenging topography. "We found a spot that was more of a hill, which made it neat to get around," describes a Bountiful B visitor about their camping experience with friends.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping comfort. "We went at the beginning of June, it was a bit chilly some mornings and at night, so come prepared," advises a Franklin Basin camper about temperature fluctuations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Spot size varies significantly. "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," notes a Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin visitor.
Turnaround challenges: Limited space can create difficulties. "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," notes a Monte Cristo visitor about the limited options.
Bear-proof storage: Wildlife precautions are essential. "We didn't see or hear anything, but the Sheriff that stopped by warned us," shares a Bountiful B camper regarding bear and mountain lion awareness, emphasizing the importance of following food storage rules.
