Dispersed camping near Wellsville, Utah centers around Cache National Forest with most locations situated between 5,600-9,000 feet elevation. The region features a mix of coniferous forest and aspen groves with rugged terrain that becomes snow-covered and inaccessible during winter months. Summer temperatures at higher elevations can drop below 40°F at night even when daytime highs reach the 80s.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Curtis Creek offers access to several unmarked pathways through dense forest areas. "It's chilly and very pretty around. Nice view of the sunset," notes a camper at Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin.
Mountain biking: Green Canyon features popular trails that attract local riders. "Plenty great dispersed sites for car camping. Tons of little spots along a gravel road. Also tons of trails and mountain bikers," according to a visitor who found multiple recreation options.
Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer opportunities to spot deer and elk. At Middle Fork Conservation Area, one camper observed the natural surroundings: "It is down a dirt road in a valley surrounded by cattle and deer and elk. Beautiful sunset and moonrise."
What campers like
River access: Many dispersed sites feature creek or river proximity. At Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate the natural water features: "There is a creek that flows back and forth around the area, we had that for our soundtrack as we slept."
Solitude in remote spots: Driving deeper into dispersed areas often yields more isolation. "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," reports a Franklin Basin visitor.
Easy access from Logan: Green Canyon Dispersed Campground provides convenient camping close to town. "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!"
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Some areas require higher clearance vehicles. One camper noted about Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo: "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."
Weekend crowding: Many sites fill quickly on Fridays and Saturdays. "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," reports a Franklin Basin visitor.
Cell service limitations: Most areas have little to no connectivity. A camper at Curtis Creek noted, "It's very quiet, barely any people. There's man made firepits made out of rocks of people who have stayed here. There's no cell service."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: Smithfield Dispersed Campsite offers creek access that children enjoy. "It's a very pretty canyon with a creek running through it. Would recommend," mentions a visitor who found the area suitable for camping.
Timing matters: Weekday arrivals provide better site selection. "We stayed here for the night on our rooftop tent. It's very quiet, barely any people," notes a Curtis Creek visitor who found peaceful conditions.
Prepare for temperature swings: Higher elevation sites can get cold at night even in summer. A Franklin Basin camper warned: "We went at the beginning of June, it was a bit chilly some mornings and at night, so come prepared."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many dispersed areas accommodate smaller RVs only. "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," notes a camper at Monte Cristo Pull-off.
Road narrowing issues: Some access roads become problematic for larger vehicles. "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," reports a Smithfield visitor with a 23-foot RV.
Franklin Basin accessibility: This area offers better options for RVs than other dispersed sites. "2wd friendly road for MILES. You can drive well into Idaho. The sites can be a little buggy but many have direct river access or beaver pond access," states one camper who found the gravel roads suitable for most vehicles.
