Established Camping
Smith-Morehouse Campground
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Campground Closed For Season: Gates are locked, no facilities (bathrooms, water, trash) are available, entry is prohibited and may result in citations. Campground will reopen in May 2025
Smith-Morehouse Campground, near Kamas, Utah, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With its picturesque setting surrounded by aspen and pine trees, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.
This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, though maneuvering larger trailers can be a bit tricky due to the tight roads. Visitors have noted that some sites are right by the river, providing a soothing soundtrack of flowing water throughout the night. As one camper shared, “We had a spot close enough to the river that we could hear it all night long.”
While there are no electric hookups or drinking water available, campers appreciate the fire rings and the ability to have fires, making it perfect for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. The nearby reservoir is a hit for kayaking and paddleboarding, and the hiking trails offer plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning scenery and wildlife.
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape, Smith-Morehouse Campground is a solid choice. Just remember to book early, as it tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just soaking in the views, this campground has a lot to offer for a memorable outdoor experience.
Description
National Forest
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Overview
Smith and Morehouse Campground is located a very short distance from Smith and Morehouse Reservoir on the western edge of the Uinta Mountains in northeastern Utah. The town of Oakley, Utah, is just 12 miles away. Visitors enjoy fishing, canoeing and exploring the Smith and Morehouse Trail.
Recreation
The reservoir is open to motorized boats, though a wake-less speed is enforced, making it an excellent place for canoeing and kayaking. A boat ramp is located on the northwest shore. Anglers enjoy fishing for stocked rainbow trout and other native fish species. The 14.6 mile point to point moderately trafficked Smith Morehouse Trail is popular with hikers and backpackers. The trail begins at nearby Ledgefork Campground and leads through forests, meadows and a marsh before spurring off to Erickson Basin and Island Lake. It is one of the less popular hikes in the Uintahs and at times can be difficult to navigate where the actual trail is. Be sure to take a map and compass/gps to help along the way. It is a good idea to take two cars or have someone drop your group off at one of the trail heads and meet you at your destination so you have transportation waiting for you at the other end. The trail is difficult and can be very hot in the summer months. Be sure to take an adequate amount of water.
Facilities
The reservoir is open to motorized boats, though a wake-less speed is enforced, making it an excellent place for canoeing and kayaking. A boat ramp is located on the northwest shore. Anglers enjoy fishing for stocked rainbow trout and other native fish species. The 14.6 mile point to point moderately trafficked Smith Morehouse Trail is popular with hikers and backpackers. The trail begins at nearby Ledgefork Campground and leads through forests, meadows and a marsh before spurring off to Erickson Basin and Island Lake. It is one of the less popular hikes in the Uintahs and at times can be difficult to navigate where the actual trail is. Be sure to take a map and compass/gps to help along the way. It is a good idea to take two cars or have someone drop your group off at one of the trail heads and meet you at your destination so you have transportation waiting for you at the other end. The trail is difficult and can be very hot in the summer months. Be sure to take an adequate amount of water.
Natural Features
The campground is situated just below the reservoir in a scenic conifer and aspen forest at an elevation of 7,800 feet. Smith and Morehouse Creek runs through the campground. A variety of wildlife makes its home around the reservoir, including moose and deer. Summer temperatures range from 65-75 degrees in the day to 40-50 at night.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (385) 273-1100.
Nearby Attractions
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, Length 65 miles/104 km, Time to allow: 2 hours. Heading east from Kamas through the national forest, Mirror Lake Highway is one of the most popular mountain routes in the state. The road winds through farm and ranch lands and rises to heavily forested mountain terrain accented by the meadows and rugged peaks. There are numerous access points into the High Uinta Wilderness along this byway.
Charges & Cancellations
Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. Recreation.gov Billing Information Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as "Recreation.gov 877-444-6777." Changes to Policies and Procedures Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July 2018.
Fee Info
Cash, Check, or Scan & Pay (with recreation.gov app) 33 single sites - <strong>$29.00</strong>, capacity - 8 people + 1 vehicle Extra Vehicle - <strong>$10.00</strong> per vehicle (paid on-site cash/check) Day Use - <strong>$15.00</strong> Monday- Thursday__ Overflow at the Boat Launch - <strong>$18.00</strong> Boat Launch - <strong>$10.00</strong> (Not included in campsite fee) Season Boat Launch Pass - <strong>$60.00__</strong> Firewood - <strong>$9.00</strong>
Location
Smith-Morehouse Campground is located in Utah
Directions
From Salt Lake City, Utah, take Highway 80 east for 36 miles to the Kamas exit. Travel south for 12 miles to Oakley, turn left on Highway 213 and travel 12 miles to end of pavement. Turn right and go 2 miles to the campground entrance.
Address
Wasatch Cache National Forest
50 FR422
Kamas, UT 84036
Coordinates
40.7691667 N
111.1075 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonGood
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly