Cache National Forest provides free dispersed camping at Smithfield Dispersed Campsite, where campers access sites along a dirt road that extends beyond the developed campground area. The US Forest Service manages these primitive sites in a forested canyon setting with a creek running through it.
Multiple pullout spots line both sides of the road, though most accommodate only one or two tents or a couple of hammocks. The dirt access road becomes bumpy and narrow as it progresses, with overgrown trees that can scratch larger vehicles. RV access proves challenging, as one reviewer with a 23-foot unit found limited suitable spaces and encountered difficulty turning around about a mile in.
The creek provides a water source and ambient sound throughout the canyon, though spring runoff creates louder rushing water during that season. Keaton L. notes the area offers "lots of greenery and a river through the whole canyon," having visited multiple times across different seasons. Sites near the creek at the road's end provide easy access to water.
Campers can bring pets and enjoy campfires under forest service regulations. For those exploring the broader region, campsites near Richmond offer additional options. The dispersed nature means no reservations, but multiple visitors report finding spots without difficulty during their visits.
Description
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no toilets, no treated water, and no fire grates are provided.
Camping in dispersed areas on the Forest is allowed for fourteen (14) days in any thirty (30) day consecutive period. Campers must move off Forest after reaching the 14-day limit. The stay limit also applies to all camping equipment (tents, chairs, ATVs, ATV trailers, etc.), even if used by a different person or group. Camping equipment must be removed by the end of the fourteen (14) day stay limit or the equipment may be impounded. Stay limits are implemented to reduce impacts to vegetation and wildlife habitat, as well as provide access to popular campsite areas for other visitors.
Reservation Info
No reservations 14 day limit to preserve vegetation
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSmithfield Dispersed Campsite is located in Utah near Richmond
Coordinates
41.88232951 N
111.72377618 W
Connectivity
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T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Smithfield Dispersed Campsite needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 34 min from Logan, UT
- 1 hr 18 min from Ogden, UT
- 1 hr 45 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 1 hr 49 min from Pocatello, ID
