The best forest campgrounds near Bear River City, Utah

In Bear River City, over 280 forest campsites offer a real taste of the outdoors, with nights averaging $58 and some spots dipping as low as $30. You’ll find sites tucked beneath tall pines and aspens—perfect for hiking, spotting deer, or catching the first snow. Top picks like Mountain Maple Ranch 🍁 (74 reviews), Rasmussen Ridge (55 reviews), and Secluded Mountain Tent Site (42 reviews) all make forest camping straightforward: campfires are allowed, pets are welcome, and toilets are on hand. Lace up your boots for a morning hike, watch for elk at dusk, or simply enjoy the quiet under the trees. This is real forest camping—no frills, just nature and a solid night’s sleep.

97% (174)

Top-rated campgrounds

Arial view of Mantua and surrounding mountains. Rasmussen Ridge is the rectangular, snow-covered patch just left of center. Lake is lower left.

In Bear River City, over 280 forest campsites offer a real taste of the outdoors, with nights averaging $58 and some spots dipping as low as $30. You’ll find sites tucked beneath tall pines and aspens—perfect for hiking, spotting deer, or catching the first snow. Top picks like Mountain Maple Ranch 🍁 (74 reviews), Rasmussen Ridge (55 reviews), and Secluded Mountain Tent Site (42 reviews) all make forest camping straightforward: campfires are allowed, pets are welcome, and toilets are on hand. Lace up your boots for a morning hike, watch for elk at dusk, or simply enjoy the quiet under the trees. This is real forest camping—no frills, just nature and a solid night’s sleep.

97% (174)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Rasmussen Ridge

99%

(80)

12mi from Bear River City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Mantua, UT

Located in Mantua, UT, a small mountain valley in Cache National Forest on the Wasatchback of the Rocky Mountains of Utah. A ten minute walk to Mantua Reservoir for ice fishing in the winter, kayaking, boating, water skiing, fishing in Spring, Summer, & Fall. Pickleball courts are a 10 minute walk away. Mountain biking, four wheeling, side-by-side adventure right outside your RV door to Willard Peak and the beautiful Northern Wasatchback. Use of my huge lawn (next to the field where you park) for lawn games (provided for a small fee), and my in-ground fire pit are available for your enjoyment - must be reserved. Friendly dogs are very welcome - my white Lab is always looking for new friends! 3 miles down Box Elder Canyon to two large grocery stores, Walmart, gas stations, restaurants, and gyms. One hour to skiing at Snow Basin (home of 2002 Olympic downhill), Powder Mountain to the south and Beaver Mountain to the north. World's largest game bird refuge and museum 10 minutes west down the canyon. Utah State University 30 minutes to the north and Weber State University 30 minutes to the south. Box Elder Creek is a 5 minute walk into Box Elder Campground, the poppy hill (2 weeks in June), and wonderful hiking opportunities. The valley was settled by Danish immigrants in 1862, and the property you will be on is owned by a descendent of the original settlers. See more info about Mantua in the link below.

2. Mountain Maple Ranch 🍁

99%

(81)

42mi from Bear River City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Preston, ID

Learn more about this land: Open for 2025 This property offers a pavilion that measures 16x20, and a picnic table that can seat 10-12 people. We have extended our tent pad to be able to add up to 4 big tents measuring roughly 40x17-18. Please be honest about the number of guests that are coming max is 20, if you want more than that don't hesitate to get in touch with me separately. Mostly cause I clean and want to ensure it's clean for the next camper. This tent site is PACK IN PACK OUT. I don’t have city services, if you need trash services It's $7.50 per TRASH BAG that I need to take out. Outhouse is a pit toilet, but I make sure it does not stink and is extremely clean. I only have it listed as 1 place so you can have a family reunion or just come as a family. When you come to our place we have an accenting driveway, and a large boulder retaining wall with a gray gate to keep the camp secured and keep range cows out. This property is a working homestead. YOU WILL SEE ANIMALS and hear US working especially if you hike up the main road where we live. WE HAVE separation however we are still needing to manage the land and the animals. The campsite we don't enter, but we have to access the main road to run errands or go to work. We do our own thing and the campers do their own thing. If you are curious about the farm and operations we are happy to show you around and you are welcome to explore but you WILL RUN INTO us :) we don't mind as long as you don't mind. If you want to see more of the property and all the projects, we do a YouTube channel @mountainmapleranch to see all the updates. Bring your toys, such as bikes, 4-wheelers, and ATVs we have some fun trails close by that go to the back of Worm Creek Basin that goes on for miles of beautiful trails.

3. Monte Cristo Recreation Mecca

94%

(39)

30mi from Bear River City · 1 site · Tent, RV · Avon, UT

Hi! Happy you found us! We grew up recreating in this area and it's absolutely beautiful! Our family still has the annual tradition of snowmobiling from Monte Cristo, stopping for lunch at Hardware Ranch, and continuing on to Bear Lake. The trails are endless in these mountains and the solitude abundant. Our property is smack in the middle between Monte Cristo parking lot and Hardware Ranch. It is the perfect location to set up camp and be ready hit the trails first thing in the morning. Learn more about this land: Private land camping between Hardware Ranch and Monte Cristo with fabulous views and stunning sunsets. This area is a recreation mecca with access to miles and miles of national forest trails less than a mile away! Dirt biking, riding ATVs, horse back riding, and hiking are all very popular and very accessible. You can't beat this location if you love the outdoors, enjoy solitude, and crave backcountry recreation! NOTE: If you plan to bring a large group (ie: multiple RVs, trailers, etc.) you may be asked to pay an increased group rate for the site. Please message for details.

4. Caribou National Forest

79%

(7)

270 sites · Idaho

The smaller of the two parks in Caribou-Targhee National Forests, Caribou is a welterweight not to be underestimated. Just south of its older brother, this land spans Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho, and is a crucial spot for supporting caribou populations. None of the animals here are bashful: bison, moose, deer, mountain lions, falcons, elk, and even black bears abound! Beautiful to snap shot from a distance. Just south of the forest, Bear Lake is a fun spot to take a dip after you hike one of Caribou’s dozens of peaks (Mead Peak and Hawks Peak have gorgeous views, as does Big Elk Mountain at the northern tip of the park). At the south end, you’ll find campgrounds, fast flowing creeks, and the Minnetonka Cave at St. Charles Canyon. This is a site to see, but it stays 40 degrees down there all year so be sure to pack a coat, even if you’re sweating above ground. When you’re done, stop in the charming small town of Montpelier, surrounded by rolling hills and full of retro grocers and kitschy eateries. Yum!

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5. Bear Lake State Park

157 sites · Garden City, Utah

Swim in crystalline waters, without leaving the Rockies, in blue-hued Bear Lake.

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Toilets

6. Family Camping Mountain Paradise

47mi from Bear River City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Morgan, UT

Experience the breathtaking beauty of this mountain paradise nestled in Utah. Situated adjacent to the Wasatch Peaks Private ski resort, this property boasts unparalleled access to natural splendor. Surrounded by majestic 100-foot pine trees, it offers a serene escape with a riverside setting that's truly rare. Gather around the fire pit for unforgettable evenings under the stars. I provide two trailers that will comfortably sleep 11 people. Renting my recreational vehicles are also an option. The trailers are all set up with bedding and sleeping accommodations, however because of the remote location we use outhouse instead of the trailers makes it possible to leave them on the mountain all summer.AT&T has incredible service at this spot to stay connected amidst the wilderness. Embrace off-grid living with no utilities, complemented by the convenience of an outhouse and gated entrance. You have to see this paradise in person to believe it! You could say it’s somewhat glamping because of all the amenities but you’ll feel like you never have before nature, the privacy and everything around you. There’s two massive fire pits, flat spots for tents, outdoor couch seating, it’s a great place to host a family gathering, big event, wedding, anything you can imagine. Shoot guns, play games, escape the city and to your spot in around 30 minutes from the mouth of Weber Canyon.

7. Beaver Mountain Ski Resort

39mi from Bear River City · 73 sites · Garden City, UT

Discover a one-of-a-kind playground that transforms into a summer paradise! This campground stands out for its expansive acreage and the perfect blend of privacy and community, making it an ideal retreat for families and friends alike. With ample space to explore, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking scenic trails to swimming in nearby natural pools. The campground is surrounded by lush landscapes, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation and adventure. In addition to its natural beauty, the area boasts convenient access to local restaurants and shops, ensuring that you have everything you need for a memorable stay. Whether you're seeking thrilling outdoor experiences or a peaceful escape, this summer playground offers something for everyone. Come and create lasting memories in this exceptional setting!

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Potable water

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Public campgrounds near Bear River City

Dry Canyon Campground

31mi from Bear River City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Caribou National Forest

Third Creek Group Campground

40mi from Bear River City · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Caribou National Forest

Beaver Creek Campground

42mi from Bear River City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Caribou National Forest

Egan Basin Guard Station

42mi from Bear River City · 1 site · in Caribou National Forest

Albert Moser Campground

43mi from Bear River City · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Caribou National Forest

Cub River Guard Station

43mi from Bear River City · 1 site · in Caribou National Forest

Marijuana Flat Campground

43mi from Bear River City · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Caribou National Forest

Willow Flat Campground

45mi from Bear River City · 54 sites · Tents, RVs · in Caribou National Forest

Bear Lake Campground

45mi from Bear River City · 157 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bear Lake State Park

North Fork Overflow Campground

45mi from Bear River City · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Caribou National Forest

Cloverleaf Campground

45mi from Bear River City · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Caribou National Forest

100%

(2)

Porcupine Campground

46mi from Bear River City · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Caribou National Forest

Stories from the community

J

Jaclyn

September 2025

14 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Rasmussen Ridge

Kristine was so helpful when we needed a last minute spot to camp and had no idea where to go! This was our first time using Hipcamp and I was worried I wouldn't hear back from her promptly especially since we were only 10 minutes away when I reached out. Thank God she replied right away, reassured me that she had the perfect place for us to setup and even met us at the front door. Absolutely beautiful property with views of the mountains and privacy. It was an absolute lifesaver after two months of Boondocking across the country and never knowing what you're going to get! Thank you Kristine, we will be sure to visit again on our way back home ❤️

L

Lyndsay

September 2025

36 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rasmussen Ridge

This is our second stay here. We love her property. Quiet, beautiful fall colors and my kids love playing around her place. Some beautiful grapes growing too.

M

Megan

September 2025

24 ft Class C

1 night at Rasmussen Ridge

The views up to and at Rasmussen Ridge were breathtaking. The property is cute and well cared for. Kristine was a lovely host, I'd highly recommend, and would definitely stay again.

Sara

September 2025

24 ft Class C

1 night at Rasmussen Ridge

Kris was very friendly and helpful getting us settled in. We also enjoyed the beautiful sunrise views before heading out. This was the perfect spot for our quick overnight stay!

David

September 2025

24 ft Class C

1 night at Rasmussen Ridge

Great spot with lots of space and a nice view. Host was terrific- friendly and communicative, accommodating our last-minute booking and later arrival.

L

Lisa

August 2025

35 ft fifth wheel

With pets

1 night at Rasmussen Ridge

Host was welcoming. Field was mowed and well kept. We were only there one night but it was fine.

S

Sera

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rasmussen Ridge

This spot was perfect for a quick overnight stop on our travels. There were soooo many dragonflies!!! Very cool experience.

L

Lynette

July 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Rasmussen Ridge

this was a great place to spend the night, the hose was great and nice flat parking spaces. I went on a walk all around the neighborhood so quiet and nice.

Teresa

July 2025

31 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rasmussen Ridge

This is a great spot with a great host. It was an easy in and out pulling a 31' travel trailer. Plenty of space to turn around. There were many spots to pick from since we were the only campers when we stayed. There was more than enough room for our dogs to get out and stretch their legs. They appreciated grass after traveling through desert for the week. The property itself pretty flat, beautiful and has a mountain view. As other reviewers have said, it's not completely private in some spots but it isn't bad to see the side of a neighboring house. We had no issues with it. Kristine was super responsive, very friendly and very accommodating when our trip plans changed slightly. Kristine mentioned she has repeat guests and I can see why. We would definitely stay here again if we are in the area.

Jason

July 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Rasmussen Ridge

Kris was great! Friendly and welcoming even with us showing up significantly later than expected. Highly recommend!

J

Jens

July 2025

39 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rasmussen Ridge

Kristine was delightful to work with. We forgot dogfood and she gave us some to tide us over. The site is beautiful and quiet with more privacy than we have found at nearly all commercial campgrounds. We will return!

S

Steph

July 2025

45 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rasmussen Ridge

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rasmussen Ridge is a hidden gem! We had an amazing stay at Rasmussen Ridge! The views were absolutely stunning — peaceful, open skies, and the kind of quiet that instantly makes you feel relaxed and grounded. The site was clean, well-marked, and easy to access, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy. What really stood out was the hospitality. Kristine was super responsive and helpful, offering great local tips and making sure we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The setup was ideal for both tents and RVs, and we loved how close it was to nearby hiking and stargazing spots. If you're looking for a peaceful retreat with gorgeous views and a welcoming host, I highly recommend booking a stay at Rasmussen Ridge. We’ll definitely be back!