The best forest campgrounds near Smithfield, Utah

Smithfield’s forests pack in over 350 camping options, with sites tucked under pine canopies and along winding trails. Average stays hover around $35 a night, but you’ll find some spots for as little as $16. The campsites here don’t skimp on basics—expect toilets, campfires-allowed, and a pet-friendly vibe. snow sports, fishing, and wildlife-watching top the local to-do list. If you want advice from fellow campers, check out Mountain Maple Ranch 🍁 (74 reviews), Rasmussen Ridge (55 reviews), or Secluded Mountain Tent Site (42 reviews). Forest camping here delivers crisp air and a real shot at spotting wildlife—just don’t forget your layers when the temperature drops at night.

94% (216)

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.

Smithfield’s forests pack in over 350 camping options, with sites tucked under pine canopies and along winding trails. Average stays hover around $35 a night, but you’ll find some spots for as little as $16. The campsites here don’t skimp on basics—expect toilets, campfires-allowed, and a pet-friendly vibe. snow sports, fishing, and wildlife-watching top the local to-do list. If you want advice from fellow campers, check out Mountain Maple Ranch 🍁 (74 reviews), Rasmussen Ridge (55 reviews), or Secluded Mountain Tent Site (42 reviews). Forest camping here delivers crisp air and a real shot at spotting wildlife—just don’t forget your layers when the temperature drops at night.

94% (216)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Rasmussen Ridge

99%

(80)

24mi from Smithfield · 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. Monte Cristo Recreation Mecca

94%

(39)

27mi from Smithfield · 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.

3. Arcadia Legacy

100%

(11)

38mi from Smithfield · 45 sites · Tents, RVs · Dingle, ID

Come enjoy the tranquil undeveloped, best kept secret of the Bear Lake valley. We are just 10 minutes off North Beach. Camp above a natural pond, fed by multiple springs, or next to a grove of Ash and cottonwood trees. Listen to the chorus frogs, crickets and numerous birds and coyotes compete in serenading the closing day. If quiet is what you are seeking after a day of play on the water, in the mountains, or just relaxing in farm country, we've got ya covered.

4. Mountain Maple Ranch 🍁

99%

(81)

22mi from Smithfield · 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.

5. Bear Lake Basecamp!

85%

(72)

43mi from Smithfield · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Liberty, ID

This has become a great place for our family to go to get away for the weekends. The nights are absolutely beautiful and you can see the stars. You can hear the coyotes off in the distance chipping and howling. My kids love to ride their ATV on the trails and we go for hikes and just relax. There is one fire pit for use at each camp spot (2 spots), just please go into the trees and find some wood to re-stack what you have used and ensure it is out with water and dirt. I fight wildfires during the summer and don’t want to have to fight one up there. Plus I may be hard to reach depending on where I’m located. Learn more about this land: Our Bear Lake Bascamp is perfect for boondocking or pitch a tent and camp in our 5 acres meadow or find a small shady spot in the 5 acres of quakies and pine trees! Off grid camping! OHV trails (ride from camp), bring your mountain bikes or even just go for a hike. Located at the edge of the Caribou-Targhe National Forest, Montpelier Ranger District, Idaho. The sunrises are amazing and in the evening you can listen to the coyotes off in the distance. It is open in the winter for snowshoeing or snowmobiling in with wood ready for the fire pit! Recommend, that when you first arrive, build a small fire in the fire pit and the smoke will get rid of any of the bugs around. We get up there about 1 time a month and mow/trim the path, parking and work on the trails in the pines. Turn left at the smile face....When you see it, you'll know what I mean ;) Please be respectful of others who have property in the area as well. Don't climb over anyone's fences.

Public campgrounds near Smithfield

Beaver Creek Campground

20mi from Smithfield · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Caribou National Forest

Egan Basin Guard Station

20mi from Smithfield · 1 site · in Caribou National Forest

Albert Moser Campground

22mi from Smithfield · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Caribou National Forest

Dry Canyon Campground

22mi from Smithfield · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Caribou National Forest

Cub River Guard Station

22mi from Smithfield · 1 site · in Caribou National Forest

Marijuana Flat Campground

23mi from Smithfield · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Caribou National Forest

Willow Flat Campground

23mi from Smithfield · 54 sites · Tents, RVs · in Caribou National Forest

Cloverleaf Campground

24mi from Smithfield · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Caribou National Forest

North Fork Overflow Campground

24mi from Smithfield · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Caribou National Forest

Bear Lake Campground

24mi from Smithfield · 157 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bear Lake State Park

100%

(2)

Porcupine Campground

24mi from Smithfield · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Caribou National Forest

Davis Canyon Campground

25mi from Smithfield · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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.

B

Baylie

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Legacy

Loved tent camping in Bryce’s land. He was an excellent host and was so so helpful!!

R

Ramon

August 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With kids

3 nights at Arcadia Legacy

The place is quiet and peaceful. In close to Bear Lake and a small town, I'll definitely be coming back

H

Hyrum

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Legacy

This was an incredibly peaceful place to stay, super close to the lake. Holli & Bryce are amazing hosts and willing to help with anything you need. Will definitely be back had a great time!

J

Julie

August 2025

17 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Legacy

Nice spot, Bryce and Holly were awesome hosts. Nice grassy area with a beautiful view.

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.

N

Nadine

August 2025

12 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Arcadia Legacy

Beautiful, quiet spot overlooking farmland with a GREAT sunset view. Bryce & sons were easy to talk to & helpful.

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!

B

Bobbie

July 2025

22 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bear Lake Basecamp!

The property was beautiful, very serene and quiet. The name is a bit deceiving as it’s quite a distance to Bear lake, but the property itself was very nice. We did rent out both sites which I think was the right thing to do as we like the privacy.

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!

B

BENJAMIN L

July 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Arcadia Legacy

Spent 3 days here over independence day weekend. From the moment we arrived we were greeted with nothing but kindness. The owners (Holli & Bryce) were incredibly welcoming and accommodating. They provided a hand washing station (which was sincerely appreciated), outhouse was clean and well taken care of, Bryce provided a fire pit and firewood for us, chairs, mowed a path to the river that runs parallel to the field we camped at so I could fish (full of massive carp) and Holli gave us kits for s'more's and a homemade tea kit which was delicious! As well as a wealth of local knowledge and insight for navigating the area! Truly couldn’t ask for better service. As far as the land and campsite goes, the campsite is situated on a flat grass field that overlooks the farm, easy to access, only ~15 mins to the north beach along a dirt road on the east side of the valley. Incredible scenery and incredible wildlife. In the evening you can hear the frogs croaking and the coyotes howling in the distance at night. We saw owls, deer, a family of raccoons and eagles. Their property is right next to the bear lake wildlife refuge so if you’re a birder i’d highly recommend. Overall we couldn’t recommend this site enough, and would gladly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful, scenic escape near Bear Lake. Especially during a holiday weekend!