Situated near the Utah-Idaho border, Logan delivers a breath of fresh air and scenery for folks looking to escape the arid Salt Lake Valley.
Named for the 19th century fur trappers who hid their pelts in secret caches throughout the valley, Cache Valley is truly a hidden gem in Utah. With rolling hills and pristine waters enveloped by the rugged peaks of Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, it’s no surprise that Logan is a go-to getaway for Utahns.
I’m speaking from experience, by the way — as a Utah Valley local who visits at least once a year, and a descendent of the pioneers who settled the area in the late 1800s. I’ve been fishing in the spring, boating in the summer, hunting in the fall, and snowboarding in the winter, so I can definitively say that Logan is a year-round destination that deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Whether you’re hiking, biking, boating or fishing, the best way to soak up the fresh air in Cache Valley is with a tent or RV. Here’s my two-cents on the best campgrounds near Logan, starting with my all-time favorite: Bear Lake.
Related read: 10 Adventurous Campervan Rentals in Salt Lake City, Utah
Bear Lake State Park
Why you should camp here: Sapphire blue water, fascinating caves, and scenic trails are just the tip of the iceberg in an adventure-packed weekend at Bear Lake.
- Reservations accepted: Yes
- Best seasons: Spring, summer, fall
- Campsite types: Tents, RVs, car camping
- RV hookups: Full
Bear Lake looks like it’s been transplanted from the Caribbean thanks to the water’s unique mineral content. The sprawling icy-blue lake is 20 miles long and covers 112 square miles, providing ample space for just about every type of water-based activity you can think of.
Explore the lake on a kayak, cast your fishing line from a canoe, or rent a boat and some jet skis for a high-octane afternoon. It’s windy enough for sailboats and kite surfers, and the clear water is great for scuba diving.
Bear Lake isn’t just a warm-weather destination. When winter weather arrives, head to Bear Lake for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and eagle spotting.
It’s safe to say that most visitors travel to Bear Lake to spend the day on the water, but you’re missing half the excitement if you don’t explore the surrounding area. Bear Lake has several caves you can explore and miles of scenic trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and OHVs.
Bear Lake State Park offers a number of established campgrounds to suit your style, from primitive tent campsites with vault toilets to modern campgrounds with full RV hookups and flush toilets. There are a number of group sites available at the Willow and South Eden campgrounds, and boat slips at the marina if you prefer to sleep on your sailboat.
Reserve NowSunrise Campground
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Why you should camp here: A quiet campground with a fair amount of privacy between campsites and convenient access to Bear Lake and local hiking trails.
- Reservations accepted: Yes
- Best seasons: Summer, fall
- Campsite types: Tents, RVs, car camping
- RV hookups: No
For those who prefer to ditch the crowds at Bear Lake State Park, the Sunrise Campground is just six miles to the west in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. With 26 single sites, Sunrise offers a level of peace and quiet that’s tough to find in crowded state park campgrounds.
The Sunrise Campground provides vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, though you won’t find any hookups for RVs here. The campground is about a mile away from Bear Lake Summit’s awe-inspiring lookout, and less than a half-mile from the family-friendly Limber Pine Trail.
Reserve NowHyrum Lake State Park
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Why you should camp here: A secluded lake in picturesque Cache Valley.
- Reservations accepted: Yes
- Best seasons: Spring, summer, fall
- Campsite types: Tents, RVs, car camping
- RV hookups: Full
Set in the scenic Cache Valley near Logan, Hyrum Lake State Park is a year-round destination for anglers that’s stocked with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch. It’s just 20 minutes south of Logan, making it an ideal destination for quick family getaways near the city.
Over the summer, Hyrum Lake is a popular basecamp for rock climbers, mountain bikers, and hikers. There’s also a marina where you can launch your fishing boat or pontoon for a relaxing day on the water.
The Lake View Campground at Hyrum Lake State Park offers established campsites for tents and RVs, with full hookups available for the latter. If you’re in the mood for glamping, the park also has several cabins available for rent.
Reserve NowTony Grove Campground
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Why you should camp here: Sandwiched between the Mount Naomi Wilderness and Bear Lake, Tony Grove features spectacular scenery and a tranquil mountain lake.
- Reservations accepted: Yes
- Best seasons: Summer
- Campsite types: Tents, RVs, car camping
- RV hookups: No
The Tony Grove Campground is perched on the mountainside above Tony Grove Lake, delivering fresh mountain air and pristine water at 8,100 feet.
The surrounding area is an outdoor photographer’s dream, especially when the wildflowers bloom over summer. Time your trip between mid-July and mid-August and you’ll discover a vivid display of color with mountain sunflowers, daisies, lupine, Columbine, paintbrush, and geraniums.
Given its proximity to a beautiful mountain lake, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Tony Grove is popular for canoes, paddle boards, and fishing. The area boasts some great trails, including the popular White Pine Lake Trail.
Reserve NowHigh Creek Campground
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Why you should camp here: Free camping at an established campground surrounded by the picturesque Mount Naomi Wilderness.
- Reservations accepted: No
- Best seasons: Summer
- Campsite types: Tents, car camping
- RV hookups: No
If you’re looking for free camping near Logan but you like to stay within a stone’s throw of a bathroom, head to the High Creek Campground surrounded by the Mount Naomi Wilderness. There’s no drinking water (though there’s ample freshwater that you can purify), but the campground features picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.
The High Creek Campground is an excellent basecamp for hikers. Surrounded by multiple 9,000+ foot peaks, deep canyons, and miles of trails, scenic views can be found in every direction. The area hosts an explosion of wildflowers over the summer, and the rich wildlife population includes elk, moose, deer, and beavers.
Dispersed Camping At Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Park
Established campgrounds are great, but let’s not forget about dispersed camping opportunities. Thanks to the expansive Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest that surrounds Logan on three sides, free camping is always on the table around here.
Generally speaking, visitors are permitted to set up a primitive camp on Forest Service land under the following conditions:
- Camp at least 150 feet from designated Forest Service roads
- Camp at least 100 feet (preferably 200 feet) from water sources
- Avoid areas where the topography or vegetation limits vehicle travel, such as steep terrain, brush, and trees
- No vehicles allowed in wet meadows (walk-in camping is okay)
Check the Forest Service page to see if there are any local limitations on where dispersed camping is restricted, but as of writing this there aren’t any off-limit areas around Logan.
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