Botts Campground: A Scenic and Convenient Utah Campsite near Huntsville

Botts Campground Introduce

For many Utahns, getting away from the city and into the mountains is a weekend ritual. Botts Campground, nestled within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Huntsville, offers a convenient and scenic spot to do just that. This small campground, with its a handful of sites, provides a more intimate camping experience, perfect for families and small groups. Its location along the South Fork of the Ogden River gives it a peaceful soundtrack and a beautiful backdrop of big, old cottonwood and willow trees. It's the kind of place that embodies the rustic charm of Utah's wilderness, all while being easily accessible.

Botts Campground is a classic example of a beloved local spot that offers a straightforward, no-frills approach to camping. It's a place where you can find a fire pit, a picnic table, and a peaceful environment to spend quality time with loved ones. While some sites may be a bit too close to the main canyon road for some campers' comfort, the majority of the campground offers a quiet retreat. The presence of essential amenities and a "good for kids" and "dogs allowed" policy make it a welcoming destination for the entire family. It's a place that has been a popular camping spot for pioneers and remains a favorite for locals seeking a simple, refreshing getaway.

Botts Campground is located in a stunningly beautiful part of Utah at Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, UT-39, Huntsville, UT 84317, USA. Its accessibility from populated areas like Ogden and Salt Lake City is a major benefit, making it easy to reach for a quick weekend trip. The drive along Highway 39 through Ogden Canyon is a scenic one, setting the tone for a relaxing outdoor experience. The campground is situated on a curve along the South Fork of the Ogden River, approximately six miles east of Huntsville.

One important aspect of the campground's accessibility is its proximity to a busy canyon road. While this makes it easy to find, some campsites are located very close to the road, which can be a concern for some visitors. However, for those who choose sites further from the road, the location is a great base for exploring the surrounding national forest. The on-site parking is a key convenience for campers, providing a designated spot for vehicles right at the campsite. Given its small size, it's essential to plan ahead, and reservations can be made online via a public platform like Recreation.gov to secure a spot.

Botts Campground offers a number of key services that make for a comfortable and convenient stay.

Restrooms and Running Water: The campground provides public restrooms, specifically noted as vault toilets. There are also multiple water faucets with running water available, which is a significant amenity for campers for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill. This makes it easy for campers to prepare and enjoy meals outdoors, adding to the traditional camping experience.
Tent Sites: The campground is set up to accommodate tent campers, with designated sites that have concrete pads under the tables and fire rings for ease of use. It also has sites that can accommodate trailers and RVs, making it versatile for different types of camping.
Payments: There is a camping fee for overnight use, which helps with the upkeep and maintenance of the facilities. While a review mentioned a cash-based payment system, it's also possible to make reservations and pay online.
On-site Parking: The availability of on-site parking at each campsite ensures that campers can unload and access their gear with ease.

These services, while basic, are what make a camping trip in the wilderness so much more enjoyable.

The features and highlights of Botts Campground are what make it a memorable destination for many Utahns.

Good for Kids: The campground is noted as being "good for kids." The natural surroundings and the South Fork of the Ogden River provide a great environment for children to explore and play safely.
Dogs Allowed: Famously, the campground is dog-friendly, so you don't have to leave your furry friends at home. This is a huge plus for pet owners who want to share their outdoor adventures with their companions.
Proximity to the River: The South Fork of the Ogden River runs right alongside the campground, providing opportunities for activities like fishing and tubing (with a life jacket). The peaceful sound of the river is a highlight for many visitors.
Nearby Attractions: The surrounding Ogden Valley offers numerous recreational opportunities, including boating and swimming at Pineview Reservoir, canoeing at Causey Reservoir, and hiking and biking trails, making the campground a great base for wider exploration.
Scenic Beauty: The campground is situated among beautiful old cottonwood and willow trees at an elevation of 5,200 feet, providing a serene and picturesque environment for a true escape.

These highlights, combined with the convenience of a nearby gas station and other amenities, make it a top choice for those who value both nature and accessibility.

For more information or to make a reservation, you can use the provided contact information.

Phone: (385) 273-1100

Mobile Phone: +1 385-273-1100

Address: Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, UT-39, Huntsville, UT 84317, USA

So, what makes Botts Campground the right choice for your next outing? It's the perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil and scenic camping experience without having to travel too far from the city. While it is crucial to be aware of the proximity of some sites to the road, the campground's positive features far outweigh this concern for many visitors. The "good for kids" and "dogs allowed" policies make it an inclusive and welcoming place for the entire family. The presence of essential amenities like restrooms and running water ensures a comfortable stay, and the beautiful setting along the Ogden River is simply unmatched. For locals who love to explore their state's national forests, Botts Campground provides a convenient and beautiful base for hiking, fishing, and simply enjoying the great outdoors. Its well-maintained sites and friendly, albeit non-resident, hosts make it a reliable and cherished spot for a quick escape into the serene beauty of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

Botts Campground Details

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance

Amenities
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Restroom
Running water
Tent sites

Payments
Camping fee

Children
Good for kids

Parking
On-site parking

Pets
Dogs allowed

Botts Campground Photos

Botts Campground Location

Botts Campground

Utah Weber County Huntsville Utah 39

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, UT-39, Huntsville, UT 84317, USA

Botts Campground Reviews

An average rating of ★4 from 44 user reviews.

riverprice

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Nice campground, but I reserved spot #6 which on the map from the pictures is located on the North end. When we arrived site 6 was on the West side, it seemed like site 6 was switched with 7 (The numbers were out of order). Our campsite was extremely close to the busy canyon road. During the evening a SUV driving down the canyon took the corner too fast and crashed into the canyon wall. The car continued to swerve down the road, started skidding toward our campsite and almost rolled their vehicle into our campsite. We had to hurry and grab our children believing the car was coming into our campsite. Fortunately, the SUV swerved again in the opposite direction narrowly missing our campsite. It was terrifying. We did not feel safe staying there. We quickly packed and left. Disappointed that the spot was mislabeled or switched and can’t believe a campsite is that close to a busy canyon road with no guard rail. We looked it up and this was one of at least 2 car accidents that had happed this week in this canyon. Would not recommend staying in any sites near the road.
July 22 · Ashley Baranowsky
As far as the condition and ease of use for the campsites I'd give it a 5/5. There are vault restrooms, multiple water faucets, and each campsite has a fire pit and a stand for propane stoves. The reason it's 4/5 is that finding out info for the camps was difficult. The number listed under Botts Campground sent us to Anderson Cove, and 4 different suggested numbers later we still couldn't contact the actual host at the campsite. Luckily the campsites were reserved for the weekend and were open for us to use the day we drove up. There is a gas station 10 min. Away from the campsite and we were able to use the ATM there for the campsite payment, which a host from Magpie collected from us. To save time I'd bring maybe $30-35 cash to pay for the site ($24 a night for single sites) and firewood ($5 a bundle at South Park, a site further down the road). I'm still not sure how to actually reserve these campsites but I would love to go again. The pic attached is from site #7.
June 11 · Sunny Barney
We literally go 4 or 5 times a month during the summer.
August 19 · Wendy Cooper
Was good. The camp sites were more open than other areas with less brush. It gets darker earlier and light later. That means the sun does not rise until after 9-10ish. There are good spots to play in the river. The camp host was nice, it was a man (some reviews didn't like another camp host).We did see rattlesnakes, so keep an eye out. The bonus is that unlike other campgrounds in the area it's easy to see the ground since there aren't so many bushes in some of the sites, though you probably want to keep an eye on kids and pets while there.The best thing is that most sites are next to the rivers and the fish traps/dams are better than other campgrounds. The river is slower and it's good for the kids.Insects disappeared as it got really cold into the night. Our 20 degree bags did okay, would have been more comfortable with warmer bags.Another good thing is that there was plenty of flat tent space.
August 14 · Ryan Johnson
Overpriced, cramped, and the camp hosts are like prison guards, where they treat people more like they're a hassle than a guest. The campsites are located just feet away from a very busy highway where cars are flying by the at all hours of the night. They charge $16 per night with 1 vehicle. Any additional vehicles are $8 per night with a maximum of 8 individuals. The sites are not well maintained and are extremely overgrown. In many of the sites in this group, the gates are shut at dark and no one is allowed to come or go.Compare that to camp sites in Idaho where you pay $5 per night with 1 vehicle and $5 for each vehicle. They're clean, maintained, a little off the beaten paths, and the hosts are very friendly. You actually feel like you're camping and enjoying the outdoors instead of being in a daycare.
September 01 · Brandon Olsen