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Uinta-Wasatch-Cache/Monte Cristo
Overview
Perched high in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Monte Cristo Campground offers a quintessential mountain escape for RVers. Located at an impressive elevation of 9,000 feet, this seasonal destination provides a refreshing respite from the summer heat of the valleys below. The park is characterized by its lush mountain meadows and dense stands of conifer and aspen trees, offering a rustic mountain experience for those looking to immerse themselves in Utah’s natural beauty without the crowds of major resorts.
Location & Surroundings
This campground is situated along the Monte Cristo Scenic Byway (Highway 39), a route famed for its winding turns and stunning vistas. It sits approximately 30 miles west of Woodruff, UT, making it a remote but accessible high-country retreat. The surrounding landscape is a vibrant tapestry of subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, and sweeping meadows that erupt with vibrant wildflowers during the peak summer months. Its high-altitude position provides a unique ecosystem rarely found in lower-elevation desert parks.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional Forest Service site, the amenities focus on the essentials of dry camping. Visitors will find vault toilets and access to potable water, though there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring for evening gatherings under the stars. While the interior roads are paved, the parking spurs consist of gravel and vary in size, so it is important to confirm dimensions for large RV units to ensure a proper fit during your stay.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw here, with an extensive network of ATV and motorcycle trails branching out from the vicinity into the surrounding backcountry. Hikers can explore several nearby trails that offer panoramic views of the Bear River Range and the distant mountains. Wildlife enthusiasts should keep a watchful eye for moose and elk that frequently roam the meadows. For a scenic day trip, the famous turquoise waters of Bear Lake are located within a reasonable driving distance to the northeast.
Who This Park Is Best For
This location is ideal for travelers who prioritize natural scenery over modern luxury. It is a fantastic choice for self-contained RVers who enjoy the solitude of dry camping and want to disconnect from the grid. If you are a nature photographer looking for stunning alpine landscapes or an outdoor enthusiast seeking a cool-weather basecamp for off-road adventures, Monte Cristo offers a serene environment. It is best suited for those who appreciate the quiet, primitive charm of the high mountains.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Lizz Grandpre
3.5/5 We had no complaints with the campground in general. It was beautiful and clean and the sites were spaced enough for privacy. However, we were surprised to find that there was NO water available. There was porta potties on site but their actual bathrooms were closed. This was surprising as I had called the day before our reservation and confirmed that there was drinking water available and working. But when we pulled into camp, the camp host said their pumps failed after the first 3 weeks of the season and they won’t be fixed until the season ends. There needs to be better communication between the camp hosts and the recreation office. This can create issues for campers who are being told there are certain amenities only to find that they are not actually available. This information also needs to be updated frequently on the site so campers know what to expect.
Shawn
Great camp ground. Very clean and quite. Love that place.
Don Slick
Camp host was great, the scenery was awesome, our site once we were able to get in was gorgeous. The reason for 3 stars is how narrow the roads were with low hanging trees, stumps on the edge of the road as well as very large rocks. It made backing into our spot extremely difficult. We ended up scratching the crap out of the brand new bumper on the truck on a random stump on the side of a narrow road. There was a 4ft stump in our site driveway that made it even more difficult to back in. The site was long enough once you could get in. They could easily fix the problem on this particular site.
Ruth Jacobson
Found out there was no water after we got there. Luckily, we were in a trailer with our own water supply. Beautiful green and healthy forest. Big pines and quakies. The sites are spaced apart, so you don't feel like you're camping on top of each other. The roads are narrow, and some of the turns are difficult for larger trailers. But the scenery made up for a lot.
Zach Smith
This is a great place to go for an overnight car camp trip, or stay for maybe even a couple nights or so. The campgrounds were very clean, and very well-maintained, and the staff was very kind and helpful as well. The price to camp per night was very inexpensive and hassle-free. The camp attendant drives by every hour or so to check on new campers, and collect the payment. I think we paid around $40 for two nights. Only cash is accepted so go to an ATM before you leave. We had a really fun time, it was so peaceful, not too packed or overcrowded, and the views were really beautiful. Surprisingly, even though we went in August, it was still very cold from about 8 p.m. through 6 a.m. Definitely dress warm for the evenings, and bring some layers.