Smith And Morehouse
Wasatch Cache National Forest, 50 FR422, Kamas, UT, 84036
Smith And Morehouse
$28.06 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $28.06 to $31 for single campsites (capacity of 8 people and 1 vehicle). Additional charges include $10 per extra vehicle, $10 boat...
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Standard Site Fee$31.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$31.00
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Recreation.gov
Provider385-273-1100comments@AmericanLL.com
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine western shores of Smith and Morehouse Reservoir, this beloved mountain retreat offers an authentic Uinta Mountains experience in northeastern Utah. Adventure seekers and nature lovers flock to this scenic sanctuary where crystal-clear waters meet towering forests, creating the perfect basecamp for fishing expeditions, peaceful kayaking sessions, and explorations along winding mountain trails. The campground's enduring popularity stems from its perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness charm.
Smith and Morehouse Campground is a family-friendly destination primarily catering to tent and RV campers. No group-specific or luxury accommodations like yurts are available.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of mountain summers where daytime temperatures hover in the comfortable 65-75°F range, perfect for outdoor adventures, while evenings cool to a crisp 40-50°F, ideal for campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, bringing heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures that create a dramatically different but equally stunning alpine environment.
ElevationPerched at 7,800 feet above sea level, the campground offers a true high-altitude escape where summer days remain refreshingly cool and winter occasionally dust the landscape with snow even outside the traditional snow season. This elevation provides the perfect climate for those seeking relief from valley heat while enjoying the crisp, clean mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryAt 7,800 feet elevation, this mountain paradise showcases nature's finest artistry with dense conifer forests interspersed with shimmering aspen groves that dance in the breeze. The melodic Smith and Morehouse Creek winds through the campground, providing a natural soundtrack to your stay. Wildlife enthusiasts delight in frequent encounters with the area's majestic residents, including wandering moose and graceful deer that call these forests home.
Geological RegionDiscover the rugged beauty of northeastern Utah's Uinta Mountains, where ancient geological forces have carved a landscape of stunning contrasts. This western edge of the range features dense forests of conifers and aspens that blanket the mountainsides, pristine reservoirs that mirror the sky, and babbling creeks that have shaped valleys over millennia, creating an outdoor playground unlike anywhere else in the region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityMost family sites are accessible, but there is no mention of specific ADA-compliant facilities.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as varying in size, with some being narrow and others spacious enough for tents or trailers.
Sites PrivacySites in the northern loop are more wooded, offering greater privacy, while others are in open areas suitable for larger groups.
Total Campsites33 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, choose sites in the northern loop. Sites near the creek offer excellent scenery.
Best CampsitesSite 005 is a pull-through; Sites 018, 034 are described as private and spacious.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
2-night minimum stay on weekends and 3-night minimum stay on holiday weekends.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy is 8 people per single site.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly featured at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground consists of multiple loops, including a northern loop with wooded sites and others more open for larger groups.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 6, 2025, to September 20, 2025. Peak season lasts from June 6 to September 1, with first-come, first-served availability from September 2 to September 20.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Scan and Pay is available on-site.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites available from September 2 to September 20. Arrival in person required to claim a site.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee if done after 12:00 am (local time) on the day before check-in. No-show reservations result in a $20 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts. These include hiking along the Smith Morehouse Trail, which spans 14.6 miles and features diverse terrains like forests and meadows. Visitors can also engage in fishing for rainbow trout and other species in the reservoir and enjoy non-motorized water activities such as kayaking and canoeing. Scenic driving along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is another popular activity. Wildlife viewing is an attraction, with moose and deer commonly sighted.
Hiking
The 14.6-mile Smith Morehouse Trail is a point-to-point trail leading through forests, meadows, and marshes, with connections to Erickson Basin and Island Lake. The trail is moderately trafficked but difficult to navigate without a map or GPS. It is considered challenging, especially during hot summer months.Fishing
Fishing is a major draw, with rainbow trout and other native species stocked in the reservoir. Anglers have praised the quality of fishing here.Swimming
While no official swimming areas are mentioned, reviewers note that the reservoir is suitable for swimming, with water temperatures described as cool but swimmable in July.Boating
The reservoir allows motorized boats at a wake-less speed, making it ideal for canoeing and kayaking. A boat ramp is available on the northwest shore.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife around the reservoir includes moose and deer, making the location attractive to wildlife enthusiasts.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the source.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are popular due to the wake-less speed policy on the reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted within designated fire rings. Firewood available for purchase.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsBear Country - food and trash must be stored securely to avoid wildlife encounters. Gravel roads may cause slippage; caution recommended.
Weather forecast
43
°F
Oct 8
Wednesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest hospital and emergency services are in Oakley, approximately 12 miles away. Kamas Ranger District also provides localized emergency response.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 6, 2025 - September 1, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash must be packed out by visitors, as the facility follows a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy. Garbage storage in bear-proof containers is required to avoid attracting wildlife.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Smith and Morehouse Reservoir. Some campsites are on the creek; the boat ramp is a short drive away.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include narrow campsites, gravel slips causing injuries, crowded lake conditions, and occasional lack of water due to infrastructure problems.
HostHosts Deb and Del are highly praised for their attentiveness, friendliness, and upkeep of the campground.
Campground Map
Wasatch Cache National Forest, 50 FR422, Kamas, UT, 84036
Driving directionsFrom Salt Lake City, Utah, take Highway 80 east for 36 miles to the Kamas exit. Travel south for 12 miles to Oakley, turn left on Highway 213 and travel 12 miles to the end of the pavement. Turn right and go 2 miles to the campground entrance.
Access is straightforward using paved roads, but the end of the approach transitions to gravel with deep dips on the sides of the road. Caution is advised as some reviewers reported slipping on gravel.Nearby places
Oakley, UT - 12 miles (approximately 20 minutes drive)
Kamas, UT - 24 miles (approximately 40 minutes drive)
Salt Lake City, UT - 65 miles (approximately 1.5-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies such as groceries, fuel, and camping necessities can be obtained in Oakley (12 miles away). Firewood is available at the campground for purchase.
Camper Reviews
4.8
102 reviews

Smith And Morehouse is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Smith and Morehouse Campground receives praise for its beautiful natural setting, clean facilities, and the friendly and attentive camp hosts, Deb and Del. However, reviews highlight occasional issues such as water supply problems, small campsites, and noise from other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 102 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently commend the scenic beauty, proximity to the lake, friendly camp hosts, and well-maintained facilities. Reviews describe the campground as peaceful, family-oriented, and ideal for...
Based on 102 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative points include the small size of some campsites, lack of potable water during certain visits, and noise from neighboring campers. Additionally, the trail leading to the lake is noted to be...
Based on 102 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing a map or GPS for hiking, packing insect repellent for mosquitoes and flies, and arriving early to secure spots near the lake.
Based on 102 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with reviewers praising the weather despite occasional high temperatures. Winter activities are not mentioned, suggesting limited use in colder months.
Based on 102 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The camp hosts were friendly and went out of their way to be helpful." - Matthew P. "Pit toilets were clean and well-stocked." - Jennilee M. "The northern loop campsites are more wooded and...
Based on 102 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 003 is praised for its cleanliness and proximity to the river. Campsite 034 is noted for being spacious and secluded. Campsite 005 is one of the few pull-through sites, making it suitable...
Based on 102 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are provided, but many sites are described as paved and accessible.
Based on 102 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and visitors note the importance of keeping them leashed and cleaning up after them. Rules include limiting dogs to two per site and ensuring they do not disturb others.
Based on 102 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025