Harves River Cua Dispersed

4.22

13 reviews

115 East 900 North Richfield, UT 84701

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open June through No...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Fishlake National Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open June through No...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Fishlake National Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Harves River Cua Dispersed

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for dispersed camping at Harves River.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

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USFS

Provider

(435) 896-9233

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 13 reviews

8 Google reviews

Some mention

crowded

"The campground has received mixed feedback from reviewers. Some praise the natural beauty and secluded experience, while others note its limitations as a dispersed camping area."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

115 East 900 North Richfield, UT 84701

Harves River Cua Dispersed

115 East 900 North Richfield, UT 84701

Driving directionsFrom Salina at the junction of Main Street and State Street, head south on State Street for approximately 2 miles until you reach I-70. Turn left (east) onto I-70 east-bound from Salina, for approximately 6.5 miles. Exit I-70 at Gooseberry Road (Exit 63), and then turn right (south) on the Gooseberry Road (County Road #640), a two-lane paved road, for about 15 miles. Turn right on FR030 for 0.3 miles into the camping site. Watch for signs.

Accessible via paved County Road #640; gravel road conditions upon entering FR030. There are no mentions of seasonal closures or challenging terrain in the sources.

Nearby places

Salina (23.5 miles, approximately 24 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available in Salina, Utah, 23.5 miles away. Details about groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are not explicitly stated.

Best Time to Camp at Harves River Cua Dispersed

The camping season at Harves River stretches from June through November, offering visitors a diverse range of mountain weather experiences. Early June arrivals may wake to frost-kissed meadows and the occasional late-season snowfall, while July and August bring warm, sun-drenched days perfect for hiking and crisp nights ideal for campfire gatherings. September ushers in nature's grand finale as aspens transform the landscape into a golden wonderland, though evening temperatures begin their descent toward winter. By November, the first serious snows often blanket the meadow, signaling the end of the camping season. Outside these months, the area transforms into a winter wilderness dominated by snow and freezing temperatures, making it inaccessible to most campers.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open in summer with wildflowers, hiking and accessible dispersed sites (season June–Nov).

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in UT

Fall months highlighted for spectacular aspen color and scenic views; reviewers note beautiful leaves.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Open season begins in June; spring months (pre-June) are outside the stated open window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed outside June–November; winter access/activities not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June - November.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open June through November.

About Harves River Cua Dispersed

Escape to the pristine wilderness of Harves River Dispersed Camping, where adventure meets tranquility at 9,500 feet above sea level. This hidden gem nestled within a sprawling mountain meadow offers the rare combination of free camping and unforgettable natural beauty. As autumn arrives, the surrounding aspen groves burst into a symphony of gold and amber, creating one of Colorado's most spectacular fall displays. Despite its remote feel, the site welcomes visitors with thoughtfully maintained amenities including a vault restroom, helpful information kiosk, and well-groomed gravel roads leading to designated camping spurs. Here, beneath towering conifers and dancing aspens, you'll discover the perfect basecamp for high-altitude adventures or peaceful retreats under star-filled skies.

Harves River Dispersed Camping is a primitive camping area located in a high-elevation meadow in Fishlake National Forest. It caters to those seeking a minimalist and natural camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsThe camping season at Harves River stretches from June through November, offering visitors a diverse range of mountain weather experiences. Early June arrivals may wake to frost-kissed meadows and the occasional late-season snowfall, while July and August bring warm, sun-drenched days perfect for hiking and crisp nights ideal for campfire gatherings. September ushers in nature's grand finale as aspens transform the landscape into a golden wonderland, though evening temperatures begin their descent toward winter. By November, the first serious snows often blanket the meadow, signaling the end of the camping season. Outside these months, the area transforms into a winter wilderness dominated by snow and freezing temperatures, making it inaccessible to most campers.

ElevationPerched at an impressive elevation exceeding 9,500 feet, Harves River offers a true high-country camping experience. At this altitude, the air carries a refreshing crispness even on summer days, while nights invite cozy gatherings around the campfire. The elevated position rewards visitors with expansive views across the surrounding peaks and valleys, where morning mists dance through the trees and evening alpenglow paints the landscape in rose and gold. This lofty setting not only provides natural air conditioning during warmer months but also creates the perfect conditions for the stunning aspen displays that make this area famous among leaf-peepers and photographers alike.

Natural Features and SceneryThe heart of Harves River beats within its expansive meadow, a natural amphitheater encircled by towering stands of aspen and evergreen sentinels. This unique ecosystem creates a photographer's paradise where wildflowers carpet the meadow floor in summer, painting splashes of purple lupine, golden arnica, and crimson paintbrush across the landscape. Come autumn, the aspens steal the show, their quaking leaves transforming from emerald to brilliant gold, creating a natural cathedral of color that draws visitors from across the region. The interplay of open meadow and dense forest provides diverse wildlife habitat, making early morning and evening prime times for spotting elk, deer, and a variety of mountain birds that call this elevation home.

Geological RegionSituated within a remarkable high-elevation meadow ecosystem, Harves River occupies a unique geological niche where ancient forces carved out this mountain sanctuary over millennia. The meadow itself tells a story of glacial activity and natural succession, now cradled by mixed forests of quaking aspen and stalwart conifers that have adapted to thrive at 9,500 feet. This elevated basin creates a natural gathering place where mountain geology meets alpine ecology, resulting in the diverse landscape that makes this dispersed camping area so special. The surrounding peaks and ridges frame the meadow like nature's own amphitheater, creating both shelter from prevailing winds and a stunning backdrop for your camping adventure.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day.

Stay Limit

Camping stay limit is 16 days, 15 nights.

Groups

No group sites are explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutGraveled roads with camp spurs spread throughout the meadow under aspen and conifer tree coverage.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required; camping is first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityEntire campground operates as first-come, first-served; specific fill patterns are not mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not required.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.

Site SizeThe sites are dispersed across a large meadow and are surrounded by aspen and conifer trees.

PrivacySites are dispersed, which may provide a more private camping experience compared to traditional campgrounds.

Recommended SitesSelect campsites with better shade provided by aspen and conifer trees.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

A variety of outdoor activities are available, including fishing in nearby reservoirs, ATV trail riding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Reviewers appreciate the natural setting but note that this is a dry camping area.

HikingThe area offers hiking opportunities, but no specific trails or difficulty levels are mentioned beyond the general terrain.

FishingFishing is available at Farnsworth Reservoir (northwest of the camping area), as well as at Twin Ponds, Cold Springs, and Salina Reservoir.

Wildlife viewingThe campground provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, though specific species are not mentioned.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential bear activity, requiring proper food storage. Elevation of 9,500 feet may pose risks for altitude sickness to vulnerable visitors.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredCampers are required to store food properly in bear-proof containers to avoid wildlife disturbances.

Fire PolicyFollow local fire restrictions. Firewood must be brought by campers.

Emergency ServicesRichfield Ranger District Office, 115 East 900 North Richfield, UT 84701. Nearest hospital and police station information is not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to pack out all trash, emphasizing 'Leave No Trace' principles. No mention of recycling facilities is available.

Water FeaturesFarnsworth reservoir is located northwest of the camp sites. Other nearby water features include Twin Ponds, Cold Springs, and Salina Reservoir.

Weather at Harves River Cua Dispersed

Reviews

4.2

13 reviews

Satisfactory

Harves River Cua Dispersed is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground has received mixed feedback from reviewers. Some praise the natural beauty and secluded experience, while others note its limitations as a dispersed camping area.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

'Beautiful area great place to dry camp.' (James Higgins, 2023-07-02). Several users appreciated the natural setting and the opportunities for outdoor activities.

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

'It's the 4th of July and many campers.' (Traveling Man, 2021-07-06) - indicating that the site can become crowded during peak times.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own potable water, firewood, and follow Leave No Trace principles. The area is particularly popular around holidays, so arriving early may be advisable.

Based on 13 reviews