Harves River Cua Dispersed
02 reviews115 East 900 North Richfield, UT 84701
Harves River Cua Dispersed
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
No fees are required for dispersed camping at Harves River.
About this campground
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe sites are dispersed across a large meadow and are surrounded by aspen and conifer trees.
Sites PrivacySites are dispersed, which may provide a more private camping experience compared to traditional campgrounds.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect campsites with better shade provided by aspen and conifer trees.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutGraveled roads with camp spurs spread throughout the meadow under aspen and conifer tree coverage.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June through November.
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.
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.
Hiking
The area offers hiking opportunities, but no specific trails or difficulty levels are mentioned beyond the general terrain.Fishing
Fishing is available at Farnsworth Reservoir (northwest of the camping area), as well as at Twin Ponds, Cold Springs, and Salina Reservoir.Wildlife viewing
The campground provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, though specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are listed, but the area is open from June to November.Water Sports
No information on water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Follow local fire restrictions. Firewood must be brought by campers.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential bear activity, requiring proper food storage. Elevation of 9,500 feet may pose risks for altitude sickness to vulnerable visitors.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 12.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
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
Richfield Ranger District Office, 115 East 900 North Richfield, UT 84701. Nearest hospital and police station information is not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune - November.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out all trash, emphasizing 'Leave No Trace' principles. No mention of recycling facilities is available.
Proximity to water featuresFarnsworth reservoir is located northwest of the camp sites. Other nearby water features include Twin Ponds, Cold Springs, and Salina Reservoir.
Common complaintsCrowded conditions around peak times, as noted by a user review: "It's the 4th of July and many campers."
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Harves River Cua Dispersed has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 2 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 2 reviewsCommon 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 2 reviewsPro 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 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open from June to November. Fall months may offer beautiful leaf colors, as noted in the general information.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Beautiful area great place to dry camp.' - James Higgins (2023-07-02). 'It's the 4th of July and many campers.' - Traveling Man (2021-07-06).
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers or areas within the campground are highlighted in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility were found.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific pet-related reviews are available, but pets are allowed and must be leashed at all times.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025