Botts Campground
4.1228 reviewsUinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, UT-39, Huntsville, UT, 84317
Botts Campground
$15.00 - $62.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Single sites cost $31, with a capacity of 8 people and 1 vehicle. Double sites are $62 for up to 16 people and 2 vehicles. Walk-in fee is $8 per person. Day-use fee is $15. Extra vehicle fee is $10 per vehicle per day. Firewood is available for $9 per bundle at nearby campgrounds.
About this campground
Nestled along the banks of the South Fork Ogden River, Botts Campground offers an intimate camping experience with just 7 single sites and 1 spacious double site. This charming riverside retreat provides the perfect balance of natural beauty and essential amenities, including sturdy picnic tables for outdoor dining, fire rings for evening gatherings, and clean vault restrooms. The small size creates a peaceful atmosphere where campers can truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the tranquil sounds of flowing water and rustling leaves.
Botts Campground is primarily designed for tent and RV camping, with designated single and double campsites.
Historical SignificanceStep into a piece of Utah's living history at Botts Campground, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have made memories since pioneer days. This treasured camping spot has welcomed travelers for over a century, serving as a resting place for early settlers navigating the rugged terrain and continuing today as a beloved destination where families create their own frontier adventures beneath the same stars that guided the pioneers westward.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this riverside haven into an outdoor paradise, with brilliantly clear skies and refreshingly dry mountain air. Daytime temperatures hover around a perfect 73°F, ideal for hiking and exploration, while evenings cool to a comfortable 50°F—just right for cozying up around the campfire. The low precipitation means you can count on sunshine for your adventures, making this an excellent basecamp for those seeking reliable weather during their mountain escape.
ElevationPerched at 5,200 feet above sea level, the campground sits in that sweet spot of mountain elevation—high enough to escape the summer heat of the valleys below, yet low enough to avoid the thin air that can challenge some visitors. This perfect altitude delivers crisp, clean air and comfortable conditions that enhance every outdoor activity.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient cottonwoods and graceful willows stand as sentinels along the riverbank, their gnarled trunks and sprawling canopies telling stories of decades past. While the tree cover isn't dense, these magnificent giants create dappled shade patterns throughout the day and frame picture-perfect views of the rushing South Fork Ogden River. The open spacing between trees allows for stargazing opportunities while still providing a sense of shelter and natural intimacy.
Geological RegionTucked within the majestic Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Botts Campground showcases the dramatic meeting of mountain and river ecosystems. The South Fork of the Ogden River has carved its path through this rugged landscape over millennia, creating a ribbon of life where cottonwoods and willows thrive in the rich riverside soils. The surrounding mountainous terrain rises dramatically from the river valley, offering a stunning backdrop of peaks and ridges that exemplify the geological diversity of northern Utah's wilderness areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit details regarding accessibility features for campers with disabilities are provided.
Sites SizeSites appear to accommodate both single and double occupancy configurations. Single sites have a capacity of 8 people, while the double site accommodates up to 16 people.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are described as relatively open, with limited dense foliage, impacting privacy. Some user reviews have noted that campsites are close to each other and near the road, which may contribute to reduced privacy.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor more privacy and river access, sites 2 and 7 are recommended. Site 7 offers decent foliage coverage and proximity to the river.
Best CampsitesCampsites 2 and 7 are frequently praised for their location near the river.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Reservations are limited to a 2-night minimum stay on weekends and a 3-night minimum on holiday weekends.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each single site can accommodate up to 8 guests, and double sites can host up to 16 guests.
Groups
There are no designated group sites at Botts Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 7 single campsites and 1 double campsite, arranged with a mix of riverfront and road-adjacent locations.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 16, 2025 - September 1, 2025 (reservable season).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, the call center (1-877-444-6777), or the Recreation.gov app. Payment can be made by cash, check, or Scan & Pay.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available for walk-up use when not reserved, with a walk-in fee of $8 per person.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations forfeit the first night's use fee. No-shows are charged a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's fee. Early departures may be eligible for partial refunds.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Botts Campground offers a range of recreational activities, capitalizing on its proximity to the South Fork Ogden River. Visitors can engage in fishing, hiking, swimming, and tubing. Nearby attractions such as Pineview and Causey Reservoirs enhance the variety of outdoor activities.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available both within the campground area and at nearby attractions like Pineview and Causey Reservoirs. Specific trail details are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is a prominent activity at Botts Campground, particularly in the South Fork Ogden River. User reviews mention the river’s slower currents and fish traps/dams, making it ideal for anglers.Swimming
Swimming is possible in the South Fork Ogden River and nearby reservoirs. The river’s slower currents are highlighted as suitable for children.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is implicitly supported given the natural surroundings, but no specific details or species are highlighted.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are outlined for Botts Campground.Water Sports
Tubing along the South Fork Ogden River is a popular water activity. Life jackets are required for all participants.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings only. Visitors are encouraged to follow local fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsVisitors should store food securely due to the presence of bears. Rattlesnakes have also been spotted in the area, so caution is advised.
Active alertsNo active alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
For emergencies, the nearest services are likely in Huntsville (~6 miles). Specific emergency service locations are not listed.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16, 2025 - September 1, 2025.
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility, emphasizing the need for campers to bring their own trash bags and remove waste after use.
Proximity to water featuresThe South Fork Ogden River runs alongside the campground, offering opportunities for fishing, tubing, and swimming.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include noise from the nearby road, limited shade due to sparse trees, and occasional issues with campground hosts.
HostThe campground does not have an on-site host. Hosts can be found at Magpie Campground (west) or South Fork Campground (east).
Campground Map
Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, UT-39, Huntsville, UT, 84317
Driving directionsFrom Ogden, Utah travel east on 12th Street through Ogden Canyon. Continue on Highway 39 toward Monte Cristo. The campgrounds in this complex are Magpie, Botts, South Fork, Perception Park, Upper and Lower Meadows, and Willows in order from west to east. South Fork Campground complex is located approximately 5 to 7 miles east of Huntsville, Utah, on Highway 39.
The campground is accessible via Highway 39, east of Huntsville. The road conditions are not described but it is implied they are suitable for standard vehicles.Nearby places
Huntsville (~6 miles, 10 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
The nearest gas station is about 10 minutes away from the campground, which also offers ATM access. Firewood is available for $9 at nearby Magpie and South Fork campgrounds.
Camper Reviews
4.1
28 reviews
Botts Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Botts Campground highlight its proximity to the South Fork Ogden River, cleanliness, and suitability for families. Common complaints include campsites being too close to the road and occasional issues with camp hosts. The average sentiment score for campground-specific reviews is 3.89.
Review Summaries
Based on 28 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praised the campground's cleanliness, convenient access to the river, and well-maintained facilities. 'The restrooms were clean and stocked with toilet paper,' and 'the sites were...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Noise from the nearby road, limited privacy due to open campsites, and some negative interactions with camp hosts are common complaints. One user mentioned, 'You can hear the cars on the road all...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring cash ($30–$35) for campsite fees and firewood. Firewood is available at South Fork Campground for $9 per bundle. Sites near the river offer better ambiance, and visitors should remain cautious...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with users appreciating the river’s cooler waters and activities like fishing and tubing. However, summer nights can get cold, emphasizing the need for warm...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The bathrooms were a little gross, but what can you expect?' - Maddi Bennett
2. 'The campground was a little close to the road and to other sites for our taste, but it was still a pleasant...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsites 2 and 7 are highlighted positively. Campsite 7 is described as 'right between the river and the road,' offering easy river access. Campsite 2 is noted for its spacious layout and proximity...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are provided.
Based on 28 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, with rules including leash requirements and limits of two pets per site. Users noted the slow-moving river as a great spot for pets to play.
Based on 28 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025