Located in Mantua, Utah, Box Elder Campground is a beautiful nature getaway that isn’t far from gas stations and grocery stores. The next closest city is Brigham City, Utah, which is just five miles away. Box Elder Campground is close by the Mantua Reservoir, making it the perfect spot to stay during the warm Utah summer. There are many different activities that people enjoy during their stay. If you enjoy getting out on the water, there are fishing opportunities, boating, kayaking, swimming, and more.
If you prefer to stay dry, there are plenty of hiking trails in the area, as well as wildlife to see. Speaking of wildlife, you may see mountain lions, bighorn sheep, American black bear, Gila monsters, and more roaming about. There are also horseback riding facilities in the area that allow you to explore in style. Box Elder Campground has dense forests and a ton of shade for campers. You’ll be able to peacefully fall asleep to the sound of the Box Elder Creek that runs throughout the area. If you’re an avid nature lover, visiting the nearby Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is a must as well!
Being that Box Elder Campground is right in the heart of Mantua, Utah, you won’t have to worry about transportation too much. It is located almost directly north of Salt Lake City. By taking Interstate 15 to Highway 89, you’ll be lead straight to Box Elder Campground. It is situated right between Mantua and Brigham City, Utah. All roads are paved and easy to access. If you do plan on visiting during the winter months, you may want to check the weather ahead of your trip.
Utah does experience snow and blizzards which can lead to road closures and detours. South Park Drive is the road outside of Box Elder Campground. It is somewhat winding, but larger vehicles such as RVs and camper vans shouldn’t have an issue with it. There is a gravel parking lot for cars to park and from there you can get around on foot. If you’re camping near the reservoir, many people enjoy using boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes for transportation. You can easily access the reservoir by hopping on Highway 89 and turning onto 600 Street North.
Open year round, Hyrum Lake Campground is another place you can stay at during your visit to Box Elder Campground. This is perfect for those requiring a reservation, as Hyrum Lake allows them. The catch? There are only 36 campsites there. While this may seem like a lot, during peak season it can fill up quickly. You can test your luck and try to get a site without a reservation there as well. The majority of people who stay at Hyrum Lake Campground do so in an RV.
One thing that sets Hyrum Lake Campground apart from others near Box Elder Campground is that there are partial RV hookups. The best part? The RV campsites are located closest to the Hyrum Reservoir which is perfect for those camping in the summer and looking to stay cool. There are eight people allowed per campsite, with the exception of the group campsites.
The last campground available for visitors of Box Elder Campground that is open to the public is Spring Hollow Campground. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis on four days in mid-May and for a week in early September. Peak season is from the end of May until the beginning of September. During this time, reservations are required. Drinking water is available during peak season as well. There are vault toilets and grills available for the campground to share. Each campsite has its own fire ring and picnic table to use.
There are two overnight group sites that can accommodate 45-95 people. There are 14 campsites in total, 11 of which are single sites that can hold up to eight campers at a time. There is also a double site, as well as the two group sites.
You can go fishing at the Mantua Reservoir that is not far from Box Elder Campground. This lake is best known for bass fishing, but bluegill is popular as well. Bluegills tend to be around two pounds and can most commonly be caught during the spring.
Many people tend to catch yellow perch, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout, especially during the winter. You can cast a line on a boat or right from the shoreline.
When it comes to popular activities for people to enjoy during their visit to Box Elder Campground, hiking has to be on top of the list. There are so many different hiking trails in the area.
Whether you are a couch potato or you’re an avid hiker, there will be a trail that works for you. You’ll find flat paths that are perfect for a casual walk in the woods, while others will get your heart rate up and be a bit of a challenge.
If fishing is a popular peak season activity, you can put your money on boating being one as well. Boating is a great way to get out on the water and relax. You can bring a boat of your choosing, whether that’s a classic fishing boat, a kayak, canoe, or even an inflatable tube.
There aren't any lifeguards on duty, so it’s important for children and inexperienced swimmers to wear a lifejacket when on the water.
One of the best things about visiting Box Elder Campground is that you can take advantage of the day-use activities, meaning you don’t have to leave in order to get some rest. There are 25 campsites at Box Elder Campground, all of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are four campsites that can be used by large groups. Two of these group sites hold 50 campers, one holds 64, and the fourth one can hold up to 125 people at once.
There are also nine picnic site campsites that give visitors a beautiful view of the nearby Mantua Reservoir. Whichever campsite you stay at, you will have access to a picnic table and fire pit. There is an information board at the entrance with any important information for campers. RV camping is allowed here, but there aren’t any hookups available. This is a beautiful place to not only visit, but sleep under the stars.
Photography isn’t just an activity for the creative person in your group to enjoy. It’s a laid back and relaxing activity for people of all ages to take advantage of. Taking photos is a great way to remember your trip and bring a moment in time home with you.
Be sure to take photos of the landscape, wild animals in their natural habitat, and of course, the people you’re camping with! Print them off and you’ve got a reminder of the fun you had during your stay!
Wildlife viewing is one of the top activities for families to enjoy. Whether you have children or not, looking at the beautiful wild animals in their natural habitat is a great experience to have.
If you bring a pair of binoculars you’ll be more likely to spot one of several bird species flying around the sky. As for animals on land, you can expect to see black bears, snakes, gray wolves, weasels, sheep, and more.
What's a better way to fuel up for a day exploring the great outdoors than to have a yummy picnic? You can enjoy a meal at one of the many picnic tables at Box Elder Campground, but to get truly immersed you could lay down a blanket.
Be sure to clean up any scraps to keep the black bears away from your camp. Also throw out any garbage to help preserve the campground for future guests.
