Smith and Morehouse

Smith and Morehouse Campground is located a very short distance from Smith and Morehouse Reservoir on the western edge of the Uinta Mountains in northeastern Utah. The town of Oakley, Utah, is just 12 miles away. The campground sits just below the reservoir in a scenic conifer and aspen forest at an elevation of 7,800 feet, and Smith and Morehouse Creek runs through it. A variety of wildlife makes its home around the reservoir, including moose and deer. Summer temperatures range from 65-75 degrees in the day to 40-50 at night. The reservoir is open to motorized boats, though a wake-less speed is enforced, making it an excellent place for canoeing and kayaking. A boat ramp is located on the northwest shore, and anglers enjoy fishing for stocked rainbow trout and other native fish species. The 14.6-mile point-to-point Smith Morehouse Trail is popular with hikers and backpackers. It begins at nearby Ledgefork Campground and leads through forests, meadows and a marsh before spurring off to Erickson Basin and Island Lake. It is one of the less popular hikes in the Uintahs and at times can be difficult to navigate where the actual trail is, so be sure to take a map and compass or GPS to help along the way. It is a good idea to take two cars, or have someone drop your group off at one of the trail heads and meet you at your destination, so you have transportation waiting for you at the other end. The trail is difficult and can be very hot in the summer months — be sure to take an adequate amount of water. The campground offers numerous family sites, most of which are accessible. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided, as are vault toilets. Firewood is available for purchase from the host. This is a paved campground with no hook-ups. The 65-mile Mirror Lake Scenic Byway takes about two hours to drive. Heading east from Kamas through the national forest, Mirror Lake Highway is one of the most popular mountain routes in the state. The road winds through farm and ranch lands and rises to heavily forested mountain terrain accented by the meadows and rugged peaks. There are numerous access points into the High Uinta Wilderness along this byway.