Have you done camping in the National Forest?

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We loaded up on camping gear

Heading out from our hotel we went to the store and loaded up on our camping gear. After getting part of it, we decided to eat some lunch and check the thrift store for a few items. Pots, pans and silverware. When camping and cooking over a fire, the thrift store is a great place to check. Cooking over a fire turns pots black with silt. Back to the store to get the rest of the gear. From our sleeping bags to the cooler.

Heading to Fifth Water Hot Springs Area

Then we drove South from Odgen, Utah past Provo to Fifth Water Hot Springs. I read great reviews about the Hot Springs and that their is camping sites. It’s in the UINTA National Forest so there is free designated camping spots. The Hot Springs is about 9.4 miles down Diamond Fork Road. After 12 miles you can do dispersed camping anywhere you would like.

However we ended up driving past 12 miles and camped in a camping spot with a grill, fire ring and picnic table. We are great at being late. Subsequently picking out all our camping gear took us quite some time. So by the time we got to the site it was about 8:30 in the evening.

Setting up Camp in the National Forest

We saw a great spot, Sawmill Hollow. So we pulled in and started setting up camp. Cody collected fire wood and made a fire. Meanwhile Eliana got her and Max’s tent set up. I got food and dishes out. Coffee, steaks, pasta and broccoli was on the menu. We cooked the food in our new pot and pan over the grill. 

After dinner I washed the dishes with Eliana’s help, while Max watched Scarlett and kept her entertained. During which Cody got a fire going in the fire pit, as the air temperature was dropping quickly. It was great for warming up my hands after washing dishes in the cold stream. 

Onto setting up mine and Cody’s tent and getting the mattress blown up. Sleeping bags and pillows and Scarlett’s DockATot all ready to go. By the time we finished everything and climbed in to get warm and cozy for the night it was 11:30. 

Day 2 of camping we hiked up to the Hot Springs. We stayed late enough to hike back down under the moon and stars. 

Thanks so much for reading about our journey. I appreciate it very much and would love to hear your insight. Comment below any questions you have of camping with the family or our journey.