Colorado / Montrose County / Manti-La Sal National Forest

Buckeye Recreation Area

Open — Currently operating first-come, first-served. The campground typically operates mid-May through September, with reservations available through Recreation.gov during the regular season.

About

Buckeye Recreation Area is located adjacent to Buckeye Reservoir in Montrose County, Colorado, set in a valley at 7,600 feet elevation amongst mature stands of ponderosa pine. The high peaks of the La Sal Mountains provide a scenic backdrop visible from much of the area. The recreation area centers around the 109-acre reservoir, which is stocked with rainbow trout and provides excellent opportunities for fishing and canoeing. The Pioneer Campground features 30 single-family reservable campsites and one group site, each with graveled parking spurs, concrete picnic tables, fire rings, a utility table, and access to vault toilets. An additional 18 less developed dispersed campsites are scattered around the reservoir for those seeking a more primitive experience. A boat ramp accommodates small fishing boats with a 5 HP motor limit and wakeless speed requirement. A day-use picnic area is also available. The area is popular for off-highway vehicle touring on forest roads, with nearby state lands providing motorized trails for OHVs and motorcycles. The La Sal Mountains offer numerous hiking and biking trails. The scenic Paradox Valley and town of Paradox are approximately 10 miles southeast. Canyonlands and Arches National Parks are about 1.5 hours away. Note that GPS and driving apps may send visitors on 4WD roads or to locked gates on private property; visitors unfamiliar with the area should follow the recommended route through Paradox.

Directions

Best route: From Moab, head south on US 191 for 27 miles and turn left onto Highway 46 at La Sal Junction. Continue on Highway 46 for 32 miles into Paradox, Colorado. Turn left at 5.75 Road at the USFS sign. Continue to the T-intersection, turn left on U5 Road, and follow USFS signs to Buckeye Campground. It is about 13 miles on Forest Service Road 0371 from Paradox to the campground on a winding gravel road. Note: GPS and driving apps may send you on 4WD roads or to locked gates on private property. Do not rely solely on Google Maps or Apple Maps.

Nearby Campgrounds