Open
— Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations available. County roads may be impassable for two-wheel drive vehicles in wet or icy conditions.
About
Buckhorn Draw Campground is located within one of the San Rafael Swell's most scenic canyons, carved through towering Navajo, Kayenta, and Wingate sandstone cliffs. The campground consists of 26 individual sites and 7 group sites distributed along a nine-mile stretch of road descending from the canyon rim to the San Rafael River at Swinging Bridge. Each numbered site features a picnic table and fire ring, with vault toilets and information stations positioned along the route.
The campground serves as a gateway to diverse recreation opportunities in the northern San Rafael Swell. Buckhorn Draw Road provides access to Cane Wash Road and technical OHV trails, dispersed camping along Mexican Mountain Road, and numerous rock climbing routes along the canyon walls. Popular day hikes include Calf Canyon and Furniture Draw, while more ambitious backpackers can access trailheads at Johansen Corral and the east end of Mexican Mountain Road. The draw itself is mixed sagebrush and riparian habitat, home to mule deer and bighorn sheep, with designated wilderness areas framing both sides of the canyon.
This is a primitive dry camping area with no water available on-site. The campground is located approximately 15 miles from the nearest paved road via well-maintained county roads that may become impassable for two-wheel drive vehicles during wet or icy conditions. Visitors should come prepared with adequate water supplies and be ready for remote desert camping conditions.
Directions
From Castle Dale, go north on Highway 10 and turn right on the Green River Cutoff Road about 1 mile out, signed for San Rafael Swell access. Continue straight for 13 miles to the Buckhorn Information Center, then 2.4 more miles to the signed intersection with Buckhorn Draw. Turn right; the north information station at Campsite 1 is approximately 1 mile ahead. From I-70, take Exit 131 and travel north on Buckhorn Draw Road for 25 miles until you enter Buckhorn Draw from the south.
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