Buckhorn Draw
Open year-round, first-come-first-served. No reservations required. Pay via fee envelope or Recreation.gov app. No potable water available. Roads may be impassable in wet or icy conditions. Flash flood risk in washes.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 8 at 3:13PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
ESFSLC The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel will merge with a fall-like storm system over the western United States, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall and a resulting threat of flooding. Widespread rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is expected, locally in excess of 3 inches, particularly across south aspects of southern Utah mountains, between late Saturday and Monday morning. Expect many area waterways including streams, rivers, normally dry washes, creeks, and slot canyons to have rising, fast flows by Sunday evening. Current forecasts do not bring any rivers to flood stage, but this will be monitored as the fine details of heavy rain bands become more confident. Those with activities near rivers, streams, creeks and recent burn scars should closely monitor the forecast over the next several days. Those with outdoor plans Sunday onward that include any travel near waterways across Utah should consider alternate plans. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will remain possible through at least Wednesday. While the rainfall rates with these additional rounds of precipitation will generally be lower, areas that receive significant precipitation during the weekend will be extra sensitive to any additional rainfall.
About
Buckhorn Draw campground spans nine miles of the San Rafael River's longest tributary canyon, with 26 individual campsites and 7 large group sites scattered along the road from the canyon rim to its confluence with the river at Swinging Bridge. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with vault toilets stationed throughout the canyon. The campsites vary significantly in size and accessibility, from RV-suitable pull-offs to primitive tent sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. The canyon cuts through layers of Navajo, Kayenta, and Wingate sandstone, creating a striking landscape that draws rock climbers, hikers, and off-road enthusiasts. Notable attractions include the Buckhorn Pictograph Panel featuring Barrier Canyon-style rock art, dinosaur tracks, and Furniture Draw slot canyon. Designated wilderness flanks both sides of the draw, offering backcountry opportunities while restricting motorized access beyond established routes. The campground operates on a first-come-first-served basis with payment via fee envelopes at information stations or the Recreation.gov app. No potable water is available anywhere in the campground. County roads leading to Buckhorn Draw are generally maintained but may become impassable in wet or icy conditions. Flash flooding is a significant hazard; never camp or park in washes.
Directions
From Castle Dale: Head north on Highway 10, turn right on Green River Cutoff Road (signed for San Rafael Swell), continue 13 miles to Buckhorn Information Center, then 2.4 miles to the signed Buckhorn Draw intersection. From I-70 Exit 131: Take Buckhorn Draw Road north for 20 miles to Swinging Bridge, then 1.5 miles to reach the south entrance. All approaches require 15+ miles of gravel road; high clearance recommended, especially in wet conditions.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 - $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (435) 636-3600 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| BLM Buckhorn Draw Page |
Availability
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