Utah / Emery County / San Rafael Swell Recreation Area

San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground

Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No reservations accepted. Mexican Mountain Road access to North and Equestrian loops requires 4WD and high clearance.

About

San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground is located in the heart of the Northern San Rafael Swell where Buckhorn Wash meets the San Rafael River. The campground is named after Utah's oldest intact suspension bridge, a 160-foot structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 that served as the only river crossing until 1990. The campground consists of three distinct loops separated by the San Rafael River, offering a total of 25 campsites plus one group site. Swinging Bridge North Loop features 8 individual sites and 1 large group site with mature cottonwood trees providing summer shade. The Equestrian Loop offers 6 sites, each equipped with individual corrals plus a central corral area for horse camping. Swinging Bridge South Loop contains 11 sites with shade structures. All sites include tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and parking areas. Vault toilets are available, but there is no drinking water or trash service. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the San Rafael Swell. Nearby attractions include the southern trailhead for the 17-mile Little Grand Canyon hiking trail with numerous river crossings, Buckhorn Draw's Native American rock art and dinosaur tracks, and Mexican Mountain Road leading to technical canyoneering routes. The area offers exceptional OHV riding, rock climbing, mountain biking on the Good Water Rim Trail, and wildlife viewing opportunities for mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep. Dramatic views of Assembly Hall Peak, Window Blind Peak, and the Little Grand Canyon's Wedge Overlook surround the campground.

Directions

From Castle Dale, Utah, head southeast on County Road 332 (Lawrence to Tan Seeps Road) for approximately 25 miles to reach the campground.

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