San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground
Open year-round on a first-come-first-served basis. No reservations accepted. No potable water or trash services available; campers must bring water and pack out all trash.
Flood Watch issued August 29 at 9:36PM MDT until August 31 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of Utah, including the following areas, Castle Country, Central Mountains, Eastern Juab/Millard Counties, San Rafael Swell, Sanpete Valley, Sevier Valley, Bryce Canyon Country, Capitol Reef National Park and Vicinity, Glen Canyon Recreation Area/Lake Powell, South Central Utah, Southern Mountains, Upper Sevier River Valleys, Western Canyonlands, Lower Washington County and Zion National Park. * WHEN...Through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, dry washes, slot canyons, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations such as slickrock areas and recent burn scars including Widemouth 2, Cottonwood, Monroe Canyon, Forsyth, and other recent burn scars. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Deep moisture will continue to support thunderstorms with heavy rainfall across the watch area through Monday evening, particularly during the afternoon and evening. Some areas, particularly across the Sanpete and Sevier Valleys as well as Castle Country, have already seen heavy rainfall and will be even more prone to flooding given saturated soils. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground occupies a scenic location in the heart of the northern San Rafael Swell where Buckhorn Wash converges with the San Rafael River. The campground takes its name from the adjacent historic San Rafael Swinging Bridge, a 160-foot suspension bridge constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937. This bridge served as the only crossing over the San Rafael River until 1990 and remains Utah's oldest intact suspension bridge. The campground comprises three distinct loops totaling 25 individual sites plus one group site. Swinging Bridge North offers 8 sites beneath cottonwood trees providing welcome shade during hot summer months. Swinging Bridge South features 11 sites with constructed shade structures. The Equestrian Loop accommodates horse campers with 6 sites, each equipped with individual corrals plus access to a central corral area. All sites include tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and parking. This is a primitive campground with no potable water, trash collection, or hookups. Campers must bring all water and pack out all trash. The surrounding area offers exceptional recreation including OHV trails, rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking. Nearby attractions include the Little Grand Canyon hiking trail, Assembly Hall Peak, Window Blind Peak, Buckhorn Draw with its Native American rock art and dinosaur tracks, and the Wedge Overlook.
Directions
From Price, Utah, head east on Highway 6/191 then turn north onto Highway 10 toward Castle Dale. From Castle Dale, take Buckhorn Draw Road (Emery County Road 332) east for approximately 25 miles through Buckhorn Draw to the campground, located where Buckhorn Wash meets the San Rafael River.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 - $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| utvnmail@blm.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (435) 636-3600 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| BLM Campground Page |
Availability
Photos
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