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.
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
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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