San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground
These campgrounds are located just outside the South end of Buckhorn Draw where Buckhorn Wash converges with the San Rafael River. Uniquely in the heart of the Northern San Rafael Swell and part of the San Rafael Recreation Area. The San Rafael River is adjacent to these campgrounds and separates Swinging Bridge North and the Equestrian Campground from Swinging Bridge South. The historic San Rafael Swinging Bridge, Utah's oldest intact suspension bridge, a 160 foot long suspension bridge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 was once the only bridge over the San Rafael River and used until 1990 when the bridge next to it was constructed. These campgrounds have been named after the historic bridge they sit next to. There are three different campground loops at this location: Swinging Bridge North, the Equestrian Loop and Swinging Bridge South. Swinging Bridge North Loop has a few cottonwood trees, which are good for shade in the hot summer months, the Equestrian Loop has corrals at each site and a central corral area, while Swinging Bridge South Loop has some shade structures. There is plenty of versatility in this area when it comes to activities and the campgrounds themselves.
Need to Know
This location is split into 3 loops Swinging Bridge North, the Equestrian Campground and Swinging Bridge South. All sites are first come first serve. Swinging Bridge North has 6 sites, the Equestrian Campground has 6 sites each with its own corral, and Swinging Bridge South has 11 sites. No trash or water services are available at these locations. Located about 20 miles north of Exit 131 off of I-70 on Buck Horn Draw Road and roughly 55 miles south of Price, Utah (depending on route). Nearby towns include Green River, Utah which is roughly 50 miles away (depending on route), Castledale, Utah which is roughly 27 miles away (depending on route) and Huntington, Utah which is roughly 29 miles way (depending on route.) All towns have grocery stores and gas stations. There is limited cell phone reception at the campgrounds (depending on carrier) more reliable reception can be found at the top of Buck Horn Draw.
Natural Features
This recreation site is located in the heart of the Northern San Rafael Swell, where Buckhorn Wash joins with the San Rafael River. These campsites sit atop the banks of the San Rafael River and are bordered by the lofty escarpment of Buckhorn Draw to the North and large buttes such as Assembly Hall Peak and Window Blind Peak to the Southeast which can be viewed from all three campgrounds. Bottle Neck Peak is a few minute drive south along the Buckhorn Wash road located on the West side. Also visible from the campgrounds is the end of the Little Grand Canyon of the San Rafael River, campers who journey to the Wedge Overlook are rewarded with stunning views of The Little Grand Canyon. Common wildlife sightings are Mule Deer, Antelope, and Bighorn Sheep which may be seen in the morning or evening hours.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include: The historic San Rafael Swinging Bridge for which the campgrounds are named. Access to the southern trail head for the Little Grand Canyon hiking trail (a 17-mile point to point hiking trail with numerous river crossings). This trail is not maintained.
Assembly Hall Peak and Window Blind Peak which are located to the south east and can be viewed from all three campgrounds. Bottle Neck Peak which is a few minute drive south along the Buck Horn Wash road located on the west side.
Mexican Mountain Road the entry road for the North and Equestrian Campgrounds is 30 mile out and back, semi-primitive dirt road (4WD and high clearance advised) leading to primitive hiking trails, rock climbing routes and technical canyoneering routes.
Buck Horn Draw which contains: Native American rock art; the Cow, Calf and Pine Canyon hiking trails; the Buckhorn Dinosaur Track; Furniture Draw, a non-technical entry level slot canyon; numerous rock climbing routes; and the MK Tunnels (1950's Cold War explosive test sites).
Other Nearby attactions include: Jurassic National Monument and the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, Open seasonally (April thru October) Thursday - Sunday from (10 am to 5 pm). The Wedge Overlook, overlooking the LIttle Grand Canyon of the San Rafael River Corridor. Good Water Rim Mountain Bike Trail a 17-mile non-motorized single track trail. Cane Wash Road intersects with Buckhorn Draw Road several miles south of Swinging Bridge Campground and can be used to access Fix-It Pass, Coal Wash and the Devils Race Track.
Recreation
This campground has many recreation opportunities nearby including: OHV trails, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking and much more.
Contact Information
Mailing
125 South 600 West Price UT 84501
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Available Campsites
- Site 02, Loop North Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 07, Loop Equestrian Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 09, Loop Equestrian Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 14, Loop South Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 16, Loop South Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 13, Loop South Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 15, Loop South Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 21, Loop South Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 04, Loop North Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 01, Loop North Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 12, Loop Equestrian Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 03, Loop North Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 22, Loop South Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 08, Loop Equestrian Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop Equestrian Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop Equestrian Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 18, Loop South Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 05, Loop North Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 06, Loop North Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 17 (group), Loop South Loop, Type Group Shelter Nonelectric
- Site 19, Loop South Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 23, Loop South Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 20, Loop South Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
