How much does camping cost at Buckeye Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Buckeye Recreation Area are $15 - $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Buckeye Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Buckeye Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Buckeye Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Buckeye Recreation Area has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Buckeye Recreation Area?

Buckeye Recreation Area is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Buckeye Recreation Area?

Buckeye Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Buckeye Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Buckeye Recreation Area: Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Buckeye Recreation Area have?

Buckeye Recreation Area has 48 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Buckeye Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Buckeye Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Buckeye Recreation Area?

Buckeye Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Buckeye Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Buckeye Recreation Area include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

3.79

73 reviews

Montrose County, Colorado, USA

Top 25% in COSpring

C-Report Card

Featured in:Fishing Colorado

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

$15 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

Open May 15 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

$15 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

Open May 15 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

$15.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Provider

1-435-587-2041bmurdock@fs.fed.us

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Montrose County, Colorado, USA

Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

Montrose County, Colorado, USA

Nearby places

Paradox, Colorado (10 miles), Monticello, Utah, and Moab, Utah (approximately 1.5 hours away).

Driving directionsBest Route: Head south from Moab on US 191 for approximately 27 miles and turn left onto Highway 46 at La Sal Junction. Continue on Highway 46 for 32 miles into Paradox, Colorado. Turn left at 5.75 Road at the USFS sign. Continue to the T-intersection and left on U5 Road and follow the USFS signs to Buckeye Campground. It is about 13 miles on Forest Service Road 0371 from Paradox to Buckeye Campground and it is winding gravel road. Please drive with caution. Alternative Route: Very muddy or impassable when wet, please use caution and discretion: Head south from Moab on US 191 for approximately 27 miles and turn left onto Highway 46 at La Sal Junction. Continue about 12 miles and take a slight left at Upper Two Mile Road (Forest Service Road 0208). Continue on Upper Two Mile Road for approximately 18 miles. Follow the signs to Buckeye Campground. This route crosses private property, please respect the wishes and property and do not trespass on this land.

Weather at Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

Current alerts(8)

A Colorado State Fishing License is required to fish in the reservoir.
Bears do frequent the area so it is important to store food properly and keep a clean camp.
Boats on the reservoir are limited to 5 HP motors and wakeless speed.
Note: Some GPS or driving app directions are sending people on 4WD roads or to locked gates that are on private property. Please follow the below directions or make sure your alternative directions are accurate before following them.

Best Time to Camp at Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather (daytime highs typically 65–85°F, nights 40–50°F) and the fullest access to Buckeye Reservoir for boating, swimming, and shore fishing. Trails and dispersed shoreline sites are at their best for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, while long daylight hours make it easy to explore the surrounding Ponderosa forests and La Sal vistas. Expect moderate to busy campground use on holiday weekends and July–August weekends, so reserve a Pioneer site in‑- Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is best season: warm temps and fuller reservoir enhance boating, swimming and fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 15 - September 30 for reservations. First-come, first-served from October 1 - May 14.

About Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

Buckeye Recreation Area sits at high elevation in Manti-La Sal National Forest near Paradox, Colorado, with tent, RV, and dispersed sites surrounding Buckeye Reservoir. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, this mid-sized campground offers fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing among ponderosa forests with a 14-day stay limit. Reviewers praise the clear water, stargazing, and helpful camp hosts, though the area lacks drinking water and requires careful navigation.

Buckeye Recreation Area offers a mix of camping options, including Pioneer Campground with 30 single-family reservable sites, a group site, and 18 dispersed campsites around the reservoir. Dispersed camping is less developed but includes amenities such as vault toilets and concrete fire rings. RV and tent camping are supported, though the lack of hookups and potable water requires self-sufficiency.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather (daytime highs typically 65–85°F, nights 40–50°F) and the fullest access to Buckeye Reservoir for boating, swimming, and shore fishing. Trails and dispersed shoreline sites are at their best for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, while long daylight hours make it easy to explore the surrounding Ponderosa forests and La Sal vistas. Expect moderate to busy campground use on holiday weekends and July–August weekends, so reserve a Pioneer site in‑- Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMature Ponderosa pines dominate the valley, providing scattered shade and that vanilla-butterscotch scent. The La Sal Mountains rise in the distance, creating a dramatic backdrop against the high desert floor. Buckeye Reservoir anchors the area. When water levels cooperate, it's clear and inviting for swimming and boating. Paradox Valley's unusual geology lies nearby. The elevation keeps things cooler than the surrounding desert, and the forest feels established rather than sparse.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no indications of hotel-style lodges or cabin accommodations. The site is limited to campsites and dispersed camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights during a visit or rolling 30 days total.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact number unspecified.

Groups

The group site accommodates larger parties and features picnic tables and fire rings. User reviews suggest adding a pavilion for shade would enhance usability.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned explicitly in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Site SizeCampsites feature long gravel pads with pull-through options, providing space for larger vehicles and RVs.

PrivacyUser reviews indicate that privacy levels vary across campsites; some dispersed sites offer high solitude, while others in Pioneer Campground are more clustered.

Total Campsites48 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites 1-2 due to overgrown conditions. Consider dispersed camping for solitude.

Best CampsitesDispersed sites along the reservoir offer more solitude than Pioneer Campground's clustered layout. Reviews mention that privacy varies. Some shoreline spots feel genuinely remote, while Pioneer sites sit closer together. Long gravel pads in Pioneer handle larger RVs and pull-throughs without trouble.

Need help booking Buckeye Recreation Area (Co) ?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Water is not available at the campground.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

The Buckeye Recreation Area supports a range of recreational activities centered around Buckeye Reservoir and the surrounding forests. Visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating on the reservoir (restrictions apply: wakeless speed and 5 HP motor limit). Nearby trails offer opportunities for hiking, biking, OHV/ATV use, and wildlife viewing. Hunting is also permitted in designated areas. User reviews confirm stargazing, water activities, and wildlife viewing to be popular pastimes.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Fishing3.0/5

Boating3.0/5

Winter Activities1.5/5

No winter-sports mentions; campground is open first-come in winter but services and activities are limited.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Clear water, dramatic La Sal Mountains, pines and night skies provide many photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsOnly vault-style toilets are available at the campground; no flush toilets are provided according to authoritative sources and user reviews.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

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From Booking Sources

3.8

73 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Buckeye Recreation Area (Co) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and well-maintained vault toilets. Common complaints include challenging access roads, fluctuating reservoir water levels, and the absence of potable water and trash facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 73 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 73 reviews.

site 08Loved
Positive feedback highlights site 08's seclusion and cleanliness.
site 30Issues noted
Site-specific reviews include complaints about overgrown vegetation at sites 1-2 and noise from generators near site 30.

What Campers Love

Reviews praise the area's natural beauty, clear water in the reservoir during favorable conditions, clean bathrooms, and the courteous and helpful camp host. Dispersed sites offer solitude, and the...

Based on 73 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints focus on challenging dirt road access, low or nonexistent reservoir water levels, lack of drinking water, and the absence of trash disposal facilities. Noise from generators and...

Based on 73 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing sufficient drinking water, avoiding reliance on GPS for navigation, and preparing for primitive camping conditions. Many emphasize following the official directions to...

Based on 73 reviews

Seasonal Insights

High reservoir water levels in late spring and early summer enhance activities like fishing and swimming. Late summer and fall often see low water levels, limiting aquatic recreation. Winter weather,...

Based on 73 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms are kept super clean, as is the whole campground.' - Lesley Kelly 2. 'The 18 dispersed sites around the reservoir are spread out where you almost feel like you are alone.' - Chris H 3....

Based on 73 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly reviewed by users, though vault toilets and gravel pads are mentioned as standard amenities.

Based on 73 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some reviews note issues such as roaming dogs disturbing other campsites. Pet owners are encouraged to manage their animals responsibly.

Based on 73 reviews

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Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

$15.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

1-435-587-2041bmurdock@fs.fed.us

Go if

You want alpine lake access, wildlife viewing, and don't mind bringing your own water or navigating forest roads.

Skip if

You need drinking water on-site, full RV hookups, or guaranteed cell service for GPS navigation.

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Upper Onion Creek Campground sits in the high-elevation foothills of the La Sal Mountains outside Moab, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, serving as a quieter alternative to crowded valley campgrounds. Campers come for the expansive mesa and red rock views, dark skies, and access to fall aspen color on the surrounding slopes.

Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

Planning Tips

About Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

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Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

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Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

Planning Tips

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What Campers Love

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