Buckhorn Draw

Star2.62
11 reviews
Buckhorn Draw

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

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Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

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Buckhorn Draw
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

2.62

Mixed Reviews

Based on 11 reviews

59 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsscenerysites

"Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Buckhorn Draw, describing it as a beautiful, scenic, and somewhat hidden gem in Utah’s San Rafael Swell. They highlight both the drive-through experience and opportunities for hiking, exploring slot canyons, viewing history and petroglyphs, and dispersed, isolated camping."

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Best Time to Camp at Buckhorn Draw

Buckhorn Draw welcomes visitors year-round, though the canyon's character shifts with the seasons. Winter snows and summer thunderstorms can transform county roads into challenging passages—two-wheel drive vehicles may find themselves outmatched when conditions turn wet or icy. Before heading out, check current route conditions with the BLM to ensure your journey matches your vehicle's capabilities and your adventure timeline.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About Buckhorn Draw

    Nestled within the dramatic San Rafael Swell, Buckhorn Draw offers a gateway to adventure along the northern Swell's main corridor. Well-equipped campsites with picnic tables and fire rings dot the canyon floor beneath towering sandstone walls, while vault toilets and information stations keep you oriented for your explorations into the surrounding wilderness of OHV trails, hiking routes, and endless backcountry.
    A developed campground with individual campsites (picnic tables and fire rings), multiple group sites, and vehicle-specific site designations allowing RVs and small trailers at many sites. Much of the surrounding landscape is designated wilderness for non-motorized recreation.
    Historical SignificanceAncient voices echo from the canyon walls at the Buckhorn Pictograph Panel, where centuries-old rock art tells stories of those who walked this land long before us. You'll find this remarkable panel roughly halfway through the draw, between campsites 23-24 and 25-27—a testament to Buckhorn's enduring appeal as a place of shelter and significance.
    Weather and SeasonsBuckhorn Draw welcomes visitors year-round, though the canyon's character shifts with the seasons. Winter snows and summer thunderstorms can transform county roads into challenging passages—two-wheel drive vehicles may find themselves outmatched when conditions turn wet or icy. Before heading out, check current route conditions with the BLM to ensure your journey matches your vehicle's capabilities and your adventure timeline.
    Natural Features and SceneryAs the San Rafael River's longest tributary canyon, Buckhorn Draw carves a nine-mile journey through some of Utah's most spectacular geology, culminating at the Swinging Bridge confluence. Towering sandstone cliffs rise like cathedral walls on either side, their striped faces catching the changing light throughout the day. The canyon floor alternates between sagebrush flats and ribbons of riparian green, creating a wildlife corridor where mule deer browse the draw and desert bighorn sheep navigate the side canyons. Protected wilderness flanks both sides—Sids Mountain to the west and Mexican Mountain to the east—ensuring the landscape remains as wild and pristine as the day the ancient artists left their marks on the stone.
    Geological RegionThe San Rafael Swell cradles Buckhorn Draw as its crown jewel tributary, a canyon carved deep into the Colorado Plateau's layered sandstone. Flanked by the Sids Mountain Wilderness to the west and Mexican Mountain Wilderness to the east, the draw serves as a natural corridor through millions of years of exposed geological history, where the San Rafael River has patiently sculpted one of the Swell's most dramatic and accessible landscapes.
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    Campsite details

    Sites SizeRVs: all group sites and sites 1, 3, 8-11, 14, 17, 27, 30-32. Small trailers: the RV-capable sites above plus 18, 19, 22-25, 28. Sites 20-21 are down a rough, narrow road with deep sand and require high clearance and AWD/4WD.
    Total Campsitesnull campsites
    Recommended CampsitesSites 20–21 require high clearance and AWD/4WD due to deep sand and a rough, narrow access road. Climbers and observers should use designated day-use areas and general parking lots rather than fee campsites or blind turns. For off-roading, choose routes appropriate to your vehicle and skill level and bring an emergency self-rescue kit.

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    Reserving a campsite

    Groups
    Group sites exist and are explicitly listed as suitable for RVs (all group sites can accommodate RVs).
    Tents
    Tents are not allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Site layoutIndividual campsites line the main Buckhorn Draw Road. Vault toilets and information stations are located at Campsites 1–7, 18–21, the Buckhorn Pictograph Panel (between sites 23–24 and 25–27), and Swinging Bridge Campground. North information station near Campsite 1; south information station near Campsite 30. Individual sites include picnic tables and fire rings; there are also group sites.

    Accomodation available

    GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Buckhorn Draw provides access to extensive backcountry recreation including hiking, backpacking, technical OHV trails and dispersed camping via connecting roads (e.g., Buckhorn Draw Road to Cane Wash Road and Mexican Mountain Road). Rock climbing is common along the draw; designated wilderness areas on either side prohibit motorized use and protect non-motorized recreation opportunities.
    Hiking
    Day hikes: Calf Canyon and Furniture Draw are popular from Buckhorn Draw. Backpacking opportunities exist with trailheads at Johansen Corral (west from Swinging Bridge along the San Rafael River) and at the east end of Mexican Mountain Road.
    Climbing
    Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
    Wildlife viewing
    Habitat is mixed sagebrush and riparian; visitors may see mule deer within the draw and bighorn sheep in side canyons. Wilderness areas protect habitat and ecosystems adjacent to the draw.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed
    • Individual campsites are equipped with fire rings. (No specific fire restrictions provided in source.)

    Hazards

    General hazardsSites 20–21 are down a rough, narrow road with deep sand and require high clearance and AWD/4WD. Non-county trails are infrequently maintained and some OHV routes are technical; county roads may be impassible in wet or icy conditions. Parking or stopping in blind turns is unsafe.

    Weather at Buckhorn Draw

    41
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Clear sky
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 41%
    Wind: 2 mph
    Clear sky

    Weather History
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    Good to know

    Proximity to water featuresBuckhorn Draw leads to a confluence with the San Rafael River at Swinging Bridge; riparian habitats occur within the draw.

    Campground Map

    Buckhorn Draw
    Driving directionsThis campground is located 15 miles from the nearest paved road. From Huntingdon: take Center Street east, left onto Emery County Rd. 332 after ~3 miles, continue ~12 miles as it turns to gravel to the Green River Cutoff Road (Emery Co. Rd 401) at the Buckhorn Information Center; turn left and continue 2.4 miles, then right at the sign for Buckhorn Draw (north information station at Campsite 1 is ~1 mile). From Castledale: go north on Highway 10, right on Green River Cutoff Road, continue ~13 miles to Buckhorn Information Center then 2.4 miles to Buckhorn Draw. From Highway 191: turn west onto Green River Cutoff Road between mile markers 283–284 and stay straight for 28 miles to Buckhorn Draw. From I-70 (Exit 131): go north and follow Buckhorn Draw Road (Emery Co. Rd. 332) as it turns east and north; Swinging Bridge Campground (San Rafael River) is reached in 20 miles; south information station at Campsite 30 is 1.5 miles from that point.
    Located 15 miles from the nearest paved road. County roads in the San Rafael Swell are generally well-maintained but may be impassible for two-wheel drive vehicles in wet or icy conditions. Buckhorn Information Center is at the intersection of Emery Co. Rd. 332 and Green River Cutoff Road (Emery Co. Rd 401). Contact the BLM for route conditions.

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    2.6
    11 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Buckhorn Draw has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Buckhorn Draw, describing it as a beautiful, scenic, and somewhat hidden gem in Utah’s San Rafael Swell. They highlight both the drive-through experience and opportunities for hiking, exploring slot canyons, viewing history and petroglyphs, and dispersed, isolated camping.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 11 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers and visitors love the stunning scenery, with “National Park views without the national park prices” and features like a “small grand canyon,” slot canyons, and rock art/petroglyphs. They also...
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    Based on 11 reviews

    Common Concerns

    None of the reviews mention recurring complaints or negative experiences.
    Based on 11 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reviewers recommend getting a map at the visitors center and planning at least two days to explore the larger San Rafael Swell area via dirt roads. One suggests going early in the morning because it...
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    Based on 11 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Driving thru Buckhorn Draw is one of the hidden gems of Utah. Amazing views...easy to drive through and see from your car, or get out onto the trails, or even camp.” “This place is magical. Full of...
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    Based on 11 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    One reviewer notes a “small but nice slot canyon,” described as probably the closest slot canyon to Utah Valley, and clarifies that the actual slot is slightly east of the Google Maps pin, up...
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    Based on 11 reviews

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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