Swift Creek Campground

4.44

19 reviews

Swift Creek Campground, Mountain Home, UT

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Ashley National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Ashley National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Swift Creek Campground

$8.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground has a flat fee of $8 per night for a single unit site.

Standard Site Fee$8.00

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

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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 19 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationhiking

Some mention

noise

"User reviews of Swift Creek Campground are generally positive, highlighting its scenic beauty and proximity to hiking and fishing opportunities. However, some issues such as roaming cows and vehicle vandalism have been noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Swift Creek Campground, Mountain Home, UT

Swift Creek Campground

Swift Creek Campground, Mountain Home, UT

Driving directionsFrom Highway 40 in Duchesne, Utah, turn north onto Highway 87. Go 15.5 miles to the Mountain Home turnoff. Turn north onto N 21000 W and continue 2.5 miles toward Mountain Home. From Mountain Home continue north on N 20780 W, County Road 1566 for 4 miles and then turn east onto the Yellowstone Road #119. Follow the Yellowstone Road north for 11 miles to the Swift Creek Campground.

The last 6 miles are a narrow single-lane road and rough and rocky in places. It is recommended to drive cautiously.

Nearby places

Duchesne, UT (approximately 20 miles south)

Mountain Home, UT (approximately 10 miles south)

Nearby supplies

Basic supplies and groceries may be available in Mountain Home, UT, approximately 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Swift Creek Campground

Mother Nature paints Swift Creek Campground with dramatic seasonal brushstrokes. Early season adventurers and autumn visitors should pack warm layers as temperatures often dip below freezing, with surprise snowflakes not uncommon in spring and fall. As summer unfolds, the high-altitude climate transforms into a hiker's paradise – think crystal-clear blue skies, sun-drenched afternoons perfect for trail exploration, and refreshingly cool evenings that demand a cozy campfire. The dry mountain air and comfortable mid-summer temperatures create ideal conditions for those seeking refuge from scorching valley heat.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Sept with peak season May–Sept; summer offers full access to trails and fishing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Early September offers fewer crowds and fall color, but campground closes after Labor Day.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Open season begins Memorial Day; spring access not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed in winter; seasonal closure noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May to September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

About Swift Creek Campground

Perched at a breathtaking 8,000 feet where Swift Creek meets the mighty Yellowstone River, Swift Creek Campground offers an intimate mountain escape with just 11 thoughtfully placed sites. This rustic gem beckons adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences, with several coveted riverside spots that let you fall asleep to the gentle symphony of flowing water. As your gateway to the spectacular High Uintas Wilderness, the campground puts pristine alpine lakes and challenging mountain trails right at your doorstep, making it the perfect basecamp for those ready to explore one of Utah's most stunning backcountry regions.

Swift Creek Campground provides rustic camping options suitable for tents and small RVs. It is primarily a base for wilderness exploration.

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints Swift Creek Campground with dramatic seasonal brushstrokes. Early season adventurers and autumn visitors should pack warm layers as temperatures often dip below freezing, with surprise snowflakes not uncommon in spring and fall. As summer unfolds, the high-altitude climate transforms into a hiker's paradise – think crystal-clear blue skies, sun-drenched afternoons perfect for trail exploration, and refreshingly cool evenings that demand a cozy campfire. The dry mountain air and comfortable mid-summer temperatures create ideal conditions for those seeking refuge from scorching valley heat.

ElevationAt 8,000 feet above sea level, Swift Creek Campground delivers that coveted alpine experience where the air feels lighter and the stars seem closer. This high-mountain setting creates a natural air conditioning system, offering blissfully cool summer nights and crisp, invigorating mornings that make even the most dedicated late-sleepers eager to emerge from their tents. The elevation provides not just comfort but also stunning vistas and access to terrain that remains snow-covered well into summer in the surrounding peaks.

Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a masterpiece at Swift Creek, where towering Engelmann spruce create cathedral-like canopies above your campsite, while graceful aspens dance in the mountain breeze, their leaves creating a shimmer of green and gold. River willows line the waterways, providing natural privacy and habitat for local wildlife. A babbling creek meanders through the heart of the campground, its cheerful song providing the soundtrack to your stay. Just a short hike away, a hidden waterfall rewards explorers with its misty spray and photogenic cascades, while the nearby Yellowstone River offers both scenic beauty and excellent fishing opportunities for anglers.

Geological RegionNestled along the southern boundary of the legendary High Uintas Wilderness, Swift Creek Campground sits in a geological wonderland where ancient forces have sculpted dramatic peaks and carved deep river valleys. This alpine environment showcases the region's diverse ecosystems in miniature – from the riparian corridors lined with willows along the Yellowstone River to the dense stands of Engelmann spruce that thrive in the cool mountain air. The surrounding landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where glaciers once carved the valleys and left behind the pristine lakes that now dot the wilderness beyond.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

16 consecutive nights maximum.

Groups

Details regarding group sites are unavailable.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features a single loop layout with 11 campsites. Some campsites are located close to the river.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served. No reservation system is in place.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned.

Site SizeThe campground includes standard-sized campsites, some of which are adjacent to the Yellowstone River.

PrivacyCampsites are situated within a mix of river willows, Engelmann spruce, and Aspen, offering a moderate level of privacy.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesFor those seeking proximity to water features, select campsites adjacent to the river.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Swift Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Its proximity to the High Uintas Wilderness makes it a popular base for wilderness exploration.

HikingThere are two main trails accessible from the campground: Yellowstone Creek Trail (#57) at 24 miles long and Swift Creek Trail (#56) at 11 miles long. Both trails are open to hikers and horseback riders and connect to a larger trail network in the High Uintas Wilderness.

FishingFishing is available in the Yellowstone River and nearby alpine lakes, with opportunities to catch brook, brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, and campers must practice safe food storage techniques. Additionally, the presence of roaming cows has been noted by visitors, leading to cow pies around the campsites.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but firewood must be obtained locally to prevent the spread of pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Duchesne, UT, approximately 20 miles away, which may have police, fire, and medical facilities.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. Campers are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles.

Water FeaturesThe campground is situated near the Yellowstone River and the confluence of Swift Creek. A small creek runs through the campground.

Camp HostA host may occupy one campsite.

Weather at Swift Creek Campground

Reviews

4.4

19 reviews

Recommended

Swift Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Swift Creek Campground are generally positive, highlighting its scenic beauty and proximity to hiking and fishing opportunities. However, some issues such as roaming cows and vehicle vandalism have been noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the secluded and scenic location, the sound of the running creek, and the access to great fishing and hiking. One review described it as 'a great trip up in the wilderness.'

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include roaming cows leaving droppings around campsites and an incident of vehicle vandalism while a camper was on a multi-day hike.

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to secure their vehicles if left unattended for extended periods and to expect rustic conditions. Bringing water is essential since potable water is not available.

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from May to September, and reviewers have noted that visiting in early September offers fewer crowds. However, the absence of potable water and roaming cows can affect the...

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We didn’t see a single person during the whole trip - it was as if we were the only people left on earth.' - Ryan White 2. 'The campground would have been awesome if it wasn't for all the cows!'...

Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some campsites are adjacent to the Yellowstone River and offer scenic views. However, no specific site numbers have been reviewed as the best or worst.

Based on 19 reviews