Buckboard

Star4.67
115 reviews
Buckboard Campground, MANTI-LASAL National Forest, UT, USA

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Opening Season: May ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Buckboard
$20.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric sites cost $20 per night, while group sites cost $50 per night during peak season (May 15 - September 30). Fees may vary...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
435-587-2041
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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 115 reviews

41 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanshade

Some mention

noise

"Overall, Buckboard Campground received positive reviews for its natural beauty, quiet atmosphere, and spacious sites. Praise included views of aspens, wildlife presence, and proximity to national parks. Some reviewers noted maintenance issues, such as infrequent trash collection and unclean toilets. Specific complaints involved noise from groups and generators."

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Campground Map

Buckboard Campground, MANTI-LASAL National Forest, UT, USA

Buckboard

Buckboard Campground, MANTI-LASAL National Forest, UT, USA

Driving directionsLocated in Southeast Utah, six miles west of Monticello on paved Forest Road 105.
Forest Road 105 leading to the campground is paved, while internal roads and parking spurs are graveled. The campground is accessible via passenger vehicles from late spring through fall. Larger RVs may face challenges due to road conditions.
Nearby places
Monticello (6 miles, approx. 10 minutes drive), Moab (60 miles, approx. 1 hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for groceries, fuel, and camping essentials can be found in Monticello, UT, approximately 6 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Buckboard

Experience the magic of mountain summers at Buckboard, where daytime temperatures hover pleasantly between 75-85°F, perfect for outdoor adventures. As evening approaches, the high elevation works its charm, drawing temperatures down to a refreshing 50-60°F—ideal for cozy campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. The campground's seasonal water access and frequent wildlife visitors add an element of natural wonder to every stay, reminding guests they're truly immersed in the wilderness.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 17% in UT

Peak season; cool daytime temps (75–85°F) and many positive summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall recommended for changing aspen colors and scenic vistas.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 15 (limited spring access); late spring may be pleasant but season is short.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed from Oct–mid May; winter season not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Opening Season: May 15 (reservable starting June 26). Closing Season: September 30.
  • Current Alerts: None listed.

About Buckboard

Nestled within the enchanting Manti-La Sal National Forest, Buckboard Campground invites adventurers to experience the perfect blend of mountain serenity and outdoor excitement. Here, beneath a canopy of shimmering aspens and stately Gambel oaks, campers discover a gateway to endless exploration—from meandering hiking trails that reveal hidden vistas to pristine fishing spots where time seems to slow. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in morning encounters with grazing deer, while off-road enthusiasts can challenge themselves on rugged mountain trails that wind through this spectacular high-country landscape.
Buckboard Campground offers standard nonelectric campsites for tents and RVs, as well as group camping sites accommodating up to 50 people. There are no options for cabins, glamping, or primitive camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum stay per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Buckboard Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, biking, and off-road vehicle trails. The nearby Abajo Loop State Scenic Backway provides scenic drives and overlooks. Additionally, it serves as a base for exploring nearby national parks.
HikingSeveral trails, including Robertson's Pasture Trail and Spring Creek Trail, are located nearby. Trails are suitable for various skill levels.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at the campground, but specific details about fish species or fishing spots are not provided.
BikingVisitors can enjoy mountain biking in the area. Specific biking trails are not detailed.
Wildlife viewingCommon wildlife includes deer, wild turkeys, and black bears. Visitors reported frequent sightings of deer and turkeys near campsites.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears frequent the area; food must be stored securely. Altitude sickness can occur due to the high elevation.
Active AlertsNone listed.

Weather at Buckboard

Reviews

4.7
115 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Buckboard is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Buckboard Campground received positive reviews for its natural beauty, quiet atmosphere, and spacious sites. Praise included views of aspens, wildlife presence, and proximity to national parks. Some reviewers noted maintenance issues, such as infrequent trash collection and unclean toilets. Specific complaints involved noise from groups and generators.
Review Summaries
Based on 115 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews highlight the peaceful environment, abundant wildlife (deer and turkeys), spacious and shaded campsites, clean pit toilets, and proximity to attractions like Canyonlands National Park. Many...
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Based on 115 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns included unclean toilets at times, overflowing trash bins, noisy groups, and occasional lack of on-site management. Some felt the sites were better suited for RVs than tents.
Based on 115 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing warm clothing for cooler nights, especially at the 8,900 ft elevation. Hydration is advised to prevent altitude sickness. Also, check site reservations carefully as...
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Based on 115 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months received the most reviews, praising cool temperatures and wildlife sightings. Fall was recommended for changing aspen colors. However, mid-summer can attract larger groups, increasing...
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Based on 115 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful campground up in the aspen groves! Water, toilets, and lots of wildlife. Awesome!' - Brenda Bellott\n2. 'A quiet and beautiful place! I wish we had been able to stay more than one...
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Based on 115 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews highlight #6 in the South Loop as steep and challenging for leveling RVs. Site #7 is noted for its peaceful atmosphere with deer sightings. Site #3 in the North Loop received...
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Based on 115 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not thoroughly discussed in the reviews, although one user noted gravel pull-ins being uncomfortable for tents.
Based on 115 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews do not explicitly address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 115 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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