How much does camping cost at Buckboard?

Camping fees at Buckboard range from $20-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Buckboard first-come first-served or reservation?

Buckboard 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 Buckboard before I book?

Yes! Buckboard has 26 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 Buckboard?

Buckboard is open May 15 to September 30. 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 Buckboard?

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

How many campsites does Buckboard have?

Buckboard has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Buckboard?

Pets are not allowed at Buckboard. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Buckboard?

Buckboard offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Buckboard?

Popular activities at Buckboard include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Buckboard

Q: Can I have a campfire at Buckboard?

Fire policies at Buckboard: 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.

4.59

115 reviews

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

Top 18% in UTSummer

Featured in:Forest Camping Utah#3 Mountain Camping Utah#3 Camping Near Canyonlands National Park#3 +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Buckboard

$20.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-587-2041

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Buckboard

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

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

Buckboard

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

Nearby places

Monticello (6 miles, approx. 10 minutes drive), Moab (60 miles, approx. 1 hour drive).

Weather at Buckboard

Current alert: There are no water, electrical or sewer hookups at this site however there are water spigots for campground use.

Best Time to Camp at Buckboard

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 75–85°F) and cool nights (50–60°F) at 8,900 ft, making long hikes, biking, and fishing ideal. Trails, alpine meadows and high-elevation vistas are fully accessible, wildlife activity is high in mornings/evenings, and wildflowers persist into July; expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends so reservations are recommended. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible—bring a rain shell—and the ☀ Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 18% in UT

Peak season; reviewers praise cool summer temps (75–85°F days, cool nights) and wildlife.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opening Season: May 15 (reservable starting June 26). Closing Season: September 30.

About Buckboard

Buckboard is a U.S. Forest Service campground at 8,900 feet in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, minutes from Monticello. This high-elevation alpine site offers spacious, shaded campsites where deer and turkeys roam freely through camp. Campers hike, fish, bike, and use it as a cooler basecamp for Canyonlands National Park visits.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 75–85°F) and cool nights (50–60°F) at 8,900 ft, making long hikes, biking, and fishing ideal. Trails, alpine meadows and high-elevation vistas are fully accessible, wildlife activity is high in mornings/evenings, and wildflowers persist into July; expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends so reservations are recommended. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible—bring a rain shell—and the ☀ Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAspens and Gambel oaks provide good shade across the campground. At 8,900 feet, the site sits near the base of the Abajo Mountains, where desert terrain meets alpine peaks above 10,000 feet. Mule deer browse at dawn. Wild turkeys pass through. Reviews mention the occasional black bear in distant meadows. The elevation keeps nights cool even when days warm up, and the mix of vegetation creates decent privacy between sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or cabins are mentioned. The campground only offers tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum stay per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard sites accommodate single families, and group sites accommodate up to 50 guests.

Groups

The campground has two group sites, each accommodating up to 50 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or through its app and contact center. Walk-up sites are available seasonally.

AccessibilityAccessibility details for individuals with disabilities are not clearly provided in the source materials.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious with room for RVs up to 30 feet. One review noted a specific site (#6) being steep and challenging to level.

PrivacyThe layout provides good separation between sites, offering privacy. Sites are shaded by aspens and Gambel oaks.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesFor tent campers, avoid sloped sites like Site 6 in Loop: North. Sites 3 and 4 are recommended for privacy and wildlife viewing.

Best CampsitesSites 3 and 4 in the North Loop and Site 7 in the South Loop get consistent praise for privacy and wildlife proximity. Site 6 has a steep, challenging pitch that's hard to level. RVs up to 30 feet fit in most spots, though not all sites handle larger rigs easily.

Need help booking Buckboard?

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

Buckboard Campground, located in Utah's Manti-La Sal National Forest, offers several amenities catering to campers. These include fire rings, vault toilets, seasonal water spigots, picnic tables, and trash collection facilities. While potable water is available, it is seasonal. Firewood collection is permitted near the campground. Roads and parking spurs are graveled, ensuring moderate accessibility for most vehicles.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Buckboard Campground. Vault toilets are provided instead.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but frequency may not meet high demand. There is mention of overflowing bins due to limited pickups.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

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 Buckboard

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From Booking Sources

4.6

115 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 115 reviews.

Site #7Loved
Site #7 is noted for its peaceful atmosphere with deer sightings.
Site #3Loved
Site #3 in the North Loop received frequent praise for its location and shade.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Based on 115 reviews