San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground
4.4210 reviews125 South 600 West, Price, UT, 84501
Quick Facts
Price
$15 - $35/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
25 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$15 - $35/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
25 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground
$15.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees range between $15 and $35 depending on site type. Individual campsites are $15 per night, and group shelters are $35 per night. Advance...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$35.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$35.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$85.00
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What Campers Say
4.42
Recommended
Based on 10 reviews
84 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsquietcleanshade
"User reviews indicate that San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground is clean, quiet, and conveniently located next to the historic bridge and river. Positive sentiments highlight the affordability, natural beauty, and ample space for parking."
Fees & Passes at San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground
$15 - $35/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Premium Site
Best views or amenities
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: No stated duration for stay limits
Cancellation: Reservations can be cancelled anytime before the arrival date for a $10 fee. Late cancellations forf...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Managed under Recreation.gov system. website.
Best Time to Camp at San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground
Experience the high desert at its finest, where clear skies and gentle breezes define most days. Spring awakens the landscape with perfect camping temperatures and wildflower blooms, while autumn paints the canyon walls in warm light and crisp, star-filled nights. Summer brings warmth that's pleasantly tempered by thoughtfully placed shade structures throughout the campground, creating cool refuges for afternoon relaxation. The consistently dry climate means you can count on sunshine for your outdoor adventures, making this an ideal basecamp for exploring year-round.
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)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Peak season dates are not specified; facility rates remain constant year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round. No stated seasonal closures.
About San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground
Discover a desert oasis where history meets adventure at San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground. This thoughtfully designed retreat offers three distinct camping experiences: the tranquil Swinging Bridge North, the scenic Swinging Bridge South, and a dedicated Equestrian Loop for horse enthusiasts. Each site comes equipped with comfortable tent pads, sturdy picnic tables, traditional fire rings, and convenient pit toilets. The crown jewel of your stay awaits just steps away—the iconic 1937 suspension bridge that dances gently above the San Rafael River, inviting you to cross into another era while the desert winds whisper tales of travelers past.
San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground provides a mix of camping options, including tent sites, group sites, and equestrian-specific sites. The three loops cater to campers seeking different experiences, from shaded individual sites to equestrian-friendly setups.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you camp in the shadow of Utah's oldest intact suspension bridge, a testament to American ingenuity and determination. Built by the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937, this engineering marvel still sways gracefully above the river, carrying hikers and history buffs across the same cables that have weathered nearly a century of desert storms. The bridge stands as a living monument to the CCC's legacy, when thousands of workers transformed the American landscape during the Great Depression, leaving behind treasures like this for future generations to discover.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the high desert at its finest, where clear skies and gentle breezes define most days. Spring awakens the landscape with perfect camping temperatures and wildflower blooms, while autumn paints the canyon walls in warm light and crisp, star-filled nights. Summer brings warmth that's pleasantly tempered by thoughtfully placed shade structures throughout the campground, creating cool refuges for afternoon relaxation. The consistently dry climate means you can count on sunshine for your outdoor adventures, making this an ideal basecamp for exploring year-round.
ElevationPerched perfectly atop the banks of the San Rafael River, the campground offers an intimate riverside experience where the gentle murmur of flowing water provides nature's soundtrack. From your campsite, enjoy sweeping river-level vistas that stretch along the waterway's path through ancient canyon walls. This prime positioning allows you to wake to misty morning views over the water and end your days watching the sunset paint ripples gold across the river's surface.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Northern San Rafael Swell, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a masterpiece of stone and sky. Your camping adventure unfolds against a backdrop of the dramatic Buckhorn Draw escarpment, while the distinctive profiles of Assembly Hall Peak and Window Blind Peak pierce the horizon like nature's monuments. The nearby Little Grand Canyon of the San Rafael River offers a miniature version of its famous cousin, with layered rock walls that tell millions of years of Earth's history. Keep your camera ready for frequent wildlife encounters—graceful Mule Deer browsing at dawn, pronghorn Antelope racing across distant mesas, and if you're lucky, the majestic Bighorn Sheep navigating impossible cliff faces with ease.
Geological RegionWelcome to the Northern San Rafael Swell, a geological wonderland where Earth's ancient secrets lie exposed in spectacular fashion. This dramatic landscape showcases nature's artistry through the towering Buckhorn Draw escarpment, where millions of years of erosion have carved deep canyons and revealed rainbow-hued rock layers. The distinctive formations of Assembly Hall Peak and Window Blind Peak stand as sentinels over the landscape, their unique shapes telling stories of ancient seas, shifting sands, and volcanic upheavals. The jewel of the region, the Little Grand Canyon of the San Rafael River, offers an intimate glimpse into deep time, where each striated cliff face represents chapters in our planet's epic narrative, all waiting to be explored from your basecamp at the swinging bridge.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible, but further details about specific disability-friendly accommodations are not provided.
Sites SizeCampsites include tent pads, standard picnic tables, and fire rings.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by loop: Swinging Bridge North has more shade due to cottonwood trees, South includes shade structures, and the Equestrian Loop is tailored for horse campers with corrals.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSwinging Bridge North offers cottonwood tree shade for hot summer months. Equestrian Loop is ideal for horse owners due to corrals.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No stated duration for stay limits
Guests Allowed Per Site
Standard sites accommodate small groups.
Groups
Swinging Bridge North includes one large group site. Group sites can accommodate larger gatherings, though specifics on guest or vehicle limits are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThree campground loops: Swinging Bridge North, Swinging Bridge South, and Equestrian Loop.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. No stated seasonal closures.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, mobile app, or scan-and-pay system onsite.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Download the Recreation.gov app for immediate payment options.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be cancelled anytime before the arrival date for a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fees if cancelled after midnight the day before check-in.
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
Recreational opportunities abound at San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground, from hiking and rock climbing to OHV trails and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions enhance the experience with cultural sites, scenic views, and extensive trail networks.
Hiking
"Access to the southern trailhead for the Little Grand Canyon hiking trail, a 17-mile point-to-point trail with numerous river crossings, is nearby. Other hiking options include the Cow, Calf, and Pine Canyon trails within Buckhorn Draw."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.Biking
Nearby biking options include the Good Water Rim Mountain Bike Trail, a 17-mile non-motorized single-track trail.Wildlife viewing
"Common wildlife sightings include Mule Deer, Antelope, and Bighorn Sheep, especially during morning or evening hours."Cultural and Educational Programs
"Nearby attractions include Native American rock art, inscriptions from Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch Gang, and the MK Tunnels, a 1950s Cold War explosive test site."Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not highlighted; weather data suggests spring and fall may be better seasons for camping due to moderate temperatures.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Pit toilets and fire rings are available. Regular open-fire safety rules apply.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include proximity to unmaintained trails and seasonal flash floods due to the river. Wildlife is generally safe but should be observed from a distance.
Weather at San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground
49
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in nearby towns of Price, Utah (55 miles south), Green River (50 miles north), Castle Dale (27 miles east), and Huntington (29 miles east).
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are not specified; facility rates remain constant year-round.
Trash and recycling"There is no trash removal service at the campgrounds. Please pack it out."
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to San Rafael River, providing opportunities for water activities.
Common complaintsSome campers have noted a lack of utilities, but praised the campground for its quiet and scenic location.
Campground Map
125 South 600 West, Price, UT, 84501
Driving directionsLocated about 20 miles north of Exit 131 off of I-70 on Buck Horn Draw Road and roughly 55 miles south of Price, Utah (depending on route). Nearby towns include Green River, Utah (50 miles), Castle Dale, Utah (27 miles), and Huntington, Utah (29 miles).
Buckhorn Draw Road is primarily dirt and semi-primitive. It is accessible but may require high-clearance vehicles. Seasonal road access may vary, and high-clearance vehicles are advised for areas like Mexican Mountain Road.Nearby places
Green River, UT (50 miles)
Castle Dale, UT (27 miles)
Huntington, UT (29 miles)
Nearby supplies
Nearby towns such as Green River, Castle Dale, and Huntington offer groceries and gas stations. However, there are no onsite water or trash services.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
10 reviews
San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate that San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground is clean, quiet, and conveniently located next to the historic bridge and river. Positive sentiments highlight the affordability, natural beauty, and ample space for parking.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
"Clean, quiet campground with trees for shade." "Lots of space for parking." "Affordable at $15 per site." "Beautiful views and historical significance."
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
"No utilities of any kind." "Limited cell phone reception." "No trash removal services." "Not much to do other than play around on the rocks."
Based on 10 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
"Pack out all trash since there are no removal services." "Bring sufficient water as none is available." "Visit the historic San Rafael Swinging Bridge and explore nearby attractions such as the...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall receive positive reviews for mild weather and wildlife viewing. Summer months may be less favorable due to high temperatures, despite shade in some loops.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This was the coolest place ever. It's great for a day adventure or camping." - Rodger Goeckeritz. "We love this camping area. The campground is probably the cheapest deal." - Jean Robinson. "Clean,...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Swinging Bridge North is noted for its group site and cottonwood trees providing shade. Swinging Bridge South has new windbreakers/shade structures and is described as a nice place to camp.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not specifically address pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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