San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground

4.33

43 reviews

125 South 600 West, Price, UT, 84501

Quick Facts

5,112 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Managed under Recreation.gov system. site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,112 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Managed under Recreation.gov system. site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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...

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

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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 43 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

125 South 600 West, Price, UT, 84501

San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round but summer can be hot despite shade; reviews note heat as a downside.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn praised for mild weather and wildlife viewing; favorable seasonal reviews.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers perfect temps and wildflower blooms; reviews praise spring camping.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; high-desert winters can be cold but no closures noted.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThree campground loops: Swinging Bridge North, Swinging Bridge South, and Equestrian Loop.

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.

AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible, but further details about specific disability-friendly accommodations are not provided.

Site SizeCampsites include tent pads, standard picnic tables, and fire rings.

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 SitesSwinging Bridge North offers cottonwood tree shade for hot summer months. Equestrian Loop is ideal for horse owners due to corrals.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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."

ClimbingClimbing 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.

BikingNearby 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

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential 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.

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

Fire PolicyPit toilets and fire rings are available. Regular open-fire safety rules apply.

Emergency ServicesEmergency 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).

Trash & Recycling"There is no trash removal service at the campgrounds. Please pack it out."

Water FeaturesAdjacent to San Rafael River, providing opportunities for water activities.

Weather at San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground

Reviews

4.3

43 reviews

Recommended

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 43 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 43 reviews

Common 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 43 reviews

Pro 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 43 reviews

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 43 reviews

Camper 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 43 reviews

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 43 reviews