How much does camping cost at San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground?

Camping fees at San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground are $15 - $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground 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 San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground before I book?

Yes! San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground has 4 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 San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground?

San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground is open January 01 to December 31. 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 San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground?

San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground have?

San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground?

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

What amenities are available at San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground?

San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground

4.36

91 reviews

125 South 600 West, Price, UT, 84501

Top 8% in UTFall

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Hiking Camping Utah

Quick Facts

5,112 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,112 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground

$15.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Swinging Bridge Individual Site: $15.00; Swinging Bridge Small group site: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Group Site Fee$35.00

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Campground Map

125 South 600 West, Price, UT, 84501

San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground

125 South 600 West, Price, UT, 84501

Nearby places

Green River, UT (50 miles)

Castle Dale, UT (27 miles)

Huntington, UT (29 miles)

Weather at San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground

Current alerts(1)

This location is split into 3 loops Swinging Bridge North, the Equestrian Campground and Swinging Bridge South. All sites are first come first serve.

Best Time to Camp at San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the best light for exploring and photographing the San Rafael Swell — expect daytime highs generally in the 60s–70s°F (15–25°C) in September–October with crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–5°C). Cooler temperatures make long hikes, mountain biking and canyon exploration much more pleasant than the heat of mid-summer, and the low-angle autumn sun brings out the warm reds and striations in the canyon walls. Crowds are moderate (weekends busier), and the B Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in UT

Overview cites fall as best season: mild temps (60s–70s°F) and best light for exploring/photography.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground

San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground sits in mid-elevation forest near Price, Utah, serving as a base camp for exploring the San Rafael Swell. Managed through the Recreation.gov system, this small campground offers tent sites, primitive options, and group camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The shaded, quiet setting draws visitors seeking access to canyon country hiking, mountain biking, and photography without crowds.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the best light for exploring and photographing the San Rafael Swell — expect daytime highs generally in the 60s–70s°F (15–25°C) in September–October with crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–5°C). Cooler temperatures make long hikes, mountain biking and canyon exploration much more pleasant than the heat of mid-summer, and the low-angle autumn sun brings out the warm reds and striations in the canyon walls. Crowds are moderate (weekends busier), and the B Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: July, August

Elevation5112 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits beneath the Buckhorn Draw escarpment, where Assembly Hall Peak and Window Blind Peak rise from layered rock exposing millions of years of geology. Cottonwoods line the river corridor, providing pockets of shade against the high desert terrain. The Little Grand Canyon of the San Rafael River cuts nearby, its striations revealing ancient seas and sediment. Wildlife sightings include mule deer, pronghorn, and occasional bighorn sheep on the cliffs. The San Rafael River runs year-round, though water levels fluctuate with snowmelt and monsoons.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or accommodations available; only camping facilities are offered.

Programs & Activities"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."

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, mobile app, or scan-and-pay system onsite.

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.

Best CampsitesSwinging Bridge North offers more natural shade from cottonwoods. The Equestrian Loop works for horse campers needing corrals. South loop sites include built shade structures if you're visiting in summer heat.

Need help booking San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground?

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

There is no drinking water or trash removal services at these campgrounds. Please pack it out.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Access to southern trailhead for the Little Grand Canyon 17-mi trail; canyon-country hiking nearby.

Water Sports1.0/5

No kayaking mentions; river adjacency doesn't imply developed kayaking opportunities.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Canyon vistas, layered escarpments, fall light and dark skies make it a strong photo destination.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available at this campground; only vault toilets are provided.

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.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.4

91 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 91 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 91 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 91 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 91 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 91 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 91 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 91 reviews