Located within the Northern San Rafael Swell, the San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground provides several camping opportunities near the historic San Rafael Swinging Bridge. This 160-foot-long suspension bridge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 and remains Utah's oldest intact suspension bridge.
The campground area is situated where Buckhorn Wash converges with the San Rafael River and includes three different loops: Swinging Bridge North, the Equestrian Loop, and Swinging Bridge South.
Available camping loops and features
The Swinging Bridge North Loop contains one large group site and eight individual campsites, featuring cottonwood trees that provide shade during summer months. The Swinging Bridge South Loop offers 11 campsites with some shade structures available. For those traveling with horses, the Equestrian Loop provides six campsites equipped with corrals at each site along with a central corral area.
Amenities, pricing, and waste policies
All three loops are equipped with tent pads, picnic tables, toilets, parking areas, and fire rings. Camping is priced at $15 per site per night. Visitors should note that there is no drinking water or trash removal services available at these campgrounds, so all waste must be packed out.
Nearby outdoor activities and landmarks
The area serves as a hub for various outdoor activities including OHV trails, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Nearby natural features include Assembly Hall Peak, Window Blind Peak, and Bottle Neck Peak. The site also provides access to the southern trailhead of the Little Grand Canyon hiking trail.
Local attractions and nearby monuments
Other local attractions include the Wedge Overlook, Jurassic National Monument, and the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, which is open seasonally from April through October. Nearby Buckhorn Draw features Native American rock art, the Buckhorn Dinosaur Track, and several hiking and climbing routes.
Management and road access information
The campgrounds are managed by the BLM Price Field Office. Access to the North and Equestrian campgrounds via Mexican Mountain Road involves a 30-mile out and back semi-primitive dirt road where 4WD and high clearance are advised.
