Established Camping
Manti-LaSal National Forest Buckboard Campground
Manti-LaSal National Forest Buckboard Campground, near Monticello, Utah, is a solid spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the frills. With a mix of tent and RV sites, it’s a straightforward place to set up camp, complete with picnic tables and fire rings for those classic campfire evenings.
The campground is surrounded by beautiful aspen trees and offers a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great base for hiking adventures. Visitors have noted the clean vault toilets and the convenience of having water available during the season. One camper shared, “The campground was really nice to stay at because it was in a great location near lots of wonderful hikes.”
While the sites are fairly close together, the open center area accommodates group camping, which can be a fun way to enjoy the outdoors with friends or family. Just a heads up, you’ll want to bring your own water since there are no hookups available.
If you’re up for exploring, the nearby trails offer stunning views and a chance to experience Utah’s unique landscapes. Campers have appreciated the helpful rangers who can point you in the right direction for both campsites and hiking routes. Whether you’re passing through or planning a longer stay, Buckboard Campground provides a friendly and clean environment to enjoy the great outdoors.
Description
Overview
Buckboard Campground sits in the Manti-LaSal National Forest in southeast Utah at the foot of the Abajo Mountains. Visitors enjoy fishing and exploring local trails.
Recreation
Popular activities include fishing, hiking and off-road vehicle riding. Several trailheads are nearby, including Robertson's Pasture Trail and Spring Creek Trail. The Abajo Loop State Scenic Backway passes by the campground. It leads from the desert floor and red rock canyons to steep mountains over 10,000 feet high, with overlooks and panoramic views. The byway is suitable for passenger vehicles from late spring through fall but is not recommended for large RVs.
Facilities
The campground offers several single-family sites, as well as two group sites than can each accommodate up to 50 guests. Firewood may be collected in and around the campground. Forest Road 105 to the campground is paved, while parking spurs and the road within the campground are graveled. There are two vault toilets and the campground has water available (seasonally.) There is a 14 day stay limit at this campground.
Natural Features
Aspens and Gambel oaks surround the site, offering partial shade. The campground sits at an elevation of 8,900 feet, and summer temperatures range from 75-85 degrees during the day and 50-60 degrees at night. Mule deer, wild turkeys and black bears frequent the area.
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in the area include Canyonlands, Arches and Mesa Verde National Parks, Natural Bridges National Monument, Dark Canyon Wilderness, Edge of the Cedars State Park, Lake Powell and numerous archaeological sites.
Location
Manti-LaSal National Forest Buckboard Campground is located in Utah
Directions
Located in Southeast Utah, six miles west of Monticello on paved Forest Road 105.
Coordinates
37.880796 N
109.449341 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageLast on 7/16/25
VerizonLTESome CoverageLast on 10/4/25- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Detours Nearby
Manti-LaSal National Forest Nizhoni Campground
1 hr 7 min away
Hamburger Rock Dispersed Camping
1 hr 58 min away
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 35 min from Farmington, NM
- 2 hrs 52 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 4 hrs 17 min from Provo, UT
- 4 hrs 24 min from Flagstaff, AZ
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageLast on 7/16/25
- VerizonLTESome CoverageLast on 10/4/25
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
