Fishing and hiking draw most visitors to Buckboard Campground, a US Forest Service site set within the forested hills of Manti-La Sal National Forest above Monticello. A creek runs along the back edge of the campground, and at least one reviewer specifically noted hearing the rushing water at night. Rangers on-site have been noted as approachable and willing to point campers toward nearby trails and hand out maps, which makes this a reasonable base for multi-day hiking trips in the area.
The campground has roughly 10 single sites and two group areas arranged around a large open center field. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, and vault toilets on-site have consistently received clean marks from visitors. Cell service is reported as functional. Note that water availability varies by season and conditions: at least one visit recorded an advisory against drinking the water, so carrying your own supply is a reliable precaution regardless of timing.
Access to Buckboard follows a paved road up from Monticello, though the route has earned rough-road mentions from multiple reviewers, so lower-clearance vehicles should check conditions before heading up. RVs up to 43 feet are accommodated. Some single sites are first-come, first-served, while others are reservable, and the campground can fill during holiday weekends like Memorial Day. North Creek Dispersed, Manti-La Sal NF off FR 5128 sits nearby for campers who prefer a less structured setup. The season runs May through late September, making summer and early fall the primary window to plan a stay.
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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
A location closure has been issued, and the facility is closed at this time. Reservation-holders will receive an email with additional information. Please check back for location closure updates.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsManti-LaSal National Forest Buckboard Campground is located in Utah near Monticello
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 CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/21/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/21/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/23/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/21/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/21/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/23/26
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
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
