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.

## 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.

Manti-LaSal National Forest Buckboard Campground

Searching for the best camping near Monticello, UT? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Monticello, UT. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Monticello

The Best Camping Near Monticello, Utah

Utah is one of my favorite places to visit. The hiking here is one of my favorite things to do. The Buckboard Campground was really nice to stay at because it was in a great location near lots of wonderful hikes. My family and I stayed here for 4 nights, and enjoyed hiking in the mornings. We really enjoyed our stay in this campground. One things we really appreciated was how helpful the rangers were. They put us in the right direction to our campsite as well as what good hikes were along the way. They gave us maps that were super helpful, so we definitely appreciated them and all their help. If you have any questions, I recommend asking them for help. The campground was big enough for about 50 spots, and had a few bathrooms onsite. There was also a little river that passed through on the backside of the campground. At night we could hear the rushing water which we really enjoyed. The weather was awesome when we went, and the mosquitos werent too bad. We did bring bug spray and sprayed before we went hiking. Bring your own water because there was not a water hook up available at this campground. There was a picnic table in the campsite as well as a fire ring. We used this at night to do smores, and used the table to eat our meals. The space was big enough for our truck and 2 tents. Also is dog friendly.

Beautiful

We stayed here for a night the last day of May and the grounds are clean, albeit not well-manicured. Toilets are clean. But there are no sweeping views like seen in the images, no big bodies of water to climb around in. You have small campsites and a large field in the middle. Reward yourself by going a few miles West, South toward Valley of the Gods, or North in towards the Canyonlands for an amazing Utah experience.

  

Weather note: this sits on the north side of a steep range and a weather system developed within 30 minutes and dumped on us for half an hour. That may very well be a common occurrence.

Nice and clean for passing through, but don't make it a destination

Very nice camping spot , clean bathrooms 


Camping 

Had to make an emergency stop here because of van problems. Lucky to get a site here during Memorial Day weekend. Our site was #10. Very close to the campground loop road. Backs up to woods, but very little privacy. Back-in site. Level enough for our campervan. Other sites were set back more. Vault toilet was clean. During the time of our visit, there was an advisory against drinking the water. Pretty campground; would stay here again.

Camping among aspens

This is the second developed CG up the paved road from Monticello.  This one has a large open center area that is for two group camping areas. Also there are 10 single spots.  Vault toilets, dumpster and water in season. Cell is ok. $20/$10 senior And $50 for group sites.  During my visit several single sites had reserved signs posted. Four of the 10 single sites are only FCFS, test are reservable. 

Photos of Manti-LaSal National Forest Buckboard Campground

Real photos from real campers