The San Rafael Swell area offers diverse camping options on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Elevations range from 4,000 to 7,000 feet across the region, creating varied desert environments with temperature swings of up to 30 degrees between day and night. Seasonal flash floods can occur during summer monsoon season, requiring careful campsite selection and weather monitoring.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Buckhorn Draw provides multiple access points to trail systems that accommodate horse trailers. "This is a decently sized lot. There were many people here, but it still felt pretty well spaced apart," notes Bethany B. about Buckhorn Draw Dispersed Camp.
Petroglyphs viewing: Take a short hike into narrow canyons to see ancient rock art. "The hike to the pictographs is much more interesting as you enter the narrow canyon," writes Laura M. about Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed. "In the Black Dragon you'll find a lot of Indian Petroglyphs. It's pretty easy hike to them or a high clearance vehicle."
Swimming and water activities: The river provides cooling relief during hot summer months. At Potters Pond, "Most people were either fishing or enjoying the pond on a row boat. Not 100% sure if the pond is okay to swim in as there are no signage and the presence of blue algae is apparent," reports Steven M.
What campers like
Canyon immersion experience: Camping sites positioned between towering rock formations create unique camping environments. "The road getting you into this deep canyon sets the mood for the epic adventure of sleeping down by the river and surrounded by massive rock walls," says Matthew H. about Swinging Bridge Equestrian Campground.
Dark night skies: Minimal light pollution allows for exceptional stargazing opportunities. "When the sun went down it was quiet and so dark. The night sky is beautiful," writes Patricia N. about the Buckhorn Draw area.
Off-road accessibility: The region offers extensive trail networks for ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts. "The campground is adjacent to the Appain Trails where one has access to 300+ miles of off-road enjoyment," notes Steven M. about Manti-LaSal National Forest Potters Pond Campground.
What you should know
Water availability: No potable water sources exist at most camping areas. "There are neither trash receptacles on-site nor potable water, so plan to pack in/pack out," Jess reports about Swinging Bridge.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality and passability. "The road is gravel/paved to the pull off sites. Mile off the interstate but cannot hear or see the traffic," notes Lydia P.
Weather considerations: Flash flooding can occur rapidly in canyon areas. "Watch out for rain. The dry wash beds will flood and I'm lucky I left when I did," warns Ben M. about Black Dragon Pictograph Panel.
Cell service limitations: Digital connectivity is extremely limited. "No cell service from ATT, Verizon or TMobile, but was able to get a bar or two on Verizon with the cell booster. Oddly we did have cell reception on the hike within the canyon," reports Laura M.
Tips for camping with families
Elevation considerations: Higher elevation campgrounds offer cooler temperatures during summer. "The campground is situated above 9000ft elevation so the days are mild warm and the nights can be cool to cold," advises Steven M. about Potters Pond.
Site spacing: Some areas provide better separation between campsites for family privacy. "Trees in area will hide other campers," notes Scott V. about dispersed camping options.
Water recreation options: Ponds and river access points provide family-friendly activities. "Great hammock trees. Swimming holes in the river," mentions Corey K. about Swinging Bridge Equestrian Campground.
Tips from RVers
Trailer access: Some sites accommodate large rigs better than others. "Only one site I felt comfortable pulling a 27 foot trailer but it was beautiful and I wished I could have stayed longer," shares Ben M.
Ground conditions: Surface composition affects stability, especially after rain. "Visited after a rain storm and dirt was dirt and not clay like others spots in the area," reports Scott V.
Amenities for longer stays: RV campers should plan for limited facilities. "We were towing our 24' TT so we were going slow. It is about 8.3 miles of dirt road to the campground from UT 31," notes Steven M. about accessing Potters Pond Campground.
