Swinging Bridge Equestrian Campground provides six large sites with green steel corrals specifically designed for camping with horses. Each site includes tent pads, picnic tables, and metal fire rings. The campground sits adjacent to the San Rafael River with hammock-friendly trees and swimming holes nearby. Vault toilets serve the human visitors, though campers should note there is no potable water for horses or humans at this location. The $15 per night fee includes space for up to two vehicles per site, with half-price discounts available for National Parks and Interagency Pass holders. Sites can accommodate up to ten people each, making this an ideal location for group trail riding adventures. The campground features hard gravel roads suitable for most vehicles including those pulling horse trailers. The deep canyon setting provides an immersive experience with 360-degree views of massive rock walls.
Trail access from Swinging Bridge serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the San Rafael Swell region. Nearby Buckhorn Draw offers additional horse camping options with free sites that accommodate horse trailers and provide ample space between campsites. The sandy terrain in Buckhorn Draw features sparse trees for natural shade and is connected to an extensive network of riding trails. Most areas can be accessed with standard vehicles, though some routes require high clearance or 4x4 capabilities. Roads near Black Dragon Pictograph Panel are generally manageable for passenger cars, with multiple pull-out areas for camping. The nearby hike into the narrow canyon leads to interesting petroglyphs and pictographs. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with most campgrounds reporting no reliable connectivity except occasional signal in specific canyon locations. All dispersed camping areas require pack-in, pack-out practices as no trash facilities are provided.
from $8 - $15 / night
"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."
"Great little area with trees near the river. Awesome hammock trees. Swimming holes in the river."
"We were blown away at how tranquil and beautiful the surroundings are at Potters Pond Campground. The abundant trees and brush truly make one feel like they are a million miles away from home."
"The campground is right on a main access road for OHV’s to drive up to Skyline Drive which is good if that’s what you are there for."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $20 / night
"Lots of flat ground, highway noise wasn’t too loud but also wasn’t too far away from the road."
"This spot was much easier to find off I-70 since it’s associated with an exit. No gates to find. It was still 98 degrees at 8pm when I stopped, but no humidity and totally tolerable."
"There is quite an easy turn off right off of highway 70 (whether heading east or west, you can turn north off the highway)."
"It's always closed to keep cows off the freeway so please close it. The area has several places to disperse camp. If you follow the road it will take you to the east entrance of the Black Dragon."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $50 / night
GuideNice spot in the mountains with some trees. We have done a family reunion here a few times. The ponds are decent with some ok fish. Most anyone could catch some fish at them. A lot of roads and trails to go riding OHV's. Saw a moose one year.
ScoutBit of a labyrinth to find a spot but worth the effort. People around but still nice amount of privacy
TravelerIncredible ease of access off the interstate. There is some traffic noise, but not too bad.
TravelerNo one else was here, but there's room for a ton of campers. There was a wind warning in San Rafael Swell of up to 35 mph gusts, but my campsite saw no wind. Trees were barely swaying, maybe 1-2mph breezes at best.
Great spot. Will definitely return.
LegendStarted to go right off the 70 but that takes you to another BLM spot much further away. This is just 2 miles from the highway and it's very quiet and lots of small trees for some shade and plenty of room for big rigs.
GuideSeveral reasonable sites for RVs. Gets busy during the day with ATVS and motorcycles. Petroglyphs, pictographs and red canyons. I discovered after pulling in from westbound I-70 (right turn at mm147) that my RV was too tall to take through the underpass viaduct to go east bound. We shall see how far west on I-70 to reverse direction.
GuideIf you like to unplug and barely have service while enjoy remoteness, this is for you. We love it. Only cell service I get is when holding phone against metal campsite number. Costs $15 per night.
TravelerI loved everything about this app, and the way it’s organized. You are able to find all of the free dispersed camping sites that this app gives you with everyone reviews that are so helpful.
GuideThe title pretty much covers it. Great BLM land close to the freeway.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cleveland, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cleveland, UT is Buckhorn Draw Designated Campsite #14 with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cleveland, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Cleveland, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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