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Swinging Bridge Equestrian Campground offers six large campsites with green steel corrals designed specifically for horse owners. Located near the San Rafael River, the facility provides direct access to the surrounding canyon terrain with multiple riding opportunities. Each site includes a tent pad, picnic table, and metal fire ring on hard gravel roads suitable for trailer access. The campground maintains a vault toilet for visitors but lacks potable water for horses or humans. Daily fees are $15 per night with a limit of two vehicles and ten people per site, with half-price discounts available for National Parks and Interagency Pass holders. The corrals accommodate multiple horses, though campers should note there are no water troughs or wash facilities for equine use. Local campgrounds are searchable through The Dyrt's listings.
Trail riders can access numerous routes directly from the campground into the San Rafael Swell area, including paths through Buckhorn Wash and views of the Little Grand Canyon. High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the dispersed camping options in the region, particularly during wet weather when dirt roads can become impassable. While Swinging Bridge offers developed facilities, most surrounding horse camping near Hanksville consists of primitive dispersed sites without amenities. The canyon setting provides natural shelter and access to the river for horse watering at certain points. No cell service is available at the equestrian campground, requiring advance planning for horse owners. The surrounding BLM land permits dispersed camping with horses in designated areas, though riders should prepare to pack in water and supplies for their animals.
"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."
"went during spring break, late March. the view is so chill. next to the river, and high up away feom the mosquitoes. waking up to this campground was soooooooooo refreshing!"
"The site itself is easy to reach (about 1-1.5 hour drive off the paved road via Mineral Road and WhiteRim Trail. The drive out is gorgeous with a few easy/medium technical areas."
"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."
"Campsite with 4 wheel drive access high clearance vehicle. Okay for pets not near the edge of canyon. Little bit of cell service. Little shelter of trees"
LegendNot a horse person but checked it out. 6 nice large sites with green steel corrals. Vault toilet tables and fire rings for the humans. However NO Water for humans or horses. No dumpsters, no cell signal. Roads are good hard gravel.
RangerAccess to this is a bit tricky as you need to take a gate from the interstate. It isn't your typical interstate exit. On the eastbound lane you've then got to drive under the interstate which there is a underpass there that they put a concrete ramp in the wash to make it possible to drive through. Most passenger cars can make this route. The campground itself is very basic there's no water there's no toilets. But it is less than a mile from the black dragon pictograph panel and that is the big plus for it. Note that driving in from the west is an extremely rough road that requires a four-wheel drive high ground clearance vehicle and some skill.
ScoutLots of flat ground, highway noise wasn’t too loud but also wasn’t too far away from the road.
LegendOff Burr Road. Campsite with 4 wheel drive access high clearance vehicle. Okay for pets not near the edge of canyon. Little bit of cell service. Little shelter of trees
ScoutThis 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. Had the place to myself. Would absolutely stop here again.
LegendFirst off do not pay attention to google directions as it will take you out of the way through a wash. There is quite an easy turn off right off of highway 70 (whether heading east or west, you can turn north off the highway). Once you turnoff of the highway there is a gate that may or may not be closed so once you go through leave it how you found it.
Follow the very manageable dirt road and there will be multiple pull out areas to camp in. The closer to the highway the more busy it is so keep driving. We found a small pull out between the two trails that take you on hike to the Spirit Arches and Petroglyphs and the other up through the wash to the pictographs.
The hike to the pictographs is much more interesting as you enter the narrow canyon. There are several spots that are reachable by RV, but further back you’ll need high clearance and possible 4x4.
There is no camping allowed within the canyon. At the trailhead though there are a few large areas for camping but probably easier with higher clearance. There is no bathroom, trash or water so pack in and pack out even that which you have already digested.;)
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.
Legendwent during spring break, late March. the view is so chill. next to the river, and high up away feom the mosquitoes. waking up to this campground was soooooooooo refreshing! the views oh, and the night sky. yeas! temperature was cold. mid 30’s to high 40’s
GuideWe have used this dispersed camp area several times off of I-70 on several occasions. Easy access whither you're traveling east or west bound. If east bound you'll have to cross over the medium which is allowed and enter the area through a BLM gate. 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. I once got a cell call in the canyon that surprised us as there's little cell coverage. In the Black Dragon you'll find a lot of Indian Petroglyphs. It's pretty easy hike to them or a high clearance vehicle. The San Rafael is quite interesting. The rest areas just west of the dispersed camping has a lot info about the area.
GuideThe title pretty much covers it. Great BLM land close to the freeway.
Equestrian camping near Hanksville, Utah provides access to the dramatic landscapes of the San Rafael Swell region. The area sits at approximately 4,300 feet elevation with a desert climate characterized by wide temperature fluctuations between day and night. The Hanksville region receives minimal rainfall annually, resulting in the distinctive red rock formations and washes that dominate the landscape.
Explore canyon terrain: Trail riders from Buckhorn Draw Wickiup Site Dispersed Camp can access numerous routes throughout the San Rafael Swell. "Great jumping off point to visit San Rafael swell," notes Larry M., who appreciated the "large flat area with quite a few short trees scattered around."
Visit petroglyphs: The Black Dragon Pictograph Panel area offers camping near significant cultural sites. Laura M. explains, "The hike to the pictographs is much more interesting as you enter the narrow canyon. There are several spots that are reachable by RV, but further back you'll need high clearance and possible 4x4."
River access: Camping areas near the San Rafael River provide natural water sources for horses in certain locations. Corey K. describes the Swinging Bridge area as having "trees near the river. Awesome hammock trees. Swimming holes in the river."
Natural isolation: Dispersed camping areas provide privacy despite multiple visitors. At Buckhorn Draw, Bethany B. observed, "This campground is quite sandy with sparse trees that provide a decent amount of cover. It's a decently sized lot. There were many people here, but it still felt pretty well spaced apart."
Night sky viewing: The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. Patricia N. shares, "When the sun went down it was quiet and so dark. The night sky is beautiful." The limited light pollution creates ideal conditions for astronomical observation during clear nights.
Canyon immersion: Labyrinth Backcountry Campsites offer a distinctive experience within canyon walls. Ben B. describes it as "gorgeous with a few easy/medium technical areas. We arrived before sunset and enjoyed dinner by the Green River and an absolute show during sunset as the light and shadows danced around the canyon walls."
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. For Burr Road Dispersed Camp, DL M. advises, "Campsite with 4 wheel drive access high clearance vehicle. Okay for pets not near the edge of canyon. Little bit of cell service. Little shelter of trees."
Weather considerations: Flash flooding poses a serious risk in canyon areas. Ben M. warns about Black Dragon area, "Watch out for rain. The dry wash beds will flood and I'm lucky I left when I did."
Water availability: No potable water exists at most dispersed sites. Greg L. notes that even at developed equestrian sites like Swinging Bridge, there is "NO Water for humans or horses. No dumpsters, no cell signal."
Interstate accessibility: For easier family access, consider sites near major roads. Jay A. recommends Buckhorn Draw because "This spot was much easier to find off I-70 since it's associated with an exit. No gates to find."
Temperature planning: Desert temperature fluctuations require preparation. Kuo G. shares from spring camping, "Temperature was cold. Mid 30's to high 40's," highlighting the need for appropriate clothing and gear even during warmer seasons.
Navigation challenges: Clear directions are essential when camping with families. Ashley M. cautions about the Labyrinth area: "Stop and read every sign. You go through BLM land then on to Canyon Lands Property, which if you camp on that land without a permit is heavy fines."
Site selection: Choose carefully for larger rigs. Scott V. notes about Buckhorn Draw, "Lots of spots. Visited after a rain storm and dirt was dirt and not clay like others spots in the area."
Road surface variations: RVers should assess road conditions before proceeding. Patricia N. advises, "The road getting in has a bit of wash board so just take it slow."
Limited amenities: Prepare for self-contained camping. Will M. explains that at Black Dragon Pictograph Panel, "The campground itself is very basic there's no water there's no toilets."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hanksville, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hanksville, UT is Buckhorn Draw Wickiup Site Dispersed Camp with a 4.7-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hanksville, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Hanksville, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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