Swasey's Beach Campground near Desolation Canyon in Utah is characterized by its rugged terrain and proximity to the Green River. Temperatures can range from highs in the 90s during summer to lows in the 20s during winter. Nearby attractions include the scenic Desolation Canyon and the Green River, offering opportunities for hiking and river activities.

## Overview

 The Swaseys Beach campground and day use area allow for camping and picnicking opportunities on the Green River across from Swaseys Boat Ramp. The beach and many campsites are shaded with large cottonwoods. Both areas are often full on summer weekends with recreationists floating the Green River Daily, swimming, enjoying the beach, and camping. 
## Recreation

 Thousands of visitors float the Green River Daily each year, putting in at Nefertiti Boat Ramp eight miles north of Swaseys Beach. Many more day users find relaxation on the beach, picnicking, fishing, and swimming during the warm summer months. While BLM rangers maintain the campground and patrol the river, there are no lifeguards, and visitors are responsible for their safety. Campfires are only allowed in fire rings. Please do not build fires on the beach. 
## Facilities

 Accessible vault toilets Picnic tables Campfire rings Boat ramp 
## Natural Features

 This recreation site is located beside Swaseys Rapid near the takeout for river runners floating the Green River Daily and Desolation-Gray canyons. It is framed by steep canyon walls, and cottonwoods provide a reprieve from summer heat. Hastings Road continues north paralleling the river, providing a scenic drive through the canyon and opportunities to appreciate the lush riparian ecosystem, rock art, sounds of the Green River, and outstanding canyon scenery including views of Desolation Canyon Wilderness across the river. This segment of the Green River is designated as a Wild and Scenic River Recreational Segment. 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (435) 636-3600.

Swasey's Beach Campground — Desolation Canyon

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Green River, UT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Green River. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Green River

The Best Camping Near Green River, Utah

We arrived Friday Afternoon, late April. Our friends snagged the group sites directly on the beach, we got a site a short walk away in one of the designated spots for our popup. No hookups that we saw, not needed for us. There were no tickets or toilet paper, so I don't think this area is checked on too often. That's fine, everyone kept the area clean and quiet at night. The sandy beach is so clean and we were able to drive down to a drop in on 2 different days and easily float back to our beach on paddleboards and a raft. The kids really loved the beach, and our favorite part was some people had campfires directly on the beach. The views from every spot are incredible and the trees provided enough shade during the super hot days. Know that it was already almost 90 degrees even in late April.

Fun in the Sand!!!

There are several camping sites on these grounds, including a large group spot. Secluded and right on the beach of Green River, and has a boat docking area as well. There is a restroom on the premise, and each site has a firepit and picnic table. Most of the sites are completely shaded. Camping is $10 per night.

One of my favorite spots in Utah! 

This campsite draws an interesting array of patrons that enjoy rafting &amp; boating. The day use area is filled with plates from all over the u.s.. If you travel down the dirt road past the camp * Tread carefully* There is a really neat vintage standing cabin &amp; tree swing near the beach. P.s. watch for the Dirt devils* they bite and cause some itchy skin issues.

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Remote & Exciting

This is a great campground right on the Green river next to the beautiful Swasey’s beach. It is perfect for anyone getting off the river from Deso-Grey Canyons or a day float down from Nefertiti. The beach is right next to the campground and green river is only 12 or so miles away. There are not many spots, so get there early on a busy weekend! 

Great campground right on the river. 

First time in Utah, this place blew me away.  Camped on the beach over looking the Green River, this place is magical.  Great views! No shower, but grab your bar of soap and hop in the river.   A morning dip before heading back out on the road is worth it. 

Breath Taking

One of our top locations to dry camping. Check out our full review on our youtube. Www.livefreebirds.com. 

Amazing

I usually stop here if when I'm heading north from Southeast Utah and want to break up my drive (I live in North Utah).  The camping spots are pretty decent.  They sit along the Green River and provide an awesome view.  If the spots are filled continue down the road and you can find other spots to setup temporary residence.  These spots may not sit along the river, but that's ok, in some areas you can still walk down to the river through the brush and enjoy the view.  Being able to camp in this canyon and take in the environment is definitely a good way to reset and appreciate life. 

  

You gotta visit.

One of my favorites

I hadn’t been back here in 10 years and it’s just as good, if not better! Hot tip: if you keep driving on the trail past Swasey’s, there are dispersed(primitive) free spots up the road. I didn’t camp directly on the beach, but next to it at a beautiful overlook. 🌅

Saw some huuuge tracks when I woke up and then realized they’re from the adorable cows that free roam this area 🥰

Hear the Green River Roar (or sing)

Ended up having to search for a dispersed camp sight since the fee based camp ground was full. Felt a little bummed and worried, until I discovered my own little paradise, nestled into a stand of cottonwood trees. Access to our own little beach! Other people came and camped up near the road, while we stayed tucked out of view from the road and other campers. Plenty of space for everyone, and a very convenient spot for a short drive further down the road. There are a few petroglyphs to see, another launch ramp for boaters, and a small hiking trail  that leads to an epic view of the river. Advice, don't camp under the cottonwood in the spring. Adorable fuzzy caterpillars by the dozens happily poo down onto the ground and eventually will be dropping like fuzzy, leggy raindrops. They get on everything. Other than that minor inconvenience, it was amazing and I WILL be back!

Fantastic location

Great spot by river.   Super busy at all hours. Great views.

Not bad

Nice and cool compared to the surrounding area. River is muddy but pretty. Bug spray required. Partial shade for most of the day.

Nice campsite

We stayed one night, arriving after sunset. It was too dark to see anything beyond our campsite, so it was a pleasant surprise when morning came. Being October, the trees were full of color and the morning light was incredible. The campsite was a little tight for our full-size SUV, and large boulders are sitting on tight corners, so use caution with larger vehicles to avoid scraping up against them. The campsites are clean and right along the river. We felt pretty isolated despite having a couple of other groups camping down the road. We never saw or heard them. We camped in tents. It was a little windy but, in all, very peaceful. The first ORV showed up around 8 AM, right around when we were packing up to leave. I would highly recommend this campsite and will consider coming here again.

Great Starting Point to Our Utah Adventure

￼This campground was one of our favorites in Utah. We pulled in on a Wednesday October evening and easily found a spot. Most sites have a great view of the green river. We brought our mountain bikes and discovered that the road continuing from the campground was an amazing ride along the Green River. The cottonwoods were all turning yellow and it was really gorgeous. Campsite was quiet and stargazing was incredible.￼￼ No bugs! Gravel road was easy to access with any vehicle however the road beyond the campground definitely needs 4 Wheel drive. There were a few dispersed sites down the road as well.

Beautiful and scenic campground

We had our own little beach right on the river. The cows came down and hungout with us. Super secluded, only saw a handful of people biking by, woke up in the morning and saw a few rafters going down the river

Just past official swaseys into BLM

Nope

Pulled in a bit late (after 6pm) but was able to secure a nice site along the river.  We used the group site since it was late and had it to ourselves.  Amazing views and the sound of the river.   Tons of small yellow butterflies (or something like that)

Great established campsites along the river 

Picnic tables, tent areas, park n walk in 15 ft , Green River Beach, at least 3+ sites. Vault toilet. Great views of sunset. 

Camp n swim

Stopped here for the night on our way back to SLC from Moab in late June 2025. Drove past the campground to BLM land and found a spot right on the Green River. Easy drive to our spot but would have gone further in but road was a bit rutty the further in you drive. Would definitely stay here again!

Photos of Swasey's Beach Campground — Desolation Canyon

Real photos from real campers