Swift Creek Campground
02 reviewsSwift Creek Campground, Mountain Home, UT
Swift Creek Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campground has a flat fee of $8 per night for a single unit site.
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About this campground
Perched at a breathtaking 8,000 feet where Swift Creek meets the mighty Yellowstone River, Swift Creek Campground offers an intimate mountain escape with just 11 thoughtfully placed sites. This rustic gem beckons adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences, with several coveted riverside spots that let you fall asleep to the gentle symphony of flowing water. As your gateway to the spectacular High Uintas Wilderness, the campground puts pristine alpine lakes and challenging mountain trails right at your doorstep, making it the perfect basecamp for those ready to explore one of Utah's most stunning backcountry regions.
Swift Creek Campground provides rustic camping options suitable for tents and small RVs. It is primarily a base for wilderness exploration.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints Swift Creek Campground with dramatic seasonal brushstrokes. Early season adventurers and autumn visitors should pack warm layers as temperatures often dip below freezing, with surprise snowflakes not uncommon in spring and fall. As summer unfolds, the high-altitude climate transforms into a hiker's paradise – think crystal-clear blue skies, sun-drenched afternoons perfect for trail exploration, and refreshingly cool evenings that demand a cozy campfire. The dry mountain air and comfortable mid-summer temperatures create ideal conditions for those seeking refuge from scorching valley heat.
ElevationAt 8,000 feet above sea level, Swift Creek Campground delivers that coveted alpine experience where the air feels lighter and the stars seem closer. This high-mountain setting creates a natural air conditioning system, offering blissfully cool summer nights and crisp, invigorating mornings that make even the most dedicated late-sleepers eager to emerge from their tents. The elevation provides not just comfort but also stunning vistas and access to terrain that remains snow-covered well into summer in the surrounding peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a masterpiece at Swift Creek, where towering Engelmann spruce create cathedral-like canopies above your campsite, while graceful aspens dance in the mountain breeze, their leaves creating a shimmer of green and gold. River willows line the waterways, providing natural privacy and habitat for local wildlife. A babbling creek meanders through the heart of the campground, its cheerful song providing the soundtrack to your stay. Just a short hike away, a hidden waterfall rewards explorers with its misty spray and photogenic cascades, while the nearby Yellowstone River offers both scenic beauty and excellent fishing opportunities for anglers.
Geological RegionNestled along the southern boundary of the legendary High Uintas Wilderness, Swift Creek Campground sits in a geological wonderland where ancient forces have sculpted dramatic peaks and carved deep river valleys. This alpine environment showcases the region's diverse ecosystems in miniature – from the riparian corridors lined with willows along the Yellowstone River to the dense stands of Engelmann spruce that thrive in the cool mountain air. The surrounding landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where glaciers once carved the valleys and left behind the pristine lakes that now dot the wilderness beyond.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground includes standard-sized campsites, some of which are adjacent to the Yellowstone River.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are situated within a mix of river willows, Engelmann spruce, and Aspen, offering a moderate level of privacy.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor those seeking proximity to water features, select campsites adjacent to the river.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
16 consecutive nights maximum.
Groups
Details regarding group sites are unavailable.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features a single loop layout with 11 campsites. Some campsites are located close to the river.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served. No reservation system is in place.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Swift Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Its proximity to the High Uintas Wilderness makes it a popular base for wilderness exploration.
Hiking
There are two main trails accessible from the campground: Yellowstone Creek Trail (#57) at 24 miles long and Swift Creek Trail (#56) at 11 miles long. Both trails are open to hikers and horseback riders and connect to a larger trail network in the High Uintas Wilderness.Fishing
Fishing is available in the Yellowstone River and nearby alpine lakes, with opportunities to catch brook, brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not supported as the campground is open seasonally from May to September.Water Sports
The campground does not support water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but firewood must be obtained locally to prevent the spread of pests.
- Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country, and campers must practice safe food storage techniques. Additionally, the presence of roaming cows has been noted by visitors, leading to cow pies around the campsites.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely in Duchesne, UT, approximately 20 miles away, which may have police, fire, and medical facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay to September.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. Campers are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated near the Yellowstone River and the confluence of Swift Creek. A small creek runs through the campground.
Common complaints"The campground would have been awesome if it wasn't for all the cows! Nice secluded area with a nice background noise of the running creek. But there were roaming cows and cow pies EVERYWHERE." (User review)
HostA host may occupy one campsite.
Campground Map
Swift Creek Campground, Mountain Home, UT
Driving directionsFrom Highway 40 in Duchesne, Utah, turn north onto Highway 87. Go 15.5 miles to the Mountain Home turnoff. Turn north onto N 21000 W and continue 2.5 miles toward Mountain Home. From Mountain Home continue north on N 20780 W, County Road 1566 for 4 miles and then turn east onto the Yellowstone Road #119. Follow the Yellowstone Road north for 11 miles to the Swift Creek Campground.
The last 6 miles are a narrow single-lane road and rough and rocky in places. It is recommended to drive cautiously.Nearby places
Duchesne, UT (approximately 20 miles south)
Mountain Home, UT (approximately 10 miles south)
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies and groceries may be available in Mountain Home, UT, approximately 10 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Swift Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Swift Creek Campground are generally positive, highlighting its scenic beauty and proximity to hiking and fishing opportunities. However, some issues such as roaming cows and vehicle vandalism have been noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the secluded and scenic location, the sound of the running creek, and the access to great fishing and hiking. One review described it as 'a great trip up in the wilderness.'
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include roaming cows leaving droppings around campsites and an incident of vehicle vandalism while a camper was on a multi-day hike.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to secure their vehicles if left unattended for extended periods and to expect rustic conditions. Bringing water is essential since potable water is not available.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open from May to September, and reviewers have noted that visiting in early September offers fewer crowds. However, the absence of potable water and roaming cows can affect the...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'We didn’t see a single person during the whole trip - it was as if we were the only people left on earth.' - Ryan White
2. 'The campground would have been awesome if it wasn't for all the cows!'...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some campsites are adjacent to the Yellowstone River and offer scenic views. However, no specific site numbers have been reviewed as the best or worst.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed at all times. No specific reviews about pet experiences were noted.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025