Buckeye Recreation Area (CO)

BUCKEYE RECREATION AREA (CO)

Part of Manti-La Sal National Forest

Overview

The Buckeye Recreation Area is located adjacent to Buckeye Reservoir in Montrose County, Colorado. The area is popular for camping, OHV/ATV trails, hunting and fishing.

Note: Some GPS or driving app directions are sending people on 4WD roads or to locked gates that are on private property. If you are unfamiliar with the area, please visit our "Facility Information - Getting Here" section for instructions on the best route to get to Buckeye Reservoir before reserving. DO NOT rely soley on Google Maps or Apple Maps for getting to this campground.

Facilities

The Buckeye Recreation Area is located adjacent to Buckeye Reservoir. The Recreation Area is spread out around the reservoir and consists of the Pioneer Campground (30 single family reservable campsites), a boat ramp for small fishing boats (5 HP motor limit and wakeless speed), a reservable group site, a day-use picnic area and 18 less developed dispersed campsites scattered around the reservoir. Campsites in the Pioneer Campground include graveled parking spurs, concrete picnic tables, fire rings, a utility table and access to vault toilets. There is a 14 day stay limit at this campground.

Natural Features

The recreation area is located in a valley at 7,600 feet in elevation and is set amongst mature stands of Ponderosa Pines. The high peaks of the La Sal Mountains are visible from much of the area. The scenic Paradox Valley and the town of Paradox, Colorado are located approximately 10 miles to the southeast.

Recreation

Recreation in the area centers around the reservoir which provides excellent opportunities for fishing and canoeing. Forest roads in the area provide for off-highway vehicle touring and the nearby state lands provide motorized trails for Off-highway vehicles and motorcycles. The La Sal Mountains are nearby which provide many hiking and biking trails.

Nearby Attractions

The scenic La Sal Mountains are very close to the area and provide numerous opportunities for recreation. Canyonlands and Arches National Parks are about 1.5 hour drive away from the area as well as numerous recreation opportunities around the towns of Monticello and Moab, Utah.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (435) 259-7155.

Important Notices

  • Note: Some GPS or driving app directions are sending people on 4WD roads or to locked gates that are on private property. Please follow the below directions or make sure your alternative directions are accurate before following them.

    Best Route: Head south from Moab on US 191 for approximately 27 miles and turn left onto Highway 46 at La Sal Junction. Continue on Highway 46 for 32 miles into Paradox, Colorado. Turn left at 5.75 Road at the USFS sign. Continue to the T-intersection and left on U5 Road and follow the USFS signs to Buckeye Campground. It is about 13 miles on Forest Service Road 0371 from Paradox to Buckeye Campground and it is winding gravel road. Please drive with caution.

    Alternative Route: Very muddy or impassable when wet, please use caution and discretion: Head south from Moab on US 191 for approximately 27 miles and turn left onto Highway 46 at La Sal Junction. Continue about 12 miles and take a slight left at Upper Two Mile Road (Forest Service Road 0208). Continue on Upper Two Mile Road for approximately 18 miles. Follow the signs to Buckeye Campground. This route crosses private property, please respect the wishes and property and do not trespass on this land.

    DO NOT RELY SOLELY ON APPLE MAPS OR GOOGLE MAPS FOR GETTING TO THIS CAMPGROUND.

  • Bears do frequent the area so it is important to store food properly and keep a clean camp.
  • Water is not available at the campground.
  • A Colorado State Fishing License is required to fish in the reservoir.
  • Boats on the reservoir are limited to 5 HP motors and wakeless speed.
  • The water in the reservoir is owned by the Paradox Water Users and is primarily used for irrigation, which means on low water years the reservoir could be drained completely.
  • Off-highway vehicles can only be used coming and going from campsites.
  • The mailing address of this facility is Moab Ranger Station, 62 East 100 North, Moab Utah, 84532 and the physical address is Montrose County, Colorado, US. The nearest town is Paradox, Colorado.
  • Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Available Activities

  • Camping - Camping
  • Canoeing - Canoeing
  • Day Use Area - Day Use Area
  • Fishing - Fishing
  • Hunting - Hunting
  • Kayaking - Kayaking
  • Off Highway Vehicle Trails - Off Highway Vehicle Trails
  • Paddle Boating - Paddle Boating
  • Paddling - Paddling
  • Star Gazing - Star Gazing
  • Water Activities - Water Activities
  • Water Access - Water Access
  • Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing

Directions

<p><strong>Best Route</strong>: Head south from Moab on US 191 for approximately 27 miles and turn left onto Highway 46 at La Sal Junction. Continue on Highway 46 for 32 miles into Paradox, Colorado. Turn left at 5.75 Road at the USFS sign. Continue to the T-intersection and left on U5 Road and follow the USFS signs to Buckeye Campground. It is about 13 miles on Forest Service Road 0371 from Paradox to Buckeye Campground and it is winding gravel road. Please drive with caution.</p> <p><strong>Alternative Route</strong>: Very muddy or impassable when wet, please use caution and discretion: Head south from Moab on US 191 for approximately 27 miles and turn left onto Highway 46 at La Sal Junction. Continue about 12 miles and take a slight left at Upper Two Mile Road (Forest Service Road 0208). Continue on Upper Two Mile Road for approximately 18 miles. Follow the signs to Buckeye Campground. This route crosses private property, please respect the wishes and property and do not trespass on this land.</p> <p><strong>Note: Some GPS or driving app directions are sending people on 4WD roads or to locked gates that are on private property. Please follow the above directions or make sure your alternative directions are accurate before following them.</strong></p>

Contact Information

Phone: 1-435-587-2041

Montrose County, CO

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery