Buckeye Recreation Area (Co)

Show on map 1-435-587-2041 bmurdock@fs.fed.us

Notice

Buckeye Reservoir is less than 25% full at present (8/15/2026). Launching boats will be very hard to impossible due to the boat ramp being out of the water and the path below it riddled with large rocks and mud.

Aug 22, 2026 – Oct 16, 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

Camp site features

Across 31 camp sites:

Fire pit: 1 of 31 sites
Picnic table: 30 of 31 sites
Pets allowed: all 31 sites
Group sites: 1 of 31 sites
Longest rig: 74 ft
Largest party: 50 people

Directions

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. 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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

64 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

J V

Loop:Pioneer Campground

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Buckeye Rec Area was such a beautiful place to camp! It's remote and secluded but not hard to get to, their directions to the area were clear and easy to follow. I would definitely camp here again.

Mitch K

Loop:Pioneer Campground

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Nice camp spots. Excellent camp host. Already planning our next trip!

Cynthia R

Loop:Pioneer Campground

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Great facility. We were there during the week and there was almost nobody there. The host said he expected a lot of people over the weekend so I’m sure the weekends are very popular.

Daniel S

Loop:Pioneer Campground

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The lake was almost gone due to drought. There was a group there that was nice , but everyone was driving 15 to 20 mph in the campground causing a huge amount of dust . No cell service and the bears and mountain lions are plentiful in this area . The host kept the restrooms in excellent condition and was helpful . You must be totally self sufficient to use this campground.

Ron T

Loop:Pioneer Campground

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Local wildfire caused a quick exit from the campground and area.

Paul E

Loop:Pioneer Campground

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

It was very windy.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve Watch

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in August, when about 7% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 11 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Warner Lake

13.7 miles away

21 camp sites

Camping