
Swasey's Beach
A remote desert oasis along the Green River, offering sandy beaches, camping, and stunning stargazing.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

Swasey's Beach
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote desert oasis along the Green River, offering sandy beaches, camping, and stunning stargazing.
"Wow, what a sight! Found this hidden beach in the middle of nowhere."

🚗 AWD/4x4 Recommended After Rain
Roads can turn to mud pits; AWD/4x4 is crucial if rain is expected. :car:
🪪 Check Event Permit Status
Community events may require permits; check BLM for updates. :information_desk:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Sandy Shoreline
Main Beach Area
A long, soft sandy beach perfect for relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying the river views.

Green River Kayaking & Rafting
Green River
Explore the refreshing, albeit powerful, Green River by raft, kayak, or paddleboard.

Desert Stargazing
Campground Areas
Experience breathtaking night skies, especially during a new moon, for unparalleled stargazing.

Wildlife Encounters
Surrounding Landscape
Keep an eye out for pronghorn deer, beavers, lizards, and other desert wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Road Conditions and Vehicle Choice
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 AWD/4x4 Recommended After Rain
Roads can turn to mud pits; AWD/4x4 is crucial if rain is expected. :car:
🪪 Check Event Permit Status
Community events may require permits; check BLM for updates. :information_desk:
🌊 River Current Caution
The Green River is powerful; avoid going too far out. :warning:
🪑 Bring Your Own Comfort
Pack chairs or blankets for enjoying the beach and views. :chair:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 AWD/4x4 Recommended After Rain
Roads can turn to mud pits; AWD/4x4 is crucial if rain is expected. :car:
🪪 Check Event Permit Status
Community events may require permits; check BLM for updates. :information_desk:
🌊 River Current Caution
The Green River is powerful; avoid going too far out. :warning:
🪑 Bring Your Own Comfort
Pack chairs or blankets for enjoying the beach and views. :chair:
🐶 Pet-Friendly Camping
A great spot for camping with dogs, enjoy the open spaces. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Swasey's Beach is lauded as a hidden gem offering stunning desert scenery, a pleasant sandy beach, and refreshing river access. Visitors appreciate the solitude, wildlife sightings, and exceptional stargazing opportunities. While the powerful river current requires caution and the remote location means bringing all supplies, the overall experience is highly rewarding for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
"Restrooms available. Only 20 minutes outside of Green River, Utah. Went at sunset~ Gorgeous views. Nice big, long sandy beach. We didn’t see anyone swimming, river looks too high and swift for that at least right now. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy."
Tacoma Talks
"Wow, what a sight! Found this hidden beach in the middle of nowhere. The water is cool and the sand is really soft. You're able to bring your raft or boat. Campsites throughout the area. The landscape is phenomenal. I saw a few antelope running around. Someone was driving either a dirt bike or atv in the hills also."
Lorenzo R. C
"Lovely campground. Option for paid spots (if 12 is open, you should take it!). Nice views of a small rapid and riverside camping. Further past the paid spots are dispersed. Please be aware if it rains you should only go past the campground with AWD/4x4. The road becomes a mud pit and had a few questionable sections in my AWD after heavy rain. Nice beach, and clean vault toilets, and dumpsters. The drive from the campground to the put in is beautiful."
Carrie Soulliere
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Swasey's Beach is located about 20 minutes outside of Green River, Utah. The drive involves country roads, some of which can become muddy and challenging after rain. It's recommended to have an AWD or 4x4 vehicle if there's a chance of wet weather.
The road is described as a winding country road with some bumps. After heavy rain, it can turn into a mud pit, making AWD/4x4 vehicles essential for safe passage.
While generally accessible, road conditions after rain or snow can impact access. It's advisable to check local weather and road conditions before your trip.
Yes, you can drive to the beach area. There are also campsites available throughout the area, with some closer to the main beach and others dispersed further out.
Cell service can be spotty in remote desert areas like Swasey's Beach. It's a good idea to download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For general day use and camping, no specific entry permit is typically required. However, the BLM is considering a proposal for up to 5 annual events requiring Special Use Permits.
There are no stated entry fees for general public access. Paid campsites are available, offering designated spots.
Swasey's Beach is generally open for public access and camping. There are no specific posted hours, but it's a natural area, so be mindful of daylight for travel and safety.
While some paid spots exist, reservations are not explicitly mentioned as a standard option. It's often a first-come, first-served basis for dispersed camping.
Information regarding event permits and public comment periods can be found through the BLM National NEPA Register.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include relaxing on the sandy beach, swimming (with caution due to current), kayaking, rafting, paddleboarding, camping, hiking, and stargazing.
The river is refreshing, but the current can be powerful. Visitors advise caution and not to venture too far out, as you can be pulled into the current.
Yes, clean vault toilets are available at Swasey's Beach campground.
You might spot pronghorn deer, beavers, lizards, and other desert wildlife in the surrounding areas.
Absolutely! It's a popular camping spot with both paid and dispersed sites, offering beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food services directly at Swasey's Beach. Visitors should bring all their own food and supplies.
Campfires are permitted, and many visitors enjoy cooking meals over a campfire while camping. Be sure to follow any fire restrictions in place. :fire:
The nearest town with grocery stores is Green River, Utah, which is about 20 minutes away. Stock up before you head to the beach.
While there are no designated picnic tables, the sandy beach and surrounding areas are perfect for picnicking.
Pack plenty of non-perishable food, snacks, and a generous supply of water, as there are no facilities for purchasing these items.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the mesmerizing desert landscapes, the winding Green River, sunset views, and the vast night sky for incredible photography.
Sunset offers gorgeous light for landscape photography. Early mornings can also provide beautiful, soft light and fewer people.
The main beach area provides excellent river views, while the surrounding hills offer panoramic vistas of the desert terrain.
Yes, especially during a new moon, the lack of light pollution makes it an exceptional spot for astrophotography.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod is essential for low-light and night photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏕️ Campers Seeking Solitude
🛶 Outdoor Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Green River
For those interested in a longer float, the stretch from Nefertiti to Swasey's Beach is a popular route. However, water levels and conditions can vary significantly by season. Checking recent reports or local advice is recommended before planning an extended river trip. The drive from the campground to the put-in point is also noted as being quite beautiful, adding to the overall river experience.
Camping at Swasey's Beach
When planning your camping trip, be mindful of the road conditions. After rain, the dirt roads leading to and around the campground can become extremely muddy, making AWD or 4x4 vehicles a necessity. This is a key piece of advice from those who have experienced the area after wet weather. The surrounding landscape provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, with visitors often spotting pronghorn deer and other desert creatures.
The Mesmerizing Desert Landscape
Beyond the immediate beach area, the drive to and from Swasey's Beach offers its own visual rewards. The terrain is a testament to the raw, untamed nature of the Utah desert. This dramatic backdrop enhances the experience of camping, hiking, and simply enjoying the solitude. The contrast between the sandy beach, the flowing river, and the arid desert creates a visually captivating environment that many find unforgettable.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit