Swasey's Beach
1 / 10

Swasey's Beach

4.7
·201 reviews·Green River, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Swasey's Beach

Swasey's Beach

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(201 reviews)

"Wow, what a sight! Found this hidden beach in the middle of nowhere."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Sandy Shoreline

The Sandy Shoreline

Main Beach Area

A long, soft sandy beach perfect for relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying the river views.

Reddit
Green River Kayaking & Rafting

Green River Kayaking & Rafting

Green River

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

Reddit
Desert Stargazing

Desert Stargazing

Campground Areas

Experience breathtaking night skies, especially during a new moon, for unparalleled stargazing.

Reddit
Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Surrounding Landscape

Keep an eye out for pronghorn deer, beavers, lizards, and other desert wildlife.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Swasey's Beach offers stunning desert landscapes and river access. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) to avoid extreme heat and potential summer crowds. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, allowing for a more peaceful experience. Instagram

Road Conditions and Vehicle Choice

Access to Swasey's Beach involves a drive on country roads, which can become muddy and challenging after rain, especially for non-AWD/4x4 vehicles. Plan your trip accordingly and check weather forecasts to ensure safe passage. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter atmosphere, ample space
Crowd
Low
When
New Moon nights
Why
Incredible stargazing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

PRICE, UTAH seeks public input on event permits at Swasey's Beach. Community interest in group and commercial events is rising. Proposal: Approved up to 5 events annually with Special Use Permits. The 15-day public comment period is now open. Submit feeback by March 5, 2025. Go to the BLM National NEPA Register and search for "Administration of Event SRPs at Swasey's Beach". For more info c...
utahpubliclands
162 likes • 4.1K views

🚗 AWD/4x4 Recommended After Rain

Roads can turn to mud pits; AWD/4x4 is crucial if rain is expected. Reddit :car:

🪪 Check Event Permit Status

Community events may require permits; check BLM for updates. TikTok :information_desk:

Swasey's Beach along Green River in Utah 💙 One of those off-the-beaten path gems we didn't plan on and was 11 miles off our route, but so worth it. Winding country road with some great bumps, pronghorn deer leaping over the scrub, and cool water to splaah in and beat the desert heat. Never thought I'd make Utah a setting for a romance, but after experiencing this and reading about things like pr...
graysonromance
6 likes • 133 views
Swasey's Beach and the Green River in Utah. ..... #beautifulutah #utahhiddengems #discoverutah
adventures_in_sweetpea
9 likes • 87 views

🌊 River Current Caution

The Green River is powerful; avoid going too far out. Reddit :warning:

🪑 Bring Your Own Comfort

Pack chairs or blankets for enjoying the beach and views. Reddit :chair:

The landscape everywhere, away from the river, is a rock – cliffs of rock; plateau of rock terraces of rock; crags of rock – ten thousand strangely carved forms. JWP #Swasey's beach #Nefriti #campingwithdogs #solitude #johnwesleypowell #lucyliu
lgpiper65
28 likes • 312 views

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. Reddit :car:

🪪 Check Event Permit Status

Community events may require permits; check BLM for updates. TikTok :information_desk:

🌊 River Current Caution

The Green River is powerful; avoid going too far out. Reddit :warning:

🪑 Bring Your Own Comfort

Pack chairs or blankets for enjoying the beach and views. Reddit :chair:

🐶 Pet-Friendly Camping

A great spot for camping with dogs, enjoy the open spaces. InstagramReddit :dog:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(201 reviews)

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. InstagramReddit

"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

Beautiful desert scenery
Long sandy beach
Great stargazing

What People Dislike

Strong river current
Remote location

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. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

There are no stated entry fees for general public access. Paid campsites are available, offering designated spots. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Information regarding event permits and public comment periods can be found through the BLM National NEPA Register. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Activities include relaxing on the sandy beach, swimming (with caution due to current), kayaking, rafting, paddleboarding, camping, hiking, and stargazing. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Yes, clean vault toilets are available at Swasey's Beach campground. Reddit

You might spot pronghorn deer, beavers, lizards, and other desert wildlife in the surrounding areas. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! It's a popular camping spot with both paid and dispersed sites, offering beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants or food services directly at Swasey's Beach. Visitors should bring all their own food and supplies. Reddit

Campfires are permitted, and many visitors enjoy cooking meals over a campfire while camping. Be sure to follow any fire restrictions in place. Reddit :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. Instagram

While there are no designated picnic tables, the sandy beach and surrounding areas are perfect for picnicking. Reddit

Pack plenty of non-perishable food, snacks, and a generous supply of water, as there are no facilities for purchasing these items. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the mesmerizing desert landscapes, the winding Green River, sunset views, and the vast night sky for incredible photography. InstagramReddit

Sunset offers gorgeous light for landscape photography. Early mornings can also provide beautiful, soft light and fewer people. Reddit

The main beach area provides excellent river views, while the surrounding hills offer panoramic vistas of the desert terrain. Instagram

Yes, especially during a new moon, the lack of light pollution makes it an exceptional spot for astrophotography. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Swasey's Beach offers a unique desert-meets-river adventure for families. The sandy beach provides a fun area for kids to play, and the shallow edges of the Green River can be suitable for supervised splashing. Instagram However, parents should be extra vigilant about the river's current, as it can be powerful even in seemingly calm areas. Reddit Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as facilities are minimal. Camping here can be a memorable experience, with opportunities for kids to see wildlife and enjoy campfires under the stars. InstagramReddit

🏕️ Campers Seeking Solitude

For those craving peace and quiet, Swasey's Beach delivers. While there are paid campsites, the dispersed camping areas offer a true escape from crowds. Reddit The vast desert landscape provides a sense of isolation and tranquility, perfect for unwinding. InstagramReddit Be prepared for self-sufficiency, as amenities are limited to vault toilets and dumpsters. Reddit The incredible stargazing opportunities are a major draw for campers seeking a connection with nature. Reddit

🛶 Outdoor Enthusiasts

Swasey's Beach is a haven for water sports and exploration. The Green River is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and rafting, offering a refreshing way to experience the desert environment. Reddit Remember to assess river conditions and be aware of the current. Reddit The surrounding desert also provides opportunities for hiking and exploring the unique geological formations. InstagramReddit Pack appropriate gear for your chosen activities and be ready for an adventurous outing. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Green River

The Green River adjacent to Swasey's Beach offers a refreshing escape, but it's crucial to respect its power. While ideal for activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and rafting, visitors are warned that the current can be strong. Reddit It's advised not to venture too far into the river, as you could be pulled downstream. Always assess the water conditions before entering and consider wearing a life jacket for added safety. Reddit

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. Reddit The drive from the campground to the put-in point is also noted as being quite beautiful, adding to the overall river experience. Reddit

Camping at Swasey's Beach

Swasey's Beach is a beloved camping destination, offering a blend of paid spots and dispersed camping options. Paid sites are often described as desirable if available, providing a more structured camping experience. Reddit Further out, dispersed camping allows for more solitude and a closer connection with the natural surroundings. Reddit Many campers rave about the peaceful atmosphere, the opportunity to enjoy campfires, and the incredible stargazing, especially during new moon phases. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. InstagramReddit

The Mesmerizing Desert Landscape

The scenery surrounding Swasey's Beach is a significant draw, characterized by stark desert beauty and unique geological formations. Visitors often describe the landscape as mesmerizing, with cliffs, terraces, and rock formations that evoke a sense of ancient grandeur. Instagram John Wesley Powell's descriptions of the area highlight its dramatic rock formations, a sentiment echoed by modern visitors. Reddit

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. Instagram This dramatic backdrop enhances the experience of camping, hiking, and simply enjoying the solitude. Reddit The contrast between the sandy beach, the flowing river, and the arid desert creates a visually captivating environment that many find unforgettable. InstagramReddit

You may also like