Just returned from a fantastic maiden voyage in our 16' Sport to the North San Rafael Swell in Southern Utah.
We arrived in Green River (from Colorado) late in the day, so after finding the Green River Cutoff Road off Hwy 6/191, we pulled off and camped for the night (thank you Airstream).
After breakfast we headed toward the Wedge area of the Swell via 35 miles of hard pan or gravel road, well graded, so the Bambi did just fine. Most of the Swell is managed by the BLM. They have been busy the last few years making "improvements" to the Wedge area. As long-time desert rats, we grieved the loss of unrestricted dispersed camping in the area. The camping is still dispersed, but in designated sites. There are literally hundreds of prime camp sites that are no longer accessible -- this is big open country that is not well-traveled. But its popularity is growing, particularly among mountain bikers and OHVers, so we conceded the need to be proactive. Southern Utah, in general, attracts the OHV crowd, and, although many understand the value of staying on designated roads, they can tear up this fragile landscape pretty fast. It appears the BLM is reacting to this concern, as well as to the promise of increased tourism that comes with well-graded roads and added facilities.
That said, the designated sites are quite private, and primitive. There is a pit toilet up by the main road, and one near the Overlook, but the campsites have no facilities.
We were lucky to find one of the prime spots unoccupied, right on the canyon edge. Superb! We saw maybe 7 people in 3 days.
The Wedge Overlook is directly above a canyon cut by the San Rafael River, known as "the Little Grand Canyon". Stunning scenery. The area offers great hiking and mountain bike trails, river sports, canyoneering, native American pictographs. Be ready for a dry desert environment.
Boondocking stats: We were out for a total of 3 nights, 2 full days. We took 6 extra gallons of water, used about 3 in the sun shower, and came home with around 6 gallons in the AS fresh water tank. Took 2 sun showers but also 2 AS showers, just to check it out! Otherwise, we used camping water conservation techniques. We figured if we filled up all 4 of our 6 gallons jugs, we could stay out for about a week. We didn't burn much battery, but didn't really put it to the test (didn't need the furnace --thought it was hilarious that this little trailer has something like 14 light bulbs! We found that one bulb at a time in the dinette or the sleeping area was plenty of light, and will put in LEDs soon). So we are still not sure where our power limit is, but do plan on getting a solar panel for extended stays. Used the pit toilet in the way in, and the way out, and during the middle day took a nice long stroll with a shovel. :-) Plan to keep our gray/black tank gray only.
Oh, and our campsite had 3 full Verizon bars, so will consider returning for a work holiday!
Only warranty issue that arose was the loss of one of the awning hooks. Noticed it was loose, and by the time we got home it was gone.
We love our Bambi! Next outing: Curt Gowdy State Park in Wyoming to celebrate friends' anniversary.
You will most certainly wish you had taken the prior posters information and parked it at the get off in the junipers- we just dont like to leave the girl unattended- (personal preference on that -not meant to start any heated discussion)
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