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Wedge Overlook (San Rafael Swell) – Free boondocking camping in Castle Dale, Utah

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The Wedge Overlook is a free dispersed camping area managed by the BLM, perched on the edge of the San Rafael River canyon, nicknamed the "Little Grand Canyon," in the heart of the San Rafael Swell in central Utah. About a hundred sites are spread over approximately 3 miles of road along the cliff: several are literally on the edge of the chasm, while others are sheltered among the junipers. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, and the starry sky is exceptional.

Access by RV: possible, but with caution. The access road is a wide, graded gravel path about 20 miles from Castle Dale, passable by most vehicles in dry weather, but you should drive slowly due to the washboard. Campers have made it there in Class C motorhomes and 22-foot trailers. However, the cliffside sites are small, poorly defined, and offer little maneuvering space: longer vehicles should aim for the first sites, which are larger and have turning areas. The road becomes slippery and problematic in the rain.

Camping is only allowed at designated sites, marked by posts, and the main overlook itself is reserved for day use. Sites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations, and fill up quickly on weekends and during spring break.

Services: two pit toilets, one at the main overlook. No drinking water, no trash cans, no tables or grills; some sites have a stone circle for a fire. You must arrive fully self-sufficient in water and leave with all your waste. The nearest town, Castle Dale, is about 40 minutes away.

Note: the wind can be strong on the canyon edge, there is virtually no shade, and the BLM has begun developing a paid camping area in the zone — it's best to check on-site which sites remain free. Cell signal is generally good but varies by location. The area is very popular with mountain bikers (Good Water Rim trail) and ATVs.

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