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The Swell is also known as a great place for dispersed camping. Dispersed camping is a term used for camping outside of a designated campground. For those looking to strike off and find the ideal spot to pitch your tent, keep in mind that there are no services – no trash removal, no facilities, no access to water, meaning it is NOT for the casual camper.
I thought it was a beautiful spot. Picnic spots seem better maintained than camping. There are bathrooms. I didn't see potable water. Also there are better primitive spots up the canyon.
I didn't camp there, but I went to the bridge and put my feet in the water. It is a pretty place. I did however walk through the campground. It is smaller and right next to water. If we weren't in a large motor home, we would have stayed in this spot.
We love this camping area. The campground is probably the cheapest deal (not counting dispersed camp sites). It was $6 per day. There is a pit toilet, picnic tables, fire pits and tent pads.
This was the coolest places ever. It's great for a day adventure or camping. Lots of exploring to do, history to see and read above and native rock art nearby. Go don't be lazy!
Really Primitive
I was planning to camp at the San Rafael Bridge recreation area (actually called Swinging Bridge North and South Campground) but I decided I didn't want to subject my truck and trailer to a 20 mile dirt road.
I travel with a motorcycle so I knew I would be riding the area anyway so I stayed at the Buckhorn Draw area which is less than 2 miles off I-70 and an awesome place (see Campendium reviews).
I wanted to provide a review for anyone else that may be considering the Swinging Bridge campground (7/23/2018). First, the condition of the road varies from pretty good to pretty rough and that's on a dry day. I was very happy that I decided not to drive it. The campgrounds are in a beautiful setting on the mostly dry San Rafael River. The south campground looks to be for tenters, the sites are small and there's no shade. The north campground is much nicer with larger sites and some shade trees. There's also a really nice equestrian campground accessed through the north campground.
