This free BLM dispersed camping area sits along the washboard dirt surface of Hole in the Rock Road, about a quarter mile south of Highway 12. Campers access multiple camping zones by taking the easternmost path from the main road, which leads to an open area dotted with established rock fire rings. The Bureau of Land Management requires a free permit, available at the Escalante visitor center.
The camping area spreads across level ground scattered with pinyon pine and juniper trees. Multiple reviewers describe finding ample space between sites, with Christine J. noting "You are secluded and you are very far apart from others." Sandy soil requires solid tent staking in windy conditions. By late afternoon, the main large area typically fills up, though smaller individual sites branch off the road for earlier arrivals.
The rough, washboarded road surface demands attention from drivers. High-clearance vehicles handle the route better than standard cars, and conditions worsen significantly during wet weather. ATV traffic kicks up dust throughout the day. Cell service reaches the area due to proximity to the Escalante airport down the hill, making this more connected than deeper backcountry spots.
Campers use this location as a base for exploring nearby slot canyons, including Spooky Gulch and Peekaboo Canyon trailheads accessible via the same road. Day hikers frequently pass through heading to these destinations. Rachael A. calls it a "Great star viewing location" once the day traffic settles. Other camping near Escalante includes developed options like Lower Calf Creek Campground just north of this area.
Pack water and supplies since no amenities exist beyond the rock fire rings and occasional dumpsters. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping temperatures in this exposed location.
Description
This 62 mile (100 km) drive (one way) runs from Escalante, Utah to the Hole-in-the-Rock on the western shore of Lake Powell following the general route of of the original Hole-in-the-Rock Expedition and is great for Grand Staircase Escalante Camping. Most of the road is in Grand Staircase-Ecalante National Monument, however the last approximately 5 miles are within the boundaries of Glen Canyon NRA. Most of the road on BLM land is passable to high-clearance, two-wheel drive vehicles in dry weather. The last few miles within Glen Canyon are best travelled by foot, bicycle, or four-wheel drive vehicle. There are numerous side-roads that leave this main road. Nearly all of these are only recommended for four-wheel drive. Persons travelling this road should carry plenty of water (at least one gallon--4 liters--per person per day) and be equipped to get themselves out of any difficulty they might encounter. This road is not routinely patrolled by any agency. Temperatures can range over 100° F (38°C) in summer to near 0° F (-17°C) in winter. Sudden heavy rains, especially in summer months may make this road impassable. If you are caught near the end of the road during a heavy storm, you may not be able to make it back to the paved highway, even with a four-wheel drive.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHole in the Rock Road at Grand Staircase-Escalante is located in Utah near Escalante
Coordinates
37.50777072 N
111.50161155 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 users
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 13 users
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 users
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 users
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 13 users
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 users
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Hole in the Rock Road at Grand Staircase-Escalante needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 34 min from St. George, UT
- 5 hrs 18 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 5 hrs 27 min from Provo, UT
- 6 hrs 49 min from Farmington, NM
































