Hiking the Petrified Forest Trail and paddling Wide Hollow Reservoir are the two activities most reviewers mention first, and both sit within easy reach of the campsite loop at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park (Utah). The trail climbs the hill directly behind camp and passes through a landscape of fossilized wood, with colorful mineral deposits visible underfoot. Kayak rentals are available at the reservoir, though water levels can run low in dry years and boating access may be restricted depending on conditions.
Site quality varies noticeably depending on which loop you book. The older section of the campground has more tree cover, shade, and privacy, while a newer section added in 2024 is more open with no trees. Reviewers note that shade descriptions on the reservation site do not always match conditions on the ground, and at least one site near an active service road was affected by ongoing construction. Water hookups exist but can be awkward to reach without a long hose. Cell service is limited throughout the park.
The shower facilities draw consistent praise. Showers are free, run for eight minutes, and include a bench and hanging area inside each stall. The bathrooms attached to the central building are reported as clean across multiple visits and seasons. Sites are spaced well enough that even during busy spring break weekends, neighbors do not feel immediately on top of each other. Reservations are available and recommended, particularly for the lakeside spots, which fill quickly. This campground works best for RV travelers with hookup needs or families who want trail access and shower facilities in the same stop, and those exploring places to camp around Escalante will find it a practical base for the wider canyon country.
Description
Camp along the shores of Wide Hollow Reservoir, or rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard on its clear waters. Hike along park nature trails through a petrified forest, but remember to take only photographs. Some say the petrified wood is haunted and removing a piece brings the taker nothing but bad luck.
Fee Info
Wide Hollow Campground: $25
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Visit stateparks.utah.gov to learn current conditions, fire restrictions, and other important information for each individual state park. Refunds are not given for changing park conditions such as changing water levels or fire bans.
All campsites and yurts are available for reservation on a four-month rolling basis. For example, on January 10 individual sites are available for reservation through May 10. You can book a maximum of 13 days beyond the last date of the reservation window. For more information please contact our Reservation Call Center at 800-322-3770 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) Monday through Friday. The call center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
All Reservations that extend beyond The Furthest Arrival Date Must Wait 21 Days Before Changes Can Be Made
By a vehicle having a camper or RV, that means it is a camping unit, not an extra vehicle.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWide Hollow Campground is located in Utah near Escalante
Directions
Located 1.5 miles west of Escalante off Highway 12.
Address
710 North Reservoir Road
Escalante, UT 84726-0350
Coordinates
37.78787355 N
111.62971628 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 21 usersLast on 7/14/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 34 usersLast on 7/14/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/14/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 21 usersLast on 7/14/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 34 usersLast on 7/14/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/14/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 44 min from St. George, UT
- 3 hrs 45 min from Provo, UT
- 4 hrs 36 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 5 hrs 7 min from Flagstaff, AZ

















