Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile Campsite — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Accessible only by boat, this National Park Service campground sits at the bottom of the Colorado River canyon below the famous Horseshoe Bend overlook. Campers can expect regular foot traffic and photography activity from visitors at the rim viewpoint several hundred feet above. The site provides toilets and allows campfires, with multiple dispersed camping areas that can accommodate larger groups.

River access makes this location popular with boaters exploring Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. For those planning extended river trips, campsites around Page offer vehicle-accessible alternatives for pre-trip staging. The boat-in requirement means advance planning for all gear and supplies.

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Map & DirectionsHorseshoe Bend 9 Mile Campsite is located in Arizona near Page

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

36.87937601 N
111.51787797 W

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Connectivity

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    Verified by 11 users
    Last on 6/18/26
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    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 6/18/26
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    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 6/18/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 11 users
    Last on 6/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 6/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 6/18/26

Access

  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile Campsite

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2021

Amazing view

Amazing view from bottom up but was even better from the top down, water is amazing

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile Campsite — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by B O., September 12, 2021
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  • Review photo of Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile Campsite — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by B O., September 12, 2021
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Reviewed Nov. 30, 2019

Awesome site!

Had an awesome time camping out at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend! It was somewhat weird having people always taking pictures and looking down at the camp a couple hundred feet up, but they were so far away that we got used to it. Lots of different dispersed sites and open spaces for larger groups!

  • Review photo of Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile Campsite — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by Joffrey H., November 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile Campsite — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by Joffrey H., November 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile Campsite — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by Joffrey H., November 30, 2019
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the closest campground to Horseshoe Bend?

Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile Campsite is the closest campground to Horseshoe Bend, located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This campsite is situated at the bottom of the bend, offering a unique perspective of the famous landmark from below. While most visitors view Horseshoe Bend from the overlook above, camping at this location provides an immersive experience. There are several other campgrounds in the broader Page, Arizona area, but this is the most proximate option for those wanting to stay directly at Horseshoe Bend.

Can you camp at Horseshoe Bend in Arizona?

Yes, you can camp at Horseshoe Bend through the Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile Campsite in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This offers a unique experience camping at the bottom of the iconic bend with views looking up at the cliff walls. The campground features dispersed sites with open spaces that can accommodate larger groups. It's an unusual experience to see tourists taking photos from the rim hundreds of feet above, but they're distant enough that most campers quickly adjust to this unique aspect.

Is there free camping available near Horseshoe Bend?

The Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile Campsite operates within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which typically requires permits or fees for overnight stays. For free camping options, look to nearby BLM lands outside the recreation area boundaries. Always check current regulations with the National Park Service or Bureau of Land Management before planning a free camping trip in this region, as policies may change. The unique experience of camping beneath the bend itself generally comes with associated recreation area fees.

What do the Horseshoe Bend campground facilities look like?

Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile Campsite offers a primitive camping experience with dispersed sites and open spaces suitable for groups of various sizes. The facilities are minimal, focusing on the natural experience rather than amenities. The campground sits at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend, providing spectacular views looking up at the towering cliff walls and the Colorado River. The area offers enough space for different camping configurations, but don't expect developed facilities like showers or hookups. This is primarily a destination for those seeking an immersive natural experience at the base of this iconic landmark.