Best Tent Camping near Tonalea, AZ
Tent camping options near Tonalea, Arizona include established sites at Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile Campsite within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This primitive camping area sits at the base of the famous Horseshoe Bend formation, offering a unique perspective of the landmark. Narrow Canyon Orchards Campsite provides an alternative tent camping location in the region, with multiple access options including drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in tent sites.
Tent campsites at Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile require boat access to reach the camping area, making this a specialized backcountry experience. Both locations permit campfires, though campers should verify current fire restrictions before visiting. Narrow Canyon Orchards features basic amenities including toilets and allows pets, while Horseshoe Bend provides toilet facilities but no pet accommodations. Neither location specifies the number of available tent sites or seasonal operating dates, so campers should prepare for potentially limited availability and check current conditions before departure.
The tent camping experience at Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile offers exceptional views from a rarely seen perspective. A camper noted that "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." This unique situation creates an unusual camping dynamic where visitors may be visible from the popular overlook above. The area provides dispersed sites with open spaces suitable for larger groups. Water access is a highlight, with one visitor commenting on the "amazing view from bottom up" and noting that the "water is amazing." Tent campers should prepare for the boat-in access requirement and bring all necessary supplies for a self-sufficient backcountry camping experience.
