Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Big Water Dispersed - NP 230

Big Water Dispersed - NP 230 is located near varied terrain with rocky landscapes and open spaces. Temperatures can range from highs of 90°F in summer to lows of 30°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the scenic views of Lake Powell and the unique formations of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Description

National Park

Dispersed camping is allowed throughout Glen Canyon's backcountry, with some restrictions. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. Visit the Hiking page for more details on backcountry trip planning.

Leave No Trace Make every attempt to leave the backcountry nicer than you found it. “Take only pictures and leave only footprints” is a good reminder. Do not remove anything from the canyon. Leave the flowers, rocks and everything else for others to enjoy.

If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. The best sites are found, not made. Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damage or killing plants and grass.

Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal) and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided. You must be self-contained and self-sufficient. Carry out all litter and garbage, including soild pet waste.

Follow the principles of Leave No Trace.

Human Waste Disposal All human body waste solids shall be contained and carried out using a portable toilet or a specifically engineered bag waste containment system. Use of a plastic or paper bag as a receptacle for solid human waste and/or for disposal of solid human waste is prohibited unless part of a specifically engineered bag waste containment system containing enzymes and polymers to treat human solid waste, capable of being sealed securely and state approved for disposal in ordinary trash receptacles. Visitors are responsible for providing their own removal system that is adequate for the size of their group and length of stay. Packing out human waste is required in Coyote Gulch, within 1/4 mile of the shore of Lake Powell, the San Juan River, Escalante River, Dirty Devil River or the Colorado River, and anywhere else the minimum 300 feet from a water source cannot be attained.

Read more details about proper waste disposal in the Superintendent's Compendium. https://www.nps.gov/glca/learn/management/superintendents-compendium.htm#humanwaste

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Location

Big Water Dispersed - NP 230 is located in Utah

Coordinates

37.074132 N
111.592823 W

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Access

Drive-In
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Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
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Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 19 min from St. George
2 hrs 28 min from Flagstaff
3 hrs 40 min from Prescott Valley
3 hrs 59 min from Farmington

Greg I.

Guide

Reviewed May. 13, 2025

Restricted, limited choices, but nice scenery

Dispersed… but you can really only pull off the shoulder along the many miles of this road. Travel is restricted to "designated routes", and the road is the only one. If you go all the way to Crosby Canyon, there are some spots there, but again, just off the road.
There is some cell service, 3 bars or so, and the scenery is very nice. Just don't expect to drive a ways off the road to camp.

PS: we only went in about 10-11 miles, there may be better opportunities further in. This road connects all the way north to Escalante, if you're hardy enough.

Month of VisitMay