Dispersed camping along NP 230 restricts campers to roadside pullouts rather than backcountry sites. The road serves as the designated route through this National Park-managed area, with camping limited to shoulder spots along the many-mile stretch. Campers can access sites by vehicle or on foot, though the road conditions are rough.
Cell service reaches three bars in most areas, and the route extends all the way north to Escalante for hardy travelers. Better camping opportunities may exist further along the road beyond the initial 10-11 miles. For campers wanting established facilities, Blue Pool Wash Dispersed — Glen Canyon NRA provides another dispersed option nearby.
Description
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
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig Water Dispersed is located in Utah near Big Water
Coordinates
37.074132 N
111.592823 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 12/11/25
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/9/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 12/11/25
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/9/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
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.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 19 min from St. George, UT
- 2 hrs 28 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 40 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 3 hrs 59 min from Farmington, NM
