Big Water Dispersed - NP 230

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