Hole in the Rock Road at Grand Staircase-Escalante, near Escalante, Utah, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a bit of solitude in nature. This area offers dispersed camping with plenty of room to spread out, making it easy to find your own slice of peace away from the hustle and bustle.

The scenery here is stunning, with great views all around, especially at sunset. Visitors have noted that the sites are well-separated, providing a sense of privacy while still being part of a friendly camping community. As one camper put it, “You are secluded and you are very far apart from others.” Just keep in mind that amenities are minimal—there are no restrooms or drinking water, so be prepared to pack in and pack out.

If you’re up for some adventure, the nearby hiking trails are a big draw. Many campers have enjoyed exploring the surrounding canyons and rock formations, with some mentioning the great star viewing at night. Just be ready for a bumpy ride on the access road; it’s manageable with a low-clearance vehicle, but a bit of caution is advised. Whether you're in a tent or RV, Hole in the Rock Road is a solid choice for those looking to escape into the wild.

This 62 mile (100 km) drive (one way) runs from Escalante, Utah to the Hole-in-the-Rock on the western shore of Lake Powell following the general route of of the original Hole-in-the-Rock Expedition and is great for Grand Staircase Escalante Camping. Most of the road is in Grand Staircase-Ecalante National Monument, however the last approximately 5 miles are within the boundaries of Glen Canyon NRA. Most of the road on BLM land is passable to high-clearance, two-wheel drive vehicles in dry weather. The last few miles within Glen Canyon are best travelled by foot, bicycle, or four-wheel drive vehicle. There are numerous side-roads that leave this main road. Nearly all of these are only recommended for four-wheel drive. Persons travelling this road should carry plenty of water (at least one gallon--4 liters--per person per day) and be equipped to get themselves out of any difficulty they might encounter. This road is not routinely patrolled by any agency. Temperatures can range over 100° F (38°C) in summer to near 0° F (-17°C) in winter. Sudden heavy rains, especially in summer months may make this road impassable. If you are caught near the end of the road during a heavy storm, you may not be able to make it back to the paved highway, even with a four-wheel drive.

Hole in the Rock Road at Grand Staircase-Escalante

Searching for the best camping near Escalante, UT? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Escalante, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Escalante, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Escalante

The Best Camping Near Escalante, Utah

I actually camped primitivly on a turn off a few miles before reaching Hole in the Rock. I can't believe there aren't any reviews because if you want to truly experience the outdoors and seclusion, look no further. There are countless options for one to set up camp and if you'd like, you can get out to where you won't see another soul except for free range cattle. Preparation is CRUCIAL out here though being that you are in the middle of no where. Please ensure you pack enough water, food, have a spare tire/jack, first aid kit, proper attire, GPS because cell service is a no go, and whatever else you'd normally pack out. If something goes wrong, make it easy as possible for yourself right?

True beauty is to be found here though. There are numerous attractions within Grand Staircase, let alone the fact that the surrounding area is littered with other National and State parks.

Holy stars. 

Located in Grand Staircase - Escalante National Park, on Hole in the Rock Road, near the trailhead for Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Canyon trailhead. Primitive campsite with fire pits available in some spots. Perfect place to camp after a long hike, especially if you’re planning on being the area for a couple days. Enjoy!

Hole in the Rock Road 

The site is on BLM land. Pack it in and pack it out. No amenities. Free. I liked this place. It was large area, open and clean. It is easy to find. From Highway 12, go south about a quarter mile on Hole in the Rock road. Then you will come onto three paths to take. Take the most east path and this will get you to the BLM lands. From there you will spot lots of rock fire rings to park near. Really there was lots of space to pick from. The drive on Highway 12 is incredibly scenic and beautiful. The ranger at the visitor center in the town Escalante told us this area is called "Tin Can" because of all the RVs the are sometimes there. We did have to get a permit, which we usually don't have to, at the visitor center. The permit is free. The area is open with lots of pinyon pine and juniper trees around. The ground is level. Plenty of privacy. Being so close to Grand Staircase Escalante was a plus. That area of Utah is well worth the time to see. We took a hike to a waterfall in the National Monument.

Close to Grand Staircase Escalante, private, open, free. 

Getting to this campground was a rough washboard road, definitely not for the faint of bladder. haha

You will need a 4x4 car or one with high clearance, in rain or snow I wouldn't risk it with a simple coupe.

Once you get to the campground it is a lovely view of mountains and canyons all around you. It is almost hard to believe that there are slot canyons at every turn. This is also the way to get into Spooky Gulch and Peekaboo canyon so there are a lot of day hikers that come out to do the slot canyons.

The sites are big enough for tents but there are no bathrooms and minimal shade so going in the Spring or Fall would be best.

Off the main road gem

Very is available off the side of this road. No amenities are available. Amazing side sites are available all along hole in the Rock road. Slot canyons and such. Road is wash boarded out so make sure you have the appropriate vehicle to drive into this terrain.

Rogue camping off the main road

Good dispersed camping close to main road and access to awesome hiking.

Off the grid

If you take an immediate right once you turn on Hole In the Rock Road, theres lots of dispersed camp spots. RV and camper accessible. Road is a bit rutted, though. Dead ends at a ranch. Decent views but no amazing rock formations there. Grand Escalante is just over the hill and the town of Escalante is down the hill. Great phone service since the airport is down the hill a bit. 

Quiet camping with cell service

This campsite was really cool. It was pretty much full by 6 pm.  There were some really nice spots.  This seems to be a heavy ATV area so when people rode by it would get dirt everywhere.  Great star viewing location.  The road will rattle your brains, though so be prepared for that.

Nice and Open!

It’s been hard trying to do a reservation seems everywhere it is packed, this option at hole in the rock offers, leave no trace camping without having to worry about finding a place thru making a reservation. Near by hikes are great and there are so many options. 

No reservations needed. 

By far, this has got to be the absolute best for BLM camping. Many, many campsites. You are secluded and you are very far apart from others. The scenery is great and awesome views of the sunset.  This is a definate go to. 

The Absolute Best

There were several little “driveways” off of the main road that would serve as great sites for one group, but you have to get there early. By the time it’s late afternoon, you’ll end up having to go with the main large area, which is basically just a couple minutes after the turn for Hole in the Rock Road. But it was great! There were lots of people, but plenty of room to feel like you had your own spot and privacy. Everyone was very respectful with their noise levels. One thing, it’s mostly sand, so if you’re in a tent you’re going to need to stake down your tent well so it doesn’t blow away! Overall, a great free spot and definitely a place I’ll visit again (so much more to explore off of that awesome road!).

Great Dispersed Camping!

Dispersed camping with great views all around. There are some rock fire pits made by other campers but currently campfires aren’t allowed in the area. There are dumpsters but no restrooms. The dirt roads are easily accessible by 2WD. 

Really nice

Sites were great and very secluded. They are situated far enough off the road that traffic trailheads further down the road was unnoticeable. The road off the highway was extremely bumpy but can be managed with low clearance vehicle (i.e. Camry, or Accord like vehicle) 

Photos of Hole in the Rock Road at Grand Staircase-Escalante

Real photos from real campers