Best Campgrounds near Big Water, UT

Camping opportunities near Big Water, Utah span across Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and nearby public lands, offering a mix of established campgrounds and primitive dispersed sites. The region includes several RV-friendly areas like Wahweap Campground with lake views and amenities, as well as free dispersed camping options such as Corral Dispersed and the nearby Ferry Swale Road BLM sites. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of facilities from primitive sites with no amenities to developed campgrounds with water, toilets, and dump stations.

Road conditions and seasonal considerations affect camping access throughout the area, especially for dispersed sites. High clearance vehicles are recommended for many of the primitive camping areas off main highways. "This area is about 15 min to Page. I found the best place was once you crossed the second cattle grate near some cattle stables," noted one camper about the Corral Dispersed area. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Water conservation is critical as many dispersed sites have no potable water sources. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with better coverage near Page, Arizona than in remote areas. Most dispersed camping on BLM land follows a 14-day stay limit.

Lake Powell access represents a major draw for campers in the Big Water area, with several campgrounds offering proximity to the water. Visitors particularly value the spectacular sunrise and sunset views across the sandstone landscape. A camper described the scene as having "absolutely stunning sunrise & sunset & you're right next to the white sandstone that separates UT from the AZ border." Proximity to attractions like Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Glen Canyon Dam makes this area popular as a base camp for regional exploration. Dispersed camping areas provide more solitude but lack shade, which campers frequently mention in reviews. The contrast between developed sites with amenities and primitive areas with unobstructed views allows visitors to choose their preferred camping experience based on comfort needs and desired proximity to Lake Powell's shoreline.

Best Camping Sites Near Big Water, Utah (141)

    1. Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    115 Reviews
    Big Water, UT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 608-6200

    "Plenty of toilets and trash cans are by the entrance/exit. A little windy because it’s exposed but very calm and quiet otherwise."

    "You can kayak or boat in the lake around the Lone Rock. The biggest problem is people getting their trucks and campers stuck around you all day and night."

    2. Wahweap Campground & RV Park — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    61 Reviews
    Page, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 896-3829

    "Location: excellent proximity to the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Upper & Lower Slot Canyons. Within approximately 1 hour to each."

    "Beautiful to wake up right next to the lake and surrounding hills, clean amenities and even some charging ports nearby. Perfect location for hiking in Utah, or seeing nearby sites"

    3. Corral Dispersed — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Big Water, UT
    6 miles

    "Check this map while driving to go off road. It fluctuates between Utah and Arizona."

    "I found the the best place was once you crossed the second cattle grate near some cattle stables. There was plenty of room to turn around."

    4. Lees Ferry Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    47 Reviews
    Marble Canyon, AZ
    15 miles
    Website

    "Awesome little campground surrounded by cliffs, overlooking the Colorado River. No reservations taken, so first come first served. No hook ups. But potable water & dump station close by."

    "Fantastic campground if you’re on your way to Grand Canyon, Antelope, or Southern Utah. This campground sits on a hill overlooking the majestic Colorado River."

    5. Page Lake Powell Campground

    51 Reviews
    Page, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 645-3374

    $28 - $125 / night

    "This campground is just on the outskirts of town. Coppermine Road is pretty busy during the day, but eventually quiets down at night.  This is a well established campground."

    "Hop the little 3 foot cinder block wall and hike up the sandstone rocks for a nice view of the valley behind you."

    6. Beehives Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Page, AZ
    13 miles
    Website

    "Separated from the road but enough distance such that road noise was not a factor. Would stay here again if needed."

    "Five minutes outside the town of Page and right next to the dam. The listing here says six sites, but they seem to have updated and there are 18-20."

    7. White House Campground

    21 Reviews
    Big Water, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 644-1200

    $12 / night

    "Easy to access and close to many great trails on the Utah/Atizona boarder. Stayed for 2 nights and wanted to stay longer. Nice sites with picnic tables and tall fire rings."

    "Since we didn’t have reservations to backpack the Paria Canyon Trail, we wanted to find a spot where we could camp near the trail and do a long day trip."

    8. Glen Canyon Dam Bridge Outlook

    19 Reviews
    Page, AZ
    13 miles

    "You can easily walk to the visitor center and up the road there is a 2 mile hike to see some hanging ferns. Views are pretty amazing too."

    "Big wide open parking area next to the bridge. Nothing special, but convenient."

    9. Soap Creek - Dispersed Camping

    37 Reviews
    Marble Canyon, AZ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (202) 208-3801

    "Located by Lee's Ferry, the Navajo Bridge, Cliff Dwellers, Horseshoe Bend, and the awe inspiring Vermillion Cliffs, these camp sites offer a remote camping experience but still close to plenty of amenities"

    "Stayed: 10/6/2020 - FREE Site: Canyon Edge - 2nd site

    Vehicle: Hyundai Rogue

    Equipment: Tent

    This was by far one of the coolest places I’ve ever camped. Right on the canyon edge!"

    10. State Line Spot Dispersed Camping — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Big Water, UT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 688-3200

    "We needed a spot to stay for the night near lake Powell on our way further west in Utah. This worked out nicely with our 20 foot trailer(with space to turn around)."

    "Right along the Utah/Az state line. No shelter but gorgeous views and super quiet. Our dog loved it too."

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Recent Reviews near Big Water, UT

1278 Reviews of 141 Big Water Campgrounds


  • Emma C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    NF 200A Dispersed

    Secluded and Beautiful

    Fun road to get to the sites from the main road, there are multiple ways in. Open spaces and multiple fire rings, but also lots of trees! Some aspens among the other trees which is beautiful. Got very cold and it is only October, so plan right!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Arch Campground — Kodachrome Basin State Park

    Amazing Views at a Baby Bryce Park

    Utah State Parks near National Parks are hidden gems. They’re dog friendly unlike National Parks and like Kodachrome, share a lot of the beauty but without the crowds.

    There are plenty of hikes for all levels here.

    We spontaneously decided to see if there were any openings at the visitor center and got the last dry camping spot in an overflow area. It was fine for a night.

    Vault toilets are spotless. Water is available at campsites and there are many fhu sites. Super quiet and peaceful.

    Your camp fee includes admission fee not the park. There’s no cell in the park but the wifi at the visitor center is some of the best we’ve experienced in a very comfortable setting— babbling water feature, swinging lounge chairs and a gas pit fire.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Glen Canyon Dam Bridge Outlook

    Perfect for Overnight

    This spot is perfect for the tired traveler. It is right before or past the Glen Canyon Dam visitor center. The lot is huge and fairly level. A few big rigs were here as well as a few smaller RVS. You can easily walk to the visitor center and up the road there is a 2 mile hike to see some hanging ferns. Views are pretty amazing too. The road noise was not as bad as I thought it would be with the road so close by. Definitely a good stop for the weary traveler.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    State Line Spot Dispersed Camping — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    Top Spot near Page

    Top spot. We were completely alone with our motorhome, surrounded by mountains. The area is spacious and offers several spots; we really enjoyed the night. We didn't have an internet connection with T-Online. Access is via a gravel road and is easily manageable even with a 2WD vehicle up to the first spots. For spots further away, you should have a 4WD.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Bryce Pioneer Village RV Park

    Nice Park

    I’ve learned that staying in nice parks for one night is kind of a bummer. This places is a motel and RV park. Mostly motel. There are only about ten campers spots. The national park is about 10 miles to Bryce Canyon. The bathhouse is clean and “modern”. I did not see laundry. They have an onsite restaurant with live music in the evenings. Pool looks like it would be a nice spot in the afternoon after a morning or early afternoon of adventure. My only complaint is hookups at rear end of trailer. I needed three sewer hoses. I could not black tank flush. 25 ft hose too short. Fortunately I had an extra sewer hoses in my cargo area. Nice spot for one night or probably two or more.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    FR 090 - dispersed camping

    Not great for Rv

    The road is terrible the further you drive in. We have a 24 ft Rv and thought we were going to tip over at numerous spots. The sites are great but are spread very far apart. If you can get into sites 1 to 7 it may be ok.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Roam America Horseshoe Bend

    Like new beautiful campground

    Check in was easy we booked online and had requested a pull through, when we arrived our reservation was for a back in. They switched us to another site no questions asked easy least. We had a pull through with FHU, everything worked as it should. Good Wi-Fi. Nice space between sites. Would definitely stay here again.


Guide to Big Water

Primitive and dispersed camping options dominate the landscape near Big Water, Utah, with sandy or rocky terrain requiring careful vehicle selection. Summer temperatures in this high desert region routinely reach 90-105°F during daytime hours, dropping 30-40 degrees at night. Water conservation remains essential throughout the area with many sites located 15-45 minutes from the nearest potable water sources.

What to do

Explore riverside trails: Lees Ferry Campground provides access to several hiking paths along the Colorado River. "We saw big horn sheep on the river trail. Close by in the other direction is Cathedral Wash trail. wow, wow, wow. It is challenging in that there are 3 points where one needs to climb down (then back up) a 30 ft drop in the wash," notes a visitor at Lees Ferry.

Fish the Colorado River: Areas near Big Water offer prime fishing opportunities, particularly at the river access points. "Spend your days fishing, boating, or rafting, and spend your nights camping at Lee's Ferry Campground on the banks of the Colorado River," explains a camper who frequently visits the area.

Photograph night skies: The remote desert setting provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. At Soap Creek Dispersed, "Stargazers will not be disappointed. We woke up at 3:30 am to see the Milky Way from the horizon to the opposite horizon," shares one camper about the experience.

What campers like

No reservation requirements: Most dispersed camping areas operate on first-come, first-served basis. At Beehives Campground, "We pulled in late night found a spot and were very comfortable and paid the next morning. Pit toilets were very clean," reports a recent visitor.

Affordability: Free and low-cost options abound. "Only $14 a night w america the beautiful pass," notes a camper at Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area, while others appreciate the cost-to-value ratio compared to developed campgrounds.

Distinct camping zones: Many sites offer different areas based on vehicle capability and camping preferences. At Lone Rock Beach, one camper explains, "There is an upper shelf of campsites about 100 yards from the water at the edge of a gentle slope. There is a whole other camping area below if you want to literally be on the water."

What you should know

High clearance recommended: Most dispersed sites require navigating rough roads. "The road is very rocky coming in. Clearance shouldn't be a problem, but tires might," warns a camper at Soap Creek Dispersed.

Plan for wind: The open desert landscape provides little wind protection. "The wind here is sort of the only complaint, but it has been completely manageable. I don't doubt it could get bad, but we had one or two bouts of an hour or less over the course of a few days," reports a camper at Powell BLM.

Limited facilities: Most sites have minimal or no amenities. "No facilities at all. The town of Page is 3 mins away if you need anything," explains a visitor to Glen Canyon Dam Bridge Outlook.

Wildlife encounters: Cattle grazing occurs throughout the region. A Powell BLM camper notes, "If you like cows... well you're in luck. They will come visit. You have to 'cow resistant' your space, they are curious and will poke around if you give them reason."

Tips for camping with families

Select sites with bathroom access: Children often need regular bathroom access. "The bathrooms are close to the campsites and were clean. Camp store stocked with beer, wine, food, coffee, t-shirts, and gear," reports a visitor to Wahweap Campground.

Consider swimming options: Accessible swimming areas provide relief from heat. "Daytime dips in the lake, nighttime lakeside fires. Perfection," describes a Lone Rock Beach visitor about their family routine.

Watch for hazards: Desert camping presents specific challenges for children. At Soap Creek, one camper warns, "The only negative is dust gets everywhere because of the wind, and there are a lot of low cactus to get you or your dog."

Tips from RVers

Scout before entering: Sand conditions can change rapidly. "Would definitely scout out an area and how you want to approach it before barreling in. Might save you a headache or two," advises an RVer at Lone Rock Beach.

Overnight parking alternatives: For self-contained RVs, several parking areas provide legal overnight options. At Glen Canyon Dam Bridge Outlook, "It's literally a very large turn out off the highway right on the side of the canyon. Lots of room for cars, vans, trucks, SUVs, RVs, even big rigs!"

Dump station locations: Plan waste management in advance. "There is a dump station and potable water. Cost was 14$ and find your spot," notes a camper at Lone Rock Beach, highlighting essential RV facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Big Water, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Big Water, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 141 campgrounds and RV parks near Big Water, UT and 67 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Big Water, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Big Water, UT is Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 115 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Big Water, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 67 free dispersed camping spots near Big Water, UT.