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Paved access off US-89 makes Big Water one of the more reachable dispersed camping corridors in southern Utah, with BLM land around the town connecting to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to the north. Lake Powell-area dispersed camping is accessible south of Big Water, where BLM land fringes the reservoir with no fees and no reservations. No water and no restrooms at any of these sites. The 14-day stay limit applies. Summer heat in this basin is intense from June through August, and fire restrictions are common during that stretch.
What's available in Big Water for RV stays covers more developed options for those who want hookups or defined sites with services.
"Great spot near Page. 2 mile dirt road (missed the turnoff at night), big lot. Great for car, RV, or van camping. Really hard rough gravel surface and wouldn’t recommend tenting here."
"We did some car camping here back in April and it was amazing. The turn for this road is on your right when you are driving away from Lone Rock towards page, just after the marina."
"It's literally a very large turn out off the highway right on the side of the canyon. So no facilities at all. The town of Page is 3 mins away if you need anything."
"No water. Felt safe."
"After you pull off the highway, you will cross a cattle grate. This campground is right before the second cattle grate about a mile in."
"We drove a few hundred yards from the first spot and found a perfect spot for our camper van. Right along the Utah/Az state line. No shelter but gorgeous views and super quiet. Our dog loved it too."
"Stayed to the right due to driving a Solis. The ground was manageable to get through with 2 wheel drive. The spot is absolutely sick."
"The pull-off for this area is situated between a scenic byway sign, from both directions. You have to open an unlocked gate to access the road to the canyon."
"Random dirt turnoff road but quiet and peaceful and big enough space and turnaround for big rvs. I tent camped a ways up with my Silverado. Wide open tho with no amenities."
"A bit bumpy on the dirt road to the site, but we managed our 30ft RV ok and enjoyed a quiet night tucked just off the dirt road"
"I followed the path to the spot deeper. We can hear coyotes howling in the distance. I have dispersed camped for the last 8 months straight over 9k miles now, and I’m so happy with this spot."
"After turning onto the dirt road there’s an almost immediate right turn. After that another 1/4 mile or so the road forks off down to the right, or around the bend to the left."
"The spot is relatively close to the highway, but the noise wasn’t too bad through the night. It’s clean and flat."
"After a minute you'll see a cleared area towards the right with some free camping."
"We parked in the lot closest to the highway but there are more sites farther up a steep road."
"Seriously, prepare yourself for some off-road trekking that will have you questioning yourself and the limits of your vehicle."
TravelerGreat camping spot and so easy to get to. Nice dirt road. Don’t pay attention to the 4WD warning sign. You can get to many spots right off the road without it. We went maybe 1/4 mile off the highway and found a wide open field. Camper vans and RVs and 2 WD would be able to camp this
GuidePerfect primitive overnight spot! It's literally a very large turn out off the highway right on the side of the canyon. So no facilities at all. The town of Page is 3 mins away if you need anything. Lots of room for cars, vans, trucks, SUVs, RVs, even big rigs! I parked here around noon and stayed overnight. There was a couple RVs already there. As the day and evening progressed, several more RVs, Vans, and 2 Big rigs showed up for the night. Even with so many of us, it was surprisingly quiet. Even the big rigs weren't loud. The area is clean too. Everyone follows the "Leave No Trace" principles. You can't pitch a tent but you can sleep in pretty much any vehicle. Enjoy and check out "Brew It" for coffee in the morning. Great coffee, food, and an amazing view from an elevated patio!
RangerSo this is the dispersed camping area in a beautiful location. It is only about a quarter of a mile off Utah 24 on hole in the rock road. There's no water there no pit toilets there are no fire rings there are no picnic tables. But it's free. And there's a cell phone signal.
TravelerWhen our original dispersed camping spot didn’t work out we drove down the road and found this little gem, right outside the entrance to Bruce Canyon National Park. There are a bunch of designated USFS camping spots. They’re level-ish, fire rings, and pretty easy to get to. We have a 1992 (renovated!) motorhome and we got to spot 17 no problem. We could have gone to 17-19, but then the road got to rough for our old girl. Lots of quads and sideXsides riding on the dirt road, kicking up dust till about 8:30PM but was not a big deal. Solid free camping right near the park!
RangerDave’s Hollow Designated Area dispersed camping is fantastic! We stayed at site #2, which has a wide-open space and could easily be shared with another group. Since it was late December, there were only two other campers—one at site #1 and one at site #3—so it felt quiet and uncrowded.
We camped in a Sprinter van. The dirt road leading to the sites was a bit bumpy, so high-clearance vehicles are recommended. There was snow on the ground, and nighttime temperatures dropped to around 14°F, but our van’s propane heater kept us comfortable.
I highly recommend this camping area. It’s only about 5 minutes from the Bryce Canyon National Park entrance and visitor center, making it a convenient and peaceful place to stay near the park.
GuideWe decided to disperse camp for the weekend of Halloween. Weather was beautiful, but cold during the evening due to the moisture in the air. The location is literally a few minutes off the 89A, not too hard to miss the service road turn off. We checked out the other sites about a mile in and everything was a little wet/muddy, so we decided to set camp at this location. According to Kaibab NF MVUM, dispersed camping is allowed along open FS roads (https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/kaibab/maps-pubs/?cid=fseprd490027)..)
Space is very open with trees surrounding the area. This spot has a trail nearby, so we had seen a few hikers throughout the weekend. Previous campers created a firepit, but make sure to check with the North Kaibab rangers on fire restrictions (https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/kaibab/alerts-notices)..). Surprisingly decent cell service(Tmobile/AT&T).
About an hour and half to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. Along our trip there, we also went to Vermillion Cliffs/Marble Canyon. Very beautiful, must see places.
GuideStayed to the right due to driving a Solis. The ground was manageable to get through with 2 wheel drive. The spot is absolutely sick. Amazing sunset and rise, stars, and a really cool hike to the rim. The site was very clean and in mid November there were only 3 other camper vans pretty far off. We pulled in to the 4th camp spot, had to put the van on blocks to level it. The next site up on the right (only spot on the right) was level and large. There were some dips that we wouldn't have been able to drive over passed that spot. If you have a higher clearance vehicle, you will be able to make it to the cul-de-sac like end. That's where you'll find the trail head. Make sure when you come and go you close the gate. You'll have to give it a lift and pull to get it to actually shut. The ground is clearly shifting around the gate. Just be mindful. Remember, it's public land. Don't be a degenerate, clean up after yourself.
TravelerGreat spot near Page. 2 mile dirt road (missed the turnoff at night), big lot. Great for car, RV, or van camping. Really hard rough gravel surface and wouldn’t recommend tenting here. Quiet and good views. Fire rings present.
ScoutSuper convenient with easy access off Route 12. Lots of level, open spaces short distance from entrance. Great basic dispersed camping in a 34 ft Class A motorhome with towed vehicle. Had decent cell service with AT&T. There are, of course no amenities or even pit toilets, although there are two dumpsters for trash and the town of Escalante is nearby with groceries and other necessities. Would absolutely stay here again. Also- if you have a smaller vehicle that you can take down the main dirt road (washboarded, but otherwise not bad) you can get to several good hikes. We really enjoyed the Zebra slot canyon (gets VERY narrow) and also the tunnel. Amazing lighting near midday as the sun is directly overhead. Both are moderately strenuous hikes. Bring plenty of water.
Rustic camping near Big Water, Utah offers primitive sites across multiple BLM and National Recreation Area lands in high desert terrain at elevations ranging from 3,700-4,200 feet. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F with potential for strong winds, while winter brings below-freezing nights. Soil conditions vary from compact clay to loose sand, requiring careful site selection during different seasons.
Explore canyon rims: Near Soap Creek - Dispersed Camping, you can walk to dramatic canyon overlooks. "If you walk a mile or a mile and a half passed the first spot on the right round, you come to an amazing little canyon with the Colorado river running in it," notes Michael S. The area offers opportunities to see endangered California Condors.
Wildlife observation: At Corral Dispersed, expect encounters with grazing livestock. "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," explains David H. This area is also known for its morning cattle calls which echo against rock faces.
Stargazing: The dark skies in this region provide exceptional star viewing opportunities. Brad B. from Soap Creek Dispersed notes, "Stargazers will not be disappointed. We woke up at 3:30 am to see the Milky Way from the horizon to the opposite horizon." Limited light pollution makes this area ideal for night sky photography.
Isolation and quiet: Primitive camping spots around Big Water offer significant distance between sites. "We set up at site at very end after right at y and no one was near us," reports Sam M. about Soap Creek. The remote locations provide genuine solitude even during busy seasons.
Morning landscapes: The desert terrain creates memorable sunrise experiences. "Sunrise was spectacular" at State Line Spot Dispersed Camping, according to Noah E. The open terrain gives unobstructed views of dawn colors across the desert landscape.
Rock formations: The geology surrounding dispersed sites offers unique exploration. Erin V. describes Ferry Swale Rd - BLM Dispersed Campsite as having "Roads good. Views killer. Remote, though not much cover for privacy." Many campers report spending hours exploring the unusual rock formations within walking distance of their sites.
Wind exposure: Without natural windbreaks, campsites experience significant wind. Carol C. explains, "When the wind storms hit I suffered. Sand was in everything. But no wind... great spot." Wind conditions worsen in spring and fall afternoons.
Road washouts: Many access roads deteriorate quickly after rainfall. Robert F. warns about Glen Canyon NRA Wildcat Tank dispersed: "BEWARE you need 4x4 and high clearance. You absolutely will get very stuck if you attempt it in anything else."
Livestock interactions: Cattle freely roam dispersed camping areas. Meghan B. notes, "Cows roaming the area, a couple horses were in the corral." Campers should secure food items and be prepared for curious livestock visiting sites.
No shade coverage: Sites lack natural shade. Chris S. observed one location had "very dry and no shade. A few campfire rings and was perfect at night." Summer temperatures regularly reach 95-105°F during mid-day, making shade structures essential.
Watch for hazards: The desert environment presents specific risks for children. Katrina C. cautions, "Sand spurs are prevalent- so watch your pups!" The same applies to children who should wear closed-toe shoes around camp.
Canyon safety barriers: Sites near canyon edges have no safety rails or barriers. One camper describes their spot as "overlooking Lake Powell and with beautiful rocks behind us." Families should establish strict boundaries for children near dropoffs.
Arrival timing: For optimal site selection, arrive during daylight hours. David R. advises, "Best advice is to arrive during the day" at Glen Canyon Dam Bridge Outlook, where "traffic wasn't too noisy and the view was gorgeous in the morning."
Leveling requirements: Most sites require significant leveling. Caryn H. reports, "We required leveling blocks, but it was worth it" at State Line Spot. Bring extra leveling equipment for the uneven terrain.
Turnaround space: Check site dimensions before committing. Amanda P. found State Line Spot "worked out nicely with our 20 foot trailer (with space to turn around)." Many sites have limited turnaround areas for larger rigs.
Road texture variation: Access roads transition between packed dirt and soft sand. Alex and Tanya B. note, "A bit bumpy on the dirt road to the site, but we managed our 30ft RV ok" at Ferry Swale Rd. Scout ahead when possible before committing larger vehicles to unknown road conditions.
Sand traps: Watch for deep sand pockets that can trap vehicles. Katrina C. warns, "Watch out for the big sand pit towards the back. Apparently others have gotten stuck in it." The sand consistency changes dramatically with recent weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Big Water, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Big Water, UT is Corral Dispersed — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Big Water, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 70 dispersed camping locations near Big Water, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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