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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."
"Basically, it’s an overnight parking area, so it’s best to sleep in your car. There’s plenty of space for bigger vehicles like RVs and everything."
"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."
"I started by parking at the information area and walked the road to make sure it wasn’t too washed out. We loved waking up to the rock formations off in the distance as we did get in after dark."
"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."
"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."
GuideAs others have said the night sky and stargazing is amazing here. We found the road to the sites a bit difficult due to some rain that day but still manageable. I started by parking at the information area and walked the road to make sure it wasn’t too washed out. We loved waking up to the rock formations off in the distance as we did get in after dark.
TravelerEasy to get to just off highway 89. Surreal views that do not end
GuideBeautiful area, not busy at all. Gas and a small store near by. I highly recommend the local hikes they're worth the drive.
TravelerStopped there in May. Basically, it’s an overnight parking area, so it’s best to sleep in your car. There’s plenty of space for bigger vehicles like RVs and everything.
You can technically put up a tent there, but it would be pretty awkward: not very comfy and probably unsafe.
It’s really loud since it’s right next to the highway + the dumb. The views and the connection are good though!
I’d say it’s just a good free spot to stop for the night.
GuideSo close to the park! Made hiking in the early morning so easy! Clean, beautiful, spacious. Some wild horses made this magical. I will say there was some coyote activity/noise at night but nothing too crazy and didn’t dock the site any points
GuideFew people but very spacious and private. River was nice to dip in. Stars were gorgeous! Right off the highway but cars didn’t keep us up. Some spotty service but not too far from town if you need anything. A good amount of bugs but nothing too bad. Definitely recommend visiting sand caves and best friends animal sanctuary nearby
GuideRight off main road, but far back enough you can't hear any noise. Beautiful views, easy drive in.
ScoutSuper peaceful and quiet spot just 3 minutes from the entrance of Bryce Canyon! Were able to find a flat spot when we drove in around 7 PM on a weekday. Spots are private & spaced far apart. Beautiful scenery!
GuideThis spot is great, super super open but also closed in enough with trees, was able to set up a hammock without thinking about where. I’m assuming there’s lots of spots further down the road, but i chose one of the first ones, didn’t see a single other person all night. You can hear the road but it’s not bad, just a little annoying when trucks drive by but that happened maybe 3 times total all night. 10/10 2-3 bars with version as well
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 26 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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