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.
"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."
"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"
"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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
ScoutThis place is great. There are a ton of spots to choose from. Most seem to have a fire pit. There are a few other campers out here but very spread out. You can park next to a Juniper tree.
GuideGot in around 9:40pm and there were just a few cars parked. Easy to navigate in our van. My phone camera does not do justice to the stars in the sky and then you wake up to this beautiful scenery. No ATV’s while we there so it was quiet.
RangerThis campground is luxurious, the toilets and showers are spa like. The geography surrounding us is breathtaking
TravelerDrove a little over 1800 miles to get here. The longest journey towing our TT ever. There was ample space to maneuver our 19 foot TT onto the concrete pad. The site we chose happened to be perfectly level! We are staying here for five weeks. The first week is already to quickly over. Very quiet this time of year. Of the 100 sites I would say there are twenty sites occupied. There campground showers and toilets have yet to open but we expect they will by March 1st. We love the location as it is 10 miles from town. There is an active boat yard nearby. In the morning expect to hear UTVs with workers motoring about. I would say this is not a place for to bring young children to. No play ground to keep them entertained. Plus there is a retaining wall that if you aren’t aware of it could be a problem.
We had lunch at the Marina restaurant and visited the gift shop / convenience store both were nice. There are clean restrooms located nearby.
GuideCamping right next to the water is really nice if there’s water.
Have been here a few times, if the water level is high then you can paddle board or swim just fine.
Came another time and you could walk to lone rock.
The restrooms were clean and they even have a dumpster.
GuideAlstrom point is worth the drive, most of the trail can be done no problem in a small crossover. But there’s a point that gets really rocky and you’ll certainly want a taller vehicle. ( I’ve seen Subaru outbacks up here )
The road does turn into clay if it rains and it’s not drivable. be warned.
TravelerStayed for 2 nights. Campground is really nice. Stayed in loop A site 11, which was private with lots of space. Bathrooms were really clean. There is a general store that does offer showers $3 for 8 minutes, which was really convenient. Would definitely stay here again.
TravelerBeautiful spot among the Vermillion Cliffs. Easy to find and access. No one else around. Trail from my site took me down a small canyon to Soap Creek, about 1/2 mile. Looked like a perfect spot for sunset but a bunch of clouds moved in. I'll have to catch it next time.
GuideEasy to access spots. The campsite was large and had a big fire ring. Slightly sloping, took some work to find a relatively level spot. Surrounded by pines. Can hear road noise. Att 4G lte, 2 bars. Good for a night.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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 68 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 4.4-star rating from 116 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Big Water, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 68 free dispersed camping spots near Big Water, UT.
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