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Camping near Big Water, UT
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Big Water, Utah ranges from developed RV campgrounds with water, toilets, and dump stations to free primitive dispersed sites on BLM land, spanning public lands in the region. The area offers strong variety for tent and RV camping alike, from lakeside campgrounds near Lake Powell to open BLM dispersed sites with unobstructed sandstone views. 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 near Big Water offering direct proximity to the water and striking red-rock scenery. 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 based on comfort needs and desired proximity to Lake Powell's shoreline.
Best Campgrounds near Big Water (147)
1. Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
"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
"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. Lees Ferry Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
"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."
4. Corral Dispersed — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
"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."
5. Page Lake Powell Campground
"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."
from $28 - $125 / night
Check Availability6. Beehives Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
"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."
from $14 / night
Check Availability7. White House Campground
"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."
from $12 / night
Check Availability8. Glen Canyon Dam Bridge Outlook
"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. State Line Spot Dispersed Camping — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
"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."
10. Soap Creek - Dispersed Camping
"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!"
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 9 min from St. George, UT
- 2 hrs 15 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 28 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 3 hrs 46 min from Farmington, NM
Recent Camping Photos near Big Water, UT
380 Photos of 147 Big Water Campgrounds
Amanda P.
State Line Spot Dispersed Camping — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Dare To Everywhere .
Corral Dispersed — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
grace V.
Ferry Swale Rd - BLM Dispersed Campsite
Francois T.
Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Amy G.
Paria Canyon Wilderness - The Hole Backcountry Campsite
Amy G.
Paria Canyon Wilderness - Final Designated Campsite Before Lee's Ferry
Kaysha R.
Wahweap Campground & RV Park — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Christopher B.
Warm Creek Bay Dispersed Camping — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Kristin S.
Paria Canyon Backcountry - Confluence Site
Monica O.
Beehives Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
J D.
White House Campground
Jaime L.
Glen Canyon Dam Bridge Outlook
Recent Reviews near Big Water, UT
1403 Reviews of 147 Big Water Campgrounds
- SShane C.Traveler
Kitchen Corral Wash
So Great
I love this part of the world — the brush and the red buttes. The road, like others have said, is fine (albeit pretty bumpy). At least until the first turnoff. That’s as far as I needed to go. Big space to turn the rig around as well at the first turnoff. Places like this are why I got an RV.
- SSheila
ScoutJacob Lake Group Campground and Picnic Area
Spot 7
Beautiful pines, cool breeze and not many people for a holiday week.
- MMissy A.
GuideBasin Campground — Kodachrome Basin State Park
Beautiful and serene
We stayed here for 3 nights in mid-June. The park is beautiful and the rock formations are stunning especially at sunrise and sunset. We were in site K031 with full hookups. It was warm during the day, but the nights were perfect. Be advised, at this campground it is posted that generator use is allowed from 12 noon until 4:00 p.m. We were glad we had hookups because we definitely needed a/c outside those hours for us and our pets. We drove in from Page, AZ and google offered us an alternative shorter route on Johnson Canyon Rd that would save 20 minutes. Be advised this has about 33 miles of dirt road. Condition of the road is unknown since we took the route through Kanab and came in from Cannonville. We did not have any cell coverage, but the visitor's center has free wifi, so we just went and checked messages. If you plan on staying here to see Bryce Canyon N.P., it is about a 40 minute drive to Bryce. If you are able, do one of several hikes in Kodachrome. The views of the surrounding area are gorgeous.
Byron M.GuideNF 200A Dispersed
Secluded and quiet!
We have been in a red flag and wind advisory for a few days and this awesome site gives us a breeze without the whiplash of the high winds we can still hear over the tree tops
Supposedly there was a tank and flowing water in nearby stream bed but it’s dry as a bone. You need to plan to bring in water. There wasn’t even water in the water area marked as no camping nearby.
You will need some clearance to get back here and not recommended for big rigs. No problem for my Jeep and trailer.
- Michele H.
RangerDark Sky RV Park & Campground
Amazing little spot!
Such a cool getaway. Friendly staff greeted us with a “welcome beer”, full hookup spaces were good sized with individual shade structures with lounge chairs and fire pits. The smaller electric only spaces had huge shade structures. 2 bathroom/shower facilities one with the nicest campground bathroom I’ve ever seen. Heated floors and an outdoor shower. Cool communal hangout area with a well stocked “honor market”. Koi pound with seating area and great kids area. Already booked our return trip!
- CClement B.Traveler
Starlight Camping
Starlight Campground
Great place to stay, quiet and serene with great views of the night sky. The bathroom showers are very clean. Camp sites are clean and well taken cared of. Michelle the owner was great to talk to and visit with. I recommend anyone traveling through Kanab needing a car, truck, van campground to stop in at Starlight campground.
- BBarry S.Guide
Bunkhouses — Kodachrome Basin State Park
Nice small cabin facility in Kodachrome Basin SP
I spent a single night in the Willis Creek bunkhouse at KBSP. This is a well maintained and fairly new cabin with most of the amenities you would want. There is a double bed with a single bed above it bunk style, plus a futon that can be folded into a double bed. The cabin also has a table with three chairs, and a small refrigerator and a microwave. The cabin has electricity and lights.
Outside, there is a full size picnic table and a firepit. Restrooms are right next door in the laundromat, where running water is also available. Showers are found a few hundred feet away at the Oasis group site camp area.
There is a wooden bench for two on the front porch. This is great for stargazing and also watching wildlife (mostly birds, squirrels and the occasional jackrabbit). There is a very nice view of the park's red rock walls to the east, Just across the driveway is access to the Grand Parade trail.
There are only two bunkhouses here, making the site very close to private.
The Willis Creek Bunkhouse is listed as ADA compliant, but that really only means there are no steps to climb to get into the cabin. There are no specific modifications to the facility.
- jjeff K.Traveler
Grand Plateau RV Resort
Windy
Alliance 29RL 5th wheel. Great park with full utilities. Seems newly installed. Host Manager friendly and helpful. Kanab is just a couple miles away and this view is wonderful. Our second nite of four and just have to say very windy. Maybe the Plateau? This location is just over an hour to both Zion and Bryce. You drive thru the east gate of Zion so most beautiful drive ever. Might try Springdale time. Right at the South Gate of Zion and probably an hour to Bryce. Grand Plateau great RV park though
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?
What camping is available near Big Water, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Big Water, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 147 campgrounds and RV parks near Big Water, UT and 70 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Big Water, UT?
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 122 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Big Water, UT?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Big Water, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 70 free dispersed camping spots near Big Water, UT.
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