Best Campgrounds near Escalante, UT

Camping options around Escalante, Utah include established campgrounds, RV parks, and dispersed sites across BLM land and national monuments. Lake View and Wide Hollow campgrounds within Escalante State Park offer lakeside sites with partial hookups, while dispersed areas like Haycock Ranch Road and Spencer Flat provide free primitive camping within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Several private facilities like Canyons of Escalante RV Park and Escalante Cabins & RV Park accommodate tent campers, RVs, and offer cabin rentals.

Road conditions vary dramatically between developed campgrounds and backcountry areas. Most dispersed camping requires high-clearance vehicles to navigate unpaved roads, particularly after rain when surfaces become muddy. While sites near town offer amenities like water and electric hookups, dispersed camping locations provide solitude but require self-sufficiency with no facilities. Summer temperatures can be extremely hot, making higher elevation sites more comfortable. Winter brings cooler temperatures but fewer crowds. A camper noted, "The drive on Highway 12 is incredibly scenic and beautiful. The ranger at the visitor center in the town Escalante told us this area is called 'Tin Can' because of all the RVs that are sometimes there."

Campers consistently praise the region's dramatic landscapes and dark night skies. Sites at Escalante State Park provide convenient access to the petrified forest trails and Wide Hollow Reservoir for swimming and paddle sports. Dispersed sites along Hole in the Rock Road serve as excellent basecamps for exploring slot canyons and remote hiking trails within Grand Staircase-Escalante. One review emphasized, "Great place to stay. Some sites close to others, some distant. Very large area - about 1/2 mile long. Could be windy, no shade. Good cell service." Most campers recommend Escalante as a strategic base for exploring nearby attractions including Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and the numerous hiking opportunities within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Best Camping Sites Near Escalante, Utah (221)

    1. Lake View Campground — Escalante State Park

    29 Reviews
    Escalante, UT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 826-4466

    $30 - $100 / night

    "We stayed here for one night on our way from Escalante through BCNP and back to SLC. We had a spot next to the water. It was calm and quiet."

    "A beautiful, small Utah State Park located next to Wide Hollow Reservoir lake in Escalante Utah.  Close to Bryce NP without the crowds.  Excellent hiking trails. "

    2. Canyons of Escalante RV Park

    19 Reviews
    Escalante, UT
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (435) 826-4959

    $37 - $90 / night

    "We tent camped here after arriving in Escalante late one evening. The staff was very accommodating and helpful. Our site was roomy and flat: everything you want a tent site to be."

    "Located next door to a recommended restaurant and within a half mile of Escalante Outfitters - Espresso, Pizza, Salads and books and gear for your Utah Canyons adventures."

    3. Haycock Ranch Road BLM

    19 Reviews
    Escalante, UT
    5 miles

    "Some sites close to others, some distant. Very large area - about 1/2 mile long. Could be windy, no shade. Good cell service."

    "However, it was a good distance from everything. The town of Escalante was only a 12 minute drive. 10 minute down the dirt road is the Devil’s Garden. Kids had a great time here."

    4. Calf Creek Campground

    25 Reviews
    Boulder, UT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 826-5499

    $15 / night

    "*the app says it’s closed for the season but I have just stayed there - it was full, new people arriving and the host on duty… * Anyway … the campground is tucked away at the bottom of the canyon which"

    "Lower Calf Creek hike is located in Grand Staircase Escalante, 5 hours away from Las Vegas, Nevada. The hike itself is 6 miles round trip with beautiful scenery and a beautiful waterfall at the end."

    5. Escalante Cabins & R.V. Park

    14 Reviews
    Escalante, UT
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (435) 690-0819

    $25 - $250 / night

    "Amazing place to stay in Escalante! The owners and managers are so nice and everything was comfy and perfect! They had kettle corn outside at night and karaoke!"

    "The little town of Escalante has several restaurants, a brew pub, a natural market and a general store."

    6. Spencer Flat Dispersed Camping - Grand Staircase Nat Mon

    17 Reviews
    Escalante, UT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 644-4300

    "We chose one on the cliff edge, and had no one else in site. A short walk away and a slight climb onto a small hill was the perfect spot to see a stunning sunset."

    "Very nice dispersed campsites with lovely views on this geologically interesting area in Utah!  (Driving a subaru hatchback with 5.1 inches ground clearance.)"

    7. Hole in the Rock Road Dispersed at Utah 24

    12 Reviews
    Escalante, UT
    5 miles

    "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."

    "Awesome dispersed camping with stellar cell service, close enough to Escalante that you can drive in quickly for groceries or water. Just mind the cows!"

    8. Wide Hollow Campground — Escalante State Park

    9 Reviews
    Escalante, UT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 826-4466

    $30 / night

    "This campsite nestles on the side of an inviting reservoir forming an oasis in the dry Escalante Staircase."

    "Trails through petrified forest were interesting especially trails of sleeping rainbows although there were a couple short strenuous spots."

    9. Head of the Rock dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Escalante, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 644-1215

    "Easy find just off Hwy 12 outside Escalante. Despite recent hard rain the road was in good shape, and there were several nice, level spots with good space in between."

    10. Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground

    78 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, OR
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 834-5341

    "Campground Review Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground Definitely the closest campground outside of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah with all the amenities (absolutely positively everything) and even"

    "Our camper was nestled in the trees with a hill behind the camper, where we could also explore."

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Recent Reviews near Escalante, UT

1415 Reviews of 221 Escalante Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    North Campground - Bryce Canyon

    Beautiful Park, Very Nice and Quiet Campground!

    Getting to the campground was super easy, it’s right near the visitors center! The road into the loops are decently wide, and there are two loops that can have RVs. I was driving an RV but planned to tent camp, and the site I had is tucked away so I could do both.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed

    Beautiful area

    Wonderful scenery just outside CRNP. Easy access off the highway but very quiet. If I return to the are I'll definitely stay here again.

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Cook’s Messa Trailhead Dispersed Camping Site 2

    Easy but close to road

    Has fire pits which is great and easy spots for RVs and such. Lots of tent camping sites too. There is some city light in the distance but still great spot for the night sky. Close to Capitol Reef so day trips were easy. Would recommend besides road noise during the day. Not much at night.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Sunset Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park

    Shaded and clean

    No hookups but flush toilets and community sink to wash dishes. Parking pads are asphalt. Nice picnic tables and fire pit at each site. Walking distance to Sunset and Rim trails. Location is full and it’s Sunday evening in mid-October.

  • Iris V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    FR3623 Dispersed

    Boondocking at Tom’s Best Spring Road – Bryce Canyon, Utah

    What a spot! Tom’s Best Spring Road is everything you want in a boondocking experience near Bryce Canyon. Easy access off Highway 12, wide open spaces, and stunning views in every direction. You’re surrounded by tall pines and red rock cliffs that light up at sunrise and sunset.

    We stayed a few nights and loved the peace and quiet. The sites are large, level, and spaced well apart. The road in is graded and manageable for most rigs, though take it slow if you’re towing. AT&T and Starlink both worked great for us. Nights were crisp and beautiful, and mornings started with golden light pouring through the trees.

    We explored Bryce Canyon during the day (a quick 15-minute drive) and came back to camp under a sky full of stars. No hookups, no fees, no crowds—just fresh air and freedom.

    Tips: • Bring your own water and pack out trash. • Expect some washboard on the road in. • Arrive before dark to pick your spot.

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    FR 090 - dispersed camping

    Open calling area

    I loved this place! It was relatively quiet during our stay. Even in some rain the road was passable and we found some cool agates. Fire pit and flat where we camped. Perfect for RV

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Sleepy Hollow Campground

    Great spot and a great price!

    Nice spot right before Capitol Reef and don’t have to spend a fortune! 20/30/50 amps available with dump and water on site. Only paid $40 for 50 amps, much better than the surrounding area. Bathrooms are clean and host was very nice, he lives across the street. When you get there, there’s a free pay phone to call the host to let him know you are there. Cash only and no cell service, but WiFi is available. Would stay again!


Guide to Escalante

Dispersed camping areas near Escalante, Utah offer alternatives to established campgrounds throughout Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. With elevations ranging from 5,500 to 6,500 feet across this region, camping conditions vary significantly through the seasons. Sand can be a particular challenge at many sites, especially when winds pick up in spring and fall.

What to Do

Hiking to waterfalls: A 6-mile round trip hike at Calf Creek Campground rewards with stunning views and swimming opportunities. "Lower Calf Creek hike is located in Grand Staircase Escalante, 5 hours away from Las Vegas, Nevada. The hike itself is 6 miles round trip with beautiful scenery and a beautiful waterfall at the end. Go during the summer time when the water is warmer so you take a dip in the waterfall," notes Alex B.

Petrified forest exploration: The short but steep Petrified Forest Trail at Wide Hollow Campground offers unique geological features. "We loved the hiking. Unhooked and drove to Devil's Garden and then 6 mile hike to waterfalls. Did hike in campground next day," shares Carol J. Another camper advises: "I followed signage in a counterclockwise direction and it was very well marked until I reached the top and then…it wasn't. I got lost twice and ended up backtracking the way I came. If you hike this, I recommend taking a map."

Slot canyon adventures: Several slot canyons accessible from Hole in the Rock Road provide memorable hiking experiences. "Plenty of spots. It's accessible by low clearance vehicle. Dumpster is the only amenity. A little hard to find private place to relieve yourself in the desert. Hole in the rock road gives access to several slot canyons. We did Zebra Canyon," explains one camper.

What Campers Like

Privacy between sites: At Haycock Ranch Road BLM, campers appreciate the spacing. "Lots of spots and lots of tall shrubbery around for privacy when car camping!" notes Peyton M. Another visitor shared, "Great view. Lots of choices. This was a great place. Some had fire rings, some didn't, but not much else. Just how I like it. Not far from escalate if you need supplies."

Clean facilities: Canyons of Escalante RV Park maintains exceptional cleanliness. "This family run business knows what travelers need and will do whatever possible to accommodate them. Super clean bathrooms and showers, with ample washers and dryers, too. All of this and a great location," writes Kate B. Another camper adds, "Sweet little camp. This is a cute little campground with a family feel. There is a community fire pit and when we got here the hosts had a nice fire going."

Wildlife sightings: Camping spots near creeks often provide wildlife viewing opportunities. "We stayed at camping spot 6 which is right next to the creek. We were visited at night by a baby owl and in the morning we were visited by some yellow birds. Dark enough to see a show of shooting stars," shares Geraldine G. about her experience at Calf Creek.

What You Should Know

Weather extremes: Winter camping requires preparation. "We were planning on staying at this campground the night before but a ranger at the BLM visitor center in Escalante told us that the access road to the campground was likely not plowed and since we just had a major snowstorm we decided to stay in Escalante instead," reports Emma A.

Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require caution with vehicle selection. At Spencer Flat Dispersed Camping, "Spencer Flat Rd well marked. You may need to drive two or three miles down the dirt road to find an open site, but keep going there are some nice sites further in. Road was very passible in our 2WD RoadTrec 190 van," explains Brendan B.

Wildlife caution: Be prepared for local wildlife. "Beware of mice! Have some traps on hand, just in case," warns Meghan B. Another camper noted, "We were nervous about mountain lions as we noticed a lot of tracks when we arrived, and saw even more next to our car in the morning as we were leaving."

Tips for Camping with Families

Water activities: Wide Hollow Campground offers reservoir access perfect for kids. "I love all of the near trails, it is very private and clean. The reservoir is great to cool down from the heat, it offers options for fishing, Kayaking and swimming," shares Lea S.

Easy trails: Choose family-friendly hikes for younger explorers. "The Visitor Center was not open while we were there, it's a new building and I don't believe it was completed yet, but it looks really nice. The trails around the park were a great way to start our morning and they were well taken care of," notes Ashlee W. about camping with a toddler.

Playground access: Escalante Cabins & R.V. Park provides designated play areas. "We enjoyed two nights at this park with our travel trailer. The washrooms and laundry facilities were kept very clean and wash shower had a cloth and bath mat. The office staff were friendly and helpful when planning our trip to the local gulches. There was a small playground for the children as well," reports Ian S.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Choose RV sites carefully at Wide Hollow Campground. "I originally booked spot 12, which was listed as not suitable for larger rvs. I have a 18' travel trailer and assumed we could fit but I misunderstood the description. It's really only suitable for very small travel trailers (like 8' long) or vans," cautions Jen B.

Driving strategies: For dispersed camping near Escalante, scouting helps. "Amazing views of the cliffs from this area. All campsites have a fire pit and you do need a free permit to camp here. We acquired ours at Devil's Garden just down the road. We brought our 26ft Class C motorhome with a Nissan Altima and while we did do some scouting of the road paths that we should take, we found an accessible route for our vehicles," explains Bethany W.

Hookup limitations: Understand utility constraints when boondocking. "Super 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," notes Tim H.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp at Wide Hollow Reservoir near Escalante?

Yes, camping is available at Wide Hollow Reservoir through Lake View Campground — Escalante State Park. This beautiful, small Utah State Park offers campsites right next to the reservoir with some spots directly adjacent to the water. The campground features clean, well-maintained facilities including immaculate bathrooms. Visitors particularly enjoy the Petrified Forest Trail which provides outstanding views of the lake and valley. The reservoir setting offers a peaceful camping experience that's less crowded than nearby national parks while still providing excellent access to regional attractions. For those seeking higher elevation camping with cooler temperatures while still being near Escalante, Hells Backbone / 153 offers a forested alternative just up the mountain.

Where are the best campgrounds near Escalante, Utah?

Escalante offers excellent camping options for every preference. Lake View Campground — Escalante State Park provides waterfront sites next to Wide Hollow Reservoir with immaculate bathrooms and a scenic mile-long hiking trail. The park serves as an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions. For those seeking dispersed camping, Haycock Ranch Road BLM offers free sites just 10 minutes from town with good cell service and dumpsters available. The area spans about half a mile with varying levels of privacy between sites. Other notable options include Hells Backbone for cooler temperatures at higher elevation, Escalante Heritage Center for convenient facilities, and Kodachrome Basin State Park campgrounds for stunning scenery.

Are there RV parks or campgrounds with amenities in Escalante, Utah?

Yonder Escalante offers one of the area's premier RV experiences with modern amenities. This recently developed property provides a stylish and comfortable base for exploring the region. For those seeking more traditional options, Escalante Heritage Center provides a convenient county-run campground just east of town. While it's primarily dry camping, it does offer potable water and 24-hour restroom facilities, making it a practical home base for exploring Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Utah's Petrified Forest State Park. A bit further afield, Ruby's Inn RV Park provides full hookups and amenities, though it's more tourist-oriented. Most campgrounds in the immediate Escalante area tend toward the rustic side, so plan accordingly.

Is camping allowed in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument?

Yes, camping is allowed throughout Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument with several options available. Hole in the Rock Road at Grand Staircase-Escalante offers free dispersed camping on BLM land. The site is easy to find—about a quarter mile south on Hole in the Rock Road from Highway 12—with open, clean areas for setting up camp. Another option is Henrieville Creek, though this requires a high-clearance vehicle as the road is overgrown and eroded. Dispersed camping rules apply throughout the monument: pack out all trash, practice Leave No Trace principles, and be prepared for primitive conditions with no amenities. Most monument camping is free but expect no facilities, so bring everything you need including water.