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Camping near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

719 Reviews

Camping spots near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area range from established sites to more remote locations. Calf Creek Campground has good shade trees and enough room between sites to avoid feeling crowded. You'll find basic restrooms and drinking water there, which saves bringing all your water from town. Many campers use Glen Canyon as a base to visit both Zion and Bryce Canyon since both parks are reachable in a day trip. Most people camp here during spring and fall when temperatures stay reasonable throughout the day. If you camp in summer, bring plenty of extra water and shade structures since it gets really hot. Winter camping works well for hiking since you won't overheat on the trails, though nights get cold. The area has both regular campgrounds with facilities and backcountry spots for those who want more solitude. Following Leave No Trace practices is particularly important in this desert environment where impact shows for years. The landscape around Glen Canyon, with its mix of rock formations and water, makes it worth the trip for most campers.

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Best Camping Sites Near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (103)

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Recent Camping Photos near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

148 Photos of 103 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

719 Reviews of 103 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Campgrounds

Guide to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Camping near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a base for exploring, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the breathtaking trails around the area. At Calf Creek Campground, one camper said, "The hike to the falls is absolutely beautiful! We will definitely be back." This campground is a great starting point for the Lower Calf Creek Falls trail.
  • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming and boating at Bullfrog RV & Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "This is a great place to camp close to the lake. Lots of sandy beaches close and lots of fun in Powell."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Stanton Creek Primitive Campground noted, "We saw lots of other wildlife, too! Herons, peregrines, and little lizards everywhere."

What campers like:

  • Seclusion: Many campers appreciate the quiet spots available at Hole in the Rock Road at Grand Staircase-Escalante. One reviewer said, "Sites were great and very secluded. They are situated far enough off the road that traffic was unnoticeable."
  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Spencer Flat Dispersed Camping. A happy camper shared, "Our site overlooked a small canyon and wash and provided great sunset and sunrise views."
  • Affordability: Many appreciate the free camping options. A visitor at Harris Wash Dispersed mentioned, "BLM lands so camping is free."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Most campgrounds, like Coyote Gulch, have no amenities. A reviewer warned, "This is a backpacking trip. No amenities in the canyon and you must pack out your poop."
  • Road Conditions: Be prepared for rough roads. A camper at Haycock Ranch Road BLM noted, "The drive is a LONG one. It is very rugged and even some washed out points from flash floods."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Keep food secure to avoid animal encounters. A visitor at Stanton Creek Primitive Campground advised, "Be careful if you have smaller dogs with you and keep your trash out of reach."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Wahweap Campground & RV Park offers amenities like laundry and showers. A reviewer said, "Large campsites that were pretty well spread out. Nice hosts and shop for the campsite."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. A camper at Lake View Campground mentioned, "Amazing little gem, lots of activities for kids."
  • Safety First: Ensure kids are aware of wildlife. A parent at Calf Creek Campground noted, "The canyon is pretty steep and that has the effect of making it chilly in the morning."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: RVers at Gouldings RV and Campground recommend checking road conditions before heading out. One said, "The road can be rough to get there and to reach certain sites, so I would recommend a high clearance vehicle."
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A visitor at Canyons of Escalante RV Park advised, "You must arrive as early as possible to snag a good spot."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Campers at Bullfrog RV & Campground suggested, "Make sure you bring enough water and supplies! You are far from town."

Camping near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, but being prepared will make your experience even better!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the designated camping areas in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area?

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers several designated camping options. Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area provides a unique experience with shoreline camping on Lake Powell for $14 per night (plus the recreation area entrance fee). For more remote experiences, Sunset Pass Dispersed Camping is located in the southern region of the recreation area. Additional designated camping areas include Bullfrog RV & Campground, Halls Crossing RV & Campground, Stanton Creek Primitive Campground, and the developed Wahweap Campground. Most campgrounds offer basic amenities like restrooms, while the more developed sites provide additional facilities like water hookups and dump stations.

What RV camping facilities are available at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area?

Wahweap Campground & RV Park offers comprehensive RV facilities with concrete pads, full hookups, and proximity to Page, Arizona. Sites include tables and grills with beautiful views of Lake Powell. It's ideal for accessing attractions like Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, though rates can approach $100 per night. Bullfrog RV & Campground provides another developed option with water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites. For a more rustic experience, Lone Rock Beach allows RVs but without hookups. Halls Crossing also accommodates RVs with basic amenities. Most developed RV sites in the recreation area offer potable water and dump stations.

Are there campgrounds near Glen Canyon that don't require reservations?

Yes, several campgrounds near Glen Canyon offer first-come, first-served options. Stanton Creek Primitive Campground is a no-reservation primitive site within the recreation area. For dispersed camping, Burr Trail Road Dispersed Campsite provides free options without reservations. Outside the recreation area but nearby, Lake View Campground at Escalante State Park sometimes has first-come, first-served sites available. Keep in mind that during peak seasons (late spring through early fall), even non-reservation campgrounds can fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

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