Camping near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (100)

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Recent Reviews near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

690 Reviews of 100 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Campgrounds


  • Devin W.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Jacob's Chair Trail Basecamp

    great spot

    just after going through the gate there is an awesome spot on the right, if filled there are more spots along the trail, I was there middle of the week in Sep 2025, nobody around for miles

  • Terry M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Lonesome Beaver Campground

    Inaccessible without serious off-road gear

    Unfortunately we could not make it to the site. The BLM office said that the road was a "tire popper". This was also confirmed by the nearby gas station attendant... I was also told that in order to avoid tire damage it took as much as 2 hours to get up the mountain for a stretch. That was about 13 mi. I wish I could have made it. It would have been an excellent place for stargazing.

  • Terry M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Starr Spring Campground

    Very dark nights. Isolated. Good accommodations.

    My stay at this secluded campsite from August 20th to 23rd was a welcome escape. With only two other campers in sight during my four-night stay, the spacious sites felt very private and peaceful. The area is also perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering quick access for off-roading. I was also able to easily find a safe target practice area within a mile of my campsite. The campsites are only $10 a night and run on the honor system, which was a great value. The highlight of the trip, however, was seeing my son’s reaction to the wildlife. He was thrilled to no end to have been able to pet a bat, a toad, and a salamander. The site is well-equipped, with two bathrooms and three water spigots. Just remember to bring your own drinking water, as the water from the spigots is likely non-potable. The creek that runs through part of the camp was a nice bonus, and the plenty of shade made the hot August days more bearable. Unfortunately, campfires weren't allowed during this time of year. We were also unlucky to not have a truly clear night the whole week, but whenever the clouds broke, the darkness was unbelievable, and you could see everything possible in the night sky. Since we were there during the new moon, this was one of the darkest sites in Utah. I think it would be better to go back in the fall to enjoy more moderate temperatures and a clearer view of the sky.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Deer Creek Lake Trail

    Deer Creek Trailhead

    Nice little sites. Fire pit. Some rock in the road. 9250 elevation. Near trailhead for hiking tomorrow. Spooked a few deer as I drove up. Quiet!

  • Tiffany S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    Serene

    Happened upon this spot 3 years ago and was so excited to be able to come back. Nice, quiet little spot right on the water. Made it down to the beach in my Honda odyssey and did just fine. Watched the most gorgeous sunset and sunrise.

    There are portalete facilities on the beach and up by the parking lot. It was quite warm in the evening, as to be expected but cooled off in the morning. A lovely 75 degrees. Quite a difference from Louisiana mornings.

  • Petr K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Antelope Point RV Park

    Good location, clean and hookups

    Located near Page, Arizona, this is very good choice for anyone wanting to go into the Antelope Canyon (10 to 20 minute drive from the RV park). The RV park is clean and looks new, has all the hookups. No restrooms although there might be showers that we did not test.

    If you want a dinner, there is a Marina restaurant very near and in the summer, they provide a small shuttle to the Marina. There is even a discount for the restaurant I think (from the RV park). The absolute best thing in the RV park is the BBQ area. New grills and a great spot to see the surrounding landscape. The camp host is very nice and friendly. Would stay here again.

  • Samuel V.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Escalante Cabins & R.V. Park

    Great place - but bright lights

    10/10 for logistics - by far the easiest place to register, check in, check out. 10/10 for amenities - were easy to please. There were plenty of showers & bathrooms as well as laundry access. It was all very easy to access. 5/10 for the site… ONLY because we were at “Stargazer T-28” where the floodlights from the aforementioned building lit up our entire tent. It was honestly obnoxious & hard to sleep through. Sleepless night aside, the site was a good site. It was easy to access. Had a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and stumps for seating.

    All in all, we absolutely would stay here again… but would request any site other than T28.


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.