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 (103)

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Recent Reviews near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

706 Reviews of 103 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Campgrounds


  • Natalie  G.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Wahweap Campground & RV Park — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    Great showers!

    Everything was clean and we loved the showers and bathrooms! The bathrooms were nicely designed so people could change comfortably and get ready in the morning/evening with large counters.

    We also loved the outdoor sinks that had space to put dishes down as needed. And loved how long the showers were for the price!

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Slick Rock Overlook Outside of Boulder

    Access beyond the parking lot is now blocked

    We attempted to camp here, but the road leading out to the edge of the canyon is now blocked. All That Remains is a very large gravel parking lot about 30 feet off Highway 12.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Hell’s Backbone Road - Canyon View Dispersed

    Stunning view. Stunning sunset.

    This site has multiple sites with fire rings. Some are tucked back in the pine trees. Others are on the edge of the canyon. We were fortunate enough to camp here for two nights with spectacular sunsets both nights. The first night we were alone, the second night there was one other large party. Very quiet, very beautiful

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Glen Canyon Dam Bridge Outlook

    Perfect for Overnight

    This spot is perfect for the tired traveler. It is right before or past the Glen Canyon Dam visitor center. The lot is huge and fairly level. A few big rigs were here as well as a few smaller RVS. 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. The road noise was not as bad as I thought it would be with the road so close by. Definitely a good stop for the weary traveler.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Gouldings RV and Campground

    Very nice option

    It’s a large clean campground w a very nice view, lots of little markets , a pool , showers etc. a bit pricey but location can’t be beat

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Monument Valley KOA

    Nice views right in Monument Valley

    We decided to stay here to make it easy to tour Monument Valley. Nice campground that isn’t too busy. Great views of nearby mesas. Clean bathrooms. Playground with a view for the tots. Not a lot of shade but a few trees.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Abandoned Air Strip on Route 95

    Great spot for a night or more

    This is an abandoned air strip. It does have a new building right in the middle that looks like it might be for the county. Nothing inside but a fence all around. On both sides of this building the asphalt strip is still visible. We ended up parking on the side of the strip but it does have several spots that you can tuck your trailer into the trees. Only two of these spots would fit a big rig but small truck campers could easily fit in the other spaces. On both sides of the building the asphalt strip is very level and on both side you have the option to tuck into the trees. It looks like some people have even built fire rings. The location is perfect to visit the Pueblo ruins, some site are close to the road others require a hike. Lots of hiking close by. It is only a 10 minute drive to Natural Bridges National monument which does have a campground but only for smaller rigs. We also unloaded our side by side and rode all around the mountains. Overall this is a perfect place to out of the way but close to some pretty amazing sites.

  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Hell's Backbone Road

    Easy Access from Road

    There are a lot of spots tucked in the trees, some with a huge overlook. No restroom. Great for an overnight or longer.


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.