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Best Dispersed Camping near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

157 Reviews

Numerous dispersed campsites dot the area surrounding Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, with Burr Trail Road offering several free camping locations featuring panoramic views of Lake Powell. Most sites have established fire rings on flat terrain, though conditions vary from exposed bedrock to sheltered hollows. Cellular service ranges from excellent at lakeside viewpoints to nonexistent in more remote locations. According to one visitor, "The views are gorgeous and you could hear coyotes howl at night."

Access to many dispersed sites requires high-clearance vehicles, with several reviews noting deteriorating road conditions. Bullfrog Canyon Overlook and other cliff-edge sites present particular challenges, with one camper warning, "Be careful with pets as there is 180° drop offs down to the canyon floor." Harris Wash Road similarly demands caution, as "the road gets rough. You'll want higher clearance and maybe 4wd." No amenities exist at these primitive locations—campers must pack in all supplies including water and pack out all waste.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (57)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

90 Photos of 57 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

157 Reviews of 57 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Campgrounds

  • Will M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Sunset Pass Dispersed Camping — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    Very Basic but beautiful

    So first of all it was difficult for me to accurately locate this campsite on the map. This campsite is actually located in Glen Canyon National recreation area but it is the southernmost campsite that is permitted from the Maze district of Canyonlands National Park. I drove into it from the south side roughly from the location of Hite Marina. The road was not too bad and fairly easy to drive. There is no water there is no cell phone service there is no trash pickup and there are no pit toilets.

  • Amber A.
    Aug. 31, 2016

    Blue Notch Canyon Primitive — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    Lake Powell shoreline dispersed camping

    You really need a jeep to explore this area. It’s incredibly beautiful here: the Utah you picture when your wanderlust kicks up. The campground is a primitive dispersed site along the lake with amazing views all around. This is Bureau of Land Management camping so it’s free and extremely basic, but they do provide drinking water in one place. There are a few little stone pits for fires but I don’t know if they restrict fire making (we used our gas stove to be safe). I hope to return someday.

  • Lady Phyre ☆.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 10, 2025

    Glen Canyon Dam Bridge Outlook

    Beautiful Easy Access

    Perfect primitive overnight spot! It's literally a very large turn out off the highway right on the side of the canyon. So no facilities at all. The town of Page is 3 mins away if you need anything. Lots of room for cars, vans, trucks, SUVs, RVs, even big rigs! I parked here around noon and stayed overnight. There was a couple RVs already there. As the day and evening progressed, several more RVs, Vans, and 2 Big rigs showed up for the night. Even with so many of us, it was surprisingly quiet. Even the big rigs weren't loud. The area is clean too. Everyone follows the "Leave No Trace" principles. You can't pitch a tent but you can sleep in pretty much any vehicle. Enjoy and check out "Brew It" for coffee in the morning. Great coffee, food, and an amazing view from an elevated patio!

  • Will M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Hole in the Rock Road Dispersed at Utah 24

    Basic but free with cell phone signal

    So this is the dispersed camping area in a beautiful location. It is only about a quarter of a mile off Utah 24 on hole in the rock road. There's no water there no pit toilets there are no fire rings there are no picnic tables. But it's free. And there's a cell phone signal.

  • T
    May. 1, 2022

    Hole in the Rock Road Dispersed at Utah 24

    Very Big Rig Friendly

    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. Would absolutely stay here again. Also- if you have a smaller vehicle that you can take down the main dirt road (washboarded, but otherwise not bad) you can get to several good hikes. We really enjoyed the Zebra slot canyon (gets VERY narrow) and also the tunnel. Amazing lighting near midday as the sun is directly overhead. Both are moderately strenuous hikes. Bring plenty of water.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2023

    Haycock Ranch Road BLM

    Hole in the rock

    Great spot to camp at. The sites were spread out, and there were lots of sites to choose from. Had a pull behind camper. Night sky was AMAZING. Perfect spot for those who don't want neighbors. No water, toilets etc... good Verizon cell service. Would stay here again. Great central spot between all the stuff down in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Close to Bryce NP, southern part of Capital Reef NP.

  • DL M.
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Burr Road Dispersed Camp - Two-Wheel Drive Access

    Rough 4-wheel drive Road campsite

    Off Burr Road. Campsite with 4 wheel drive access high clearance vehicle. Okay for pets not near the edge of canyon. Little bit of cell service. Little shelter of trees

  • Kelsey L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2018

    Muley Point — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    Dispersed camping with stunning views

    Free dispersed camping on BLM land. If you don't want to back track and are continuing south, the only road down is very steep and winding and you'll want to take it slow. Well maintained dirt road is the only way to get there. To get your vehicle closer to the edge for a better view may require 4WD vehicles.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2020

    Farley Canyon — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    Remote and primitive

    Advise a high clearance/4x4 vehicle for access.  Beautiful, remote place to camp.  There is a fee.  Absolutely no cell signal at all.  Very hot in August when we camped.

Guide to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Utah, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape into nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of the Shade Tree Dispersed Pull Off to Halls Creek trailhead, providing easy access to beautiful trails.
  • The Dove Spring area is known for its lush green trees and a nearby spring, making it a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying nature.
  • Adventurers can explore the rugged terrain around the Burr Road Dispersed Camp - Two-Wheel Drive Access, where a little off-roading leads to stunning views and a sense of seclusion.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Unique Spots

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers numerous dispersed camping locations throughout its vast territory. Popular areas include Muley Point — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area with its stunning canyon views accessible via a well-maintained dirt road. For lakeside camping, Blue Notch Canyon Primitive — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area provides beautiful sites along Lake Powell, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Other dispersed options include Sunset Pass, Farley Canyon, Hole in the Rock Road, Haycock Ranch Road, and various pull-offs along Burr Road. Most sites are primitive with no facilities but offer incredible scenery and isolation that makes Glen Canyon camping special.

Is dispersed camping in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area available year-round?

Dispersed camping in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is generally available year-round, but accessibility and conditions vary significantly with the seasons. Summer brings extreme heat, making areas like Glen Canyon Dam Bridge Outlook intensely hot, while providing easy road access. Higher elevation sites like Haycock Ranch Road BLM offer more moderate summer temperatures. Winter brings cooler temperatures but may make some roads impassable after snow or rain, particularly high-clearance roads to remote sites. Spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable camping conditions. Always check road conditions before travel, as many dispersed sites require dirt road access that can become dangerous when wet.

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in Glen Canyon?

Dispersed camping in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area typically follows BLM regulations with some areas requiring permits or fees. At Farley Canyon — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a fee is required for overnight stays. For areas like Hole in the Rock Road Dispersed at Utah 24, camping is free but follows standard dispersed camping rules: pack it in, pack it out with no facilities available. Standard regulations include camping in previously disturbed areas only, staying at least 200 feet from water sources, and properly managing human waste. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, especially during dry months. Check with the Glen Canyon visitor center before your trip as regulations can change.

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