Glen Canyon National Recreation Area spans 1.25 million acres with elevations ranging from 3,700 to 7,800 feet. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F while winter nights drop below freezing. The area sits at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions, creating diverse camping conditions with minimal natural shade and limited water access points.
What to do
Boat camping in secluded coves: Lake Powell offers numerous isolated camping spots accessible only by water. "Just beyond the Bullfrog marina, there are tons of little coves and canyons just waiting to be explored. Camping is allowed in most of these secluded spots off of the main channel of Lake Powell and offer quiet refuges from the main shores," shares Isabelle K. about Bullfrog RV & Campground.
Explore Good Hope Bay: For water sports without crowds, consider less-visited sections of the lake. "We drove a houseboat and moored/anchored in Good Hope Bay, which is a 2-3 hour houseboat ride. The bay is large enough to dissipate the waves from passing boats. The best part? We were one of only two houseboats in the entire bay," notes Brendan A.
Visit Monument Valley: When staying near the southern end of the recreation area, short drives lead to iconic western landscapes. "A beautiful drive into the area...a must see. There's a visitors center, museum, restaurant and grocery store," writes Angela O. about her stay at Gouldings RV and Campground.
What campers like
Laundry facilities: Many rv parks near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offer practical amenities for extended stays. "Great facilities and amazing views! We were able to take the shuttle up to the lodge for dinner. The views around the property are gorgeous, and there are little hikes you can do right on the site," reports Hyeson about Gouldings RV and Campground.
Clean, modern bathhouses: New facilities improve comfort during desert camping trips. "Very clean camp spots with good WiFi, hookups and a nice grass spot. Unfortunately there are no showers and toilets. For the price of $86 dollars maybe a bit too much," notes Bart V. about Antelope Point RV Park.
Escalante location: Central positioning between attractions makes certain campgrounds ideal bases. "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. Also a half mile to the Official Visitor Center: BLM, NPS and USFS - to answer all your wandering questions," explains Karla B. about Canyons of Escalante RV Park.
What you should know
Limited shade: The high desert environment means minimal natural protection from the sun. "Not many trees. Showers work great. Clean campground. There's a grill at each campground," mentions Serena H. about Bullfrog RV & Campground.
Off-season solitude: Visiting during shoulder seasons provides a completely different experience. "This was a favorite spot on our 2 week trip around the southwest. We were here a week before opening season (the first week of March). Some people may not like it during this time because it's a ghost town. For us, it was perfect. No crowds," shares Nicole B.
Check in procedures vary: Each campground handles arrivals differently, especially after hours. "We arrived when the office was closed but were warmly greeted by a very friendly and helpful attendant. Good roomy pitch and spotlessly clean shower/bathroom and laundry facilities," writes Kevin B. about Canyons of Escalante RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Consider cabins: Family accommodations beyond standard RV parks near Glen Canyon provide more comfort in extreme weather. "We only got to stay one night in one of the cabins, and definitely wish it was more! The cabin was really cozy and clean. We watched mule deer out the window for a while and had fantastic views around us," reports Nicole M. about Escalante Cabins & R.V. Park.
Pool amenities: Some facilities offer swimming options when lake levels are low or temperatures extreme. "The indoor pool was closed in February. Also laundry facilities were under renovation. All in all great if you need a hookup, but not a lot of privacy," notes Kate T. about Gouldings RV and Campground.
Pack for sand: Site conditions can affect gear and comfort. "Site was really Sandy so make sure to bring entry mats for this campground!" advises Kay about Escalante Cabins & R.V. Park.
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling: Terrain throughout the region presents challenges for larger vehicles. "Many of the sites were out of order or had problems with their water/and or electric. No shade whatsoever, but good views of the marina," warns Mike B. about Bullfrog RV & Campground.
Bathroom availability: Facility consistency varies even at established campgrounds. "The men's wash area only had one working toilet and one working shower. The shower that was working only had a hand held shower head with no mount," adds Mike B.
Water management in winter: Freezing temperatures require special precautions at Page Lake Powell Campground. "We were here for 7 nights mid-November. It was very cold so we had to disconnect water at night but hook-ups were easy to use and worked well. Sites are gravel, fairly level and very large. Plenty of room for trailer and truck in site," advises Marianne G.
