Tent campers near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area find seasonal temperature extremes with summer highs often exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. The high desert terrain sits at elevations between 3,700 and 5,000 feet, creating dramatic daily temperature swings. Many campsites in the region sit on sandy or rocky ground, requiring tent campers to bring appropriate stakes and ground pads.
What to do
Explore slot canyons: Several primitive tent sites provide convenient access to the area's narrow canyons. At Burr Trail Rd Dispersed Camping, campers can find sites "just before you head down into Long Canyon on the Burr Trail Rd... Check out Singing Canyon and Lower Gulch trail while you are in the area."
Shoreline activities: Lake Powell's shoreline provides excellent water recreation opportunities. At Stanton Creek Primitive Campground, you can camp directly on the beach. "We took our camper and found a spot on their dispersed camping area. The water was warm and clear. Kids had a blast on the beach and my brother was able to park the boat right on our beach," reported one visitor.
Night sky viewing: The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. Campers at Little Spencer Flat note the area has "some great views of the Escalante region in places" though it can be "pretty windy" during certain times of year.
What campers like
Solitude and privacy: Many campsites provide significant distance from other campers. A visitor at Spencer Flat Dispersed Camping said: "On a Friday some were filled, but still plenty available as you drove further along the road... Keep driving until you find the most epic spot on the ridge. There are dozens of them, so plenty to choose from."
Wildlife encounters: The region supports diverse desert wildlife that often visits camping areas. At Starr Springs Campground, one camper shared: "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."
Accessibility to supplies: Despite the remote feeling, some camping areas maintain reasonable access to necessities. A camper at Stanton Creek mentioned: "Bullfrog is just 10 minutes back up the dirt road and has a gas station, gift shop, restaurant, and other amenities."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many tent sites require appropriate vehicles. At Spencer Flat, a camper noted: "The road does not require 4WD, but it is washboardy and rough in places, not pleasant for towing."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites have minimal or no amenities. A Starr Springs visitor explained: "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."
Weather preparedness: Conditions can change rapidly in this high desert environment. At Horse Canyon Camping, campers found "great views" but warned about high clearance vehicle requirements: "We hit our bumper in one spot with 11" of clearance on the truck. No trailers or RVs."
Tips for camping with families
Beach camping options: Shoreline sites provide built-in entertainment for children. A family at Stanton Creek shared: "This was my first time at Lake Powell. We took our camper and found a spot on their dispersed camping area. The water was warm and clear. Kids had a blast on the beach."
Wildlife safety awareness: While wildlife encounters delight children, safety remains important. At Burr Trail Rd Dispersed Camping, a visitor cautioned: "We heard coyotes howling all night, so be careful if you have smaller dogs with you and keep your trash out of reach."
Pack extra water: The arid climate requires significant hydration, especially with children. One camper advised: "No services or amenities here... Pack it in pack it out, make sure your fire is out."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: Limited sites accommodate larger vehicles. At Durffey Mesa, an RVer found a "good location to have a few group camp next to small Butte" but noted specific coordinates for better navigation.
Beach access considerations: RV campers can find shoreline camping but should research beforehand. One RVer described Stanton Creek: "Car camping options at Lake Powell are tough to come by due to the incredibly steep canyon walls that surround this unique reservoir... The road can be rough to get there and to reach certain sites, so I would recommend a high clearance vehicle."
Seasonal planning: Visiting during shoulder seasons improves site availability. A visitor noted: "We planned a last minute trip to the lake over Memorial Day weekend and visited this campground so we could be right on the water. Thankfully, we arrived early on Friday morning and were able to fight the crowds and claim a campsite. By mid-day, we were surrounded by other campers on all sides."
