71 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lake Powell spans the Utah-Arizona border across Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service. Camping near Lake Powell ranges from developed campgrounds at marinas and launch ramps to free boat-in dispersed sites accessible only from the water. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area's RV sites give the hookup-specific picture for the NRA, useful if you're coming with a rig and need electrical.
Developed campgrounds on the Utah side include Wahweap and Bullfrog, both with designated sites, flush restrooms, and water. Wahweap near Page, Arizona books through recreation.gov and fills fast during spring and fall. Bullfrog is more remote but gives access to the central lake. Both campgrounds charge standard NPS fees plus the recreation area entry fee. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout much of the lake's shoreline from a boat, with no fees and no reservations, but no services either. Water access for land-based camping is limited outside of the developed marinas. High winds on the open water and summer temperatures above 100°F are both practical safety considerations.
Spring runs March through May and is peak season for houseboats and launch-ramp traffic. Reservations at developed sites during that window need to be made months out. Lake Powell's dispersed camping page covers the boat-in and BLM options around the reservoir for those without reservation access.
"Fifteen minutes from lake Powell park."
"Dry camping next to Lake Powell. Boating,fishing and rzr riding."
"Location: excellent proximity to the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Upper & Lower Slot Canyons. Within approximately 1 hour to each."
"Wahweap CG was a great roadtrip stop with access to Lake Powell, but in the heat of the sun it was a bummer to not have really any shade at all. "
"Minutes from lake Powell and Horseshoe bend."
"We stayed at the Page Lake Powell campground for the second time in May 2021. The sites are excellent with decent spacing. "
from $28 - $125 / night
Check Availability"Not ideal for star gazing since you're right next to the Dam, but right across from Lake Powell and only 20 minutes from Horseshoe Bend. Bring cash and you'll be able to drop that in the envelope."
"This is a fee location but the rates are reasonable. It is right next to Route 89 so there is some traffic noise but not excessive. It has a nice view looking out towards Lake Powell."
from $14 / night
Check Availability"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."
"It’s really loud since it’s right next to the highway + the dumb. The views and the connection are good though! I’d say it’s just a good free spot to stop for the night."
"Being near the water is not too prevalent in the area, so getting to camp so near water would be a treat!"
"Awesome little campground surrounded by cliffs, overlooking the Colorado River. No reservations taken, so first come first served. No hook ups. But potable water & dump station close by."
"Absolutely stunning sunrise & sunset & you're right next to the white sandstone that separates UT from the AZ border."
"Stayed 7/18/20- FREE Our site was situated on a “corner”, overlooking Lake Powell and with beautiful rocks behind us."
"Loved the turf areas outside our camper. Being a walk or little drive to the boat ramp and having access to Lake Powell is awesome."
"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)."
"It's in a nice location, with attractive cliffs all around, and it's actually pretty close to Antelope Canyon and very close to Page itself. "
"We didn’t have anyone next to us at our site, had full hookups that were easy to navigate for us first time van lifers."
from $73 - $80 / night
Check Availability"We needed a spot to stay for the night near lake Powell on our way further west in Utah. This worked out nicely with our 20 foot trailer(with space to turn around)."
"Right along the Utah/Az state line. No shelter but gorgeous views and super quiet. Our dog loved it too."
GuideAs others have said the night sky and stargazing is amazing here. We found the road to the sites a bit difficult due to some rain that day but still manageable. I started by parking at the information area and walked the road to make sure it wasn’t too washed out. We loved waking up to the rock formations off in the distance as we did get in after dark.
ScoutLevel sites with fire pit and table. Close to road but did not hear it at night. Beware of lrocks beside camp sites needed to get tow company to get our car off one…oops
GuideThe scenery here is not Zion but it is really nice for people who just want to get somewhere pretty, do small hikes, and camp. The camp spots are close but the trees make it seem more spacious. The “no generators after 4pm” is also a major plus for those seeking peaceful outdoor camping.
The amenities here deserve special mention here: in short, they are amazing. The showers here are the undisputed nicest public showers we have ever used. The bathrooms are also impeccable. All of the spots have shade (you will need in the summer. There is even a frisbee golf course somewhere here!
GuideThis is place is extremely scenic and quiet but just know you must drive to get to ANY hiking. Walk the dog? I guess 10 laps around the loop? Or risk your life on the gravel road.
TravelerAbsolutely beautiful spot, especially at sunrise! 🌅 The colors over the water were stunning and made waking up in our Skoolie completely worth it. 🚌✨ One thing that surprised us was how low the lake was compared to what we expected. Even with the lower water levels, the exposed shoreline was beautiful. We were able to get our Skoolie in without any trouble and loved walking barefoot along the cool, soft sand-like soil along the lake. 🏜️🦶 It was peaceful, beautiful, and such a fun stop on our journey through Utah. Definitely worth experiencing if you’re traveling through the area! ❤️🌵🚌 Bonus: Sunrise here is something you don’t want to miss! 🌅
TravelerEasy to get to just off highway 89. Surreal views that do not end
TravelerBeen to a lot of campsites. This is absolutely the best I have seen so far. For my fellow ADA travelers, you CAN NOT beat these showers. They are beautifully done, to the point we are looking at their layout to put in our home. The camp grounds are incredibly clean. Beautiful views. Pool, hot tub, billiards, tiny store with the friendliest people. I cannot recommend this enough.
GuideBeautiful area, not busy at all. Gas and a small store near by. I highly recommend the local hikes they're worth the drive.
ScoutHad a good stay after an afternoon of hiking Peek-A-Boo and Spooky slot canyons. Plenty of sites, we got one with a stunning view. Easy to access off of route 12.
Lake Powell straddles the Utah-Arizona border at approximately 3,700 feet elevation, with shoreline fluctuations varying dramatically based on water levels. This desert reservoir experiences extreme seasonal temperature changes, with winter nights often dropping below freezing despite mild daytime temperatures. Many camping sites near Lake Powell, Utah offer primitive camping options without hookups, requiring campers to bring sufficient water supplies.
Beach camping at the water's edge: At Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area, campers can position themselves close to the water. "You pick and choose your spot anywhere you want on the beach! Just be cautious of areas of sand but most of the beach is easy to drive on," notes Brandon F. The beach setting allows for easy water access.
Historical exploration: The Lees Ferry area provides opportunities to explore pioneer history. "Nearby historical riverfront hike at the boat launch" is recommended by Rene W. at Lees Ferry Campground. The nearby settlement was established in the 1870s as a Colorado River crossing point.
Canyon hiking: Several slot canyons and washes are accessible from camping areas. "Close by in the other direction is Cathedral Wash trail. wow, wow, wow. It is challenging in that there are 3 points where one needs to climb down (then back up) a 30 ft drop in the wash," writes kim at Lees Ferry Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The region hosts diverse desert wildlife including bighorn sheep. "We saw big horn sheep on the river trail," reports kim at Lees Ferry Campground. At Navajo Bridge, California condors can frequently be spotted.
Private sites with barriers: The arrangement of campsites at several locations provides more privacy than typical desert camping. "Most picnic tables have shade structures and there are privacy barriers between many of the campsites," notes kim at Lees Ferry Campground.
Practical amenities in primitive settings: Even at more rustic locations, basic facilities are available. "There is a dump station and potable water on the way in which is a great bonus for this dispersed style of camping," explains Josh F. about Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area.
Camping levels at Lone Rock: The beach area offers different camping zones based on proximity to water. "There is an upper shelf of campsites about 100 yards from the water at the edge of a gentle slope. There is a whole other camping area below if you want to literally be on the water," describes Josh F.
Modern facilities at developed campgrounds: Some Lake Powell campgrounds offer resort-like amenities. "The tent sites include a sandy pad for your tent, picnic table, fire ring, camp fire grill, and parking space. Bathrooms are close to the campsites and were clean," reports Gillian C. about Wahweap Campground & RV Park.
High winds can create challenging conditions: The open desert landscape provides little wind protection. "When we were there the winds were 40mph gusting to 50mph so sand was all over the place," warns Francois T. about Lone Rock Beach. Wind preparation is essential for tent campers.
Off-road driving challenges: Beach and sand camping requires appropriate vehicles and driving techniques. "Would definitely scout out an area and how you want to approach it before barreling in. Might save you a headache or two," advises Mikki S. at Lone Rock Beach.
Low water levels affect lake access: Fluctuating water levels can change the distance to the shoreline. "The lake is so low that its nearly a mile from campsite," John H. noted about Wahweap Campground. Water levels should be checked before arrival.
Extremely dry conditions: The desert environment requires additional water supplies. "No water, NO TOILETS, no trash receptacles," reports Greg L. about Beehives Campground. Campers must plan accordingly for drinking and cooking needs.
Swimming beaches: Several areas offer designated swimming access points. "Daytime dips in the lake, nighttime lakeside fires. Perfection," describes Chris S. about the Lone Rock Beach experience. The gradual beach entry is suitable for children.
Campground amenities for kids: Some developed campgrounds include facilities designed for families. "Nice clean campground with great facilities. We got here late on a road trip and hadn't made a reservation but were advised to pick a spot that wasn't taken or reserved and just register in the morning," says Kat P. about Wahweap Campground.
Safety considerations for water access: Supervising children around the water is essential. "It is the Colorado, so know the water temp stays low and cold even when it's 115 degrees out! Swimming is an absolute, but other caution is force of the water, so watch the little ones!" advises Jacob W. about Page Lake Powell Campground.
Educational opportunities: The area provides numerous learning experiences about geology and history. "The walk down the wash is magical because as you descend you are going through the layers of sediment that you can see in the Vermillion Cliffs," explains kim about Cathedral Wash near Lees Ferry.
Size considerations at primitive sites: Not all locations accommodate larger RVs. "Only 6 sites just outside of Page Az. No reservations, sites are ok for TT and larger RVs," notes Greg L. about Beehives Campground.
Site selection strategies: Careful site selection can improve comfort significantly. "We didn't camp ON the beach, we didn't want to risk getting our Class C or our Nissan Altima stuck out there since neither of them are off-road capable. There is a gravel area overlooking the beach primitive camping area on the same road," explains Bethany W. at Lone Rock Beach.
Leveling challenges: The terrain at some campgrounds requires additional equipment. "We had some issues getting our motor home level on our spot (82), but other than that, it was great," reports Lori A. about Roam America Horseshoe Bend.
Hookup availability: Services vary widely between locations. "The site was mostly level, had a picnic table and fire ring. The views of Lake Powell were amazing and we were able to get a site last minute with no reservation," explains Abner H. about dry camping at Wahweap Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Lake Powell?
The best campgrounds near Lake Powell offer stunning views and convenient access to attractions. Page Lake Powell Campground provides level pads with nearby hiking trails and is minutes from the lake and Horseshoe Bend. For RV travelers, Antelope Point RV Park offers newer facilities with turf areas and boat ramp access. Other excellent options include Stateline dispersed camping for sweeping lake vistas, and Corral Dispersed camping featuring spectacular sandstone formations. For those willing to venture slightly farther, Basin Campground at Kodachrome Basin State Park makes a great base for exploring the broader region. Each location offers unique amenities and proximity to different lake access points and attractions.
What are the options for tent camping at Lake Powell?
Lake Powell offers diverse tent camping options for all preferences. Wahweap Campground & RV Park provides developed tent sites with bordered flat areas for setup, picnic tables, and stunning lake views. For a more primitive experience, Beehives Campground offers basic facilities with cash payment via envelope system and convenient access to Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend. Other options include dispersed camping areas on public lands surrounding the lake and state parks within driving distance. Most tent sites require campers to bring their own water and practice leave-no-trace principles. The best tent camping locations offer proximity to the water while providing enough space for privacy and gear setup.
Can you camp on the beaches at Lake Powell?
Yes, beach camping is possible and popular at Lake Powell. Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area offers one of the best beach camping experiences with sandy shoreline camping right at the water's edge. This primitive area allows campers to set up tents or park RVs directly on the beach with beautiful views and water access. National Park passes are accepted here. Another option is Warm Creek Bay Dispersed Camping, where you can find beach spots depending on water levels. Beach camping at Lake Powell requires preparation for sandy conditions, potential wind, and fluctuating water levels. Remember to pack out all trash and bring necessary supplies as services are limited at these primitive locations.
Do I need reservations for camping at Lake Powell?
Reservation requirements vary by campground type at Lake Powell. For established campgrounds like Wahweap Campground & RV Park, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season (spring through fall) when sites fill quickly. The campground offers online booking for securing specific sites in advance. In contrast, State Line Spot Dispersed Camping and other dispersed areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. For these areas, arriving mid-week or earlier in the day improves your chances of finding a spot. During holiday weekends and summer months, plan well ahead for any Lake Powell camping trip. Some locations may require entry permits or fees separate from camping costs, so check requirements before arrival.
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