Tent camping near Lake Powell offers opportunities for solitude with primitive sites ranging from established lakeshore locations to remote backcountry areas. Many tent campers must carry or filter water at most sites, particularly at backcountry locations along Paria Canyon where permits are required. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for tent camping in this high desert environment.
What to do
Slot canyon hiking access: Buckskin Gulch Dispersed Camping serves as a starting point for the renowned 21-mile slot canyon hike. One camper noted, "It is a 21 mile segment that has awesome, narrow slot canyons. The canyons are a bit far, so we had to head back and get our pups some water. Apparently the wash has water through it most often, so bring water shoes for this one."
Kayaking from lakeshore campsites: Stanton Creek Primitive Campground provides direct water access for kayaking and small watercraft. A camper reported, "We rode here from Upper Miley twist area on the Burr Trail. It was very windy, but tons of spots. Lots of clean bathrooms too. You can pretty easily find access to water as well."
Stargazing opportunities: The remote tent sites at Horseshoe Bend 6 Mile Campsite offer exceptional dark sky viewing. A camper shared, "Super remote and totally worth it. Great dispersed campsite with beautiful views and the best night sky because there is no light pollution."
What campers like
Canyon-bottom camping perspective: Tent sites at Horseshoe Bend 9 Mile Campsite provide unusual views from the base of the canyon walls. A camper described the experience: "Had an awesome time camping out at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend! It was somewhat weird having people always taking pictures and looking down at the camp a couple hundred feet up, but they were so far away that we got used to it."
Wildlife observation: The primitive sites at Paria Canyon Wilderness - The Hole Backcountry Campsite offer chances to see desert wildlife. An experienced backpacker observed, "While the critters are few (we only saw mountain goats, birds and lizards) I know snakes and scorpions are out there. There was no need to hang food bags - just take them in the tent (even rangers will agree)."
Proximity to state parks: Rock Springs Bench provides tent sites near Kodachrome Basin State Park without the crowds. A recent visitor mentioned, "We came here on a Friday night in mid-June before exploring Kodachrome Basin State Park. I could not believe how close we were to the state park without having any other people around."
What you should know
Permit requirements: The best tent camping near Lake Powell, Utah often requires advance planning for permits, especially for backcountry sites. At Paria Canyon Backcountry - Confluence Site, "You need a permit in order to overnight in Paria Canyon. This is the first designated backcountry campsite available if you're hiking via Buckskin Gulch. There is no camping allowed in the slot canyon."
Water access challenges: Many campsites require carrying substantial water supplies, especially during hot months. One experienced hiker at Paria Canyon reported, "We hiked this in June and the slot canyon was completely dry. We each carried 2 gallons of water per person to be absolutely safe (per the advice of the Ranger)."
Weather preparations: The tent sites around Lake Powell experience extreme temperature swings and sudden wind events. At Stanton Creek, a camper advised, "Also be sure to stake down your tent, the winds pick up here out of nowhere!"
Tips for camping with families
Boat-in sites for groups: Horseshoe Bend 6 Mile Campsite offers connected sites ideal for families camping together. A reviewer shared, "This area is super cool because each site has a walkway connecting each site to each other. It was awesome being able to have a large group camp out, but also have everyone in their own space!"
Beach camping access: Spencer Flat Dispersed Camping provides accessible tent sites with enough space for family groups. A camper noted, "This spot had a fire ring, extra firewood, and enough spots for about 4-6 cars/tents. So a big group can easily fit here."
Wildlife awareness: Families should be prepared for wildlife encounters at remote sites. At Stanton Creek, a camper warned, "We could hear coyotes howling all night, so be careful if you have smaller dogs with you and keep your trash out of reach. We saw lots of other wildlife, too! Herons, peregrines, and little lizards everywhere."
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Access to many tent sites around Lake Powell requires careful planning for vehicle type. At Rock Springs Bench, an RVer cautioned, "Dirt access road that can get impassable when it rains (and believe them when they say impassable!). Not a lot of dispersed camp sites, maybe 6 or 7 in this immediate area."
Site selection strategy: Arriving early provides the best options for tent sites at popular areas. At Stanton Creek, an experienced camper advised, "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."
Weather windows: Timing visits to avoid extreme heat improves the tent camping experience near Lake Powell. A Spencer Flat camper recommended, "Gets pretty hot in the heat of the summer but great in the shoulder seasons."
