SUMMER SALE 50% off The Dyrt PRO — just $2.49/moGet now
SALE: PRO just $2.49/mo

Stanton Creek Primitive Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating draw campers to Stanton Creek Primitive Campground, where the shoreline of Lake Powell sits directly at the edge of camp. Car-accessible lakefront camping is genuinely rare here. The canyon walls surrounding Lake Powell leave few spots where a vehicle can reach the water, which makes this area a high-demand destination, especially over holiday weekends. Campers who want a waterfront spot should plan to arrive early in the morning, as sites fill quickly by midday.

There are no designated, numbered sites. Instead, campers spread out along the shoreline, each spot marked by a fire ring. The amount of usable shoreline shifts year to year depending on lake levels, and when the water is low, reaching the lake's edge may require a longer walk or drive across gravel. Multiple reviewers note the road in is rough, and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for reaching the better spots. Portable toilets are available and have consistently received positive mentions for cleanliness. No potable water is on-site, so bring everything you need. The Bullfrog Marina, roughly ten minutes back up the dirt road, has a gas station, restaurant, and supplies.

Stanton Creek - Glen Canyon National Rec Area is a nearby alternative worth noting for those who want to compare options in the area, and campers planning a broader trip can browse tent camping near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area for additional context. Cell service is present but reported as weak by at least one visitor. Wind can pick up suddenly, so staking down tents securely matters. As Isabelle K. puts it, "bathrooms are basic but clean and well spaced out." This campground works best for boaters, paddlers, and families who prioritize direct water access over developed amenities.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsStanton Creek Primitive Campground is located in Utah near Eggnog

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Turn onto the access road just north of Bullfrog Marina on Hwy 276.

Address

Lake Powell
Lake powell, UT 00000

Coordinates

37.498985 N
110.699117 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 4/13/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 4/13/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Stanton Creek Primitive Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area needs a permit.

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Stanton Creek Primitive Campground

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

72%
14%
0%
0%
14%

4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Many visitors appreciated the direct lake access and clean bathroom facilities at this primitive campground. Guests commonly noted plenty of dispersed shoreline sites, though rough roads and crowded conditions during peak times present challenges.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2023

Tons of Shoreline!

It costs $12 per night to camp here (you just pay with self serve envelopes). The road in is a little rough, but most SUVs should be able to handle it. There’s tons of shore line available to camp at, just keep driving around until you find a spot! The weather was perfect in late October, 70s in the day, 50s at night and not too many bugs. 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. This is primitive camping, so there’s no services at all. But Bullfrog is just 10 minutes back up the dirt road and has a gas station, gift shop, restaurant, and other amenities.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Stanton Creek Primitive Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by Cortlan S., October 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Stanton Creek Primitive Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by Cortlan S., October 24, 2023
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Apr. 12, 2021

Bikepacking Camping

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...water seemed low so we had to gravel ride down for quite a while (pretty fun ride, but def be prepared for gravel riding). Some trash.

I left a sea to summit dry sack with a sleeping bag inside on Tuesday 4/6. If you found it, please email christymckinney722@gmail.com!

Thanks!

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2020

Car camping on the shores of Lake Powell

Car camping options at Lake Powell are tough to come by due to the incredibly steep canyon walls that surround this unique reservoir. 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. Despite being a large campground and having plenty of sites, it is quite popular and you must arrive as early as possible to snag a good spot. I am used to dispersed camping, so it still felt a bit crowded for us. However, all of our neighbors were super friendly and we were just steps from the warm water. The location can’t be beat considering the limited options on the lake. Bathrooms are basic but clean and well spaced out. Tons of dispersed sites to chose from, each marked by a fire ring. The road can be rough to get there and to reach certain sites, so I would recommend a high clearance vehicle. Also be sure to stake down your tent, the winds pick up here out of nowhere!

  • Review photo of Stanton Creek Primitive Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by Isabelle K., June 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Stanton Creek Primitive Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by Isabelle K., June 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Stanton Creek Primitive Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by Isabelle K., June 10, 2020
  • (8) View All
Reviewed May. 27, 2020

Beach Camping on Lake Powell

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 and my brother was able to park the boat right on our beach. It was amazing and i can’t wait to go back.

  • Review photo of Stanton Creek Primitive Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by Preston G., May 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Stanton Creek Primitive Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by Preston G., May 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Stanton Creek Primitive Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by Preston G., May 27, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2018

BEST PLACE EVER

This is a lovely area. Best place to go if you want to boat. There are a lot of spots you can go right off the beach. Very sandy, but worth it.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed May. 20, 2018

Right on the lake!

There are no designated campsites. Find a suitable spot on the lake and set up camp! The amount of available campsites changes year-to-year with changes in lake levels. Although portable toilets are available, you are required to have your own self-contained unit if you camp on the lake. There is no potable water available, so bring your own.

Supplies are available at the Marina, gas station, and boat store; however, if you don't want to pay Park-Service prices, take the 10-mile trip to the Off Shore Marina outside the National Recreation Area.

Fishing, Kayaking, swimming, and other watersports available in Lake Powell right at your campsite!

SiteEast and West sides of Stanton Creek have equally good camping spots.
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Stanton Creek Primitive Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by Shannon C., May 20, 2018
  • Review photo of Stanton Creek Primitive Campground — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by Shannon C., May 20, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Stanton Creek Primitive Camping Area located at Lake Powell?

Stanton Creek Primitive Camping Area is located along the shoreline of Lake Powell within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It offers dispersed camping opportunities directly on the lakeshore. The area features sandy beaches where visitors can camp and enjoy immediate water access. Access is via a gravel road that can be somewhat rough in places, so an SUV or vehicle with decent clearance is recommended for reaching the camping areas.

What amenities are available at Stanton Creek Primitive Camping Area?

Stanton Creek Primitive Camping Area offers basic amenities typical of primitive camping. There are portable toilets available throughout the area, though campers staying on the lake are required to have their own self-contained waste units. The campground has no designated sites or hookups. The camping fee is $12 per night, payable via self-serve envelopes. Cell signal is weak in the area. The main attraction is direct lake access, with sandy beaches that allow for beachfront camping and boat parking.

Are there photos of Stanton Creek Primitive Camping Area to view before visiting?

While specific photo galleries aren't mentioned, many visitors capture the beautiful shoreline views, sandy beaches, and lake access points at Stanton Creek. The area features scenic vistas of Lake Powell's unique landscape with its steep canyon walls and clear water. To view current photos before visiting, check Glen Canyon National Recreation Area's official website, social media pages, or camping platforms like The Dyrt where campers regularly share their experiences and images of the area.

What are the rules for dispersed camping near Lake Powell's Stanton Creek area?

At Stanton Creek Primitive Camping Area, there are no designated campsites - campers simply find a suitable spot along the shoreline. The fee is $12 per night using self-serve payment envelopes. Campers must have their own self-contained waste disposal units if camping on the lake. The available camping spots vary yearly with changing lake levels. The area allows boat access, with many campers able to park boats directly on their beach area. Respect the natural environment and follow standard Leave No Trace principles. Weather conditions can vary significantly, with October offering mild 70-degree days.