Glen Canyon National Recreation Area boasts over 1.2 million acres (about 4.8 million ha) of great opportunities for recreation. Lake Powell, stretching from northern Arizona into southern Utah, is the second-largest human-made lake in the US. Deep blue clear waters of Lake Powell, surrounded by red sandstone formations, create stunning contrast. A prime swimming spot, Lake Powell is also known as one of the finest boating destinations in the world. Each year, the scenic lake draws about 2 million visitors.
Best time for camping at Lake Powell
If you love water activities, the summer and fall months are the best times of year to visit Lake Powell. Primitive camping enthusiasts should keep in mind that summers get extremely hot, sometimes exceeding 110°F (43°C). With almost no shade from the trees, Lake Powell primitive campsites might turn into a melting adventure. Fall months typically promise mild and stable weather, making it a perfect season for camping on the Lake Powell shoreline to avoid the heat and the crowds. Winters bring temps close to or below freezing at night. Also, lots of facilities like campsites and boat rentals close down for the winter season. Spring might be unpredictable and windy, but as it gets closer to the summer months, the Lake Powell shoreline gets dotted with colorful tents.
Camping options at Lake Powell
You can enjoy the unmatched beauty of the lake to its fullest if you spend a couple of days in the area. You could rent a houseboat or stay at the Lake Powell campground. RV campgrounds and primitive camping facilities give an easy access to boat tours and various restaurants. Whatever shoreline you pick, "down-lake" in Arizona or "up-lake" in Utah, you can spend your days swimming or boating on a small watercraft.
Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area
Lone Rock Beach is known for the unparalleled views of Lake Powell along with accessibility to the water. The popularity of this destination isn't surprising as it is one of the several spots where you can drive directly to the lake and and camp on the shoreline. Here, you can launch both kayaks and motorized boats. These days, it's more of a family-friendly place: lots of people are spotted swimming in the blue waters together and at night a friendly conversation over campfires can be frequently heard. The area accommodates tents, RVs, and pickup campers. The campground is located off Highway 89, between the towns of Big Water, Utah, and Page, Arizona. Lone Rock Campground operates year-round, although some nearby facilities tend to close down for winter. During the high season, weekends and holidays are usually packed with campers, but there is usually plenty of room to camp. Dogs are allowed on the premises here.
Wahweap RV & Campground
Located at Wahweap Marina about a quarter-mile from the Lake Powell shore, Wahweap offers plenty of water-based fun from powerboats to all sorts of water toys. The campground offers an access to the nearby Wahweap Swim Beach, free WiFi, picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. You can also enjoy a restaurant, a gift shop, and lounge at the Lake Powell Resort. In winter, you can treat yourself to some solitude at RV Park & Campground.
Bullfrog RV & Campground
Nestled on the shore of Bullfrog Bay on Lake Powell, this campground has everything you need from RV amenities to charcoal grills and picnic tables. About 80 concrete padded sites for tents and RVs, restrooms, and showers await the visitors throughout the year. Bullfrog Lake Powell Launching Ramp is less than a mile from the campsite.
Halls Crossing RV & Campground
Halls Crossing RV & Campground can be accessed by a ferry from Bullfrog (needs to be confirmed in advance) or by a long 288-mile drive from Wahweap. RV park with charcoal grills and picnic tables at each site can accommodate up to 60 long RVs. Campground offers about 40 primitive campsites with individual firepits and picnic tables. Halls Crossing RV & Campground is closed from November 1 to February 28.
Primitive camping areas
Lake Powell is a heaven for primitive camping on a sandy beach or in dunes, especially in spring and fall, when the temperatures are more tent-friendly. Primitive camping is allowed all across the shoreline of Lake Powell except in the marinas. No permit or fee is required, but all campsiters are obliged to have a portable toilet unless there are toilets within 200 yards (180 m) of the campsite. For more information in camping in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, please check the "External resources" section below.
Practical info
When can one plan a visit to Lake Powell for camping?
Visitors can plan a trip to Lake Powell during summer or fall. Summer and fall are the best seasons for activities such as swimming and boating, though summer temperatures can exceed 110°F. Fall weather is mild, and campsites are less crowded. Spring is unpredictable and windy but has colorful tents on the shoreline. Winter may result in closed facilities and freezing temperatures during the night. Show more
What are the different camping options available at Lake Powell?
Campers at Lake Powell can choose to stay in distinguished accommodations such as renting a houseboat or driving to Lone Rock Beach. The Wahweap or Bullfrog RV & Campground also offer stays, with amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. Though Halls Crossing RV & Campground is available, visitors need to travel by ferry or keep a long drive. Primitive camping is permitted, except in marinas, and requires campers to be self-sufficient. Show more
How do I get to Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area, and what amenities can I avail?
To get to Lone Rock Beach, campers need to drive along Highway 89, between Big Water, Utah, and Page, Arizona. It is a family-friendly area that allows campfires, swimming, and accommodates tents, RVs, and pickup campers. The area is open year-round, but nearby facilities may close down for winter. Dogs are allowed in the campsite. Lone Rock Beach facilitates a direct drive to the lake and shoreline camping, offering picturesque views. Show more
What are the facilities offered by Wahweap RV & Campground during winter?
Wahweap RV & Campground has a restaurant, a gift shop, a lounge, and restrooms on-site open year-round. Campers can avail of free WiFi and other facilities like picnic tables and fire rings. The site offers plenty of water activities such as powerboats, fishing boats, and water toys. During winter, visitors can enjoy a peaceful vacation as there is less crowd, and RV Park & Campground provides solitude. Show more
Are campers required to pay fees or avail permits for primitive camping at Lake Powell?
Campers can do primitive camping, except in marinas on the shoreline of Lake Powell. The campsite does not charge a fee or require a permit for primitive camping, though campers must have a portable toilet unless the toilets are within 200 yards of the campsite. The sites are relatively less safe than established campgrounds and may not have facilities or amenities. The spring and fall seasons have relatively stable weather, making them tent-friendly, and campers must be self-sufficient. Show more
