Lake Powell stretches nearly 186 miles across the Utah-Arizona border inside the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and falling asleep on a red-sand beach with the canyon walls glowing at dusk is one of the great desert experiences. There is a campsite here for every style, from full-hookup RV resorts to wild, no-services beach camping where it is just you and the water. Here is how to choose and where to go.
Wahweap and the Page Area
The southern end of the lake near Page, Arizona is the most developed and the easiest to reach. Wahweap Campground sits just above the marina with tent sites, full RV hookups, showers, and a store nearby. It is the convenient base camp for first-timers and anyone who wants to launch a boat or kayak and still grab dinner in town. Reserve through Recreation.gov, especially for spring and fall weekends.
- Best for: RVers, families, and paddlers who want amenities.
- Nearby: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and the Glen Canyon Dam overlook.
Lone Rock Beach: Free Camping on the Sand
For many, Lone Rock Beach is the highlight. This is open beach camping on the sand around the iconic Lone Rock formation that juts straight out of the water. There are no marked sites, just vault toilets and an outdoor rinse station, so you camp where you like for a modest day-use or camping fee. Four-wheel drive helps in soft sand, and it can get busy and loud on summer holiday weekends, so visit midweek or in the shoulder seasons for solitude.
Bullfrog and the Northern Lake
Up the lake on the Utah side, Bullfrog offers a campground, RV park, marina, and a small store, with the seasonal Halls Crossing ferry connecting the two shores. The north end sees far fewer crowds than Page, and it puts you closer to the dramatic upper canyons. Stanton Creek nearby is a primitive shoreline area popular with the off-grid crowd.
Boat-In and Paddle-In Beach Camping
The real magic of Lake Powell is camping on a beach you reach only by water. Anywhere along the shoreline outside developed areas and a few restricted zones, you can pull up and camp for free on undeveloped beaches. This is how you get a private cove in a side canyon with nobody else around. A few ground rules keep it sustainable:
- Carry a portable toilet system, which is required for overnight stays away from facilities.
- Pack out every scrap of trash and never bury waste in the sand.
- Use a stove or a fire pan and bring your own firewood.
Paddlers can reach quiet side canyons and beaches under their own power. Our Moab and Lake Powell kayaking itinerary pairs the calm Glen Canyon water with the kind of beach camping that makes this lake unforgettable.
Practical Tips Before You Go
Water levels at Lake Powell fluctuate a lot, which changes where beaches and launch ramps are usable, so check current conditions with the National Park Service before committing to a specific spot. Summer is brutally hot at the southern end, with highs over 100 degrees, while spring and fall bring the most comfortable nights. Always carry far more drinking water than you think you need, and store food securely against ringtails and rodents.
Camping Near Lake Powell FAQs
Yes. You can camp for free on most undeveloped shoreline beaches in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, including boat-in and paddle-in coves. Lone Rock Beach charges a small fee, and developed campgrounds like Wahweap and Bullfrog require reservations and fees.
There is no separate backcountry permit for shoreline beach camping, but you must pay the park entrance or camping fee and carry an approved portable toilet for overnight stays away from facilities. Always check current National Park Service rules before you go.
Wahweap Campground near Page, Arizona is the easiest choice, with RV hookups, tent sites, showers, a marina, and quick access to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Reserve early for spring and fall.
