Last updated: February 3, 2021
Thing to Do
Lake Powell Shoreline Primitive Camping
NPS / B Moffit
By far the most popular activity in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is boating. On a private boat or a rental, almost two million visitors enjoy the deep turquoise waters of Lake Powell every year. If you already have a boat, why not stay a night or two on your own beach under the stars? You can camp anywhere on the shorelines of Lake Powell.
When planning a camping trip by boat in Glen Canyon, it is best to buy a map beforehand. These show the side canyons, good hiking spots, points of interest and marinas, explain the navigation system, and may provide fishing information. In an emergency you will need to report your location.
The main channel varies in depth from 100 to 600 feet. It is recommended that you anchor on a beach for the night, as high winds can move boats into rocks and cause damage. There are no motor vehicles, off-road vehicles or bicycles allowed in Glen Canyon's roadless areas.
All campsites are required to have a portable toilet unless toilets are available on the vessel or within 200 yards of the campsite. Regular water-quality checks are conducted to ensure compliance with sanitation laws. Pets are allowed on beaches as long as waste is cleaned up. Dispose of waste properly. Burying waste of any kind on the beach is prohibited. Waste may not be contained in a plastic bag unless it is an NPS-approved Waste Bag Containment System, which must be deposited in the trash.
Do not camp under overhanging rocks, as downpouring rain can sink a vessel.
Ground fires are permitted along Lake Powell's shoreline below high-water level (3,700 feet), except within developed areas. Check for fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. Such restrictions are a regular part of hot, dry summer months, but can occur any time of year. Do not leave trash in fire rings. Fireworks are illegal.
Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am, unless otherwise posted.
There is no camping allowed in Rainbow Bridge National Monument or within/on archeological sites.
Details
Duration
1-14 Days
Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days and no more than 30 days total in the park in any calendar year.
Activity
Backcountry Camping
"Backcountry" Shoreline camping on Lake Powell can range from toughing out the desert winter from your kayak to "roughing it" in a multimillion dollar houseboat and any level of camping/glamping in between. Know your boat before you go - check our boating webpage for safety tips and regulations.
Age(s)
Camping on Lake Powell has long been an every age family activity. Make sure you keep track of everyone in your group, and know the safety regulations for children.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are permitted on leash everywhere in Glen Canyon except:
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All archeological sites.
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All marinas, docks, walkways, and launch ramps, except when proceeding directly to or from a boat.
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Along the San Juan River from Clay Hills Crossing upstream to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area boundary as designated by required permit available through the Bureau of Land Management.
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The portion of Cathedral Wash between the road and the Colorado River.
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Orange Cliffs special permit area.
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Rainbow Bridge NM, except for pets in vessels at the courtesy docks.
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On the Colorado River downstream from the dam to the boundary of Grand Canyon National Park.
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Dogs and other companion animals are prohibited from entering Coyote Gulch within the boundaries of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. (This prohibition does not apply to guide dogs accompanying visual impaired persons or to hearing ear dogs accompanying hearing impaired persons.) This prohibition includes all dogs or other pet animals used to carry or transport recreational equipment or food.
Activity Fee
No
There is no camping fee or permit required to camp on the lake in undeveloped areas. However, entrance fees and vessel use fees apply.
Location
Undeveloped shoreline of Lake Powell
Nearly 2000 miles of shoreline on Lake Powell are in undeveloped areas (outside of marinas) and you can beach your boat there for day trips or camping.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
The weather in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is usually typical for the high deserts. Summers are extremely hot with little, if any, shade. Winters are moderately cold with night time lows often below freezing. Spring weather is highly variable and unpredictable with extended periods of winds. Fall weather is usually nice and mild, a great time to beat the heat (and the crowds!).
Temperatures can range from 110° F (38°C) in June & July to 0° F (-16°C) in December & January. Precipitation is generally light (less than 6 inches [15.2cm] annually) though heavy rains and flash flooding is possible during the summer and fall "monsoons."
We recommend lightweight, light colored clothing for summer, including a hat. Layers of clothing are best for other times of the year.
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
It is the boat owner/renter's responsibility to bring themselves to any beach, there is no transport service to a beach campsite. Beaches are sandy and rocky, not even or paved. There are no roads to these backcountry area. Depending on your boat, you will be staying in a fully-equipped houseboat, a cabin cruiser, a tent on the beach next to a kayak, or any combination of those.
The beaches on Lake Powell are considered primitive areas, with no running water or facilities. There are no toilets provided on beaches, boaters must bring their own.
Pets and service animals are permitted on leash. Please pick up after them.
The beaches on Lake Powell are considered primitive areas, with no running water or facilities. There are no toilets provided on beaches, boaters must bring their own.
Pets and service animals are permitted on leash. Please pick up after them.