Guide To Camping At Lone Rock Beach, Lake Powell, Utah (Serious Wow)

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It’s every campers dream to wake up each morning to exquisite natural beauty. Lone Rock Beach in Lake Powell, Utah is that ultimate dream.

With no reservations required, this primitive campsite is nestled between the shores of Lake Powell and the sand dunes behind it.

What’s more is that there’s only a maximum of two vehicles per site, which means you can enjoy camping without feeling like you’re rubbing shoulders with a stranger.

It’s true, off-road bliss.

rv on the beach at Lone Rock Campground Lone Rock Campground

If you’re thinking about camping at Lone Rock Campground by Lake Powell, here is everything you need to know, and our experience.

About Lone Rock Beach, Lake Powell

Lone Rock Beach, Utah

Lone Rock Beach is on Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon Recreation Area, the heart of the “Grand Circle” of Southwest national parks. It offers 1.25 million acres of golden cliffs, lush hanging gardens, narrow slot canyons, and the brilliant blue waters of Lake Powell.

The view from your camp chair is dominated by the massive, monolithic rock, known as Lone Rock.

This free-standing sandstone rock is what this beach, one of the most popular beaches in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is named after.

It’s one of the few spots in this massive protected area that you can actually drive up to the water’s edge and camp for a cheap price.

Lone Rock Beach Campground is off the grid, though not completely free. There was a fee as we were camping in the Glen Canyon Recreation Area, but it’s only $14 per vehicle. Bargain.

rv solar panels on rv parked on the beach

Lone Rock Beach is one of those places you can park your RV and settle in for some time.

Wake up to watch the beautiful soft light of sunrise illuminating Lone Rock, grab your paddle board or kayak and explore the crystal blue waters, spend the day swimming, and the evening watching the golden and red light of sunset, roasting marshmallows over the campfire with friends, and gazing at the shimmering stars at night.

It’s true paradise.

We visited in winter as we were exploring the Southwest USA in-depth and on our way to Monument Valley. I’d love to return to Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Recreation Area to explore it more in-depth.

The water was freezing at this time, but I was still happy for a quick wake up swim each morning.

The kids also kayaked over to Lone Rock and spent the day over there (with supplies) playing a Survivor Challenge game! This is such a family friendly campsite.

Lone Rock Beach Campground Facilities

Lone Rock, Lake Powell stand up paddle boardin Caz paddle boarding over to Lone Rock

Drive up and find your perfect spot on the beach in the primitive camping area. It’s first come first served, and no reservations needed.

There aren’t many amenities here – the main bathrooms have just 4 micro flush toilets and 6 vault toilets (seasonal), and a cold outdoor shower – so you’ll need to be prepared for cold showers.

There is a dump station on the way into Lone Rock Beach campground, and potable water (seasonal). The views as you come in from there are sensational!

Arrive during the day so you can be sure you find a good spot and set up in an area that is not too soft.

It gets very dark here, which makes it tough to set up and see what you are doing.

It’s also not very accessible. The is one comfort station that’s wheelchair accessible, but otherwise it will be quite difficult to move around if you have mobility issues.

Open fires are permitted in designated campsites, but must be within a four-foot squared area or on the lake’s shoreline.

There are also quiet hours between 10:00pm and 6:00am, so if you’re someone who needs quiet time at night, this is a good campsite for you.

If you’re visiting to use the day use area, note there is no boat launch ramp.

There is also no cell phone reception of internet access, no firewood for sale, and no food storage lockers.

Take your garbage with you, as recycling dumpsters are seasonal.

How to get to Lone Rock Beach

You will need to drive to reach Lone Rock Beach as it’s remote. If you’re driving north on Highway 89 from Glen Canyon dam, turn right after the Utah state line.

It’s located 12 miles north of Page via Hwy 89 and 85 miles from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon via Hwy 89A and Hwy 67.

There is a paved road that leads to the Lone Rock Beach campground.

Things to do near Lone Rock Beach, Lake Powell

We stayed in Glen Canyon Recreation Area for 5 nights, which gave us time to do some of the nearby attractions.

Since Lone Rock Beach sites close to the Arizona Utah state line, there is a lot more to do in the area than just visit the park.

1. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

woman posing inside Antelope Canyon, Utah

Distance: 18.6 miles
Drive time: 30 minutes

We were debating whether to go to Antelope Canyon as we heard people say it was overrated. They complained about the crowds and having to wait in a line just to take a photo.

I’m so glad we decided to go. It was awesome and unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

There are two sides to the canyon – Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. Upper is where most of the tourists go, and Lower is more low-key, quieter, and just as beautiful.

Both canyons are famous for their color changes. There’s a tiny opening in the top of the slow canyon, which allows light to bounce off the sandstone walls, making them change color throughout the day.

people walking through a narrow canyon

It was busy, although not busy season. We had plenty of time to wander the 430 meter path through the canyon taking photographs and marveling at the smooth polished rock that appeared as red, orange, yellow and purple for us.

2. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Horseshoe bend, Arizona Horseshoe Bend

Distance: 14.8 miles
Drive time: 22 minutes

You’ve probably seen plenty of images of this famous bend in the Colorado River as it winds through Page in Arizona.

I loved the emerald green of the river below and we saw many boats cruising by. It was spectacular and you only need a short amount of time there.

Horseshoe bend, Arizona

We were quite taken aback by the number of people going close to the edge for photos in Horseshoe Bend. PLEASE don’t do it. It’s not worth it. There is no photo or number of likes worth it.

Read our full review of Horseshoe Bend with tips

3. Glen Canyon Dam

Glen Canyon Dam

Distance: 11.5 miles
Drive time: 18 minutes

It’s worth stopping off to the Glen Canyon Dam. The visitor center there is free and there is a small museum to learn more about the construction of the dam and the importance of water.

Glen Canyon Recreation Area would have cost us $30 for a 7-day pass. We have a National Parks Pass which gives unlimited access to federal lands. It costs $80 a year. It’s absolutely worth it for a trip like ours and saves us hundreds of dollars.

4. Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Glen Canyon

Rainbow Arch at the Lake Powell, Utah (Deposit Photos)

Distance: 12.9 miles
Drive time: 20 minutes

Sadly, we did not get time to do Rainbow Bridge National Monument, but it is high on my Utah bucket list for when we return.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument is the tallest natural bridge in the world. It is roughly the sixth longest and a popular thing to do in Utah for those who want to go off the beaten path.

It’s a scared bridge of the Navajo culture for its symbol of deities responsible for creating clouds, rainbows and rain – the essence of life in the desert.

The bridge can be reached by boat (50 miles) from Lake Powell Resorts and Marina, and then an easy 0.75-mile trail up the twisting canyon to a spectacular overlook near the bridge Intrepid travelers can hike strenuous backcountry trails (17 miles) from Navajo Mountain.

Final Thoughts

tent on the beach Lone rock beach camping

Lone Rock Beach campground was the perfect destination for kids AND adults.

After my icy morning dip, I’d do a workout on the beach followed catching up on stuff – work, organization, fixing the RV, adding in solar panels, relaxing, and playing.

The evenings were spent playing cards and chatting around a campfire. Isn’t that bliss?

What added to the bliss was that the girls had friends to play with. We had pretend weddings, 24 hour tent challenges, and sleep overs.

It was perfect.