A Scenic Beachfront Campground In Utah Offers Unparalleled Views And Access To Lake Powell

If you've ever dreamed of spending the night listening to the sound of water lapping gently against the shore whilst lying underneath a blazing sky of stars, look no further than the American Southwest. With towering red rock formations, miles of open desert roads, and nights filled with shooting stars, this region of the United States is an outdoor lover's paradise. One of the most unforgettable spots to experience a night lakeside is the picturesque Lone Rock Beach at Lake Powell, one of the United States' top tourist attractions in the Southwest. It's a popular camping spot, but how could it not be? The campground is situated right on Lake Powell's shoreline, leaving you to plop down your tent with no obstructed views — just you, the lake, and a massive sandstone monolith towering just offshore.  

Located along the Utah and Arizona border in Lake Powell's Wahweap Bay, just off U.S. Highway 89, Lone Rock Beach is unlike traditional campgrounds, where the sites are designated and numbered, and the roads are paved. Here, campers will experience a much more primitive, wide-open camping experience directly along the shore. With its incredible rock formations, colorful, fiery sunsets and sunrises, and the ability to spend the night just steps from the water's edge, this destination blends rugged adventure with tranquil beauty. Kayak, have a fire, or simply kick back and relax — with no reservations needed, Lone Rock Beach is yours for the exploration.

Lone Rock Beach is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and unlike most campsites, here, you can lie your head wherever you please. While there are no RV hookups or electricity on the grounds, there are vault toilets, cold showers, and a dump station near the entrance. Note some facilities, including potable water, are not available in the off season. 4WD vehicles are recommended for driving in the sand closer to the shoreline, as certain areas can be deceptively soft, leading people to get stuck. Those without 4WD vehicles also have the option to camp above the beach, which is further from shore but offers beautiful parnoramic views of the lake.

With that in mind, campers should come to this campground with their own water, food, firewood, shade, and waste disposal supplies. Since Lone Rock Beach is first-come, first-served, early arrival is key if you plan on joining the hordes during the peak season to claim a good camping spot. Though there is no reservation system, camping costs $14 per vehicle in addition to the national monument entry fee of $30. However, this additional fee is waived if you have an Annual Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.

You'll be camping in the desert with no protection from wind or sand, so remember this when packing. Keep an eye on the weather when planning your trip, as monsoon storms in summer months can quickly cause flooding. The best times of year to camp at Lone Rock Beach are spring and fall, when the temperatures are milder and the crowds have thinned out. Summer brings heat, wind, and more people, but also a full range of possibilities for water activities. Winter temperatures drop below freezing, however, they are much quieter and equally as beautiful. 

So, what's there to do at Lone Rock Beach besides camping? The real question is, what can't you do? Bring a kayak, boat, jet ski, or strap on your floaties and enjoy a day spent on the clear blue waters of Lake Powell. Though there are no launch ramps at Lone Rock, those able and willing can launch directly from the shore. Undisturbed by city lights, Lone Rock Beach offers visitors some of the best stargazing in the Southwest. Bring your telescope or lie back and marvel as the Milky Way glistens above your campsite. 

Horseshoe Bend, a highly photographed spot in Arizona, is a short distance from Lone Rock, and the trailhead offers spectacular views of the giant sandstone jutting from the Colorado River below. Explore the unique formation at Antelope Canyon, or the breathtaking and crowd-free alternative, Secret Antelope Canyon. Visitors can also explore Alstrom Point or Red Rock County's underrated Wahwep Overlook for incredible views of Lake Powell, and nearby hiking trails like North and South Rainbow Bridge trails. 

So, what are you waiting for? Camping at Lone Rock Beach is more than just spending a night in the outdoors. It's an immersive escape into the rugged, natural beauty of the great American Southwest. While it may be primitive, that's what makes it so unique. Here, modern conveniences fall to the wayside, replaced by starry night skies, the smell of roasted marshmallows, and the joys of waking up to a sunset that somehow seems to set the lake ablaze. Whether you're a seasoned camper, a brave soul with a tent, or a family on an all-American road trip, Lone Rock Beach offers the kind of memorable experience that reminds us why we seek out Mother Nature's gifts in the first place.