The Happiness Function

Imagine waking up to the sun rising over the red rocks of Lake Powell and taking a few steps from your campsite to jump into the cool water. At Stanton Creek campground, this is your reality.

This campground is in one of Utah’s most beautiful areas and offers plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in hiking, fishing, boating, water sports, or just taking in the scenery, Stanton Creek is a local favorite.

Stanton Creek is one of our favorite places to camp at Lake Powell. It is a dispersed camping area near the Bullfrog Marina.

About Glen Canyon NRA (also called Lake Powell)

Stanton Creek is located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA) in Utah, and it is managed by the National Park Service. There is an entrance fee to use the park.

If you have the Annual National Park Pass ($80/year), the pass covers the entrance fee.

Without the annual pass, it costs $30 for vehicles to enter for 7 days.

Camping on the Shores of Lake Powell

There are a lot of opportunities for primitive camping on the shores of Lake Powell because this man-made reservoir has almost 2,000 miles of shoreline.

How Much Does It Cost to Camp at Stanton Creek?

It costs $12 per day to camp here.

Bring cash to pay. Since it is a primitive campground, you have to fill out the envelopes provided at the self-serve stations.

Camping Details

Stanton Creek is great for tents, motorhomes, vans, and RVs.

There are some places where you will want to be sure you have 4WD to boondock. But, there is a decent gravel road that winds through the camping area where you can select spots that suit your needs.

At Stanton Creek campground, you can literally camp on the shore of Lake Powell — that is why we love it so much.

Here are more details:

• Reservations: No camping reservations available, first-come-first-serve
• Campsites: No designated campsites, open space dispersed camping
• Water: None available
• Electricity: No hookup
• Bathrooms: No showers, no flushing toilets. Vault restrooms are available seasonally. Bring your own toilet paper (you can thank me later)!
• Toilets: If vault toilets are not in operation, visitors must bring their own toilet system. If not in an RV, we recommend bringing wag bags. A toilet is required to be within 200 yards of your campsite.
• Dogs Allowed: Yes
• Wood for campfires available: None, bring firewood
• Time restrictions for stay: Yes, no more than 14 consecutive days allowed
• There is no shade
• You can camp here year-round

Stanton Creek Campground Map

Below is a map overview so you can orient yourself and plan your trip.

How To Get Here

Go towards the Bullfrog Marina in Utah. Once you pass the park’s entrance station, follow the road towards the lake. There will be a left-hand turn at the top of the hill. Turn left and follow this dirt road. It will take you to the shores of Lake Powell.

If you see the paved left-hand turn by the school, you have gone too far.

Grab a self-serve fee station payment while you’re on your way into the dispersed camping area. There is a fee station along the gravel road.

Are Campfires Allowed?

Yes, campfires are allowed at Lake Powell. Be sure to bring local firewood as there is none to collect in the area.

Is There Cell Phone Reception?

Cell phone reception is hit and miss near Stanton Creek. Plan to unplug while you’re camping.

There is cell phone reception near the Bullfrog Marina.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

One of the best parts about camping at Stanton Creek is the fact that you can camp close to the water so you can quickly launch your watercraft.

We like to paddle in the morning before the afternoon winds pick up. Lake Powell is one of the best places to stand-up paddleboard in Utah.

Best Time of Year to Camp Here

Since this area is in the arid West, late spring through early summer and then the fall are the best times to camp. The summers can get triple-digit hot and there is no shade.

Be mindful of the wind and weather while out on the water, too. Sometimes, Lake Powell gets crazy windstorms. One time the wind got so bad we had to leave.

What Should You Bring?

Plan to pack and bring all your camping essentials.

Since there are no facilities, you’ll want to bring all of your food, water, firewood, fire starter (it would totally suck to be in the middle of nowhere without a lighter), and gear.

Get our FREE camping and hiking packing list!

Happy Camping

This is definitely a campground worth checking out if you’re into the outdoors.

The camping area is spacious, and there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area. You can hike, bike, or run along all the dirt roads in the area when you are not on the water.

We hope you have an excellent trip.

Ashlee & Pablo

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