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 activities, or just taking in the scenery, Stanton Creek is sure to please. So, pack your camping gear and get ready for some unforgettable memories. Stanton Creek is one of the best places for camping on the shore of Lake Powell!

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About Glen Canyon NRA (Lake Powell)

Stanton Creek is located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA) in Utah. The National Park Service manages this area.

Lake Powell is a stunning location for outdoor enthusiasts who love to kayak, paddleboard, swim, and boat. There are so many things to do at this amazing spot in the desert southwest that you’ll be hard-pressed to fit them all into one trip! So, whether you’re looking for a leisurely day on the water or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Lake Powell has something for everyone to enjoy.

Entrance Fee

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 is a lot of opportunity for primitive camping on the shore of Lake Powell because this man-made reservoir has almost 2,000 miles of shoreline.

Stanton Creek Primitive Campground

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

How Much Does It Cost to Camp at Stanton Creek?

It costs $12 per day to camp at Stanton Creek per car.

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

Stanton Creek Primitive Beach Camping Details

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

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

• 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!
• 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
• Not shaded
• Open year-round

At Stanton Creek campground, you can literally camp on the shore of Lake Powell. It is simply the best!

Stanton Creek Campground Map

How to Get to Stanton Creek Campground

Going towards the Bullfrog Marina in Utah, once you pass the entrance fee station, follow the road towards the lake. There will be a left-hand turn at the top of the hill (by the dumpsters). 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! Turn around; the turn is the left onto the gravel road at the top of the hill.

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 at Lake Powell?

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

Stand-up Paddle Boarding at Lake Powell

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

We love to stand-up paddleboard here! 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.

What is the Best Time of Year to Camp at Stanton Creek?

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, but you might enjoy camping here in the summer if that doesn’t bother you.

Be mindful of the wind and weather while out on the water too. Sometimes, Lake Powell gets crazy windstorms!

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!

You might also be interested in more of our camping articles to help you plan in detail what to take car camping at Stanton Creek:

• Everything to Know Tent Camping for Beginners
• 30 Items to Create a DIY Simple Camp Kitchen
• 25 Best Amazon Camping Gear Must-Haves

Final Thoughts on Camping at Stanton Creek

Stanton Creek campground sits on the shores of Lake Powell, just minutes from some of the most stunning scenery, and sandstone geology, in the Southwest. This is definitely a campground worth checking out if you’re into the great outdoors. The camping area is spacious, and there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area. You can also hike, bike, or run along all the dirt roads in the area when you are not on the water.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax and take in the beauty of nature or want to explore all that Lake Powell has to offer, Stanton Creek campground is an excellent choice for your next Utah camping vacation.

We hope you have an excellent trip. This is one of our favorite camping locations at Lake Powell.

Thanks for reading.

Ashlee & Pablo

Get More Lake Powell Information

Are you planning a camping trip in Utah? You might also enjoy our other articles on recreating at Lake Powell.

• Farley Canyon Campground: Camp & SUP at Lake Powell
• 5 Best Lake Powell Camping Spots on the Beach in Utah and Arizona
• How to Visit Rainbow Bridge National Monument
• Primitive Camping on BLM Land

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We’d love to hear from you!

We have camped at Stanton Creek many times – do you have any questions?

Have you been camping here? What time of year did you go? What did you think?