Lake Powell Farley Canyon Campground Review
There’s no doubt that you’ve heard of Lake Powell. This massive reservoir straddles the Arizona and Utah border and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping.
Among the many campgrounds available at Lake Powell is Farley Canyon Campground. It offers a primitive camping experience.
The Farley Canyon camping area is a great place to dry camp, but you have to hike your paddling gear to access the water. If you’re road tripping through Utah, it’s a nice place to camp for the night — even if you’re not interested in hiking to the water.
Lake Water Levels
Over the recent years, with lake levels dropping, campers will not be camping close to the shores of Lake Powell here.
You can camp in the dispersed camping area (meaning there are no assigned camping spots), then you need to walk or drive (with 4WD) to the opening of Farley Canyon to get on the lake.
You can tell from high watermarks on the sandstone walls that Lake Powell came up higher to the main campground at one point in time. However, you need to head into Farley Canyon to get on the water these days.
I wanted to update this guide with a caveat that we haven’t been camping here since 2015.
When we went, we had to carry our stand-up paddleboards to where the water started in Farley Canyon.
Depending on the road conditions, and if the road is dry enough, you might be able to drive with 4WD to launch SUPS, kayaks, or canoes.
How Much Does It Cost to Camp at Farley Canyon?
- It costs $12 per day
- This area has a self-serve fee station
Accessing the Campground
There is a decent gravel road leading to the main camping area.
You will want to have 4WD if you want to try to boondock closer to the water.
There is a flat area where you can camp and bring in a small RV, motorhome, or campervan. The are lots of places to pitch a tent.
Farley Primitive Campground Details
- Reservations: None, first-come-first-served
- Campsites: No designated camping sites, open space dispersed camping
- Water: None available
- Electricity: No hookup
- Bathrooms: No showers, no flushing toilets. Vault restroom available seasonally. Bring toilet paper.
- Toilets: If vault toilets are not in operation, visitors must bring a 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
Farley Canyon Campground Map
Below is a map overview so you can get an idea of where the campground is located.
How To Get Here
Follow Highway 95 like you’re going to Hite, but keep heading southeast past Hite. You’ll have to watch the map well because the roads aren’t well marked (or they were not the last time we were out here).
Farley Canyon Road will be the only right after you go passed the Hite Marina Access Road heading southeast on Highway 95.
Are Campfires Allowed?
Yes, campfires are allowed at Lake Powell. Don’t forget to bring local firewood. There is none to collect in the area.
Is There Cell Phone Reception at Farley Canyon?
Plan to unplug while you’re here. Cell phone reception is hit and miss in the area. We don’t recall having any reception here.
Paddling Farley Canyon
Farley Canyon is one of the best places to SUP at Lake Powell, in our opinion.
Since it is a narrower canyon, typically blocked by a sandbar, motorboats can’t enter. The tall canyon walls block the wind, and there aren’t any waves. The water is crystal clear depending on the time of year.
You’ll will more than likely have the canyon to yourself for a paddling adventure, because we did — and it as awesome.
Paddling further into the canyon, you’ll pop out where the Colorado River cuts through. There is a sandbar at the mouth that makes for a great place to catch some sun, picnic, and enjoy the desert views.
Be sure to be mindful of the Colorado River’s current if you venture to the next canyon downstream. The river current is way more fast compared to the still water in Farley Canyon.
What is the Best Time of Year to Camp at Farley Canyon?
The best time of year to camp in this area is spring, early summer, and fall. It can get scorching hot during the summer.
The roads are not maintained either, so avoid the area when it is wet (for mud and wet clay).
Also consider gnats during the summer – they can be brutal! And, pick up your trash and hide it. The ravens will steal your garbage.
What Should You Pack for Camping at Lake Powell?
Plan to pack and bring all your camping essentials. Since there are no facilities, you’ll want to bring all of your food, water, clothes, firewood, fire starters, and paddling gear.
This campground is literally in the middle of nowhere.
Final Thoughts
Although Farley Canyon may not be the most well-known camping spot near Lake Powell, it offers a great experience for those who love the outdoors.
The area offers stunning views of the red rocks and the lake, and there’s plenty of space for hiking and biking along the dirt roads, paddling the canyon, fishing, and exploring. Just be sure to bring plenty of water, a shade source, and sunscreen.
We hope you have the best trip to the Farley Canyon campground. This is one of our favorite places to camp and SUP in Utah.
Happy adventuring,
Ashlee & Pablo
More Lake Powell Adventures
Are you planning a trip to Lake Powell? We’ve spent a lot of time here. Check out our other helpful guides:
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