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The best camping near Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Grand Staircase - Escalante adventure.

98% (26 reviews)
98% (26 reviews)

Find colorful scenery, slot canyons, and waterfalls in this rugged and remote area.  

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Community favorites near Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument

99%
(764)

Ranchito Feliz

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents9 acres ¡ Cannonville, UT
When booking please add in your note the type of camping you are doing, ie. tent, car, van, or larger RV In the middle of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument; adjacent to Bryce Canyon National Park; within walking distance of Kodachrome Basin State Park; and an easy drive to Zion and Capital Reef National Parks, as well as Lake Powell National Recreational Area, this unique site is an opportunity not to miss. The pet/horse friendly property (approximately 9 acres/3 ha/64 sq. m) boasts private designated single tent sites, and a mix car camping and larger RV sites, as well as paleontological, geological, biological, astronomical, and historical interests of the ranch. The equestrians will find a two-acre pasture, three paddocks, a round pen, as well as beautiful places to ride from the ranch. This secluded location has a small town of about 175 (Cannonville) three miles/5 k distant where there is a small store, gas, and a Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center. And, bonus, the in town campground has: high speed internet, and cell phone service and laundry. This ranch and campground is an off the grid, passive/active solar voltaic, so no electricity, no internet and only Verizon works here. In Tropic 12 miles distant all carriers get service. Potable water, shower, dish washing station and composting toilet (This means that all campers count when booking, even the kids...their poops add up too). The views are spectacular from any site where the xeroscaped landscape uses indigenous material and plants to complement the quintessential Pinon/Juniper ecosystem the campground sits in. On three sides you are surrounded by red cliffs in the Carmel Formation which can give shelter from wind and sun, but campers can also look out over the Paria River (you can hear the river from camp as well as its amphibians) which runs south in front of the property and eventually meets the Colorado River at Lee’s Ferry where most put-in to raft the Grand Canyon. Looking north, one sees the meaning of the term “Grand Staircase” by viewing The Entrada, Tropic Shale, Straight Cliffs, Wahweap, Kaiparowits, and Pink Limestone Formations capped by late Tertiary Volcanism; or, the “steps” of Promise Rock, Sand Point, Powell Point, and the Aquarius Plateau (highest forested mesa in North America at over eleven thousand feet.). The biological diversity here is also astounding: Birds: 140 species and counting including the tiny Costa’s Humming Bird all the way up to the enormous California Condor. Plants: 2 species of Sagebrush, 4 species of trees, numerous grass species, and a plethora of beautiful wildflowers and cacti. Reptiles: Many species of snakes and lizards. Unfortunately, this includes the occasional rattlesnake. It is advised that you have your pets vaccinated. Amphibian: Toads and Salamanders Insects: There are very few mosquitos. There are a few biting Deer Flies, and worse yet, those damn gnats. These “no-see-ums” are temperature dependent so are not a bother in the shade, early mornings, late evenings and at night. It is recommended that you bring some kick ass insect repellant and a “bee hat” if you are out and about in the sun during the day between May and July. Fossils: Bivalves, snails, petrified wood (many types) and various other corals, insects and plant fossils abound and are often incorporated into the ranch infrastructure. The nearby area is considered the hottest paleontological spot on the planet. Astronomy: The area is widely considered to be under the darkest skies in the lower 49. The Milky Way and Presides are common sights without the unsightly annoyance of any neighbor’s lights. The climate is varied and interesting. All four seasons are here and occasionally all in one day. Winter snows melt quickly though temperatures can dip into the sub-zeros. The 5,900 ft./1800 m. elevation keeps the summer temps reasonable and always gives a chilly summer evening to cool things off. If you want climatic extremes, you can, within an hour or so, be at Lake Powell and its 100+ F/38+ C heat or on the Aquarius Plateau at 65 degrees F/18 C in midday June. Recreation on many levels is all within proximity. From canyoneering, “free” climbing on an established nearby crag composed of a welded tuff capping the Aquarius Plateau (see Mountain Project and “The Aquarius Plateau”) and many aid lines on Entrada Formation towers within walking distance (see Mountain Project and “The Grand Staircase”), water sports of Lake Powell and the Colorado River as well as fishing in the cool temps of Pine Lake 35 minutes distant. Then of course, there is the Monument, National Park and the State Park only a short drive away. Seclusion, security, water, and views all within a short walk or drive of exiting destinations, make this worth the stop.
from 
$40
 / night
93%
(29)

Stoneview Camp

2 sites ¡ RVs33 acres ¡ Bryce Canyon City, UT
Theres no better way to capture the full beauty of the stars at night than out here on Stoneview ranch. close to Bryce Canyon, discount on local country music dinner show. bathroom available
from 
$40
 / night
93%
(38)

Paria River Ranch

28 sites ¡ RVs, Tents25 acres ¡ Kanab, UT
Paria River Ranch is a working ranch that offers access to world class trails and some of the most unique riding in the Paria Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. We offer a limited number of 30 AMP Hookups and have an RV dump. Please come visit us at this magical place. Check out our other site accommodations to find the best stay for what you are looking for! We offer dry camping and also RV camping options. Look for our other sites to book! Bring your horses and mules and enjoy the beautiful trails. We offer 12x12 pipe corrals and have some larger corrals for 2 or 3 horses/mules. You provide everything. We will pick up manure outside of your corral once a day. *Horses and Mules have an additional charge of $15 per animal*
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(7)

Escalante Cabins & RV Park

81 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents26 acres ¡ Escalante, UT
Looking for a family-friendly campground, with cabins, RV sites, tents sites, and even vacation rental homes? Well, Escalante Cabins & RV Park is exactly what you're looking for. Make us your base camp for adventures to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument! Close to Bryce, Zion and Capital Reef National Parks as well!
from 
$5
 / night
95%
(173)

Canyons of Escalante RV Park

53 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres ¡ Escalante, UT
Welcome to Canyons of Escalante RV Park! We are so excited for the opportunity to host you and share in the unique beauty of Southern Utah. We are a family owned and operated RV Park that has RV Sites, Cabins, Tent spaces, and immaculate Shower/Laundry facilities. We are located directly on the Main Street of Escalante, Utah and are nestled against the Escalante Grand Staircase. We are not only the perfect basecamp for exploration of the Staircase but so much more! We are ideally situated between Bryce NP, Capital Reef NP, Dixie National Forest, Petrified Forest State Park, Glen Canyon Recreation Area and within walking distance to the Dining, Pubs and Groceries that Escalante has to offer. Canyons of Escalante RV Park is conveniently located on Main Street of Escalante, UT. Within walking distance to local eateries and shopping. Our Standard sites are pull through, accommodating RVs up to 28' in length. Full hookups with 30 amp service, Wi-Fi, shower and laundry facility nearby. Perfect for smaller motor homes, tent trailers, pods, vans, truck campers, etc. We are also pet friendly, have bathroom facilities and hot showers! Our cabins are away from the RV sites in a secluded area surrounded by beautiful gardens and walkways. Fire rings are at each cabin as well as 2 shared pavilions equipped with charcoal grills and picnic tables. Your adventure awaits! Let us help make the most of it. Look forward to seeing you soon. Happy Trails!
from 
$26
 / night
97%
(528)

The Riverside Ranch

38 sites ¡ Tents16 acres ¡ Hatch, UT
The Riverside Ranch is the ideal destination with hundreds of miles of ATV trails accessible from our location, as well as abundant fishing for the avid angler, hiking, biking and National Park exploration. So whether you are an adventure seeker, tranquil star gazer or just passing through, The Riverside Ranch is the perfect place to hang your hat. TENTS ONLY via HIPCAMP /NO RVS with HIPCAMP RESERVATIONS The Riverside Ranch is nestled between the east and west portions of the Dixie National Forest in a mountain meadow. The beautiful and serene Sevier River winds through the property, offering riverside camping and world class fly fishing. Breathtaking views of the multi-colored mountains make The Riverside Ranch a perfect place to relax and unwind. At night, the stars are so clear and bright, commanding your attention. It seems you can reach out and touch them. Watch the dramatic sky glow of sunrise and set over the meadow land and red rock mountains and buffalo. Please note: we provide tent site only for tent camping or pop up tents. we do NOT provide camping gear.
from 
$25
 / night
77%
(50)

Bryce Canyon Wander Camp

8 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents40 acres ¡ Cannonville, UT
We live for untouched wilderness, gorgeous landscapes, and stunning sunrises while traveling, thus Wander Camp was born! Our tented camp offers an immersive outdoors experience while including a few more amenities than traditional camping while still operating off-grid. If you're looking for a place to stay that provides the sights and sounds of nature, with a few of the comforts back home, book now!
from 
$99
 / night
Booked 4 times

Pine Forest Overlook

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Alton, UT
TBDLearn more about this land:Great private spot. Campers will have secluded location with 2 large flat areas for camping. National Parks and Big Lake nearby. Deer Springs Ranch, next to BLM land. Great for hiking and OHV.
from 
$33
 / night
88%
(4)

Bryce Zion Campground

81 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Glendale, UT
Come on in! This is the perfect camping spot to use as a home base while visiting the scenic wonders of Southern Utah. Tucked away under majestic pink cliffs, Bryce Zion campground is an equal distance between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park visitor centers. Stay 4 nights and visit Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon North Rim, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and Cedar Breaks National Monument. Hike all day and come back and cool off in our swimming pool. Too tired to cook? grab a yummy burger or sandwich at Cooter's Bistro Cafe. Relax, take a hike, sit out by the campfire, or be amazed at the brilliant night sky. We hope to see you soon!
from 
$45
 / night

The best camping near Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument guide

Overview

About

Made up of much of the wild landscape between Bryce Canyon National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a backcountry lover’s paradise, the kind of place where you can disappear for weeks and not see another soul. The monument gets its name from the park’s series of sedimentary rock layers that sort of looks like a giant stairway. Popular hikes include Calf Creek Falls, the Peek-a-Boo and Spooky slot canyons, and Devils Garden, and although few established campgrounds exist in the park, campers will find tons of primitive camping options. 

Notable campgrounds

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument has only two established campgrounds, both of which are open on a first-come, first-served basis.
  2. The towns of Kanab, Escalante, and Cannonville lie just outside the borders of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument with several private campgrounds that can be reserved in advance. 
  3. Nearby Kodachrome Basin State Park and Escalante Petrified Forest State Park have several sites that can be reserved up to four months in advance. Both parks are just outside the boundaries of the national monument. 

When to go

The best time to hike and camp in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is late March through early June and in September and October. Summer days can be too hot for hiking, and late summer monsoons can wash out roads and flood slot canyons. Regardless of the time of year, check the weather forecast before entering any slot canyons and do not enter if rain is in the forecast. Flash floods can happen any time of the year.

Know before you go

  1. There is no entry fee to visit Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, although a day-use fee is charged to park in the Calf Creek Recreation Area. 
  2. Stop by the monument visitor centers in Kanab, Escalante, Big Water, or Cannonville for maps, current road conditions, and camping information.
  3. Many trailheads are only accessible via dirt roads. Come prepared with a full tank of gas, a few days’ worth of food and water, and other necessities. 
  4. Hikes are often very exposed to the elements, so pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat.

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