The best river, stream, or creek camping near Big Water

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Looking to camp near Big Water, Utah and indulge in some river adventure? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 280 options in the area specifically catered to river enthusiasts, you're sure to find the perfect spot. From the highly rated Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp (2033 reviews) to the beloved Ranchito Feliz (520 reviews) and Creekside - Kolob Gate Gardens (516 reviews), there are plenty of top campsites to choose from. With prices as low as $25 per night and an average of $39 per night, you'll be able to find a budget-friendly option that suits your needs. Plus, popular amenities like pets, potable water, and toilets are readily available. So whether you're into wind sports, climbing, or snow sports, Hipcamp has got you covered for a memorable camping experience near Big Water, Utah.

98% (817)

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Water

1. Ranchito Feliz

99%
(955)
39mi from Big Water · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
When booking please add in your note the type of camping you are doing, ie. tent, car, van, or larger RV and please, only texts...NO calls. 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 three paddocks, a round pen, as well as beautiful places to ride from the ranch. This secluded location has a small town of Cannonville 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

3. Escalante Escapes Tiny Homes

95%
(31)
48mi from Big Water · 9 sites · Lodging
Nine luxury tiny homes that sit on a 4 acres. The views are beautiful and the stars are amazing. Learn more about this land: Our original Tiny House model.  This home sits at the top of the hill and looks out across the property, surrounding mountains, and beautiful canyons.  This home is our largest at 570 square feet with 400 square feet on the main level, a 12 foot ceiling to an open loft adding an additional 170 square feet, and a feeling of openness. The master bedroom features a queen sized bed, a flat screen smart TV, a small desktop work space that is convenient for working on a laptop or getting ready for the day, clothes hanging, additional storage space under the bed for luggage, and a thermostat for individual climate control. The loft area is open to the kitchen and living room and has two XL (Extra Long) twin beds.  This is a great space to play games, store extra gear, or just stretch out and relax.  The ceiling height is just under 5 feet so you big kids don't plan on running around up there. The kitchen and living room is an open floor plan with a large sliding door that opens to the deck and beautiful views.  The living room has a queen sized sofa sleeper, two lounging chairs, a hand crafted coffee table with storage of extra bedding, and large smart TV.  The kitchen is well stocked with kitchen essentials, beautiful stainless steel appliances, a convection microwave oven for cooking and baking, a stove-top, a large refrigerator, a keurig coffee machine, granite counter-tops, farmhouse sink, dishwasher, and a table/prep island with seating for four. Bathroom: Large glass shower, sink, toilet, hair dryer, towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hand soap. Deck and exterior features include a propane bbq grill, four large Adirondack lounge chairs, private fire pit, astounding views, and breathtaking star gazing. Each unit also has a small washer/dryer
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$299
 / night

Looking to camp near Big Water, Utah and indulge in some river adventure? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 280 options in the area specifically catered to river enthusiasts, you're sure to find the perfect spot. From the highly rated Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp (2033 reviews) to the beloved Ranchito Feliz (520 reviews) and Creekside - Kolob Gate Gardens (516 reviews), there are plenty of top campsites to choose from. With prices as low as $25 per night and an average of $39 per night, you'll be able to find a budget-friendly option that suits your needs. Plus, popular amenities like pets, potable water, and toilets are readily available. So whether you're into wind sports, climbing, or snow sports, Hipcamp has got you covered for a memorable camping experience near Big Water, Utah.

98% (817)

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Water

1. Ranchito Feliz

99%
(955)
39mi from Big Water · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
When booking please add in your note the type of camping you are doing, ie. tent, car, van, or larger RV and please, only texts...NO calls. 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 three paddocks, a round pen, as well as beautiful places to ride from the ranch. This secluded location has a small town of Cannonville 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

3. Escalante Escapes Tiny Homes

95%
(31)
48mi from Big Water · 9 sites · Lodging
Nine luxury tiny homes that sit on a 4 acres. The views are beautiful and the stars are amazing. Learn more about this land: Our original Tiny House model.  This home sits at the top of the hill and looks out across the property, surrounding mountains, and beautiful canyons.  This home is our largest at 570 square feet with 400 square feet on the main level, a 12 foot ceiling to an open loft adding an additional 170 square feet, and a feeling of openness. The master bedroom features a queen sized bed, a flat screen smart TV, a small desktop work space that is convenient for working on a laptop or getting ready for the day, clothes hanging, additional storage space under the bed for luggage, and a thermostat for individual climate control. The loft area is open to the kitchen and living room and has two XL (Extra Long) twin beds.  This is a great space to play games, store extra gear, or just stretch out and relax.  The ceiling height is just under 5 feet so you big kids don't plan on running around up there. The kitchen and living room is an open floor plan with a large sliding door that opens to the deck and beautiful views.  The living room has a queen sized sofa sleeper, two lounging chairs, a hand crafted coffee table with storage of extra bedding, and large smart TV.  The kitchen is well stocked with kitchen essentials, beautiful stainless steel appliances, a convection microwave oven for cooking and baking, a stove-top, a large refrigerator, a keurig coffee machine, granite counter-tops, farmhouse sink, dishwasher, and a table/prep island with seating for four. Bathroom: Large glass shower, sink, toilet, hair dryer, towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hand soap. Deck and exterior features include a propane bbq grill, four large Adirondack lounge chairs, private fire pit, astounding views, and breathtaking star gazing. Each unit also has a small washer/dryer
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$299
 / night

Public campgrounds near Big Water

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field