How to Camp at Bullfrog Marina at Lake Powell

Boating is a popular pastime at Lake Powell

With more shoreline than the western coast of the United States, there are plenty of adventures to choose from when you're planning a trip to Lake Powell. Located on the northern part of Lake Powell, inside the 1.2 million-acre Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Bullfrog Marina is a popular destination with many amenities, including a medical center, RV dumpout, landing strip and boat ramp. For camping near Bullfrog Marina, you have a few choices--depending on how much "roughing it" you want to do.

Things You'll Need

• Camping gear

Instructions

RV Camping

1. Go to the Lake Powell official website (see Resources). The campgrounds at Bullfrog Marina are run by the private company Aramark. You can book your campsite online only if you are using the RV park.

2. Click on the "Book Now" option and choose "Bullfrog Marina RV." Then choose "RV." Enter your desired date. After you hit "Enter," the system will determine whether that date is available. Enter your credit or debit card information, when the dates are confirmed. You will receive a confirmation email for your reservation. RV camping is available year-round, though RVs can be no longer than 32 feet.

3. Drive south from Hanksville on Highway 276, through the town of Ticaboo, to Bullfrog Marina. Check in at the lodge and drive into your campsite.

Tent Camping

1. Drive south from Hanksville on Highway 276, through the town of Ticaboo, to Bullfrog Marina. As you enter the Bullfrog area, follow the signs to the tent camping area.

2. Drive through the tent camping area and look for a site. This campground is first-come, first-serve, and can fill up very quickly during the summer months. Keep in mind that tent camping is only available from March through October. RVs are allowed to use this campground as well.

3. Pay for your site at the drop box in the camping area.

4. 

   The scene along Lake Powell

Roughing it

1. Drive south from Hanksville on Highway 276, through the town of Ticaboo, to Bullfrog Marina. If you continue on Highway 276 toward Bullfrog Bay until you can go no further, there is a place to park your car. You can also follow the signs as you enter the marina complex and park at the marina.

2. Consult with a local park ranger about the best places to "primitive camp" in the area. It is not illegal to set up a campsite along the shores of Lake Powell.

3. Set up camp along the shore. There are no designated sites, though many locals do choose this type of camping, so you could run the risk of stepping on some toes if you choose a site too close to someone else.

Tips & Warnings

• Regardless of your accommodations, you will need to pay an entrance fee to get into Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. As of 2010, fees are $15 for one car for up to seven days.

References

• National Park Service: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
• National Park Service: Camping Fees

Resources

• Lake Powell: Resorts and Marinas