Horeseshoe Bend Hotels & Camping
When looking for Horseshoe Bend hotels and camping, you’re actually looking for hotels in Page, Arizona. Page is the city that is the home and hub to some of the most spectacular attractions in the Southwest including Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Lee’s Ferry. You may have not heard of Page, AZ as it hasn’t always been on the radar. But with a growing love for outdoor adventure, Page is now being recognized internationally as the place where your Southwest adventure begins. So when you’re ready to book a hotel for your Horseshoe Bend adventure, remember that all hotels that are branded Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell or Page are all actually just located in Page. If you’d like to stay at hotel or campsite closer to Horseshoe Bend’s trailhead or Horseshoe Bend’s tour companies, book at place to stay on the southwest section of Page, which will be the cluster of hotels located right off of Highway 89 as soon as you get to Page. Page isn’t a very big city, so choosing any hotel in Page is pretty convenient.
Is Camping Allowed At Willow Springs Lake
Not exactly. Signage near the lake informs visitors that overnight camping is not allowed. But keep reading to find out about super cool camping options close by.
Although camping is technically not allowed at or around Willow Springs Lake, there are plenty of primitive, semi-primitive and dispersed camping options nearby. Regardless of where you set up camp, you can expect plenty of shade from towering ponderosa pine trees and cool, mountain breezes in the evening.
Where To Stay At Lake Powell
There are plenty of places to stay at and around Lake Powell, but weve selected three sites that are ranked from decent to best.
1. The Decent Campground: Hite Camping Area
A relatively new NPS-created campground is Hite Camping Area right inside Glen Canyon Recreation Area. Its free to camp and offers some amenities like tables, grills, fire rings, a dump station, toilets, and showers! Dont expect to have cell service here, but do expect to have great views of the surrounding area and access to the river if youre interested in walking a little to get there.
2. The Better Campground: Stanton Creek Campground
Another place to set up camp for the night is Stanton Creek Campground. For $6 per person or $12 per vehicle. This campground is primitive, and sites are first-come, first-serve. Youll have service within the campsite area and quick access to supplies and restaurants nearby. There isnt any access to water here, so be sure to bring your own, especially in the heat of the summer.
3. The Best Campground: Bullfrog Marina RV Park & Campground
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On Your Way To Monument Valley Take Advantage Of The Ample Free Camping
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America . You should give it a try! As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours.
Every time you pay federal taxes, youre contributing to these lands.
Heres our list of the 20 Best Free Campsites in the USA.
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How To Read The Dispersed Camping In Sedona Map
When looking at the dispersed camping map of Sedona, Arizona the most important part is to understand when the map is saying dispersed camping is allowed or not.
A yellow line along the road means dispersed camping IS allowed. If there is no yellow line dispersed camping is NOT allowed and if the yellow line is only on one side of the road it means only that side of the road is open for boondocking or dispersed camping in Sedona.
There are some important safety tips that should be remembered if venturing into areas where there might not be people or possible cell service.
It is very important to pay attention to the weather. Sedona is an area that can get many different types of weather. You can get rain, snow and very high temperatures. If you are traveling on dirt roads these roads can become unusable very quickly and could leave you stranded. It is important to tell someone where you will be going and when you will be back.
It is important to be prepared with the proper clothing for multiple climates, extra food, and water, and always remember it is better to be safe than to get stuck in an unfavorable situation. The Coconino National Frest maps offer much more than information on dispersed camping.
It would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the map if you are traveling into areas you are not familiar with.
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Experience Arizona Beyond The Desert
When you visit Arizona you may expect to be lost in red rocks and sandy dunes, but theres much more to this area than meets the eye. Lake Powell proves that there is much more to Arizona than the dry heat and desert landscape. If you make the trip, youll be glad you did, even if its just for some relief from the Arizona heat.
How Long Do You Need At Horseshoe Bend
Most visitors spend just 1 hour there. Despite the pictures, Horseshoe Bend is surprisingly compact.
While you cant drive up to Horseshoe Bend, getting to the overlook from the parking lot is only a 0.6 mile walk . The path is also flat and well-maintained so its easy hiking.
Aside from the Overlook, there are no other official trails that lead off Horseshoe bend. You cannot hike down to the bottom. To fill up the rest of your day: visit Antelope Canyon, Page Arizona, or head to the Grand Canyon nearby.
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Phoenix Free Dispersed Camping Spots
by Nick The Rambling Man | Jul 31, 2020 | Arizona, Camping
With camping season in full swing, youre probably looking to camp, like most of us, with spending as little money as possible. Thats where free, dispersed camping comes in! And if youre looking for somewhere to camp in and around Phoenix, Arizona, youre in luck thanks to this post!
Despite the miles of concrete and buildings, Phoenix has a surprising amount of free, dispersed camping around it. You will have to drive a little way to pitch your tent, but the spots on our list are worth it.
Here is a detailed list with our favorite free, dispersed camping spots and camping sites around Phoenix, Arizona:
Stop By Horseshoe Bend
On your way out or into the Lake Powell area, take time to stop by Horseshoe Bend. The view of Horseshoe Bend has been seen in almost every crevice of the internet, but seeing it in person is worth the short hike. Its best to stop early in the morning or late in the day without the hustle and bustle of crowds.
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Lake Pleasant Regional Park North Of Phoenix
Lake Pleasant Shoreline Camping is within the Lake Pleasant Regional Park in Phoenix Valley. This is a primitive campground with no amenities, but you will find a few portable bathrooms around the park. There are four miles of trails near this campground and within the park. The Discovery Trail is only a half-mile, while the Roadrunner Trail is a mile and a half with views of Lake Pleasant. However, there are other trails close by that are all much longer. The Backway to Crown King is twenty-seven miles in length, while the Beardsley and Pipeline Canyon Trail is eight miles. A visit to this campground will have you spending a lot of time in the water, as you jet ski, windsurf, scuba dive, and sail. There are also five different archaeological sites to explore.
Outside Of Morristown Arizona
The Old AirStrip Dispersed Camping site is near the Lake Pleasant Campground. At this Phoenix campground, you will find between six and fifteen free camping sites. You can stay for up to fourteen nights at this dispersed camping spot, but you must understand there are no facilities. There are many different hiking trails to do nearby. Yavapai Point and Pipeline Canyon Trail, Walkin Jim Trail, and Governors Peak are three to consider. However, if you want a true hike, you must tackle the fifteen-and-a-half-mile Vulture Mine Trail. During your stay, you can walk down to the lake and you wont want to miss the wild donkeys that call this area home.
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Arizona Dispersed Camping Rules And Regulations
The popularity of dispersed camping has taken a toll on many of Arizonas most beautiful natural areas.
Its very important to always follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles when dispersed camping in Arizona or anywhere else for that matter to limit human impact on the land as much as possible.
Here are a few of the most important things to do:
- Pack Out Trash Dont expect garbage cans. Plan ahead and bring trash bags. Pack out all of your trash, including food waste. Clean up around your campsite to leave it even cleaner than when you arrived.
- Properly Dispose of Human Waste Vault toilets are few and far between at dispersed campsites. Know how to bury human waste or, better yet, pack it out. The Luggable Loo, a cheap portable toilet, makes it easy to answer natures call.
- Respect Campfire Restrictions Always follow all fire restrictions. Never have a campfire in an area where they are banned.
- Avoid Closed Areas Portions of BLM land and national forests will periodically be closed to the public. Obey all signage and stay out of these areas. Theyre often extremely environmentally sensitive.
- Dont Overstay Most public land in Arizona has a 14-day camping limit. Please dont overstay. Usually you can move a certain number of miles and camp for an additional 14 days.
Visit the national forest or BLM website for the public land youre visiting to read up on each areas specific dispersed camping rules and regulations.
Can You Camp Overnight In Antelope Canyon
At Lone Rock Beach, you can fulfill your Antelope Canyon camping dreams for as little as $14 a night. There are even bathrooms available on-site.
Do you need a permit to camp at Lake Powell?
There is no camping fee or permit required to camp on the lake in undeveloped areas. However, entrance fees and vessel use fees apply. Nearly 2000 miles of shoreline on Lake Powell are in undeveloped areas and you can beach your boat there for day trips or camping.
Can you camp anywhere on Lake Powell?
You can camp anywhere on the shorelines of Lake Powell except in developed marinas. When planning a camping trip by boat or 4-wheel-drive road in Glen Canyon, it is best to buy a map beforehand.
Can you drive an RV to Antelope Canyon?
Yes, when we were driving up to the Lower Antelope Canyon tour there were many RVs there. The road in is a little soft but definitely manageable. No charge for parking by the way. over a year ago.
Can you take an RV to Antelope Canyon?
Page Lake Powell campground is an RV park approximately 12 minutes from Antelope Canyon. This campground has all of the modern amenities and cost over $45/night. Lees Ferry campground is about 1 hour from Antelope Canyon. There are 54 campsites all operated under a first-come, first-serve basis.
Can you kayak at Antelope Island?
Can you access Antelope Canyon from Lake Powell?
How do I get to Antelope Canyon?
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Take In The View From The Hite Crossing Bridge
Youll take the Hite Crossing Bridge as you cross over from the Arizona side to the Utah side of Lake Powell. This bridge gives you a great view of how Lake Powell is dammed and also the beginning of Horseshoe Bend. Its worth it to stop and see because youll get a birds eye view of the lake, dam, and slot canyon that Lake Powell sits in.
Scenic Trails Near Willow Springs Lake
Since Willow Springs Lake is located in the Forest of Arizonas Mogollon Rim, there are plenty of excellent hiking and mountain biking trails nearby. Even though the elevation is relatively high and the landscape has a mountainous feel, many of the trails are fairly flat. I would definitely recommend the hikes featured in the blog posts below.
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Can U Camp At Horseshoe Bend
Waheap campground has 112 dry camping sites and 90 campsites with hookups. It is a 19 minute drive from Horseshoe bend. The campsites start at $30 per night and have showers, WiFi, and laundry facilities. Reservations are accepted.
Do you need a permit to camp at Horseshoe Bend?
The camping is free and there is no permit required. However, the backhaul service to get from Lees Ferry to Glen Canyon Dam. There are numerous companies to choose from, but for our trip we went with Kayak the Colorado as they had a very easy to use online booking system.
What is the best time to visit Horseshoe Bend?
Horseshoe Bend is best viewed late morning or mid day. The bend and river are in shadow at other times. At or just before sunset, the sun will be in your eyes and the bend will be in shadow. Its best viewed mid day to early afternoon.
Can you kayak to Horseshoe Bend?
The most popular way to kayak Horseshoe Bend is by taking a backhaul service 16 miles up river from Lees Ferry to the Glen Canyon Dam, and then kayaking back down river. Because youll be paddling downriver, the entire 16 miles can be kayaked as a day trip in about 6 to 9 hours depending on the wind and current.
Can you hike to the bottom of Horseshoe Bend?
Is Horseshoe Bend in a national park?
Horseshoe Bend itself, and that part of the Colorado River, are a part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. About nine miles downstream is where Grand Canyon National Park begins.
Where is Horseshoe Bend?
How To Get To Horseshoe Bend
Directions to Horseshoe Bend from Page, AZ
From Page, AZ drive south on Highway 89 to between mileposts 544 & 545. Look for the exit lane and on the west side of the road which you can drive a short distance on to the parking area.
Click for a pdf of the page area map
How to get to Page, AZ
Most people will start their journey from Las Vegas or Phoenix as part of a multi-day trip. Drive time for both these cities is between 4.5 and 5 hours. Roads can be extremely dark at night and requires extra vigilance. We highly recommend downloading the map onto your phone before you leave. Reception can be spotty for long stretches of the trip.
Page is also serviced by regional commuter flights through Contour Airlines. They have flights from Phoenix and Las Vegas starting at $29 each way. You can then rent a car from the only car rental business at the airport, Avis.
Daytrips to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon
You can save money by renting a car and driving yourself to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon if you have more than two people, but solo travelers and maybe couples would probably want to at least take a look at a tour from Las Vegas.
The whole trip can be done in a day, with pick-up from your hotel, flight over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam,Vermillion Cliffs, then landing in Page, walking to Horseshoe Bend, taking a tour of Antelope Canyon. Flight back to Vegas and youre in your hotel same night.
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Willow Springs Lake Quick Facts
- Located on the Mogollon Rim 30 miles east of Payson
- Elevation: 7,600 feet
- 150 surface acres and over 4 miles of shoreline
- No fees or permits required*
- Stocked with rainbow trout spring through fall*
- Open to kayaks, canoes and boats with motors up to 10 hp
- Freezes over in winter
- Sinkhole Campground is 1/2-mile away
*Arizona fishing license required to fish
The Best Free Camping Near Tucson And Phoenix
Tucson and Phoenix are Arizona’s main metropolitan areas, and both are worth a visit. Though you wont find much in the way of free camping right in town, there are plenty of spots to choose from that are only a quick ride into the city proper.
In Tucson, Snyder Hill BLM is the perennial favorite, though Redington Pass also deserves a second look. Near Phoenix, Hackamore Road is a popular spot that boasts stunning views of the Superstition Mountains. Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino offers complimentary one-night parking in their lot just south of the city if you’re passing through.
No trip to Arizona would be complete without a journey to the red rock mecca of Sedona, just two hours north of Phoenix. The free camping in Sedona is popular, so dont expect solitude, but do expect some otherworldly beauty.
More free camping near Tucson and Phoenix.
Are you overwhelmed yet? Weve only scratched the surface of the boondocking available in Arizona! Explore it all on Campendium.
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Why We Love Lake Powell
Lake Powell isnt like many other lakes in the United States. Surrounded by canyon walls, you can experience both lake and desert simultaneously without skipping a beat .
Lake Powell has some great history behind it, too, which makes it an ideal stop for those who want an additional lesson in Grand Canyon exploration as the lake is named after John Wesley Powell, one of the first real explorers of the canyon. You can find a museum dedicated to Mr. Powell in Page before you hit the lake.
No matter why you choose to visit Lake Powell, you wont be sorry. As someone who loves the Southwest landscape, this lake has views that are hard to beat.