Map of Lake Powell, Arizona
bordeveloped sitearizona

Lake Powell

Bureau of Reclamation · Arizona

data verified May 2026 (1 day ago)

Overview

Lake Powell is a developed recreation site operated by the Bureau of Reclamation in Arizona. It is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service. The lake formed behind Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River and filled completely in 1980.

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Lake Powell spans hundreds of miles of shoreline and draws about 2.4 million visitors annually. The lake supports boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. Bass, walleye, northern pike, catfish, and bluegill inhabit the main reservoir. Below the dam, a 15-mile stretch of river holds trophy trout. The water stays cold and clear, released from the dam's depths.

Several historic sites are scattered around the lake and shoreline. The Hole in the Rock, Crossing of the Fathers, and Rainbow Bridge National Monument are all accessible by boat. They reflect western frontier and environmental history. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center near the dam has exhibits on Glen Canyon's natural and engineering history.

Camping and overnight stays at Lake Powell operate through developed sites managed by the National Park Service. Most developed campgrounds here charge fees and may require advance reservations. Visit the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area website or contact the visitor center to learn current campground availability, pricing, and booking procedures before you travel.

Verify current rules with the Bureau of Reclamation and National Park Service before arrival. Conditions and access change. Data verified May 2026.

Plan your visit

  • Shelter type
    Developed site
  • Stay limit
    Verify with agency
  • Fee
    Free
  • Best for
    RV and tent camping

Access

drive-in
regular vehicle access
walk-in
short walk from parking
hike-in
backcountry, multi-hour trek

Features

for campers
  • toiletsunknown
  • potable waterunknown
  • fire ringsunknown
  • picnic tablesunknown
  • trash serviceunknown
for vehicles
  • dump stationunknown
  • hookupsunknown
  • pull-through sitesunknown
  • rv length infounknown
  • paved accessunknown
Bureau of Reclamation camping rules
reservoir-area camping rules, usually fee-based.

Conditions and access

coordinates
36.93997, -111.49493
AgencyBureau of Reclamationreported May 2026TypeDeveloped sitereported May 2026StateArizonareported May 2026

Nearby sites

no nearby sites indexed yet.

drive time from nearby cities

drive times from AZ cities populate once the mapbox directions ingest runs in phase d. expect 5 nearest cities within 250 miles.

Questions about Lake Powell

Is camping at Lake Powell free?
No. Lake Powell's developed campgrounds charge fees. The National Park Service manages these sites and requires advance reservations for most campgrounds. Check the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area website for current pricing and availability before you arrive.
How long can you camp at Lake Powell?
Stay limits vary by campground at Lake Powell. Different areas may have different rules. Contact the Glen Canyon Visitor Center or check the National Park Service website for the specific limit at your chosen site.
Do you need a reservation to camp at Lake Powell?
Yes. Most developed campgrounds at Lake Powell require advance reservations through the National Park Service. Check the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area website or call the visitor center to book your site before traveling.
What kind of camping does Lake Powell offer?
Lake Powell has developed campgrounds operated by the National Park Service. These are organized sites with facilities, not dispersed boondocking. The lake also offers boat-in camping and access to historic sites like the Hole in the Rock and Rainbow Bridge, but all require boat access.
Is Lake Powell open year-round for camping?
Lake Powell is open year-round. Campground availability and facilities may vary seasonally. Contact the National Park Service to confirm which campgrounds are operating during your planned visit.
What are the main activities at Lake Powell?
Boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking are the main activities. The lake holds bass, walleye, northern pike, catfish, and bluegill. Below the dam, a 15-mile trout fishery offers cold, clear water and trophy-sized fish.

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