Lone Rock Beach is Lake Powell's great informal campground, a broad sweep of sand near the Wahweap area just across the Utah state line from Page, named for the massive sandstone tower that rises from the water — or, in low-water years, from the sand — off its shore. It is where locals and road-trippers come to drive down to the lake, pitch a tent or park an RV on the beach, swim, paddle and watch Lone Rock glow at sunset. Primitive camping is allowed along the shoreline, boats can be kept in the water beside campsites, and campfires are permitted in fire rings and along the shoreline below the high-water mark when fire restrictions allow. It is also the one place in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area where non-street-legal licensed off-road vehicles may operate, in a marked area south of the main access road. Entrance and camping fees apply. The essential caveats: there is no potable water or RV pumpout, glass and fireworks are prohibited, and the sand gets deeper the closer you drive to the water — towing is not guaranteed if you get stuck. With Lake Powell at record lows, the water's edge may be a long way from where older photos show it, so check current conditions before you plan around a waterfront campsite.
Lone Rock tells the story of the lake better than any sign. When the reservoir is full, the rock stands as an island in Wahweap Bay and campers line a beach that meets the water; the National Park Service's own photos from spring 2023, with the lake near record lows, show campers and vehicles spread across exposed sand, and then the same scene a few months later, after a big snowmelt raised the lake, described as once again a beach surrounded by water.
In 2026 the lake is again at historic lows, so expect a longer walk or drive to the water and shifting conditions through the year. That does not erase the appeal: the open sand, the red cliffs of the Grand Staircase behind, and the night sky remain spectacular.
How to enjoy it
Come for an evening or a night rather than a quick stop. Families build sandcastles and splash in the shallows, paddlers launch kayaks and stand-up boards, and the sunset on Lone Rock is a photographer's staple. Choose a campsite on firmer sand, and if you are unsure about your vehicle, park higher and walk. Water quality can change with heavy use, storms and algal blooms, so avoid water with scum and check advisories. Pack out every bit of trash, and bring all the water you will need.
Practicals
From Page, take US 89 north past the dam and Wahweap toward Big Water; the Lone Rock turnoff comes shortly after crossing into Utah, with an entrance station on the access road. Pavement ends before the beach. Entrance fees cover day use; camping is an additional per-night fee. Because the beach is in Utah, it runs on daylight saving time in summer, an hour ahead of Page, which matters if you are meeting friends or returning a rental boat.
Pair it with Wahweap Overlook for sunset or with the Toadstool Hoodoos a little farther along US 89. If camping on sand is not for you, sleep in Page on the lake side of town and drive out for the evening; the beach is only a short hop past the dam.
What to expect
The experience
A wide sandy beach on Lake Powell near the Utah state line with primitive drive-in camping, swimming and paddling, campfires where permitted and an off-road vehicle area. Entrance and camping fees.
Best time
Late spring and early fall for warm water and mild nights; sunset for the rock. Summer weekends are busy and hot.
How long
A couple of hours for a swim and sunset, or an overnight.
Tips
The sand gets deep near the water — park on firm ground if unsure, since towing is not guaranteed. No potable water, no glass, no fireworks. Check fire restrictions and water-quality advisories.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Road-trippers who want to camp on a Lake Powell beach under the stars.
- Families
- Sand, shallow water and campfires — a classic family night, with an eye on the vehicle and the water.
- Couples
- Sunset on Lone Rock and a fire on the beach under one of the darkest skies around Page.
- Pair with
- Wahweap Overlook for the view from above, or a kayak morning on the lake.
- Time needed
- An evening or a night.
Good questions
Can we camp right on the beach?+
Yes. Primitive camping is allowed along the shoreline, and you can keep a boat in the water beside your site. There is no potable water or pumpout, so bring everything you need.
Is there a fee?+
Yes — the Glen Canyon entrance fee covers day use, and camping is an extra per-night fee.
Will our car get stuck?+
It can. Pavement ends before the beach and the sand gets deeper toward the water. Use your judgment, park on firmer sand if unsure, and know that towing is not guaranteed.
Is Lone Rock surrounded by water right now?+
It depends on lake levels, which are at historic lows in 2026. In low-water periods the rock can stand on exposed sand and the water's edge moves far out, so check current conditions.
Are campfires allowed?+
In NPS fire rings and grills, and along the shoreline below the high-water level, when no fire restrictions are in effect. Glass containers and fireworks are prohibited.
