Utah / San Juan County / Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Farley Canyon Primitive Camping

Open — Open year-round for primitive camping, first-come first-served. Vault toilets are seasonal; when unavailable, campers must bring portable toilets. The Farley Canyon Shoreline Access Area beyond the camping zone is closed to all vehicles. Check weather conditions before traveling, as the dirt access road may be impassable during storms.

About

Farley Canyon Primitive Camping is a remote, undeveloped camping area within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, offering a true backcountry experience near Lake Powell. Located approximately 53 miles south of Hanksville, Utah on Highway 95, visitors access the area via a 2-mile dirt road marked by a brown sign. The camping area consists of open patches of sand with no designated sites, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. This primitive area provides minimal infrastructure. Vault toilets are available seasonally, but when closed, campers must bring and use approved portable toilet systems and dispose waste properly. No potable water is available, so visitors must bring all water needed for their stay. Campfires are permitted in NPS-provided fire rings and along the shoreline below the historic high-water level of 3,700 feet. The area is best suited for tent camping and small, high-clearance vehicles, as the dirt road conditions can be challenging and RVs are not recommended. The nearby Hite area is currently closed to the public, and the Farley Canyon Shoreline Access Area beyond the camping zone is closed to all vehicle traffic. Weather conditions vary dramatically, with summer temperatures reaching 110°F and winter lows near 0°F. Spring brings unpredictable winds, while fall offers the most pleasant camping conditions. Campers should check weather and road conditions before traveling, as the dirt access road may become impassable during inclement weather.

Directions

From Hanksville, Utah, drive south on Highway 95 for approximately 53 miles. At the brown sign indicating Farley Canyon Access, turn west. The Farley road continues for about 2 miles to the camping area.

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