If you’re planning to camp near Antelope Canyon, a little local know-how goes a long way. You can’t camp overnight inside the slot canyons, but you can camp nearby around Page and Lake Powell. This guide covers the best spots, basic rules, and what to pack.
Key takeaways
- No overnight camping in Antelope Canyon; visits are guided tours only.
- Closest walk-up NPS options: Beehives ($14/night) and Lees Ferry ($26/night).
- Lone Rock Beach is the classic drive-on sand option: $14 per vehicle/night (plus park entry).
- For Glen Canyon shore camping, bring a portable toilet or an approved waste system.
Where Antelope Canyon Is and How to Get There
Antelope Canyon is part of the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, about 10 minutes east of Page, Arizona. Most visitors choose either Upper Antelope Canyon (mostly flat) or Lower Antelope Canyon (stairs and ladders).
Reservations with an authorized Navajo guide are required, and self-guided hikes aren’t allowed. Many tours take up to two hours when you include check-in, the ride to the canyon, and time inside. Arrive early and follow your operator’s check-in instructions.
Can You Camp Inside Antelope Canyon?
No. You can’t camp inside Antelope Canyon. Access is guided-tour only, and overnight stays are prohibited for safety, conservation, and cultural reasons. Plan to camp in the Page/Lake Powell area and treat Antelope Canyon as a day trip.
Nearby Overnight Options
Because camping inside Antelope Canyon is prohibited, you’ll want a nearby base. The easiest walk-up sites are in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area:
- Beehives Primitive Campground: $14 per site/night (no reservations).
- Lees Ferry Campground: $26 per site/night (no reservations).
If you want sand and water views, Lone Rock Beach allows drive-on primitive camping for $14 per vehicle/night (plus park entry fees).
Best Campgrounds Near Page, AZ
You’ll find both National Park Service campgrounds and private RV parks within easy reach of Antelope Canyon. Lees Ferry and Beehives are walk-up sites with basic services. Wahweap and Antelope Point add hookups and marina access.
NPS campgrounds nearby
- Beehives Primitive Campground: 21 sites, $14 per site/night, first-come, first-served.
- Lees Ferry Campground: 54 sites, $26 per site/night, first-come, first-served; RV dump station available.
These sites fill faster on weekends and holidays. Midweek arrivals usually help.
RV Parks and Full-Hookup Options
If you want hookups, showers, and easy access to tours, book a developed RV park. Options include:
- Wahweap RV & Campground near the Lake Powell marina (a mix of dry and full-hookup sites).
- Antelope Point Marina & RV Park, about 3 miles from Antelope Canyon, with 100 pull-through RV campsites.
- Roam America (Horseshoe Bend) and other Page-area RV resorts, which are close to groceries and tour pick-ups.
Dispersed and Backcountry Camping in Glen Canyon
Glen Canyon offers a lot of room to spread out, but you need to be self-sufficient. The National Park Service allows shoreline and backcountry camping with specific rules. Portable-toilet requirements are strict, and you must carry out solid human waste.
Check current Glen Canyon camping rules (NPS) before you go.
Beach Camping on Lake Powell and Lone Rock
Lone Rock Beach is the classic “camp on the sand” option near Page. There are no designated sites. Wind and soft sand can be real, so bring strong stakes and plan for gusty nights.
Lone Rock Beach access
As of 2026-01-26, primitive camping at Lone Rock Beach is $14 per vehicle/per night. Glen Canyon entrance fees are separate.
Beach Camping rules
On Lake Powell shorelines, you can camp outside developed marinas and restricted areas. Glen Canyon requires a portable toilet unless toilets are available on your vessel or within 200 yards. Do not bury waste on beaches.
Primitive Campsites on the Colorado River
Between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry, there are five designated primitive camping areas. They are first-come, first-served and marked with signs. As of 2026-01-26, no camping fees or camping permits are required for these upriver sites. Park entry and vessel fees still apply.
Permits, Fees, and Reservation Tips
Antelope Canyon visits are guided, so plan for the park entry fee plus your tour price. As of 2026-01-26, Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation lists an entry fee of $15 per person, per location, per day. Guided tours cost extra, and prices vary by operator and season.
If you’re camping in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a standard entrance pass is $30 per vehicle for 7 days (as of 2026-01-26). Fees can change, so double-check before you travel.
Confirm current Antelope Canyon entry fees and authorized tour operators.
- Book in advance for spring through fall, when popular time slots sell out.
- Confirm the meeting point, check-in time, and what items are prohibited on your tour.
- Budget for park entry fees if you’re camping or boating around Lake Powell.
What to Pack for Camping Near Antelope Canyon
Bring your normal camping basics (sleep system, stove, headlamp, first aid), plus extra water and sun protection. Many primitive sites have no trash service or potable water. Plan to pack out everything.
For Antelope Canyon, pack very light. Many operators prohibit bags, backpacks, and camera bags on standard tours. Tripods and selfie sticks are also commonly prohibited. Check your operator’s rules before you arrive.
Leave No Trace and Local Regulations
- Pack out trash and handle human waste properly—don’t bury waste on beaches.
- Camp only where allowed; avoid archeological sites and developed marinas.
- Follow fire rules and check for seasonal fire restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Choose a Backcountry Campsite?
Use a flat, durable surface and avoid fragile plants and cryptobiotic soil. Stay away from developed recreation areas where dispersed camping is not allowed. Be ready to carry out all trash and solid human waste.
How to Avoid Crowds at Antelope Canyon?
Book a weekday and visit in the shoulder season (late fall through winter) if you can. If you’re going in spring or summer, book early and arrive well before check-in.
What Is the Difference Between Camping and Backcountry Camping?
Camping usually means a developed site with some amenities. Backcountry camping is remote and self-reliant. You bring your own water, sanitation plan, navigation tools, and emergency plan.
Can You Bring Backpacks Into Antelope Canyon?
Often, no. Many Antelope Canyon tour operators prohibit backpacks and other bags on standard tours. You’re usually limited to a water bottle and a phone/camera. Always check your operator’s current rules.
Conclusion
You can’t camp inside Antelope Canyon, but you have great options nearby: Beehives, Lees Ferry, Lone Rock Beach, and developed RV parks around Page. Bring extra water, plan for wind and limited services, and leave no trace so the area stays wild and clean.
