Lake Powell

[emilsr]

After almost 2 years in the desert southwest I'm FINALLY planning a week-long getaway to Lake Powell (probably mid-October). The last time I was on that lake was in the 1980's; camped at the state park on the AZ side, but that was a LONG time ago and things tend to change.

Fast forward to now; any advice from Powell regulars? I could go either way on camping vs hotel so long as the accomodations are pet friendly. What do I need to make sure we see and do there?

Appreciate any advice/guidance you guys can offer.

 

[12vMan]

Re: Lake Powell

I'm really not going to be much help to you, but I can tell you that when we stayed on the open sandy beach outside Wahweap in our motorhome in the early 90's it was free open camping but I heard they charge now. It may be high and dry now for all I know with the low lake elevation.

 

[John3]

Re: Lake Powell


We went to Powell, for a week, in April 2012. Put a few miles on the boat, from Wahweap to about 10 miles above Halls Crossing.
It had been a few years for me as well but it was still as beautiful as ever. Attached are a couple of pictures we took. We sleep aboard so we stayed on a different beach each night. There's nothing more awesome than a clear night sky seen from a totally dark canyon.
What do you need? You need Gas to travel 70+ miles (can't carry too much gas if you're going to go canyon crawling), Food, Water (don't drink from the lake) & the ability to either sleep aboard or camp on an isolated beach each night.
Oh, and good weather!

 

[emilsr]

Re: Lake Powell

Thanks John. Gorgeous photos....didn't figure that part had changed.

Gas we've got; 100 gallons gives us about 200 miles (plus reserve). A few years ago we ran dam to dam (and back) at Lake of the Ozarks (192 miles on the gps) on 78 gallons, so I think we'll be okay there. Our fast cruise speed is about 50mph (last time I was there was running half that) so that puts the whole lake within easy reach for day trips.

While we could sleep aboard (and have), we're really not set up for more than 1 drunken overnight. We could load all the camping gear into the boat and shlep it around from place to place, but that's kindof difficult to do on a closed bow boat without a dock. I'm thinking either camp at (or near) Wahweap or stay in one of the hotels. At my age, I prefer "roughing it" with a hot shower and a comfortable bed.

As for weather, you can't go wrong with October....which is why we're waiting 'till then. Not crowded either with all the kiddos back in school.

 

[John3]

Re: Lake Powell

Sounds like a plan. Have fun

 

[WillyS86]

Re: Lake Powell

John your boat is beautiful.

Be careful of low water I had a buddy's church group ran their Malibu aground did a but of damage