Natural Bridges Campground
4.6811 reviewsHC-60 Box 1, Lake Powell, UT 84533, USA
Natural Bridges Campground
$8.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard sites are $16 per night. Senior or Access Pass holders receive a discounted rate of $8 per night. Rates do not include additional reservation fees, taxes, or incremental costs.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil solitude of Natural Bridges Campground, where 13 intimate campsites await beneath the protective canopy of ancient juniper trees. This first-come, first-served haven offers the perfect blend of rustic camping and natural beauty, with each site thoughtfully equipped with a fire grill, picnic table, and dedicated tent pad. While you'll trade modern conveniences like electricity and running water for starlit evenings and desert silence, fresh drinking water is just a short trip away at the visitor center. Here, vault toilets and the whisper of wind through juniper branches are your only amenities—exactly as a true wilderness experience should be.
The Natural Bridges Campground offers sites for both tent and RV campers in a primarily primitive style. There are no group, cabin, or glamping facilities.
Historical SignificanceYou're camping in a place where time is measured in millennia, not minutes. Natural Bridges National Monument shelters three of America's most magnificent natural bridges—massive stone arches that have inspired wonder for countless generations. Ancient peoples left their mark here through intricate pictographs and petroglyphs, while carefully constructed structures whisper stories of lives lived in harmony with this harsh yet beautiful landscape. As darkness falls, you'll understand why this became the world's first International Dark Sky Park, where the Milky Way stretches overhead in all its cosmic glory.
Weather and SeasonsThe high desert's moody temperament creates a landscape of extremes that will leave you in awe. Spring and fall paint the perfect camping canvas with comfortable days hovering between 60-80°F, though crisp nights dipping to 30-50°F will have you grateful for that campfire. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched wonderland where temperatures soar past 100°F, punctuated by dramatic late-summer monsoons that roll across the sky in spectacular fashion. Winter brings its own stark beauty, with mercury struggling to reach 50°F during the day before plunging as low as 0°F under crystal-clear night skies.
ElevationPerched at 6,500 feet above sea level, this high-desert sanctuary offers the kind of crisp, clean air that makes every breath feel like a gift. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where morning frost can give way to afternoon warmth, and where the thin air makes stars appear close enough to touch. This lofty position means you'll experience the desert's famous temperature swings firsthand—a reminder that you're truly immersed in the raw beauty of the Colorado Plateau.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to panoramic views of the iconic Bears Ears buttes rising from a sea of pinon and juniper, their twin peaks standing sentinel over this ancient landscape. The campground's thoughtful design nestles each site within its own pocket of wilderness, where gnarled junipers provide both privacy and character. Look closely at the ground beneath your feet—the delicate biological soil crust forms a living carpet that takes decades to develop, a testament to the desert's patient artistry. Above it all stretches an endless sky that transforms from brilliant blue to star-studded black, offering front-row seats to nature's greatest light show.
Geological RegionNatural Bridges Campground sits at the heart of the Colorado Plateau's geological wonderland, where 6,500 feet of elevation meets the timeless beauty of Bears Ears National Monument. This high-desert realm weaves together pinon-juniper forests with exposed sandstone, creating a landscape that feels both ancient and alive. The dramatic temperature swings that define this region aren't just weather patterns—they're the sculptors that have carved this magnificent terrain over millions of years, creating the natural bridges, canyons, and mesas that make this corner of Utah utterly unforgettable.
Campsite details
AccessibilityMost sites are barrier-free but may have minor obstacles such as steeper grades or temporary washouts. No ADA campsites are explicitly indicated.
Sites SizeSites are described as average-sized, accommodating up to 8 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles. RVs and trailers are restricted to a combined length of 26 feet.
Sites PrivacyCampsites provide ample privacy between spots due to the surrounding pinon pine and juniper forest.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome sites have two tent pads, ideal for larger parties or families. Generators are allowed only during specified hours.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites are highlighted as the best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 AM
Stay Limit
7nights per visit (consecutively or non-consecutively) within a 30-day period, and 14 nights total per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground loop is small and tight, limiting RV/trailer lengths to 26 feet combined. Sites are spaced among juniper trees.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. During peak seasons, sites tend to fill up quickly, typically by mid to late morning.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed prior to the date of scheduled arrival, with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations. No refunds are issued for cancellations after the reservation start date.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Natural Bridges Campground provides a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. These include hiking along scenic trails, stargazing under the International Dark Sky, and exploring the nearby natural bridges and archaeological sites.
Hiking
Hiking trails allow visitors to descend into White or Armstrong canyons, providing access to view the park’s three large natural bridges. Trails are unmaintained and may vary slightly due to weather conditions.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is implicitly supported by the remote and natural environment, though specific details on species are not provided.Cultural and Educational Programs
The Visitor Center may host night sky programming in spring and fall, as well as provide educational materials on archaeological sites.Winter Activities
The park experiences snowy conditions in winter, making it suitable for snow-related activities, though no explicit options like cross-country skiing are described.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are only permitted in metal fire grills. Gathering firewood is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsTemperature extremes, flash floods during late summer monsoon season, and the fragile biological soil crust are notable hazards.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest hospital: Blanding, UT (approximately 35 miles away). A ranger station is located at the visitor center near the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-March to mid-June and late September to October.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling are collected year-round, as stated in the authoritative content.
Proximity to water featuresNo bodies of water are located directly within the campground.
Common complaintsLack of amenities such as running water and hookups. "No water at CG" as noted in one user review.
HostNo onsite staff available.
Campground Map
HC-60 Box 1, Lake Powell, UT 84533, USA
Driving directionsTo reach Natural Bridges Campground, enter the park on UT 275. Highway 275 is off of UT 95, 35 miles from the intersection of UT 95 and US 191. The entrance to the campground is just past the exit from the visitor center parking lot, but before the nine-mile Bridge View Drive.
Access to the campground is straightforward from major highways (UT 95 and US 191). The entrance road, UT 275, is paved and well-maintained. However, RVs and trailers exceeding 26 feet in combined length are prohibited due to the tight campground loop.Nearby places
Blanding, UT - 35 miles, approximately 40 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
Visitors can access basic supplies at Blanding, UT (35 miles away). Drinking water (limited to 5 gallons per person/day) is available at the visitor center.
Camper Reviews
4.7
11 reviews
Natural Bridges Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise the campground for its quiet, remote location and stunning natural surroundings. Common highlights include its cleanliness, the quality of its vault toilets, and its dark skies ideal for stargazing.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback emphasizes the well-maintained vault toilets, solitude, and the incredible stargazing opportunities. Many reviewers also appreciate the proximity to the Visitor Center and hiking...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints generally focus on the lack of water, showers, and cell phone connectivity. Some reviewers note that the campground fills up quickly during peak seasons.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend arriving early to secure a site, especially during busy seasons. Bringing adequate water supplies is strongly advised, as there is no running water at the campground.
Based on 11 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest from mid-March to mid-June and again in the fall (September-October). Winters are quieter but can be cold, while summers are hot with smaller crowds.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Park is dead-quiet at night, with a complete dark sky so you can leave the rainfly off if the weather is good." (Christopher, 2023) 2. "Most beautiful campground so far on our round trip. Very...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are consistently described as small and intimate, with some offering two tent pads. Site-specific feedback does not differentiate between individual sites by number.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
While most sites are described as barrier-free, steep grades and washouts may present minor challenges. One site is specifically indicated as handicapped-accessible in reviews.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific user reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025