Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground

4.63

140 reviews

Escalante Field Station, 755 West Main Street, Escalante, UT, 84726, USA

Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Utah#1 Camping Near Capitol Reef National Park#1 Best Campgrounds Utah +2 more

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Calf Creek Campground charges $15 per campsite per night. Interagency Senior and Access Pass Holders receive a 50% discount on camping fees.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-826-5499escalante_interagency@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 140 reviews

181 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwatersites

"Calf Creek Campground is praised for its scenic beauty, proximity to the Lower Calf Creek Falls trail, and well-maintained facilities. However, its small size and first-come, first-served policy make it challenging to secure a spot, especially during peak times."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Escalante Field Station, 755 West Main Street, Escalante, UT, 84726, USA

Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground

Escalante Field Station, 755 West Main Street, Escalante, UT, 84726, USA

Driving directionsCalf Creek Recreation Area Campground is located 15 miles east of Escalante UT on Highway 12.

The road leading to the campground is narrow and has deep ditches that may scrape trailer hitches. Vehicles over 25 feet in length are not recommended due to tight turnarounds and brushy conditions. Some parts require crossing shallow water (2 inches deep).

Nearby places

Escalante: 15 miles, Bryce Canyon National Park: approximately 30 miles, Capitol Reef National Park: approximately 40 miles.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies available in Escalante, UT, which is approximately 15 miles west of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground

Each season paints Calf Creek in dramatically different hues. Summer brings desert heat that can climb to a toasty 88°F, but the creek's cool waters offer a refreshing reprieve—many campers spend afternoons wading in the shallows. Winter transforms the canyon into a quieter wonderland, with freezing temperatures and occasional snow dustings creating pristine photo opportunities for the hardy few who brave the cold. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons here, when comfortable temperatures and perfect hiking conditions draw outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe to experience the monument's raw beauty in ideal comfort.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Hot summers (up to ~88°F) but creek swimming offers reprieve; site is busy in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Milder temps and cottonwood color make fall appealing; campground remains popular at times.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings pleasant temps and active waterfall flow, making hiking and visits rewarding.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Accessible in winter but cold; reviewers note cold creek water and less swimming potential.

Planning Tips

About Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground

Tucked into the rugged beauty of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground offers an intimate escape with just 13 coveted first-come, first-served sites. Here, the gentle murmur of Calf Creek creates a natural soundtrack as you settle into your streamside sanctuary. Beyond serving as a peaceful basecamp, the campground doubles as the gateway to one of Utah's most photographed natural wonders—the spectacular Lower Calf Creek Falls trail begins right from your tent door. A well-appointed day-use picnic area rounds out this desert oasis, making it a favorite stop for both overnight adventurers and day-trippers alike.

Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground offers 13 small campsites suitable for tents and smaller RVs. Sites are first-come, first-served. No reservations are accepted.

Historical SignificanceYour campsite rests within the vast tapestry of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where millions of years of Earth's history lie exposed in towering cliffs and winding canyons. This protected landscape preserves not just geological wonders, but also the traces of ancient peoples who once called these canyons home, adding layers of human history to an already remarkable natural story.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Calf Creek in dramatically different hues. Summer brings desert heat that can climb to a toasty 88°F, but the creek's cool waters offer a refreshing reprieve—many campers spend afternoons wading in the shallows. Winter transforms the canyon into a quieter wonderland, with freezing temperatures and occasional snow dustings creating pristine photo opportunities for the hardy few who brave the cold. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons here, when comfortable temperatures and perfect hiking conditions draw outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe to experience the monument's raw beauty in ideal comfort.

ElevationPerched at 6,500 feet within the heart of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the campground offers a refreshing high-desert climate that provides welcome relief from the scorching temperatures found at lower elevations. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where cottonwoods thrive alongside desert plants, offering campers the best of both worlds.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to dappled sunlight filtering through a canopy of cottonwoods while Calf Creek whispers past your tent. This enchanting campground nestles into a narrow canyon where towering sandstone walls create a natural amphitheater of red rock. Mature trees provide precious shade—a luxury in this desert landscape—while the creek attracts diverse wildlife and creates pockets of lush vegetation. The surrounding rocky terrain tells the story of ancient seas and shifting sands, with each layer revealing another chapter in the Earth's epic narrative. Just a scenic hike away, waterfalls cascade over slickrock, rewarding those who explore beyond their campsites.

Geological RegionThis remarkable desert oasis emerges like a mirage within the otherworldly landscape of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Here, the life-giving waters of Calf Creek have carved a verdant ribbon through the arid wilderness, creating a stunning canyon ecosystem where waterfalls plunge over ancient sandstone ledges. It's a place where the desert's harsh beauty softens into something almost magical—a hidden sanctuary where water, stone, and sky converge in perfect harmony.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 Day campsite limit

Groups

No group sites are specifically mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes 13 sites arranged to provide semi-privacy with natural barriers like bushes and trees. Sites are located close to the creek and the road.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served. Arriving early in the morning is recommended, as the campground fills quickly even during off-peak times.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not allowed. Sites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are highlighted in the provided information.

Site SizeCampsites are generally small and suitable for tents or RVs up to 25 feet in length, as noted in user reviews.

PrivacySites are described as semi-private, separated by bushes and trees, though some are close to the road or trail.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesArriving early in the morning is recommended due to high demand. Sites closer to the creek provide better views and privacy. Smaller vehicles are preferable for navigating the narrow road and turnarounds.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground provides access to a range of recreational activities. The standout feature is the proximity to the Lower Calf Creek Falls trailhead, offering a spectacular 6-mile round-trip hike. Other activities include wildlife viewing, swimming in the creek, and enjoying the scenic desert landscape.

HikingThe Lower Calf Creek Falls trail is a 6-mile round-trip hike, described as sandy and occasionally challenging. The waterfall at the end is a key highlight, with reviewers calling it 'amazing' and 'worth the effort.'

SwimmingSeveral reviews mention swimming holes in Calf Creek, which are refreshing and a highlight for visitors.

Wildlife viewingUser reviews do not provide specific details, but the natural setting suggests opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include fire ants at campsites and deep ditches that may scrape the undersides of loaded vehicles.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services include Escalante Field Station and facilities in the city of Escalante, UT.

Trash & RecyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities on-site. Campers must pack out all trash.

Water FeaturesCalf Creek runs through the campground, offering access to a swimming hole and the trailhead to Lower Calf Creek Falls.

Camp HostThe campground host has received positive reviews for being friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Specific hosts mentioned include Dan and Richi.

Weather at Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground

Reviews

4.6

140 reviews

Top-Rated

Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Calf Creek Campground is praised for its scenic beauty, proximity to the Lower Calf Creek Falls trail, and well-maintained facilities. However, its small size and first-come, first-served policy make it challenging to secure a spot, especially during peak times.

Review Summaries

Based on 140 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the natural beauty of the area, clean vault toilets, potable water, and the presence of fire rings and picnic tables at all sites. The Lower Calf Creek Falls hike is a standout...

Based on 140 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the difficulty of securing a spot, lack of trash services, and the presence of road noise at some sites. A few reviewers mentioned fire ants and hard ground for tent stakes.

Based on 140 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a campsite, especially during weekends and holidays. Bring your own soap or sanitizer, and be prepared to pack out all trash. Sites #1 and #3 are noted as particularly...

Based on 140 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busy year-round but especially crowded during holidays and weekends. Summer reviews highlight the heat and the importance of staying hydrated during hikes.

Based on 140 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Probably one of the prettiest parks we ever stayed at.' - Don and John’s RV Life - 'Great little campground to pull in for the night, but get there early. Spots fill up quickly.' - Brandon Lowry -...

Based on 140 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1: 'Big, shaded, quick access to a swimming hole, lots of privacy.' - Shaunie Decker Site #3: 'The best site!' - Alicia Payne Site #13: 'Very spacious and private.' - Scott Wakefield

Based on 140 reviews