6 Vermilon Cliffs National Monument Boondocking Guide: If you’re looking to boondock near Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, you’ve got a few solid options for camping with minimal services. You can set up at two main Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campgrounds—Stateline Campground and White House Campground—or find dispersed camping spots outside the wilderness areas. These spots let you soak up the natural beauty without crowds or strict rules breathing down your neck.
Dispersed camping means you can pitch your tent or park your rig away from developed sites—more privacy, more quiet, and honestly, a better connection to the landscape. Just make sure you stay outside the protected wilderness zones and stick to the guidelines to keep the place clean. This area really calls out to RVers and tent campers who want peace and simplicity while exploring Vermilion Cliffs.
Description And Information About This Location
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument sits in northern Arizona, covering about 280,000 acres of mostly BLM land. The place is famous for its wild rock formations—colorful cliffs, hoodoos, and potholes that show off some pretty striking geology.
You’ll wander through the Paria Plateau and past steep canyon walls of the Vermilon Cliffs. Check out spots like Buckskin Gulch, which is one of the longest slot canyons anywhere, and Coyote Buttes, home to the Wave and other wild rock patterns.
While you’re camping or boondocking here, keep an eye out for endangered California condors overhead. Catch the monument in the right season, and you’ll see wildflowers like desert trumpet popping up everywhere.
Trails here often use small cairns—those rock stacks—to help guide you through the maze of rugged terrain. The Vermilon Cliffs area’s remote, so don’t count on cell service or facilities. Bring plenty of water and gear; you’re on your own out here.
You can enjoy quiet, dispersed camping and really leave a light footprint. Please follow Leave No Trace, respect the fragile land, and stay safe while you’re out exploring this geologic wonder.
Location And Access
You’ll reach Vermilion Cliffs National Monument by heading north on US Highway 89 out of Flagstaff, Arizona. At Bitter Springs, turn onto US Highway 89A to get closer. The monument itself? No paved roads. Just dirt and sandy tracks.
Most folks take House Rock Valley Road if they’ve got a 4WD. It’s rocky, sandy, and drops you deep into the monument. Bring a high-clearance vehicle—especially after rain, this road can get rough. Some sections aren’t marked well, so a good map or GPS is a must when visting the Vermilon Cliffs.
Parking near the Paria Contact Station works well for boondocking. It’s a good spot to set up before heading farther down the less maintained trails. There’s also parking near Stateline Campground, just outside the monument.
If you want to explore even more Vermilon Cliffs remote areas, be ready for unmarked roads and sandy stretches. Plan ahead—some roads are tricky to find or get slick. The BLM Kanab Visitor Center and Interagency Public Lands Center in St. George, Utah, can give you updates on road conditions.
Your vehicle really needs to be up for off-road travel if you want to boondock inside the monument. Plan for safety and navigation before you go.
Vermilon Cliffs Directions: How To Get There And What To Expect
To get to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, you’ll probably start from Marble Canyon or nearby Arizona towns. Main roads are House Rock Road and Cottonwood Road. Both are unpaved and can get rough, so a high-clearance vehicle is your friend.
Coming from the north? Take U.S. 89A near Fredonia, then head south toward Jacob Lake. From the east, you might drive from Page, Arizona, using Cottonwood Road. Expect dirt roads and rugged terrain.
Wire Pass is a popular entry for Vermilon Cliffs boondocking and hiking, right along House Rock Road about 7 miles from U.S. 89A. No pavement out here, and after rain the roads can get dicey. Always check conditions before you roll out.
Inside the monument, you won’t find paved roads for camping or parking. Boondocking spots pop up near Wire Pass or along open stretches of House Rock Road and Cottonwood Road. These places offer remote camping with killer views but not much in the way of facilities.
Key Points to Remember:
| Location | Road Name | Road Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marble Canyon | U.S. 89 | Paved | Main access road |
| Wire Pass | House Rock Road | Unpaved | Popular for boondocking |
| Entrance from Page | Cottonwood Road | Unpaved | Rugged, high-clearance needed |
Bring all your own water, food, and fuel. Cell service is pretty much a rumor out here.
Amenities And Activities
At Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, you’ll find basic amenities at developed sites like Stateline and White House campgrounds: picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads. Most boondocking spots? No services, so you’ve got to bring everything you need.
There’s plenty to do nearby. Hiking’s a big draw, especially to places like The Wave and the various slot canyons. The trails serve up epic views and photo ops.
If you’re into backpacking, check out routes along the Paria River or around Lone Rock Beach. Fewer crowds, more peace, and a real nature fix.
Photographers love the Vermilon Cliffs. The colorful cliffs, canyons, and wildlife make for some pretty sweet shots. Don’t miss the Condor viewing area if you’re into bird watching.
Lake Powell’s nearby if you want water activities, though it sits outside the monument.
Most camping outside the campgrounds means dispersed camping—no hookups, no running water. You get more solitude, but you’ve got to be self-sufficient.
Vermilon Cliffs Camping Regulations And Restrictions
You can use both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Dispersed camping means you’re outside the established campgrounds, usually without any facilities.
You’re allowed to camp outside the wilderness areas—don’t set up in protected zones. Always pick a spot where you won’t harm the environment.
You usually don’t need a permit to camp on BLM land around Vermilion Cliffs. Most of it’s open for camping without special permission, but check for updated rules before you head out.
The two main campgrounds—Stateline Campground and White House Campground—offer basic camping facilities and sit outside the most sensitive zones.
You can’t stay longer than 14 days in one spot on BLM land. After that, you’ll need to move at least 25 miles away to avoid any trouble.
When you’re dispersed camping, pack out your trash, keep fires small, and stick to Leave No Trace. Following these rules keeps the land in good shape for everyone else.
Leave No Trace
When you camp or boondock in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, stick to Leave No Trace principles. These aren’t just rules—they help keep the natural beauty and fragile environment intact.
Pack out everything you bring. Trash, food scraps, gear—don’t leave anything behind that could mess with wildlife or ruin the place for others.
If you build a fire, use established fire rings. If you don’t see one, skip the fire. Fires leave scars and up the wildfire risk.
Stick to existing roads and trails. Making new paths trashes plants and soil, and it leads to more erosion.
Give wildlife plenty of space. Don’t feed animals—let them do their thing without human interference.
Deal with human waste the right way: pack it out or bury it in a small hole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water. That keeps water sources safe.
Here’s a quick checklist for Leave No Trace:
| Action | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Trash | Pack out all trash |
| Fires | Use established fire rings only |
| Trails | Stay on marked roads and paths |
| Wildlife | Observe from a distance, no feeding |
| Human waste | Pack out or bury properly |
Stick to these and you’ll help keep Vermilion Cliffs wild for the next folks.
Helpful Information Links
Bureau of Land Management
Recreation.Gov
National Park Service
Arizona Park Service
Arizona Trust
Arizona Fish and Game
Over 10,000 Free Boondocking Locations
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Vermilion Cliffs National Monument Boondocking Guide
Glen Canyon Dam Bridge – Arizona Boondocking
36.935195, -111.477805
Glen Canyon Dam Bridge Boondocking offers a striking desert backdrop very near the Vermilon Cliffs with views overlooking Lake Powell and the Colorado River. Located near Page, Arizona, this spot provides free dispersed camping near the iconic Glen Canyon Dam. It’s a convenient option for travelers who want to experience the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area without committing to a developed campground. The open terrain offers level spots for RVs, vans, and tents, though the area has limited shade and no on-site facilities.
Things to Do:
The Glen Canyon area offers excellent sightseeing and photography opportunities, particularly from the nearby Glen Canyon Dam Bridge overlook. Visitors can take short drives to access Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center is also nearby, providing educational displays about the dam and regional geology. Boaters, hikers, and anglers will find several recreational options in the surrounding public lands.
Directions:
Use GPS coordinates 36.935195, -111.477805 to navigate to the site. The boondocking area is located just off Highway 89, with easy access for all vehicle types.
Vehicle Access:
This location is accessible to all standard vehicles, including RVs and travel trailers. The surface is compacted dirt and gravel. There are no amenities, so campers should be prepared to be fully self-contained. Due to its proximity to Page, this site can fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons. Cell service is generally strong in this area.
Glen Canyon NRA West – Arizona Boondocking
36.994201, -111.60102
Glen Canyon NRA West offers a remote yet scenic boondocking opportunity inside the boundaries of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The location is west of Page, Arizona, and allows campers to immerse themselves in the quiet desert environment. The area consists of open BLM land with views of mesas, sandstone formations, and desert washes.
Things to Do:
This boondocking site serves as a good base for exploring Glen Canyon NRA and nearby Lake Powell. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, off-roading, stargazing, and photography. Given its remote nature, it also offers an escape from the more crowded areas near the lake. Boat launches at Wahweap and Lone Rock Beach are within driving distance, and the region is also home to lesser-known geological features and slot canyons.
Directions:
Use GPS coordinates 36.994201, -111.60102. Access is typically via dirt roads leading west from Highway 89. Some areas may require higher clearance vehicles depending on road conditions, especially after rain.
Vehicle Access:
This site accommodates RVs, vans, and tents, though access roads can be rough and may become impassable in wet weather. There are no amenities on-site, and campers must pack out all waste. Cell reception is spotty depending on the carrier. It’s advised to check weather and road conditions before heading in.
Boondocking White Pocket Campground
36.954567, -111.893695
White Pocket is one of the more remote and visually unique boondocking destinations in northern Arizona. Located on the Paria Plateau within Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, this site provides direct access to incredible rock formations and landscapes that attract photographers and hikers from across the country. The area features swirled sandstone, colored rock mounds, and formations similar to The Wave—without the permit requirement.
Things to Do:
Visitors to White Pocket can explore the surrounding geological formations on foot. Hiking, nature photography, and stargazing are popular activities here. Because of the isolation, the night sky views are exceptional. The region is also home to desert wildlife and offers peaceful solitude for those willing to make the journey.
Directions:
Use GPS coordinates 36.954567, -111.893695. Reaching White Pocket requires traveling through deep sand and rough roads. A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is absolutely necessary. There are no road signs, and GPS service may be unreliable, so paper maps or downloaded directions are recommended.
Vehicle Access:
Access is limited to high-clearance 4WD vehicles. This location is not suitable for large RVs or standard vehicles. There are no amenities, and all campers must be fully self-contained. Because of its remoteness, visitors should carry extra water, food, and emergency supplies. Weather conditions can change quickly and impact access roads.
Badger Creek – Marble Canyon Boondocking
36.77642, -111.659206
Badger Creek offers a secluded and quiet boondocking area just outside of Marble Canyon, Arizona. This location is tucked away on BLM land near the Navajo Bridge and the Colorado River. The terrain is wide open and mostly flat, making it suitable for RVs and tent campers seeking privacy and expansive desert views.
Things to Do:
Nearby attractions include Marble Canyon, Lee’s Ferry, and the Colorado River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, photography, and fishing. Lee’s Ferry is a well-known starting point for rafting trips into the Grand Canyon. The surrounding Vermilion Cliffs create a striking backdrop for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Directions:
Use GPS coordinates 36.77642, -111.659206. Access is via dirt roads branching off Highway 89A. Roads are generally passable with regular vehicles, but recent weather can impact conditions.
Vehicle Access:
Accessible by cars, vans, and smaller RVs, though large rigs should scout ahead due to narrow sections. The surface is a mix of dirt and gravel. There are no facilities, so campers must bring all needed supplies and be prepared to leave no trace. Cell reception varies, but is generally fair near the highway.
Marble Canyon Overlook – Arizona Boondocking
36.752823, -111.681285
The Marble Canyon Overlook boondocking area offers dramatic views of the canyon and Colorado River. This site is perched along the canyon rim and provides one of the most scenic free camping options in the region. Though primitive, the overlook is a favourite among photographers and campers seeking solitude with a view.
Things to Do:
The overlook offers access to scenic drives, hikes along the rim, and exploration of the Marble Canyon corridor. Visitors can take day trips to Lee’s Ferry, Navajo Bridge, and the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. The area is excellent for sunrise and sunset photography, and the high vantage point provides panoramic views of the river gorge.
Directions:
Use GPS coordinates 36.752823, -111.681285. Access is via a dirt road off Highway 89A. While the road is passable for most vehicles in dry conditions, it can become slick and impassable after rain.
Vehicle Access:
Best for vans, small RVs, and tents. Larger vehicles may find limited turning space near the canyon edge. The site has no amenities and no shade, so campers should be prepared for full self-sufficiency. Campers must practice caution due to the proximity to steep drop-offs and lack of barriers.
Boondocking Vermilion Cliffs – Marble Canyon
36.75014, -111.71654
The boondocking area near Vermilion Cliffs and Marble Canyon offers sweeping views of some of Arizona’s most distinctive desert landscapes. Located along House Rock Valley Road just off U.S. 89A, this dispersed camping site sits in a quiet, remote setting with Vermilion Cliffs towering in the background. The location is part of the larger Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and lies not far from the Paria Plateau and the beginning of the Grand Staircase.
Things to Do:
This spot makes an ideal base for exploring nearby natural attractions such as the Navajo Bridge, Lee’s Ferry, and Marble Canyon. Hikers and off-roaders may also be interested in visiting White Pocket or trying to obtain a permit to hike The Wave. Wildlife viewing is common in this region, especially sightings of California condors, which are being reintroduced to the area. Sunrise and sunset bring vivid colours to the cliffs, making it an excellent location for photography and nature watching.
Directions:
Use GPS coordinates 36.75014, -111.71654. Access is via House Rock Valley Road, a dirt road off Highway 89A between Marble Canyon and Jacob Lake. The road is usually passable for most vehicles when dry but can become impassable after rain. Always check current conditions before setting out.
Vehicle Access:
This boondocking area is suitable for vans, 4WD vehicles, and small to mid-sized RVs. Larger rigs should proceed with caution, especially if weather has recently impacted road conditions. There are no amenities—no water, no toilets, no trash removal—so campers must be fully self-contained. Cell service is limited to non-existent in most areas, so plan accordingly. This is a true off-grid experience surrounded by open desert and towering red rock cliffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can camp without hookups in specific areas around Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Some spots need permits, and you’ll want to know where you can park and what you’re allowed to do.
What are the authorized boondocking locations near Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
You can boondock on certain BLM lands near Vermilion Cliffs. Popular areas include spots near Marble Canyon and along AZ 89A. Stick to designated dispersed camping sites and steer clear of private land.
Is there a map available that details boondocking spots around Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
BLM puts out maps showing camping zones around the monument. You’ll also find maps online from visitor centers and some trail apps. They mark legal boondocking areas and spots where you might need a permit.
Do you require a permit to boondock at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
You’ll need permits for hiking and overnight stays in sensitive areas like Paria Canyon and Coyote Buttes. For most dispersed camping around the monument, no permit is needed, but always double-check the current rules.
Are there guided tours available that include boondocking near Vermilion Cliffs?
Some tour companies run guided trips that include camping near Vermilion Cliffs. These usually cover hikes to places like The Wave in Coyote Buttes North. If you want a guided trip, book early—permits and spots go fast.
What activities can you engage in while boondocking near Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
You can hike, snap photos, explore slot canyons, and watch for wildlife. A lot of folks combine boondocking here with visits to Zion National Park for more hiking and sightseeing. Stargazing’s also fantastic thanks to the lack of light pollution.
Are there accessible roads for vehicles to reach boondocking sites around Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
You can get to most Vermilon Cliffs boondocking spots with a regular vehicle, though a few of the roads get pretty rough—especially if it’s rained recently. In those cases, you’ll probably want something with high clearance or four-wheel drive. It’s a good idea to check the road conditions before you go and plan for the unexpected.