Jet Ski Camping on Lake Powell

Falling asleep on a quiet beach under the stars, then riding glassy morning water before anyone else is up: camping with jet skis is one of the best ways to experience Lake Powell. Here is how to plan a jet ski camping trip, and what the park requires.

Where You Can Camp

Lake Powell has nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, and you can camp on undeveloped shoreline almost anywhere, except in the developed marina areas and inside Rainbow Bridge National Monument. There is no camping fee or permit for shoreline camping on the lake itself, though the park entrance fee applies to your own vehicle and Lone Rock Beach charges a nightly camping fee. Much of the south shore is Navajo Nation land, where camping needs a Navajo permit, and some areas, including Navajo Canyon, are closed to camping.

Good bases near the south end include the coves of Warm Creek Bay, the side canyons around Padre Bay and the beaches near Lone Rock, where you can also camp by car. See the best Lake Powell beaches.

The Portable Toilet Rule

To keep Lake Powell clean, every shoreline camp needs a portable toilet unless your boat has a toilet aboard or a restroom is within 200 yards. The park does not allow toilets that use plastic bags, because bags clog the dump stations. Empty your toilet at the floating restrooms or marina dump stations.

Jet Skis Plus a Boat or Houseboat

Jet skis are perfect for exploring from camp, but they carry very little gear. Most groups pair them with a MasterCraft boat or a houseboat to carry tents, coolers and water, then use the jet skis for side canyons, Antelope Canyon and fishing coves. Our multi-day jet ski rentals are a great match for a houseboat trip. Ask us about the length that fits your plans.

Securing Jet Skis Overnight

• Pick a sheltered cove out of the main channel, where boat wakes and wind waves are smaller.
• Pull the jet skis up gently on sand, never on rocks, and tie them off to a solid anchor point on shore.
• Lake levels can change overnight, so leave a little slack and check the lines before bed and at sunrise.
• Take the safety lanyard with you at night.

Packing List

• Plenty of drinking water, more than you think you need
• Shade: a canopy or beach umbrella with sand stakes
• Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and warm layers for the evening
• Portable toilet (no plastic-bag type) and trash bags to pack everything out
• Headlamps, a first aid kit and a dry bag for phones

Leave No Trace

Pack out all trash, leave your campsite cleaner than you found it, and keep music and lights low so everyone can enjoy the quiet of the canyons.

Want help planning? Call or text us and we will match jet skis, boats and water toys to your trip. See our Lake Powell jet ski rentals and jet ski routes.