Wahweap Campground & Rv Park, Glen Canyon NRA
Campgrounds in Arizona
Photo: rob Stoeltje from loenen, netherlands / CC BY 2.0
Part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Near Marble Canyon, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Wahweap Campground & Rv Park, Glen Canyon NRA
The right gear makes all the difference — here's a packing list tailored to this area.
Every item on this list exists because of specific conditions at Wahweap Campground & Rv Park — Desert terrain, Continental, and local wildlife.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Water sources marked on maps may be seasonal or dry; carrying enough to complete your route prevents a dangerous shortfall.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Getting lost is the leading cause of backcountry search-and-rescue calls; reliable navigation prevents the situation entirely.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Prolonged sun exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and heat exhaustion that can cut a trip short or create a medical emergency.
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First aid kit — Remote locations mean longer response times for help; a first aid kit bridges the gap between injury and professional care.
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Extra food — High-energy snacks weigh little but provide crucial fuel if you need to bushwhack out or wait for conditions to improve.
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Headlamp with extra batteries — Hands-free light is essential for navigating uneven terrain, setting up camp, or signaling for help at night.
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Fire starter — Waterproof matches or a ferro rod weigh almost nothing and can be the difference between a cold night and a survivable one.
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Emergency shelter (space blanket) — Wind and rain strip heat faster than most people realize; a compact emergency shelter blocks both.
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Knife or multi-tool — A multi-tool handles problems you can't predict: jammed zippers, tangled line, first-aid tape cutting, or gear fixes on the trail.
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Extra clothing layer — A lightweight fleece or puffy stuffs small but provides critical insulation if temperatures drop unexpectedly.
Wildlife Gear
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Bear canister — Many backcountry areas require approved bear canisters; an improperly stored food bag can result in fines and lost supplies.
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Bear spray — A 30-foot spray cone gives you a critical buffer zone during a charge, without requiring precise aim under extreme stress.
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Bear bell — Bears typically avoid humans when given advance warning; the steady jingle of a bear bell lets them move away before you arrive.
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Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — A companion can help with first aid, signaling, and decision-making if a wildlife encounter turns serious.
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Noise maker — Group noise is especially important in dense brush or near berry patches where bears may be feeding and less alert.
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Gaiters — Thick gaiters deflect fangs before they reach skin, buying critical time in areas with rattlesnakes or copperheads.
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First-aid snakebite kit — Knowing how to immobilize a limb, mark swelling progression, and avoid harmful folk remedies can improve outcomes.
Climate Gear
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Layering system (wide temp swings) — A base layer, insulating mid-layer, and wind shell cover the full range of temperatures you might encounter in a single day.
Terrain Gear
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Wide-brim hat — At high elevation where UV is 10-12% stronger per 1,000 feet of gain, a hat provides constant passive protection.
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Sunscreen SPF50+ — Sunburn isn't just discomfort — severe burns cause fluid loss, fatigue, and impaired thermoregulation that compound in remote settings.
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Extra water (desert) — In arid heat, your body loses 1-2 liters per hour during exertion; running out of water in the desert is life-threatening.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Activities & Best Time to Visit Wahweap Campground & Rv Park, Glen Canyon NRA
The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Outdoor recreation at Wahweap Campground & Rv Park centers on camping, with the Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr months offering the best conditions.
With a photography score of 65/100, Wahweap Campground & Rv Park offers Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.
Activities
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camping — Camping offers campfires, starry nights, and mornings filled with birdsong.
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picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
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rv_camping — RV camping blends outdoor living with modern amenities.
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sightseeing — Sightseeing highlights iconic vistas, waterfalls, and unique rock formations.
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stargazing — Bring a blanket and let your eyes adjust to witness the Milky Way overhead.
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sunbathing — Sunbathing pairs warm weather with restful outdoor time.
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swimming — Swimming adds refreshing fun to a day outdoors.
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walking — Walking lets you slow down and notice details — wildflowers, birdsong, shifting light through trees.
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wildlife_viewing — Early mornings and dusk offer the best chances to quietly spot native wildlife.
Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Terrain: Desert — Cacti, shrubs, and drought-tolerant plants dominate arid landscapes.
Wildlife Safety at Wahweap Campground & Rv Park, Glen Canyon NRA
Most wildlife encounters are positive, but a few potential hazards are worth knowing about.
A danger score of 45/10 means Wahweap Campground & Rv Park requires high preparation compared to the average trail.
- Bears present
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (210mi from city)
- Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Bears
Black Bear inhabit the forests around Wahweap Campground & Rv Park, foraging for berries, insects, and nuts.
Color varies widely from jet black to cinnamon brown, and occasionally blond, sometimes with a pale chest patch.
If you encounter one, speak calmly, make yourself appear larger, and back away slowly without running.
- Store food properly - use bear boxes or hang food bags
- Keep a clean camp - no food scraps
- Make noise while hiking
- Never approach cubs - mother is nearby
- Back away slowly if you encounter a bear
Venomous Snakes
Watch your step — Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder are present in the Desert habitat around Wahweap Campground & Rv Park.
Typically gray to brown with sharply defined dark diamonds bordered in pale scales.
Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.
Color ranges from greenish-gray to brown, often blending with desert soils.
Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.
Light tan or sandy coloration with darker blotches along the back.
Do not attempt to capture the snake; focus on reaching emergency care quickly.
- Watch where you step and place hands
- Stay on trails
- Wear boots and long pants in snake country
- Do not reach under rocks or logs
- If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
- Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol
Nature & Wildlife at Wahweap Campground & Rv Park, Glen Canyon NRA
The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The plant life here ranges from Frémont Cottonwood and single-leaf ash in the canopy to Eastwood's monkeyflower and Smallflower Fishhook Cactus along the trail edges.
Trees (2)
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Frémont Cottonwood — The crown spreads widely in open areas. -
single-leaf ash — The canopy is open and spreading.
Wildflowers (5)
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Eastwood's monkeyflower — Low spreading stems with rounded leaves.
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Smallflower Fishhook Cactus — Clusters of small pink to magenta flowers near the crown. -
Sego Lily — Three broad petals forming an open bowl. -
cardinal flower — Lance-shaped leaves along upright stems. -
firecracker penstemon — It is adapted to arid western climates.
Shrubs (1)
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Roundleaf buffaloberry — Red berries appear in late summer.
Other Plants (5)
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Sacred Datura
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black maidenhair fern
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gilia beardtongue
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Scarlet Gilia
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Tamarisks
Mammals (4)
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Bighorn Sheep — Rams carry massive curled horns. -
American Beaver — Dense brown fur and large orange incisors. -
Black-tailed Jackrabbit — Brown-gray coat and powerful hind legs. -
North American Porcupine — Dark brown body with lighter-tipped quills.
Birds (30)
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Bushtit — Pale eye in female -
Wild Turkey — Male with fan-shaped tail and red wattle -
Common Raven — Broad wings with fingered primaries -
Juniper Titmouse — Small crest -
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — Gray back
Reptiles (10)
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Common Side-blotched Lizard — Distinct dark blotch behind the front legs on each side. -
Desert Spiny Lizard — Males may show blue patches on the underside. -
Ornate Tree Lizard — Males may show bluish patches on the belly. -
Western Whiptail — Usually brown to black with six to eight light longitudinal stripes. -
Western Rattlesnake — Broad triangular head and a segmented rattle at the tail tip.
Amphibians (4)
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Northern Leopard Frog -
Canyon Tree Frog -
Woodhouse's Toad -
Red-spotted Toad
Insects (8)
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Shining Leaf Chafer Beetle -
Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp -
White-lined Sphinx -
Hoary Comma -
Great Basin Wood-Nymph
Fungi (1)
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hoary cobblestone lichen
Other Wildlife (10)
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Channel Catfish
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Bluegill
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European Carp
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Striped Bass
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Arizona Bark Scorpion
Nature Bingo at Wahweap Campground & Rv Park, Glen Canyon NRA
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Wahweap Campground & Rv Park, Glen Canyon NRA Climate & Sun
Month-by-month climate and daylight information for Wahweap Campground & Rv Park.
With 6.4 inches of annual precipitation and an average of 60.4°F, Wahweap Campground & Rv Park has Continental conditions.
Climate type: Continental
Annual avg temp: 60.4°F
Annual precipitation: 6.4 in
With an average annual temperature of 60.4°F and 6.4 inches of precipitation, Wahweap Campground & Rv Park has warm, arid conditions. Summer highs average around 85°F, while winter lows drop to 38°F.
Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38°F | 0.7 in |
| Feb | 43°F | 0.5 in |
| Mar | 52°F | 0.5 in |
| Apr | 59°F | 0.4 in |
| May | 68°F | 0.4 in |
| Jun | 79°F | 0.1 in |
| Jul | 85°F | 0.4 in |
| Aug | 82°F | 0.8 in |
| Sep | 74°F | 0.7 in |
| Oct | 61°F | 0.9 in |
| Nov | 47°F | 0.5 in |
| Dec | 37°F | 0.5 in |
Daylight & Sun Times
Daylight ranges from 9.6 hours in winter to 14.7 hours in summer — a difference of 5.1 hours.
Summer: 5:05 AM – 7:46 PM
Winter: 7:31 AM – 5:10 PM
Wahweap Campground & Rv Park, Glen Canyon NRA Trip Planning & Access
Ready to visit? Here's what to know about getting here and what it'll cost.
Trip planning for Wahweap Campground & Rv Park starts with the 210-mile route from Las Vegas.
Visitor Friendliness
Visitor friendliness: families (excellent), dogs (likely_allowed), elderly (highly_suitable).
- Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
- Families: excellent (Has restrooms)
- Elderly: highly_suitable
- Strollers: excellent (100/100)
- Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)
Campground Details
Total sites: 266
- Water
- Restrooms
- Showers
Places Near Wahweap Campground & Rv Park, Glen Canyon NRA
If you're in the area, these nearby destinations are worth considering too.
From campgrounds to trails to scenic attractions, 14 destinations surround Wahweap Campground & Rv Park.
Nearby Trails
- Wahweap Campground Trails, Glen Canyon NRA 0.15 mi
- Wahweap Swim Beach Access Trail, Glen Canyon NRA 0.27 mi
- Wahweap Trailer Village/campground Trail, Glen Canyon NRA 0.27 mi
- Wahweap Trailer Village/lakeshore Drive Trail, Glen Canyon NRA 0.55 mi
- Wahweap Trailer Village/dro Trail, Glen Canyon NRA 0.55 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby Attractions
Stargazing & Night Sky at Wahweap Campground & Rv Park, Glen Canyon NRA
If you're staying past sunset, the stargazing conditions here are worth planning around.
For anyone who stays past sunset, the Bortle 1 conditions here reward patience with constellations and bright planets.
Constellations
Look for Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus — all visible from this location depending on the season.
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Ursa Minor — This compact constellation contains Polaris at the end of its handle, a reliable guide to true north. -
Cassiopeia — This constellation represents a mythological queen and lies opposite the Big Dipper across Polaris. -
Cepheus — Named for a mythological king, this constellation sits beside Cassiopeia and is circumpolar in northern latitudes.
Meteor Showers
For meteor viewing, the Geminids (December 13-14) offers the best show at this location.
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Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.
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Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.
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Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)This steady shower rewards patient observers in dark, moonless conditions.
Planets
Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:
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Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star -
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky -
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light -
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue
Equipment Guide
- Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
- Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
- Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune
Viewing Tips
- Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
- Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
- Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
- Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
- Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
- Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)
Best Viewing Months
- Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
- Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep
Seasonal Highlights at Wahweap Campground & Rv Park, Glen Canyon NRA
Each season brings something different to this area.
From wildflower blooms in spring to fall foliage in autumn, Wahweap Campground & Rv Park rewards visitors in every season.
Spring Wildflowers
Peak bloom: April - May
Check local park websites for bloom reports
Fall Foliage
Peak color: September 15 – October 10
Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak
At 3779ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier
Bird Migration
Spring peak: April - May
Fall peak: September - October
Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges
Indigenous Land at Wahweap Campground & Rv Park, Glen Canyon NRA
Long before trails were marked and campgrounds built, this land was home to Indigenous peoples.
This area's history extends far beyond recreation — it is the traditional territory of Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Pueblos, Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute).
Territories
Languages
2 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: Southern Paiute, Diné Bizaad.
Data from Native Land Digital
Wahweap Campground & Rv Park, Glen Canyon NRA Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Wahweap Campground & Rv Park sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.
Bedrock Geology
- Rock Type
- Chinle Formation
- Formation
- Chinle Formation
- Lithology
- Major:{mudstone}, Minor:{sandstone,conglomerate}
- Age
- Late Triassic
Fossils
- Fossil Occurrences
- 18
- Unique Species
- 14
- Oldest
- 283.3 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 34
- Richness
- High
- Minerals Found
- Uranium, Copper, Silver, Bentonite, Molybdenum, Lead, Zinc, Iron
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 120°F (1997-07-26)
- Record Low
- -11°F (1963-01-13)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 2
- Largest Fire
- Marble Cyn (553.9 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2005
- Fire Risk
- Low
Watershed
- Watershed
- Cathedral Wash-Colorado River
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 0.347%
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 4 (NUFORC)
- Eeriness Score
- 8/100
Wahweap Campground & Rv Park, Glen Canyon NRA Safety & Conditions
Conditions change fast outdoors — bookmark these official sources for your visit.
The data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening at Wahweap Campground & Rv Park right now.
Coordinates: 36.996707, -111.499386