Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground
4.6351 reviewsEscalante Field Station, 755 West Main Street, Escalante, UT, 84726, USA
Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite 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
Calf Creek Campground charges $15 per campsite per night. Interagency Senior and Access Pass Holders receive a 50% discount on camping fees.
About this 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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are highlighted in the provided information.
Sites SizeCampsites are generally small and suitable for tents or RVs up to 25 feet in length, as noted in user reviews.
Sites PrivacySites are described as semi-private, separated by bushes and trees, though some are close to the road or trail.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArriving 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.
Best CampsitesSite #1 is praised for its size, shade, privacy, proximity to flushing toilets, and access to a swimming hole in the creek. Site #3 is noted as the 'best site' by some reviewers.
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 are 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.
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.
Hiking
The 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.'Swimming
Several reviews mention swimming holes in Calf Creek, which are refreshing and a highlight for visitors.Wildlife viewing
User reviews do not provide specific details, but the natural setting suggests opportunities for wildlife viewing.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned in the provided sources.Water Sports
Apart from swimming, no additional water sports are described.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include fire ants at campsites and deep ditches that may scrape the undersides of loaded vehicles.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 15.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
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
Closest emergency services include Escalante Field Station and facilities in the city of Escalante, UT.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities on-site. Campers must pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresCalf Creek runs through the campground, offering access to a swimming hole and the trailhead to Lower Calf Creek Falls.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include limited availability of campsites, exposed sites near the road, hard ground that makes tent setup difficult, and lack of trash services.
HostThe campground host has received positive reviews for being friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Specific hosts mentioned include Dan and Richi.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.6
51 reviews
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 51 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 51 reviewsShow more
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 51 reviewsPro 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 51 reviewsShow more
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 51 reviewsCamper 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
-...
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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 51 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 51 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pets or pet policies.
Based on 51 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025