Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, located just one mile west of Escalante on Utah Highway 12, is the perfect campground to use as home base for outdoor recreation pursuits in Southern Utah. For many people, a good campsite with all the amenities is the key to having a comfortable extended trip, and this place as it all.
The location of this campground is ideal for exploring the canyons and washes off the Hole in the Rock Road, hiking to Lower Calf Creek Falls, exploring the trails that wind through the Petrified Forest, canyoneering in Death Hollow, and making day trips to Kodachrome Basin State Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, which are both nearby.
There are 22 campsites nestled along the shores of Wide Hollow Reservoir that can accommodate both tents and small motor homes. The grounds are nicely shaded with large trees and shade structures. Amenities include bathrooms, showers, a dish-washing station, vending machines, recycling bins and a visitor center.
While hanging out at camp after a long day exploring the countryside, there are some recreation options around the park as well. There is a one-mile hiking trail in the Petrified Forest where fossils and petrified wood can be seen. There is also a more difficult 3/4-mile extension called The Sleeping Rainbow Trail where there is so much petrified wood, hikers can’t avoid walking on it. Campers can also get out on the lake by renting a canoe and paddling out into the open water while taking in the views that surround the Escalante area.
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. In the summer and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the winter. The park is open every day, all year long except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. Single day visits are $6, campsites are $16 per night and the group area sites are $50 per night.
To make reservations, or for more information, visit Escalante Petrified Forest State Park at http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/escalante
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