Escalante, Utah, is unlikely positioned within driving distance to most of the state’s major highlights including its famed national parks, highly-rated state parks, slot canyons, and its namesake national monument, Grand Staircase-Escalante.
The town is a bit more under-the-radar than Moab and can be reached from both Las Vegas, Nevada, and Salt Lake City in less than 5 hours. Here’s how to enjoy this section of Southern Utah on an RV road trip with your significant other.
RELATED: What To Look For In An RV: Couples
Campground Recommendations
Escalante offers options for every camping style, including RV resorts, traditional campgrounds, unique glamping experiences, and camping on public lands. Here are a few of our favorite options conveniently located near Escalante's main attraction, the national monument.
RELATED: 8 RV Road Trips That Will Get You Off the Beaten Path
Ofland Escalante
Formerly known as Yonder, Ofland Escalante is a destination in its own right. The compound offers glamping in cabins and vintage Airstreams, as well as tent and van camping (with electric and water hookups).
Ofland makes camp cooking easy with DIY meal kits, a food truck, and a general store. The throwback-style drive-in movie theater makes for a romantic evening activity, and if you do want to leave the property you’re within minutes to the trails within the national monument.
- Location: Escalante
- Type of campground: Glamping
- Number of sites: 52 rooms, 5 campsites
- Price per night: From $99
- Additional Amenities: Outdoor lounge, luxury bathhouse (some sites have private bathrooms), pool, hot tub, outdoor dining, fire pit, laundry, WiFi, laundry, heating/AC, pet-friendly, and more
Escalante Cabins & RV Park
Escalante Cabins & RV Park offers an elevated traditional RV camping experience within walking distance to town and the national monument’s visitor center. If you’re looking for glamping, there are cabins and vacation homes in addition to tent and RV sites—complete with full hookups.
- Location: Escalante
- Type of campground: Resort
- Number of RV sites: 66
- Price per night: From $35
- Additional Amenities: General store, clubhouse, showers, restrooms, laundry, WiFi, picnic tables, fire rings, pull-through sites available, camping sites are pet-friendly
Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground
Located within Grand Escalante National Monument, Calf Creek puts you right near the popular Lower Calf Creek Falls trail (currently closed for repairs). Sites are first-come, first-served and are on the smaller side, so be sure to check for any limitations with your RV size. There are no hookups, so be prepared when camping in this desert oasis.
- Location: Boulder
- Type of campground: BLM
- Number of campsites: 13
- Price per night: From $15
- Additional Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, pet-friendly, hiking trail
Things To Do
Of course, the biggest attraction in Escalante is the national monument, but there are also state parks, like Kodachrome Basin, Dixie National Forest, and more to explore if you make Escalante your home base. Located along Scenic Byway 12, there’s no shortage of overlooks in either direction for a romantic scenic drive.
Another popular activity in town is to rent a Jeep and drive along some off-road trails, check with the campground and they can likely recommend a few local options for rentals or a guided tour.
RELATED: Private Campgrounds Outside of National Parks That Can Be Used As Base Camps
Grand Staircase Escalante Monument
The national monument has three main sections: Escalante Canyons, Grand Staircase, and the Kaiparowits Plateau. If you’re staying in Escalante, Escalante Canyons is the nearest area for hiking.
The trail through Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons offers a challenging, 6-mile hike for you and your partner, but there are no ropes required for this canyon hike. Zebra Canyon is a moderately challenging, 5-mile slot canyon hike that’s a bit easier to follow. If you’re not keen on hiking inside a canyon, there are plenty of easy hikes to arches and hoodoos in the national monument you can check out—Devils Garden is a fan-favorite.
- Address: 755 West Main, Escalante (Escalante Interagency Visitor Center)
- Hours: Vary by season; daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Wednesdays
- Price: Free; some areas require day-use fees
- Important info: Some scrambling is required; do not attempt the slot canyon hikes if you’re claustrophobic; bring plenty of water and check weather conditions ahead of time; 4WD is encouraged to access the trailhead
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
For a change of scenery, Escalante Petrified Forest has a reservoir, lava flows, and thousands of pieces of petrified wood. Waterfront camping is also available at this state park, and you can kayak, swim, or paddleboard on the reservoir.
Hiking here is more low-key but still offers rewarding views. The park makes for a great day trip after a day of exploring slot canyons.
- Address: 710 Reservoir Road, Escalante
- Hours: Vary by season; daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Price: $10 day-use fee ($5 for Utah residents)
- Important info: Pet-friendly; check the website for seasonal and weather-related closures
Bryce Canyon National Park
Less than an hour away from Escalante is the famous Bryce Canyon National Park. Ideal for scenic drives, stargazing, and hiking, the park is ideal for all ages.
In summer, visitors can horseback ride and bike while in winter, enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoes. It’s also a popular park for winter hiking as the summer temps can make hiking during peak season difficult.
Camping and lodging are also available if you want to stay overnight in the park.
- Address: UT-63, Bryce Canyon City (visitor center)
- Hours: 24/7; visitor center hours vary but generally open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during peak season
- Price: From $20
- Important info: The national park is cashless; check the website for seasonal and weather-related closures
If you’re continuing on a longer Utah road trip, check out Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park, all of which are under 4 hours away.
Where To Eat
The dining scene in Escalante is laid-back if you’re looking to take a night off from camp cooking. Most restaurants are walkable within downtown Escalante. Some establishments may only be open seasonally, so check ahead of your visit.
RELATED: Utah National Parks Road Trip + Southwest Road Trip
Pet-Friendly
- Escalante Outfitters in Escalante
- Hell's Backbone Grill and Farm in Boulder
- Nemo's Drive Thru in Escalante
Casual Dining
- Bryce Canyon Lodge in Bryce Canyon City
- North Creek Grill in Escalante
- 4th West Pub in Escalante
Coffee and Breakfast
- Magnolia’s Kitchen in Escalante
- Kiva Koffeehouse in Escalante
- Escalante Mercantile + Natural Grocer in Escalante
