Lake Powell offers vacationers the best of both worlds, as this crystal-clear body of water straddles the Arizona and Utah borders, with breathtaking views of Glen Canyon. Lake Powell vacation rentals include everything from desert resorts and condos to houseboats right on the water and full-service campsites. Visitors enjoy camping, fishing, boating, watersports, and simply relaxing in the warm desert air, and the atmosphere can’t be beaten. If you’re planning a trip to Lake Powell, this top 10 list of the best vacation rental locations in the area can help you find your ideal holiday home.
1. Padre Bay
Padre Bay on the north side of Lake Powell is a great vacation rental location choice if you’re looking to spend a lot of time outdoors, as the area contains an abundance of bays and canyons that are perfect for fishing, boating, and hiking. Pack a picnic and hike up to Alstrom Point to catch an amazing view of Gunsight Bay, or rent a camper for a night under the desert stars and mingle with fellow travelers.
2. Warm Creek Bay
Warm Creek Bay is named for its warm, shallow waters that are ideal for swimming, fishing, and surfing. Nearby Wahweap Marina offers surf boats that create the perfect waves in this semi-confined oasis, and the area also features several beaches if you prefer to relax in the sun during your holiday. Warm Creek Bay is conveniently located about 15 miles from Page, Arizona, making it easy to head into town for dining or shopping.
3. West Canyon
If hiking is on your list of holiday activities, consider choosing a vacation rental home within close proximity of West Canyon. The canyon itself sits above Lake Powell about 25 miles up from the Glen Canyon Dam, and hikers from all around praise its unique hiking paths, beautiful waterfalls, and amazing scenery. Rent a boat for the day and explore the waters below the canyon, then take some time to check out the rock formations and trails above.
4. Glen Canyon Dam/Dangling Rope Marina
Choosing a vacation rental near the Glen Canyon dam puts you in close proximity to the Dangling Rope Marina, an outpost popular with tourists and locals alike that can only be accessed by boat. Two unique aspects of the area are that the marina and surrounding outbuildings are completely powered by solar panels, and while technically in Utah, Dangling Rope operates on Arizona time. At the marina, visitors have access to boat fuel stations, groceries, potable water, and best of all – ice cream. According to locals, the general store at Dangling Rope Marina offers the best soft-serve ice cream on the lake, making it the perfect spot to take a break after spending a day on the water.
5. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Lodging near the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument puts you up close and personal with one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in the country. Named after the cliffs that descend down from Bryce Canyon all the way to the Grand Canyon, this monument is truly a sight to behold. Rent an off-road vehicle for the day to explore the terrain, or fill your backpacks up with goodies and hike the trails in search of fossils and great photo opportunities. Vacation rentals in the area include motels, cabins, RV resorts and campgrounds, allowing visitors to stay just minutes away from all the action.
6. Wahweap Bay
Wahweap Bay is referred to as the busiest bay on the lake, so consider this area if you plan to spend a lot of time on the water and hope to meet up with fellow travelers. Launch your boat from the Wahweap marina and cruise the waters to fish, water-ski or jet-ski, or spend the night swapping stories and making friends with other outdoor enthusiasts at the Wahweap campgrounds and RV park.
7. Big Water
The Big Water area sits on the Utah side of Lake Powell in close proximity to Lone Rock Beach, a popular swimming beach that offers primitive campgrounds and miles of sand. Sand dunes surround the water and provide the perfect backdrop for exploring and desert camping, and the beach is just a few miles away from the Wahweap Marina for easy traveling in and out of the area.
8. Ticaboo
Ticaboo is a resort community on the northern Utah side of Lake Powell. Located near Offshore Marina, a full-service marina with boat rentals, storage facilities, dining options, and more, Ticaboo is a great vacation rental spot if you want easy access to the water with modern conveniences at your fingertips. Rent some jet skis or water skis for the family and tear it up on the water, then refuel at The Grill, a popular marina restaurant that serves some of the best grilled seafood around.
9. Bullfrog
If you’re hoping to spend a good portion of your trip exploring the outdoors, the Bullfrog area is an excellent vacation rental location. With campgrounds right on the water’s edge, a full-service marina, and plenty of canyons to navigate, there’s something for everyone in Bullfrog. The Bullfrog Marina is the second largest marina on the lake, so you can easily stock up on fishing supplies or refuel your boat after a long day of sailing.
10. Marble Canyon
For a close-up look at one of the world’s most amazing natural landmarks, choose a vacation rental near Marble Canyon. Named for the colorful rock formations at the bottom of the slope, Marble Canyon is actually the starting point of the Grand Canyon. Lodging options near Marble Canyon offer some of the best views in all of Lake Powell, and the area is just 12 miles southwest of the city center of Page for convenient access to dining and local amenities.