Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Bullfrog Marina On Lake Powell Red Around the World

There are affiliate links in here. I get a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.

I think this post is a bit overdue. I did spend the majority of the last four years in Bullfrog at Lake Powell, after all. So, here we are. This may not be the most exciting post you’ll find on here, but I sure hope it will be helpful.

Most people that visit Bullfrog Marina do so for houseboating or fishing and usually go there all the time. It’s tradition. But we did still get people passing through on road trips wondering what there is to do in Bullfrog that isn’t boating.

And that’s what I’m here to share with you today because if you’ve been around here for any period of time, you probably know I’m not a water person.

But wait, why do you still work at Lake Powell if you don’t like water? Well, I like the place! And it’s close to so many other great national parks, state parks, and more.

This is an often-overlooked Utah road trip stop and can give you some unique experiences to write home about. It also makes for a great weekend trip in Utah if you already live here.

National Park Goodies

If you’re planning to visit three or more national parks within a year from your trip, definitely get the America the Beautiful pass. It will save you money in the long run if you’re going to more than three parks in a year. Buy the pass here.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking on your trip, or even at home, check out AllTrails! This is my favorite app to find, keep track of, and track my hiking activity. And it’s FREE! Sign up here.
This Ultimate National Park Planning Bundle is a must-have. You get two ebooks and a planner, saving 50% by getting them as a bundle! If you want all the details, this is the bundle for you. Buy the Ultimate bundle here.
This National Park Planner (one of the ebooks from the bundle above) is perfect if you just want some guidance in your planning. Buy the planner here.
Get yourself a little National Park notebook to write all about your adventures while you’re on the road. These from Field Notes are all very cute! If you want one for all of the NPS sites (400+!) then this one is for you!
Before your trip, get some national park apparel for your trip!
Consider reading some of these books set in national parks before your big trip, on your adventure, or once you get home to take you back to the parks until next time.

Where is Bullfrog Marina?

Bullfrog is in the literal middle of nowhere. And I mean that. It’s at the north end of Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, between Blanding, Capitol Reef, and Hanksville.

When you’re coming to visit, I would recommend planning on just driving and not taking the ferry, but if you get to the turnoff by Halls Crossing (coming from Blanding) and see it’s open and get there in time, then take it.

But it’s down a lot and really only saves like 30 minutes from the drive, plus it’s one of the best drives in Utah along Highway 95.

If you’re driving the Burr Trail from Boulder, you’ll come out just outside of Bullfrog. I would highly recommend this drive if you are coming from the Bryce Canyon and Escalante area.

Burr Trail is my favorite drive in the state so far. If you’re driving a large RV, trailer, or camper, you won’t be able to do this drive.

Hikes near Bullfrog Marina

While Bullfrog might not be a hiking and outdoor mecca like Moab, there are still plenty of hikes to keep you busy. Aside from the trails listed below, you can also just pull over and hike wherever you feel.

If you do that, just make sure you’re confident in your hiking and navigational abilities. The hikes listed below are in order of close-ness to Bullfrog, starting close getting further away.

Visitor Center Slot Canyon

If you want a fun, relatively easy slot canyon hike that’s close to Bullfrog, this is for you. No, it doesn’t look anything like Antelope Canyon at the other end of the lake, but it is still fun and a little challenging.

It’s a short hike and easy to walk to from anywhere else in Bullfrog. At the visitor center, go to the far left of the parking lot, the sides by the RV park, and head down the slickrock into the canyon.

There is a little trailhead sign where you should go. Once you’re down you can go to the right or left. Left will take you out by the RV park, right you may have to back track to where you started.

I’ve only gone left, so I’m not sure on that. If you’re afraid of spiders, you may want to skip this one. There are a lot of daddy long legs in there. There may be water in some parts as well.

Pedestal Alley

This is a nice, easy hike on the Burr Trail. It follows a wash before opening up into a valley (I guess?) full of toadstools and rock formations similar to Goblin Valley, but with less of them.

It’s about three miles round-trip, pretty much flat, and wide open, so there is almost no shade. It’s the closest hike to Bullfrog that isn’t actually in Bullfrog.

Halls Creek Overlook

This is a great hike if you want an overlook. You have a couple options for this. First, they’re is the official Halls Creek Overlook. It’s good, but I like the one in my post linked above a lot more. It’s a relatively short hike, and pretty easy.

It’s not totally flat but it’s not crazy either. It’s one of the best views of the Capitol Reef Water Pocket Fold and Halls Creek.

Surprise Canyon

Surprise Canyon will take you into the southern part of Capitol Reef National Park and away from all the crowds. It’s not the most magnificent slot canyon out there, by far, but it’s still a great short hike and is even better paired with the more impressive Headquarters Canyon just down the road.

Headquarters Canyon

I much prefer Headquarters Canyon over Surprise, but both are great. This one is a little under three miles round-trip and has a pretty cool narrows section.

Instead of the glowing sandstone, it’s a more dark rock and just looks really cool. This is one of my favorite hikes in the area.

Lower Muley Twist

This is primarily a backpacking trip, which I would love to do someday, but can also be done as a really long day hike. It’s somewhere between 15 and 17 miles round trip, but if you want to just do part, you can and it’s super cool!

I’ve done part twice and started at the top of the Burr Trail switchbacks. It’s mostly flat (at the top section) but is in deep sand. There is more elevation change if you do the whole thing.

Other things to do in Bullfrog Marina

Bullfrog is a very water-centric place, because it’s on one of the coolest lakes in the country, and that’s why most people visit, but this post is mostly focused on the land based parts and how to visit.

I’ll have a whole separate post about boating on North Lake Powell which makes for a great weekend trip in Utah. But really, just hiking the area is great, too.

Go kayaking

You can either bring your own or rent them to do some kayaking in the area. A lot of the cool stuff might be a little far to kayak to, but you’ll be able to kayak around Bullfrog Bay, by Stanton Creek, over to Halls Crossing, and if you’re really determined, Halls Creek Bay or Lost Eden.

Rent a boat

If you want to get out and see more of the lake, rent a power boat, pontoon, or jet skis! If you do this, don’t forget to bring a map! North Lake Powell is so much prettier, so if you can, definitely rent a boat!

Some of the best things to see by boat are Smith Fork, Forgotten Canyon and the Defiance House Ruins, Tapestry Wall (there are dinosaur tracks here!), Annies Crack, and all the canyons in between.

Go fishing

I know nothing about fishing, I don’t know the best places to go fishing, but it’s one of the best things to do on Lake Powell. If you want to know more about fishing on Lake Powell, Waynes Words is the place for you.

Do an off-roading tour in Ticaboo

I haven’t tried this yet, but they offer a few different types of tours like off roading, hiking, biking, and canyoneering.

Hotels in Bullfrog Marina

You have two hotel options for staying in (or near) Bullfrog Marina. One in Bullfrog, one in Ticaboo, and the next closest is in Hanksville about an hour away.

Defiance House Lodge

This is the lodge in Bullfrog with a wonderful view of the lake. It’s not the most budget friendly, but if you want to be close to the lake, this is the best (and only) option.

It is not right by the lake shore because that changes due to water level all the time, but it’s not far from it either. You can see the lake from the lodge.

Ticaboo Resort

Ticaboo is a little more budget friendly than the Defiance House, but it’s about a fifteen minute drive from the lake. You cannot see the lake from here.

Camping in Bullfrog Marina

There are a lot more camping options in Bullfrog than hotels, thankfully, some are paid, some are free. Here is everything you need to know about that.

Bullfrog Campground

The Bullfrog Campground is across from the gas station. It’s the one with all the trees. There are no electrical hookups in here. It’s $26 a night, cash only, and you can pay at the campground entrance.

If you have a small RV or camper it should fit here and if you don’t need hookups, I would recommend the campground over the RV park since it has more shade.

There are bathrooms in each loop (three loops, 70ish spots) and showers to use at the post office up the hill. This is not by the water.

Bullfrog RV Park

This is kind of next to the visitor center on the way down to boat rentals. The RV Park is about $52 a night and does take reservations. There isn’t tons of shade here and it is all dirt, no cement pads.

It’s got full hookups (water, power, sewer) and is 30 AMP. There are showers and bathrooms here and there are about 22 spots in the loop. This is not by the water either.

Stanton Creek

This is the primitive camping in Bullfrog. It’s the only camping option that is right by the water that you can drive to. It’s about $12 a night I think and just a big open space with a few bathrooms scattered around. There is no shade or amenities here, really.

Starr Springs

This isn’t in Bullfrog, but 20-30 minutes away in the Henry Mountains. This is also $26 a night (I think, I could be wrong) and is forst-come, first-served. This is a great option if you want to escape the desert heat but still want to be close. There are bathrooms but no showers.

BLM land

If you want to do some free camping, you can stay on the BLM land along Highway 276 or Burr Trail. Just make sure you’re not in Glen Canyon NRA or Capitol Reef NP. Just remember to pack out what you pack in. (That goes for camping anywhere, really.)

Restaurants in Bullfrog Marina

Food options are quite slim in Bullfrog Marina, and by quite slim, I mean there is one option in Bullfrog, one in Ticaboo (sometimes two if the restaurant at Ticaboo Reesort is open), and a snack bar at Halls Crossing, but you have to boat to that.

Anasazi Restaurant

This is the restaurant in Bullfrog Marina attached to the lodge. It’s not super fine dining, but it’s more fine than Offshore, if that makes sense.

They are usually open for breakfast lunch, and dinner, but close for a few hours between lunch and dinner, so keep that in mind when you go. Prices are pretty average compared to chain sit-down restaurants. It’s the only option in Bullfrog.

Offshore Marina

This is about ten-fifteen minutes from Bullfrog Marina. It’s in the Sinclair gas station where all of the houseboats are parked. If you didn’t take the ferry over from Halls Crossing, you would have passed it on your way in.

From Bullfrog it will be on the right when you’re going. They have pizza, burgers, sandwiches, stuff like that. It’s a good option that’s usually pretty quick. It’s by Ticaboo.

What to bring to Bullfrog Marina

Hiking poles – These will be helpful on longer hikes that are on the steeper side. They’ll be good if you have bad knees for when you’re going downhill and will give you something to lean on going up the hills.

Water bottle – It’ll be hot and you’ll need to stay hydrated. Even if it’s not hot you need to stay hydrated. A Hydro Flask will keep your water ice cold all day long.

Sunscreen – If you plan on being outside, you’ll want sunscreen. I like the Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch a lot AND it’s reef safe! If you’re sensitive to fragrance though, it’s not a good choice. I also like the same one but specifically for your face.

Hat – You’ll want some kind of hat to keep the sun out of your eyes, or a visor. A baseball hat should be fine but I like my giant sun hat, too.

Sunglasses – This is a must no matter where you are.

Light Jacket – Because you just never know. Weather can change quickly depending on where you are, time of day, and season. I usually use my rain jacket for this.

Headlamp – I tend to carry my headlamp around all the time when we’re hiking, just in case.

For camping

Kammok hammock – I have a Roo single that I love. It’s the color of mac and cheese and pretty light weight. I don’t think as light as Eno if that matters though. But it’s perfect for just regular camping.

RTIC cooler – We have one of those giant coffin sized Yetis, which is great, but this 20 can soft RTIC cooler is a lot more convenient for small trips with easy access to a fridge and ice.

REI Passage 2 Tent – Our tent isn’t available anymore but this one is similar. We’ve used it quite a few times and it’s been great. It’s good for two people, but can be a little cramped if you move around too much.

NEMO Viola sleeping bag – Mine isn’t available anymore but this one is similar. It’s very good in cold weather, not freezing, but in the 40s with leggings on, I was totally fine. It has zipper vent things on the top that are supposed to help it cool down when it’s hot. I don’t know if it really did that. When we camped in south Florida, I was still pretty warm with them open and it was probably in the 60s.

LuminAID lantern – I love this lantern. It’s great for getting around your campsite in the dark, lighting up campground bathrooms at night, and even during power outages at home. You can plug it in to charge it or just let the sun do the work.

REI Ruckpack 18 – This is the daypack I have and it’s awesome. It’s lightweight, has water bottle pockets that my 40-ounce Hydro Flask fits in, and it comes in nice colors.

REI Camp Wrap – This is totally unnecessary, but I love it. It’s basically a blanket poncho and it doubles as a good blanket for sleeping in warmer weather. I used it two nights in south Florida and it was perfect for when my sleeping bag was too hot.

Puffy quilt – If you’re a really warm sleeper and visiting in the summer, a puffy quilt might be a better option. I prefer this for hotter nights. Check out the Rumpl camp quilts here.

Pillow – If you’re just driving, I’d just bring a regular pillow, but if you’re flying then renting a car, you might want a smaller pillow. This is a good non-inflatible option. Here is a good inflatable option.

Camp chairs – If you plan on doing a lot of camping outside of this trip, and backpacking especially, the REI Flexlite chairs are great choices. Check out the camp chairs here.

Dramamine – this is a must if you get carsick.

Tips for visiting Bullfrog Marina

If you’re camping or going out on a houseboat, bring pretty much everything you need. The closest towns are hours away. Literally. Grand Junction (the grocery store worth going to) is 3-3.5 hours, Moab is 2.5 hours, Blanding and Green River are 2, and Hanksville is 1. Stores in all but Grand Junction are small and there’s usually only one.
If you want to stay in the lodge on a weekend in the summer, definitely book ahead because it’s full most weekends. Especially holidays. Weekdays are hit or miss, but usually open.
If you’re debating between North Lake Powell and South Lake Powell, the north is way prettier (fight me) but the south is way closer to town, like ten minutes instead of three hours. I do think Bullfrog is one of the best places to visit in Utah, though.
Definitely get gas before coming here. It’s (obviously) super far from everything and gas in Bullfrog is SO expensive.
If you’re planning on taking the ferry, call ahead to check if it’s running! And if you can’t call, pay attention to the signs at the turnoff for Highway 276, whichever side you’re coming from.

Hopefully this has either inspired you to visit or helped you plan your trip there. It may be a place not many road trippers go, but if you like hiking, boating, or kayaking, this would be a great stop for you.