Boat Camping on Lake Powell and Other Large LakesBoat camping on Lake Powell and other large lakes can be the only sensible way to enjoy yourself without running yourself ragged constantly returning to a campground or hotel. If you use your boat as the home base you soon see that you waste less fuel and actually get to relax a whole lot more. Nothing better than waking up in the morning on your boat and being able to watch the sun come up and get on with your day miles from the closest marina and all the chaos. Many of the lakes in Colorado and Utah are ideal for boat camping as they are surrounded by public land unlike many lakes back east in New York where I once lived. Since you can camp where you wish and many times there is no access to the shore line the only way that you can actually enjoy these lakes is with a boat. Many of the lakes in Colorado and Utah are located in very large canyons with steep walls and desolate land surrounding them with very few roads, paved or dirt to gain access. I have spent much time each year boat camping not only at Lake Powell but Flaming Gorge and Blue Mesa and some of Western Colorado's smaller lakes. All are man made reservoirs that were once canyons or valleys. When boat camping there are a few things to remember to bring that normally you may not carry with you during recreational boating. Make sure that you have enough lines and anchors to secure the boat in case of severe weather. I always secure the boat from the bow and both corners of the back of the boat so that no matter how bad it gets I can sleep knowing that I will be in the same location in the morning. I always have two anchors and three long ropes so that I can reach trees or rocks to tie to or bury anchors in sand with rocks on top. Also I bring metal stakes to drive into cracks in the rocks if there is nothing else to anchor to. An important note here is make sure that you do not leave these behind as people can get injured if they walk into them and they also look bad. Bring a small shovel to dig holes in sand to bury your anchors. Boats with large flat sides like pontoon boats and houseboats act like a sail and can be hard to control when windy and need to be anchored securely. Some people anchor so that the bow is pointed out and not touching the bank at all to keep the boat from contacting anything to prevent damage. The bad part with this is if the anchors let go and getting to shore is more difficult. Bow protectors that glue onto the bow and partway down the bottom of the boat help with bumping rocks and wear. Make sure that the place you choose to boat camp is sheltered from wind and preferably on a sandy bottom so that in case it gets wavy it does not pound your boat into the rocks and wear a hole in it. Resist the temptation to camp on large bays where the wind and waves have a lot of room to really get rolling. Instead look for smaller side channels that offer some protection. Wind can funnel down canyons and can get quit strong in places that seem like a good camping spot when calm. As with all gulches never boat camp directly in front of one of these as during a storm water can come ripping down into the lake and cause quit a mess. Always look up and make sure that you are not below a natural water route or water falls especially in slick rock canyons. I camped well to the side of one once and still had so much sand pushed under my boat that I did not think I was ever going to get it unstuck. Reservoirs like Lake Powell are subject to water fluctuations especially during spring run off from the surrounding mountains into July and can require that you check your boat at least every six to eight hours. In the morning when you wake up your boat will usually be loose and floating. Also keep on the lookout for trash in the water this time of year. Its not uncommon to see whole trees floating out in the main channel mostly submerged. In higher terrain lakes like Blue Mesa or Flaming Gorge, daily thunderstorms are quit common and nights can get cool. Check for roof or window leaks with a hose and fix leaks before using your boat for a camp shelter. Nothing worse than getting all your sleeping gear soaked. Gear for boat camping is the same as tent camping but without the tent. Much easier to change camping spots if you don't bring to much gear. Bring enough food and clothing in case the weather gets bad and anything else you normally would require. Just keep it simple. I always bring enough water and fuel so that I don't have to return to a marina for several days. An easily setup sun shade and folding chairs usually complete the camp. Inflatable kayaks are nice to bring for fishing and exploring the shore line. When cooking on boats with a bilge extra care must be taken to prevent an explosion. Propane fumes like gas fumes sink to the floor and into all low points and can collect, so make sure that you use an alcohol stove that is boat certified or do your cooking on shore. Many deck type boats are safe to use propane like many pontoon boats or houseboats using pontoon construction. Check with the manufacturer first. Portable toilets or Luggable Loo's are mandatory for over night camping and take out what you bring in as with all camping on public lands. Look here for more information on Boat Camping.
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Camping fifteen or twenty miles away from marinas usually reduces traffic in your area as water skiers and jet skiers require that they stay close to marinas for fuel needs.
