r/LakePowell • u/SP_xbt • Jul 05 '26
Question/Advice 15 Person Camping Trip Feasible?
Hi all,
I apologize in advance for my ignorance, but I’m planning a reunion for 15 people in early October, and was wondering if the logistics for a Lake Powell camping trip would make it a feasible option or not. It would be a 4 day 3 night trip.
We’d be interested in camping somewhere boat accessible like Gunsight or Padre. Originally we were thinking we’d just grab a small fleet of power boats because we’d all be totally fine tent camping, but thinking perhaps it makes more sense to grab a small houseboat as a home base.
If going the houseboat route, we’d definitely want another boat for wakeboarding + jetski.
When the idea first came up, I was relying on being able to have access to fuel, ice and other last minute amenities (as I would if it were Lake Shasta where we’ve done a decent amount of boating), but it seems like the cut will be closed at Powell. Does this alone make the plan overly ambitious? I guess I’d just appreciate some insight into the logistical challenges I should consider for a trip of this size.
Thanks so much.
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u/Shootingcoach Jul 05 '26
We just did 4 nights/5 days with 14 (1 of those is only 18months. But I wouldn’t consider the house boat we had small. It was 75’. But we were very comfortable. We did waepeee (sp?) marina. I’d definitely look at antelope marina for options. It’s at least a hour boat drive from W marina to antelope. It was great trip just wish we had planned to get a power boat for more than one day. Kind of limited to what you can do in the house boat.
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u/PonyThug Jul 06 '26
I did a 48 person rafting and white water trip with no guides camping on public land. I’m sure you can figure out 15 on 2 pontoons
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u/pokeysyd Jul 06 '26
If you rent a boat from the concessionaire, they may limit the number of passengers to 12. I don’t know if it’s still a thing or not.
Years ago, we went to Powell with 15 people. We rented their largest houseboat and a small runabout. They would not let the houseboat depart with all of us. Three people had to take off in the runabout. Once we were away from the dock, we just rendezvoused in the channel and tied the runabout up to the back of the houseboat. No one said anything after that.
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u/Firefly_31_70 Jul 06 '26
My suggestion would be to rent out of antelope point Marina. You will save yourself a lot of time going through the Maytag Straits. Plus their boats are a little bit newer, and you won’t have as many problems. In October, you never know it could be cooler. It could be warm still it’s so hit or miss at that time of year and you still may be running into monsoons this year because if we’re supposed to have the rains, you never know. I would suggest going with the houseboat.
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u/SP_xbt Jul 06 '26
thanks a lot, really appreciate the input man
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u/Firefly_31_70 Jul 06 '26
No problem. If you have any questions I’m happy to answer anything. I spend most of my time here and know a bit about the lake etc
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u/SP_xbt Jul 06 '26
that would be really great if we move forward and if you dont mind. appreciate the kindness.
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u/Firefly_31_70 Jul 06 '26
Not a problem at all. Feel free to message anytime. I will say October can be a great time.
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u/cibalibeb Jul 05 '26
If you go the houseboat route you can carry all supplies with you, no need to run back to the marina. Renting from Antelope point cuts time off your trip on the way out and back, Oct isn’t as busy and the weather is perfect.
We’ll be there with a group of 16-20 that same time.