Seeking Wisdom (and Good Humor) on Picking a Houseboat Campsite

[sparkin5280]

Though if open the first cove on the right as you go into the Escalante can be amazing

This was the view from the back of the houseboat last June in that very Cove you speak of. Like JFR said finding campsites can be challenging in Escalante. We were running out of options, running out of daylight and we found this Cove to be vacant amazingly. I can't farther back in that Cove when the water is higher you can camp pretty close to the waterfall alcove back there.

Come to think of it looking at this picture I think those clouds were from that huge storm that hit the south end of the lake last June with large hail. Luckily it missed us. That's another Pro tip worth mentioning, keep your weather band radio on especially in the afternoons so that you might have some heads up about incoming storms.

 

[Jan Hertzen]

You also may want to pick a site with hiking opportunities. Meandering around above the lake is one of my favorite things.

 

[Mildog]

GHB = Good Hope Bay

JFR
Thanks for the assist on GHB !
Exactly correct, I think that’s a solid abbreviation , newer folks to this site might not make connection.

 

[davew]

I look for spots a little different than others --- I look for a really large rock ( pickup truck size or larger) that sits partually in the water and has a deep drop -- see attached photo--
I pull up to that big rock -- attach a 2" ratchet strap around the rock ( I put bumpers between the rock and the bow of boat) and use ratchet to secure -basically the front of the houseboat is firmly attached to that truck sized bolder-- I then run my lines to other rocks on a 45 degree angle just like any other anchor system at powell.
This opens up tons more spots and these areas NEVER have company. I always have the area to myself.
This picture is in Bowns left side--- Great camp spot -- shad, close to main lake, protected and no company -- if you go there dont let the kids swim -- croc's

 

[sparkin5280]

This picture is in Bowns left side--- Great camp spot -- shad, close to main lake, protected and no company -- if you go there dont let the kids swim -- croc's

Wow I like it!! Plus keeps the sand off the front of the boat. I guess you need to make sure you're not in a side Canyon that has any other boat activity because even with bumpers you'd be grinding on that rock up and down.

 

[Frazier]

I look for spots a little different than others --- I look for a really large rock ( pickup truck size or larger) that sits partually in the water and has a deep drop -- see attached photo--
I pull up to that big rock -- attach a 2" ratchet strap around the rock ( I put bumpers between the rock and the bow of boat) and use ratchet to secure -basically the front of the houseboat is firmly attached to that truck sized bolder-- I then run my lines to other rocks on a 45 degree angle just like any other anchor system at powell.
This opens up tons more spots and these areas NEVER have company. I always have the area to myself.
This picture is in Bowns left side--- Great camp spot -- shad, close to main lake, protected and no company -- if you go there dont let the kids swim -- croc's

I haven't heard of this before, or seen it. What a great idea!