Location
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

Tucked away in the remote reaches of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, our Escalante Private Mobile Camp sits alone in the high desert. Evoking the concept of a mobile African safari, our camp brings this classic outdoor experience to the wilds of the American West. Traditional canvas tents accommodate our small group of no more than 14. An open-sided lounge tent provides a gathering space, with comfortable chairs for relaxing. This is also where a high-powered telescope is situated for shared use after dark—we’ll be camping under the stars beneath the darkest night skies in the U.S.

While our accommodations are not luxurious, they offer classic, full-service tented camping at its finest. You’ll be able to stand up inside your 10-foot by 14-foot tent, which has two double-door openings, one on either side. Real beds with full linens, including down comforters and warm blankets, offer a rejuvenating night’s sleep. While no heat, air conditioning or fans are provided, our high-desert location usually means a comfortable environment, especially in the evenings when the temperature typically drops into the upper 60s. Each tent has its own private, enclosed toilet set up nearby. In the mornings, warm water for freshening up is placed in a basin on a stand just outside your tent, with washcloths provided. Private hot showers are also available, along with ecologically sensitive soap, shampoo and conditioner. Due to the fragile nature of our desert environment, only these soap products can be used at the site, lest we risk damaging this delicate ecosystem.  

Our camp chef creates memorable meals, accompanied by fine wines. We dine in the open air at a table set with tablecloth, glass dinnerware and silverware and shaded by an overhead awning. In inclement weather, the dining table can be moved inside an enclosure. After dinner, we are generally able to enjoy a crackling campfire under the stars at night, and guests will wake to a fire in the morning. Depending on weather conditions at any time, however, park officials can prohibit open fires, and we must abide by those regulations.

In keeping with the totally secluded nature of our accommodations, there is no cellular reception or electricity at camp, although there is a charging station available during the day for cameras, iPads and other small electronic devices are provided. We encourage guests to embrace the chance to disconnect from the outside world and enjoy a quieter pace, serene setting and total immersion in nature. (A satellite phone is available for guides’ use in emergencies, however.)