Plan the Perfect Lake Powell Houseboat Trip

We just got back from another unforgettable Lake Powell houseboat trip, and I couldn’t wait to share all the details with you! Every year we pack up the family and meet my brother’s crew for a full week of sun, surf, and the most amazing views you’ve ever seen.

We’ve been lucky enough to visit Lake Powell for the past few years, and honestly—it never gets old. Warm water in the high 70s, quiet coves with no one else around, and those jaw-dropping red rock canyons. It feels like another world.

Why We Love Lake Powell

My brother owns a houseboat, so we load up our Tige Z3 surf boat (shoutout to Germaine Marine in American Fork, UT!) and tow it six hours down to Page, AZ. We spend the week living on his houseboat, which sleeps about 18–20 people comfortably—kids upstairs in sleeping bags, of course.

Don’t have your own houseboat? No problem! You can rent a houseboat at Lake Powell from one of three marinas:

Antelope Point Marina (my favorite—better boats, less crowded, and great service)
Wahweap Marina
Bullfrog Marina

If you go the rental route, book early because summer dates fill fast! You can check out Antelope here: antelopepointlakepowell.com

And if houseboating isn’t your thing, there are plenty of hotels in Page or campgrounds at each marina for tents and RVs.

Houseboat Tips We’ve Learned

Here’s what works best for us after a few years of trial and error:

Where to Launch

We launch at Antelope Point Marina. They’ll launch your speedboat for you, taxi your houseboat out, and even drive it to your anchoring spot for a fee if you’re not comfortable.

We like to find a quiet bay or inlet to set up camp. This year we anchored in Rock Creek—it was my favorite spot yet. Another good area is Last Chance, which is farther out but super peaceful.

How to Anchor

Trust me on this one—pay for the marina’s water bag anchoring service. We used to dig holes, hammer stakes, and tie off to boulders. It was stressful, time-consuming, and we even had the boat come loose a few times.

Now we let the marina set up giant water bags that anchor the houseboat securely. It’s faster, easier, and way less nerve-wracking. Well worth the extra cost!

What to Bring

Meal Prep

We like to prep most of our meals ahead of time so we can spend more time on the water. A few of our go-to’s:

Smoked pork butt (freeze and reheat)
Homemade spaghetti sauce
Dutch oven dinners
Anything on the Blackstone (seriously, bring a Blackstone—lifesaver!)

We also do a big Walmart pickup in Page to stock up on fresh items without packing it all from home.

Fuel

Fuel goes fast when you’re boating all day. Bring plenty of extra gas cans in addition to the houseboat’s tanks. You can also refuel at the marina during your stay.

Water Toys

We pack paddle boards, kayaks, an inflatable fishing boat, tubes, and surfboards. This year my niece brought jet skis, which were so fun for exploring little canyons and cliff jumping spots. Many rentals also include some water toys if you don’t have your own.

You can shop all of my favorite surfboards, tubes, life jackets, and water gear below!

Fun Things to Do at Lake Powell

There’s so much more to do than just wake surfing:

Slot canyon hikes: We boat or paddle board as far as we can and then hike the rest. Wear good water shoes!
Cliff jumping: We found a great spot east of Wetherill Canyon with jumps for all ages. Always check water depth first.
Fishing: The kids love catching bluegill, catfish, and bass right off the back of the boat.
Sliding: Most houseboats have a slide, and it keeps everyone entertained for hours.

But my favorite part? Being completely unplugged. No distractions—just family, laughter, games, and memories. Every year we come home feeling closer than ever.

If you’ve been thinking about planning a Lake Powell Houseboat vacation, I can’t recommend it enough. Book early, prep your meals, and don’t skimp on the water bag anchors. You’ll thank me later.