The best campgrounds for visiting Arches National Park are in the Moab area. Which ones are the best depends on the experience you are looking for, the equipment you have, and your level of camping comfort. The good news is, that there are so many camping options in the Moab area, there’s something for everyone from self-sustaining camping gurus, to those who have never camped before.
In the 20 years visiting Moab I’ve used hotel accommodations twice, the rest was camping. I love camping in Moab because it’s so easy and the campgrounds are in fantastic locations. The dry desert climate means camping is available year-round. I’ve camped using a motorhome, travel trailer (32 ft), and campground cabins.
My go-to campgrounds in Moab are Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway and Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown because of the convenient locations, amenities, and friendly staff.
Keep reading for a run-down of camping options in and around Arches National Park.
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Camping is available in Moab all year thanks to its dry, temperate climate. Peak season runs from March to May and September to October, coinciding with cooler temperatures. First-come, first-serve campgrounds fill up daily during this time.
Summer in Moab is hot. Camping during the summer, especially in July and August, you will want a campground with something to help you beat the heat like a pool, shaded sites, air conditioning, and access to water and ice.
Moab hosts popular events and festivals year-round which can impact the availability of campsites, as well as the atmosphere so it’s a good idea to check for Moab events before you go.
If you’re traveling a significant distance or are on a specific itinerary, make a reservation. Typically we make a reservation a year in advance for a peak season stay. We’ve had success getting a reservation a few months in advance through last-minute cancellation spots. When we’ve been unable to get a reservation in the area for the length of our stay we stay in Green River or Fruita campgrounds until something becomes available.
Camping in the Moab area is provided by four service operators: private, The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Parks, and State Parks.
Private campgrounds are mostly located in or close to Moab and cater to the ‘urban camper ’ who enjoys modern comforts, or camping newbies. They offer more amenities like full-service hook-ups, Wifi, shower and laundry facilities, cabins, and recreation activities like pools. Reservations are often required. Private campgrounds are the most expensive.
Bureau of Land Management operates campgrounds outside the urban areas in the Sand Flats area, along the Colorado River, and along Highway 191 and 313. These sites are great for the experienced or self-sustaining camper who wants to unplug and get away from the urban atmosphere. They operate mostly on a first-come, first-service basis and offer minimal to no amenities. Fees may be required to enter some areas but the camping fees are cheaper. These campgrounds are mostly self-serve with minimal operation oversite.
National and State Parks campgrounds in the Moab area are located at Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, or the Manti-La Sal National Forest. These campgrounds are for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of town but want a few more amenities. Campgrounds offer basic to minimal amenities, with a mix of reservations and first-come, first-serve sites. Most offer alternative camping like yurts or cabins so are appropriate for all camping comfort levels. Typically there is a fee to enter the area on top of the camping fee. The cost of camping is in the moderate range.
Campgrounds are pet-friendly which makes them perfect for travelling with your furry friend.
The private campgrounds in the Moab are mostly located along or near Highway 191. This makes for convenient access but also traffic noise so be prepared for it no matter what campground you stay at. Below is a brief outline of the main campgrounds to assist in determining the right stay for you. Visit the campground website for details on pricing and specific amenities.
Spacious campground loaded with amenities and activities. It is located just outside Moab across from Lions Park with easy access to paved trails.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Easy access to paved Canyon and River pathways | Next to Hwy 191 so there’s traffic noise |
| Backs onto wetland reserve | Not a lot of tree shade for some sites |
| Heated pool and hot tub | |
| Overflow parking |
Located on Main Street, you can stay here and never have to get into a vehicle. Mature full-service campground with all the amenities including a gas station and store. Fully fenced and backs onto the high school running track.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Walkability to stores, and restaurants | Space is tight when it’s full hard to maneauvor large RVs and trailers |
| Pool and splash pad | Extra charge per night to park utility and tow trailers |
| Adjacent to Mill Creek | Pool isn’t heated |
| Plenty of trees to provide shade (hard to believe you’re in the middle of a town) |
Camping doesn’t get swankier than this full-service luxury resort. Amenities and onsite activities galore. Cabins, vacation homes, and some RV sites are privately owned. Backs onto protected wetlands. Free popcorn at the desk.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Posh landscaping, including a pond | Pond can lead to mosquito outbreaks |
| Large off-leash dog park | Restriction on dog breed types |
| Two pools plus free popcorn | No RVs older than 10 years without permission. |
| Large campsites |
KOAs are known for their family-friendly and quality camping experiences. This full-service campground has great views and plenty of on-site recreation activities.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| The pool and hot tub (seasonal) | Expensive |
| Dog walk | Highway 191 noise |
| Great views | Lots of sand (especially for tent sites) |
| Sites close together |
Full-service family-run grassroots campground with a homey feel. Located on the outskirts of the Moabs south ends. No fancy amenities but known for its great and friendly service.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Grass tent sites | No pet area |
| Pull thru sites | No pool |
| One of the quieter ones (relatively) | Located next to an outdoor event arena |
Mature RV campsite with full-service pull-thru hookup sites pool and hot tub. Has a slick online reservation system that tells you about the site you’re reserving so there are no surprises when you arrive with all your toys.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Grassy sites with tree shade | Tight pet restrictions |
| Great views | No Tents |
| Easy access to town | No stakes allowed in the ground |
| Highway 191 noise |
Great for those looking for a true, unplugged camping experience. There are limited amenities and facilities so don’t expect a ‘hotel experience’.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| EV charging and battery packs | Expensive |
| Cool tents | No heating, AC or electricity |
| Great night views and sunrises | Vulnerable to weather elements |
| Live music and scores | Highway 191 noise can be intense (ear plugs are provided) |
The Bureau of Land Management operates 26 campsites in the Moab area in the Sand Flats Recreation Area, along the Colorado River and beside Highway 191. The majority are first-come, first-serve with reservations available for group bookings. Campground fees are collected at night, in self-serve payment areas, or payment kiosks.
These are minimalist campgrounds with only toilets, fire rings, and trash bins. Be prepared to be self-supporting – this includes bringing water (stop at Matrimony Springs to fill up).
TIP: Some toilets are open air so remember to place the chain or rope across the entrance to indicate it’s in use and toilets can be smelly (especially in the summer) use caution in site selection.
Located in the heart of Moab’s most popular 4 x 4 trails this is a favourite for off-road enthusiasts. Lots of room for motorized toys and vehicles and accommodates large groups.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Convenient access to mountain bike and 4 X 4 trails | Expect off-road vehicle noise and dust |
| Incredible views of slickrock, canyons and mesas | Washboard climbing gravel road to get to upper sites |
| Easy access to Moab | No water, power, or firewood |
| Night sky viewing | May to Sept can get really hot (90-105 F) |
These campgrounds are largely located along Scenic Byway 128 and the Colorado River. All individual campsites are about $20 per night and are first-come first-serve. They include toilets, but no water or hookups. Goose Island and the Big Bends campsites are the most popular and fill up quickly.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Great sky viewing | Can be hard to get a site, need to nab them early |
| Scenic locations with incredible views | Highway location |
| Seclusion | No water |
| Cheap | Vulnerable to weather elements (wind, heat, floods) |
Sites located along Potash Road (Hwy 279) off Highway 191. Mostly tent sites, some RVs. All sites are about $20 per night and have toilets, but no water. All but the Williams Bottom Campground are open year-round.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Scenic | No water |
| Secluded and quiet (less road noise compared to other locations) | Limited sites, go early to nab one |
| Great access to trails | Mosquitos and ants (bring repellant) |
| Spacious sites | Vulnerable to weather extremes |
Kane Creek Road campsites are very close to Moab. Mostly tent camping and 1 group site with no water or hookups.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Scenic and next to the river | Daytime off-road vehicle noise |
| Secluded | Variable |
| Great access to trails | Variable shade access depending on site |
| Close to town | Food stealing critters |
National and State Parks operate campsites in Arches National Park, Manti-La Sal National Forest, and Dead Horse State Park. Reservations are available and recommended. These sites offer a few more amenities than BML areas, as well as alternative camping options.
This is Arches only campground and it’s popular so reservations need to be made months in advance (can book 6 months in advance). It offers basic amenities (flush toilets and washing water) but generators are allowed.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Easy access to Arches National Park | Expect to be close to your neighbour |
| Incredible views in a stunning location | Hard to get a reservation |
| Camp host on site | Bring your own water and ice |
| Isolated | Sketchy to no cell coverage |
The only campground in the area, it offers an alpine forest experience next to Warner Lake. A rustic, minimalist campground with amenities limited to vault toilets, campfire rings, and picnic tables.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Quiet and secluded | Long, steep, washboard gravel road |
| Cooler temperatures to beat the heat | Tight sites for RVs |
| Incredible views | Bring your own water and food |
Dead Horse State Park offers a variety of camping experiences from urban to minimalist through its three campgrounds, Wingate, Keyanta, and Moenkipi Yurts. Amenities range from standard RV hook-ups, to flush toilets to full A/C and heated yurts.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Incredible scenery | Bring your own water |
| Lots of nearby hiking and bike trails | Lots of extra fees |
| Quiet and secluded | Lack of shade |
| Park programming | Vulnerable to weather elements |
Anywhere you camp in Moab the landscape and scenery is spectacular. Arches and Moab are popular places, to ensure you have the best camping experience keep in mind the following:
Happy camping!
Moab is a great place to visit, but planning a vacation shouldn’t be stressful. We created a detailed itinerary so you can visit the best places at the right times.
Most travelers want to visit the most popular sites and still avoid crowds. Our itinerary gives you a step-by-step game plan so you can get to the best places at the right times!
ARCHES & CANYONLANDS TRIP PLANNER: To read or watch all of our content about Arches National Park & Canyonlands National Park, check out our Arches Homepage and our Canyonlands Homepage
ARCHES: Don’t miss all that Arches has to offer including hiking to Delicate Arch, and visiting Devil’s Garden, Fiery Furnace, & the Windows
CANYONLANDS: Visit the different areas of Canyonlands with our easy guide including the Island in the Sky District, the Needles District, and Horseshoe Canyon. Check out some amazing viewpoints, as well as, Mesa Arch, ancient ruins, and Native American rock art
MOAB: Explore the adventurous Moab area including Corona Arch, Gemini Bridges, and Dead Horse Point State Park. Consider taking a jeep ride, a horseback ride, rafting down the Colorado River, or taking a scenic drive and exploring Potash Road
WHERE TO EAT: Don’t miss the best places to eat in Moab, Arches, & Canyonlands
WHERE TO STAY: Learn all about where to stay when visiting Moab, Arches, & Canyonlands
WATCH: Enjoy videos of gorgeous Arches National Park & Canyonlands National Park while learning our best tips for visiting by watching our Moab, Arches, & Canyonlands YouTube Playlist
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