campgrounds near moab utah

15 Best Campgrounds Near Moab UT

Campgrounds near Moab UT are beautiful spots with views of mountains, canyons, slick rock, and rivers. The adjacent Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, recreation areas, campgrounds run by the Bureau of Land Management, and private parks right in the center of Moab are some of the greatest options for camping in the region.

Whether you want to go rafting, biking, hiking, or just take in the local vistas, where you choose to camp may depend on the kinds of activities you wish to do.

See our list of the top campgrounds in Moab to narrow your options.

National Park, State Park, & Forest Campgrounds

Although they frequently lie in incredibly picturesque locations, campgrounds within State Parks, National Parks, and National Forests typically offer fewer services than privately owned campgrounds (no bathrooms, etc.).

Here are some of the best campgrounds you can find:

Devils Garden Campground – Arches National Park

devils garden campgrounds near moab
Image Source: Thomas Svava Nielsen – Google Photos

The lone campground in Arches National Park is the Devils Garden Campground, which is in a lovely location. The campsites are great; nearly everyone is well-spaced and provides a lot of privacy.

Most of the campsites are located around substantial rock formations, and a few juniper and pinyon pine trees that offer some shade and wind shelter are scattered around. Sites 18, 20, 21, 23, and 24 on the campground’s east side, in particular, enjoy stunning views of the mountains despite being more exposed and providing less protection from the elements. When making reservations, keep in mind that many of the sites are smaller and will only accommodate RVs that are 20 feet or less in length. The maximum RV size allowed is 40 feet.

Locating one of the 51 campsites may be difficult without some forward planning. Sites can be reserved during the peak season, which runs from March 1 to October 31. These sites sell out months in advance. Although you can reserve a campsite 180 days in advance, the campground is first-come, first-served from November 1 to February 28 when it’s freezing outside.

Since the Devils Garden Campground is higher up than Moab, its climate differs slightly from Moab’s. Evenings up here can get chilly, especially in the spring and fall, but summer nights can be fairly lovely.

Kayenta Campground – Dead Horse Point National Park

kayenta campgrounds near moab
Image Source: Scott Ross – Google Photos

There are 21 sites at the Kayenta Campground at Dead Horse Point State Park, all of which are reasonably well-spaced and provide some seclusion. Both tents and RVs are permitted on the variously sized campsites.

The locations offer picnic tables, tent pads, fire rings, and illuminated shade structures. This campground has flush toilets and electricity hookups (20/30/50 amp).

All year long, reservations can be made four months before your trip. The campsite area is a good choice for hikers because both the West Rim and East Rim trails depart from there.

Island in the Sky Campground (Willow Flat) – Canyonlands National Park

island in the sky campgrounds near moab
Image Source: Jose Bejarano – Google Photos

The lone campground in Canyonlands National Park‘s Island in the Sky region is called Willow Flat. This campground welcomes numerous tenters and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, unlike Arches National Park.

Although there are few decent views from the campsites, it is only a short walk to a spectacular viewpoint over a canyon and towards sheer cliff walls. The campground is close to the Green River Overlook. Additionally, a sizable group fire ring overlooks this scene.

The campgrounds are well-spaced and have lots of trees. Each campsite has a picnic table with a shelter, although the trees are few and provide little shade. The tourist center has a tap, but no drinking water is available at the campground.

With cemented parking pads and lots of room for tents, this location can accommodate RVs or tents up to 28 feet in length. With only 12 campsites, competition is fierce, and the campground typically fills up every day from early September and mid-October and from March through June.

Given the area’s high elevation, temperatures here occasionally fall below those in Moab.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Campgrounds

The BLM’s campgrounds are exceedingly well-maintained and situated in incredibly beautiful areas. RVs can stay at many BLM campgrounds, but hookups are not offered. 

There are many options for BLM camping in Moab, although most of them fill up every day from mid-March to mid-May and from September to October. Please be aware that bookings are not allowed for most individual campsites, which are only accessible on a first-come, first-served basis. Consider getting there earlier in the day. 

Through recreation.gov, you can reserve group sites at several campgrounds.

Goose Island Campground – Highway 128 Campgrounds

goose island campgrounds near moab
Image Source: Joan Davis – Google Photos

For groups looking to be near the town of Moab and Arches National Park, the two sites at Goose Island are perfect. You can choose from various activities in the area, including hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and four-wheel drive tours. Moab, which offers restaurants, shopping, sporting equipment rentals, tour operators, and museums, is a 10-minute drive away.

Beautiful views of the Colorado River and the enormous red rock cliffs of Arches National Park may be seen from the campsites. Because of its proximity to Moab, summertime shade, and stunning surroundings, this campground is particularly well-liked. From March to October, it usually fills up in the morning.

William’s Bottom Campground – Highway 279 Campgrounds

williams bottom campgrounds near moab
Image Source: Mikael Jubert – Google Photos

William’s Bottom, 9.6 miles northwest of Moab, is encircled by the Colorado River Canyon’s red granite walls. Be ready for temperatures below zero in October through March and above 100 degrees in June through August. Cottonwood trees and other plants provide some shade and cover.

The campground is situated along State Route 279 (AKA Potash Road). The neighborhood bears John “Doc” Williams’ name; he served as Moab’s first local physician. Doc Williams built his home across the Colorado River from the junction of Kane Creek at the turn of the 19th century. 

Today, from a 17-site campground, you can take advantage of this location, the many nearby recreational opportunities, and the beautiful views. Smaller RVs (24 feet in length max) can park here.

Lone Mesa Group Sites – Highway 313 Campgrounds

lone mesa campgrounds near moab
Image Source: Monica Kolstad – Google Photos

The Lone Mesa Group Sites are perfect for sizable events like family reunions or school groups. You will enjoy hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and four-wheel drive tours in the neighborhood, which is adjacent to national parks and open space. Since Lone Mesa is 1,000 feet higher than Moab, there may be a little temperature difference. 

The group areas offer ample parking spaces, picnic tables, vault toilets, and shade shelters. There is no water, electricity, or waste station at the group sites. This location works well for larger cars.

The vistas from Lone Mesa will inspire you to explore the local canyons and mesas. The White Rim Trail, the Green River, Dead Horse Point State Park, Arches, and Canyonlands National Parks are all nearby.

King’s Bottom Campground – Kane Creek Road Campgrounds

kings bottom campgrounds near moab
Image Source: Grant Buchwald – Google Photos

King’s Bottom Campground is a great starting point for your next excursion because it is only three miles from Moab’s downtown. Spend the day exploring Canyonlands National Park, treat yourself to dinner at a neighborhood restaurant in the evening, and then head back to your tent for a starry night.

Every site in this campground offers views of the stunning canyon walls and is situated along the banks of the Colorado River. You can see more of the murky river because the Bureau of Land Management has worked to remove invasive plants from the river corridor. Willow and cottonwood trees provide solitude by separating the areas.

The campground has no water, but each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Water is available at Gearheads Outdoor Store in downtown Moab or at Lion’s Park (intersection of Highway 191 and UT 128) close to the dedication plaque for the pedestrian bridge, but you must bring your own.

Ken’s Lake Campground

campgrounds near moab utah loop a

The Ken’s Lake Recreation Area includes the Ken’s Lake Campground. Ken’s Lake, a man-made reservoir (electric motors only; gas engines are not permitted), a day-use facility with a gravel boat launch, a campground, and hiking and riding paths are all included in the region.

Ken’s Lake, 10 miles south of Moab, is encircled by sagebrush plains to the south and west, red rock fins to the east, and a reservoir to the north. The La Sal Mountains and the red-rock Moab Rim can also be seen in the distance from the campground. 

Loops A and B make up this campground. Loop A is closed during the off-peak season and lacks vegetation to provide shade. A number of sites are available on Loop B, which is always open, and juniper and cottonwood trees offer solitude and shade.

Visitors with huge motorhomes and trailers are drawn to Loop A. Smaller spots on Loop B make it challenging for large motorhomes and trailers to turn around.

Similar to Moab, this location is 5,085 feet above sea level. Be ready for lows below freezing from October to March and highs between 95 and above 100 degrees from June to August.

North Klondike Campground

north klondike campgrounds near moab
Image Source: Patrick Bocking – Google Photos

A short bike ride from the North Klondike trail system, the North Klondike Campground is a mountain biker’s heaven. Additionally, you can easily access the numerous other outdoor recreation options the region offers, in addition to the other internationally known Moab mountain bike trail systems. Views of the Klondike Bluffs and La Sal mountains can be seen while you unwind at your campsite in the evening.

Sand Flats Recreation Area

sands flat campgrounds near moab
Image Source: Craig Philpott – Google Photos

ATVs, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, Jeeps, and other vehicles can all be used at Sand Flats Recreation Area. This area is home to the well-known Slickrock Mountain Bike Trail, but the road continues into a world of slick rock dunes and rocky hills. Due to the fact that some of the camping locations have direct access to ATV and dirt bike routes, this is an excellent place to stay.

Nine small campgrounds with spaces for tents and RVs are dispersed along this road. There are a total of 140 campsites; however, only 30 can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. The maximum length of an RV is 40 feet. If you’re an RV camper, you should concentrate your site searches on the following campgrounds: Alcove (A), Bobcat (B), Echo (E), and Juniper.

The nine campgrounds, which are dispersed across more than 10 miles along the road and are mostly patches of dirt and sand between the sandstone hills beyond the bike track, are scattered at random intervals. The road finally exits the slick rock and enters a more barren terrain of dirt and debris surrounded by valleys and mountains. The Porcupine Rim Trail (the RV and bike trail) starts on this route. 

The 140 sites are all first-come, first-served and do not accept reservations. These locations get crowded on the weekends, starting on Thursdays during the spring and fall peak seasons. Vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables are available at the campgrounds.

Commercial (Privately Owned) Campgrounds

Commercial (privately owned) campgrounds typically offer a wide range of amenities, including flush toilets, running water, RV hookups, and showers. Additionally, they typically take reservations.

HTR Moab Lodge & Cottages

htr moab lodge campgrounds near moab
Image Source: HTR Moab Lodge & Cottages

HTR Moab Lodge & Cottages is located in downtown Moab, Utah, and several national parks, such as Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. It offers luxurious deluxe vacation rental cottages, rustic rooms, lodge residences, safari tents, and primitive tent sites.

It is recommended that you explore the desert before heading back to HTR Moab’s base camp. The on-site community kitchen, which introduces you to a group of extraordinary travelers just like you, is one of the best features of the location.

Moab Rim RV Campark

moab rim campgrounds near moab
Image Source: Moab Rim RV Campark

The Moab Rim RV Campark, 2 miles south of the city center of Moab, offers open sites with breathtaking views of the Spanish Valley and the La Sal Mountains. There are local biking and hiking routes.

Fire rings are typically located in the cabins and tent camping areas. However, if you are staying at an RV park, you will feel included because there are a few free portable fire pits that you may use while you are there.

Numerous clubs, organizations, and activities are also held at the campground. They can accommodate you whether you need a group of tent sites, a cluster of cottages, RV sites, and tent sites, or even need to rent the entire campground.

Pets are always welcome at the campground. Even though it doesn’t have a designated pet area, there are lots of locations for them to walk around, including the nearby public lands.

Portal RV Resort

portal rv campgrounds near moab
Image Source: Portal RV Resort

The largest RV sites in Moab, Utah, are offered by the full-service luxury Portal RV Resort. It is situated on the Colorado River’s south bank, just a short drive from Moab’s center and five minutes from Arches National Park. The resort’s North Side is available to all registered RVs, while the South Side features premium and ownership sites.

They also provide abundant vacation rentals in 4,000-square-foot homes that are completely furnished and have breathtaking views of the Moab Rim.

Portal RV Resort is the best place to stay in Utah for hiking in several State and National Parks, such as Arches and Canyonlands, as well as for mountain biking and Jeep trips.

Campgrounds Near Moab, Utah FAQs

What is the best way to camp in Moab?

When it comes to campgrounds in Moab, tent campers have the most alternatives. By erecting a tent on BLM property or at a campsite in a national park, state park, or forest service, outdoor minimalists can catch the darkest of skies and take advantage of the greatest sense of privacy.

Can you camp anywhere in Moab?

The adjacent Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, recreation areas, campgrounds run by the Bureau of Land Management, and private parks right in the center of Moab are some of the greatest options for camping in the region.
Whether you want to go rafting, biking, hiking, or just take in the local vistas, where you choose to camp may depend on the kinds of activities you wish to do.

Is a campsite in Moab hard to find?

It’s not hard to find a campsite to stay near Moab. What’s hard is the reservations. Most campsites fill up quickly every year, particularly during the peak season. Tourists must know the availability and right time to reserve a campsite. 
There are a number of sites to choose from, so it’s best to book months before a scheduled trip.

How do I reserve a campsite in Moab?

Through recreation.gov, you can reserve group sites at several Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Campgrounds. For privately owned campgrounds, individuals can book through their respective websites. Meanwhile, campgrounds within State Parks, National Parks, and National Forests can be booked through booking or travel sites.
Remember to call first to confirm campsite availabilities!