Within BLM Land — Moab Field Office, Lower Onion Creek Group Sites provides large-scale camping along the Colorado River corridor. Located approximately one mile off Highway 128 at mile marker 22, this Bureau of Land Management facility accommodates groups with two spacious sites priced at $125-$150 per night. The rough access road requires careful navigation but leads to expansive camping areas that can handle RVs up to 40 feet.
Each group site features multiple tent spots, fire pits, and picnic tables positioned to take advantage of natural shade. The Colorado River runs directly adjacent to the camping areas, offering water access for swimming and filling containers, though campers report the current remains swift during peak flow periods. Nick S. notes the sites provide "big spot near the water, lots of spots to pitch a tent" with "2 access points to the Colorado."
Commercial rafting groups frequently use the riverfront as a launch point, particularly during morning hours. The campground includes vault toilets and dumpsters, though several reviewers mention bringing extra toilet paper during busy seasons. Sites fill quickly during peak periods, with many campers arriving by late afternoon to secure spots. The location sits roughly 25-30 minutes from Moab, positioning groups within reach of Arches and Canyonlands while maintaining distance from town crowds.
This facility works well for large groups prioritizing river access and desert views over privacy, particularly those comfortable with shared waterfront space and occasional rafting activity.
Description
Overview
The Lower Onion Creek Group Sites are located along the banks of the Colorado River. The sites are ideal for small family or group gatherings of 15-30 people (parking is limited and can accomodate only one large RV or truck w/trailer). Lower Onion is also a launch site for river trips. Within close proximity to national parks and open space, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and four-wheel drive tours in the surrounding area. The town of Moab is approximately 40 minutes away and has dining, shopping, sports rentals, tour companies and museums.
Recreation
This location is close to hiking, mountain biking and four-wheel driving opportunities and is a launch site for river running on the Colorado River.
Facilities
Group sites have fire grates, picnic tables, vault toilets and shade shelters. The group sites do not have water, dump stations or electric hook-ups. A boat ramp is in the campground and near the group sites.
Natural Features
The group sites are located along the Colorado River offering spectacular view of the red rock canyons, buttes, mesas and spires against the backdrop of the nearby La Sal Mountains. A dry creek runs along the back of Group Site A (watch for flash-flooding)!
Nearby Attractions
There are many hiking, mountain biking and four-wheel drive trails along Hwy. 128. The Fisher Towers area offers hiking, rock climbing and scenic vistas. Lower Onion Creek is about 40 minutes from Arches National Park and one hour from Canyonlands National Park.
Charges & Cancellations
You may contact the BLM Moab Field Office for assistance with changes and cancellations at 435-259-2100. Changes You can make changes to a reservation through your online Recreation.gov user account any time prior to the arrival/first date of the reservation. There is a $10 change fee If you wish to change to dates entirely outside of the original reservation dates. There is no change fee if you wish to extend or shorten the original reservation dates as long as the changes include dates from the original reservation. There is no change fee if you wish to change to another group site within the Lower Onion Creek area. You cannot make changes to your reservation after the arrival/first day through your Recreation.gov account. However, the BLM Moab Field Office may be able to assist you, 435-259-2100. For reservations with dates at the end of the available booking window (a.k.a. sliding window), you will not be able to make changes or cancellations until the site has been available to the general public for four days. Cancellations Please cancel your reservation if you do not plan to use it. This opens highly sought-after campsites for others to reserve. You can cancel your reservation online through your Recreation.gov user account or through the call center (call center incurs an additional fee). You may also contact the BLM Moab Field Office for assistance. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Late Cancellations A late cancellation occurs less the 14 days before the arrival/first date of the reservation (a.k.a. cut-off window). Late cancellations will incur a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Early Departures If you spend at least one night and then leave prior to the scheduled departure check-out date, please contact the BLM Moab Field Office (435-259-2100) to open the remaining nights for others to use. You will not be able to cancel these nights through your Recreation.gov account. You will be eligible for a partial refund of the nights AFTER you depart that you did not use. If you depart after the facility check-out time, you will not be eligible for a refund for that night No-Shows A No Show occurs if you do not arrive at your campsite or cancel your reservation by check-out time (Noon) on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (Noon) on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed a $20.00 Recreation.gov service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee. Refunds You can submit a refund request through your Recreation.gov account within 7 days of the departure/end date of your reservation. Applicable fees, such as the Recreation.gov reservation fees, service/cancellation fees, lottery application fees, and change fees, are non-refundable. Refunds cannot be issued to any card other than the one used to pay. In the event of an emergency closure, all fees will be refunded. Attempts will be made to notify you using the contact information within your Recreation.gov customer profile. Interagency Pass Discounts Interagency Pass discounts do not apply to group campsite reservations.
Fee Info
Group Site A (max people 30): $150 Group Site B (max people 30): $150 Group Site C (max people 30): $150
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundLower Onion Creek Group Sites is located in Utah
Directions
From Moab drive north to the junction with Highway 128. Drive 22 miles on Highway 128 to the entrance to Lower Onion Creek campground, then 1.5 miles north on the gravel road. The group sites are located on the southwest side of the campground.
Address
MOAB FIELD OFFICE
82 E. DOGWOOD AVE.
Moab, UT 84532
Coordinates
38.7382889 N
109.3517694 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/1/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/1/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/1/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 13 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 13 min from Provo, UT
- 3 hrs 32 min from Farmington, NM
- 3 hrs 44 min from Salt Lake City, UT
