Lower Onion Creek Campground, near Moab, Utah, is a scenic spot that offers a peaceful escape with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This campground is a favorite for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the Colorado River and the dramatic canyons, making it a great base for outdoor adventures.

The campground features spacious sites that are well spread out, providing a sense of privacy, especially during quieter times. Visitors have noted the clean facilities, including vault toilets, and the unique experience of stargazing while using the open-air restrooms. As one camper put it, “The night sky view is breathtaking,” highlighting the incredible stargazing opportunities available here.

For those eager to explore, the campground is conveniently located near the Fisher Towers hike, which offers fantastic views and climbing opportunities. Plus, the river access is perfect for kayaking or simply relaxing by the water. While it can get busy during peak times, many campers appreciate the beautiful scenery and the chance to escape the crowds of Moab.

Campsites are located along the banks of the Colorado River, offering vistas of the river canyon, Fisher Towers and the area\'s captivating red rock formations. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Two group sites, Lower Onion Creek Group Sites A and B, are available for reservation through Recreation.gov. This campground has two boat ramps and is near popular 4WD roads, rock climbing, hiking and rafting opportunities. (Do not enter the river without life jackets; it has dangerous under currents.). Individual Sites: 21 (limited to 10 people &amp; two vehicles per site); Group Sites: 2 (reservable); Water: No; Toilets: Yes; Hook-ups: No.

Lower Onion Creek Campground

Searching for the best camping near Castle Valley, UT? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Utah camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Castle Valley and user-submitted reviews.

Castle Valley

The Best Camping Near Castle Valley, Utah

I have been to this spot a few times. The best part is its outside of the crowds and sits right on the Colorado river. There are maybe 15-20 spots and 2 large group sites.The large group site is one of the most unique spots i have camped in. All of the other spots are fairly large, we had a bunch of tents and had plenty of room. The grounds offer a few vault toilets, fire grates and picnic tables in the area. This area also has a small boat launch for rafting on the Colorado.

Directly across the road is the famous Fischer towers that offers amazing hiking and great climbing. The river is nice to hang out in a maybe take a swim (if your a strong swimmer) the current was strong. The drive back into Moab is roughly 25 minutes or so.

away from the Moab Crowds

Kayaking the Colorado River is always fun, might have almost died but still fun. We went during a hot week and boy was it hot. Hard to find shade other than the rock walls. Tons of fun tho. Lots of bugs 

So hot. So fun. 

There is no shade but the stars view and the moon coming out the canyons are worth it
Far away from the road with river access
Not very busy 

The night sky view is breathtaking 

Nice campground, larger more open and more spread out than we expected, especially the back loop. 

  

The campground is about .75mi off the road, so it is very quiet with no road noise from Hwy 128. The road was freshly graded that day so it was smooth despite the rain. 

  

There are 3 reservable group sites near the river with covered picnic table areas and a day use area and 2 boat ramps. 

  

There are vault toilets that are not fully enclosed-- no door or ceiling!  See video.

  

$20/night. Self pay, no reservations. 

  

If you cross the highway and take the dirt road up you can reach the Fisher Towers hike which we highly recommend. We were able to ride our bikes from this campground to the trailhead and locked our bikes to a post there while we hiked. 

  

Large dumpster, no recycling. 

  

Spotty cell service. Both the ATT and Verizon phones had a few bars alternating between 3G, 4G, and LTE, but nothing strong enough for browsing or data.

Beautiful Area

The campground is a little ways off the main road so it’s quiet and private at night. During the day It’s a busy due to commercial rafting groups being dropped off in regular intervals. The views are absolutely stunning. The sunsets and star gazing is top notch. The site we stayed at was well kept and perfectly level for our camper. However take note that this campground is very exposed. Zero shade or trees to break the wind. It was very windy during our stay. So be prepared to tie down tents or bring your own shade if it’s hot. Vault toilets are kept clean for the most part. Overall we enjoyed our stay. 

Beautiful views 

We stayed in mid October and arrived mid day with many sites to choose from.  By evening most sites were taken. Stayed for 3 nights and explored the area.  No shade but at this time of year the sun felt wonderful.  I wouldn’t have wanted anything to hide the vistas!  Clean area.  Pit toilets and large dumpster for trash at the entrance.  Loved it here! 

STUNNING valley!

It’s a nice place but fills up surprisingly fast and stays busy. We were lucky to get a campsite. I bet the BLM could put in another 20 or 30 sites(there is plenty of room to do so) and they would have all been filled. This is a very popular place to put in the river so there is traffic all day long, from people floating the river and people looking for a camp site. 

Nice but busy 

Arrived Friday night mid-March right at sunset and were only 1 of a handful of people in the campground. A few more people came in the next night, but it was pretty quiet and had enough space between each other with all the open spots. The campground host was very welcoming and excited to finally have campers - this was the first weekend she saw any for the season. We walked down to the creek and then the Colorado River- very pleasant though a but wet. Saw some deer tracks, enjoyed the river, and watched the sunset.

  

It definitely was cold - high 20s at night - probably a few degrees cooler than Moab with being higher up out of the valley. The drive in was absolutely beautiful with views all the way in.

  

Overall, very beautiful spot with great views, nice facilities (open sky pit toilets - stargazing while you do your business ftw!). Road was easy to get in with a standard SUV, but seems like it wouldn't be as private and get a little crowded in the peak months.

Photos of Lower Onion Creek Campground

Real photos from real campers