Camping near Arches National Park
Camping options near Arches National Park include established campgrounds and dispersed sites on public lands throughout the Moab area. Devils Garden Campground inside the national park offers tent and RV sites from March to October, while BLM lands like Willow Springs Trail provide more primitive dispersed camping. Several riverside campgrounds along the Colorado River, including Goose Island and Upper Big Bend, feature sites with natural shade and river access. Private accommodations such as Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway and Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown offer cabin rentals, glamping options, and full-service RV facilities with hookups.
First-come, first-served campgrounds fill quickly during peak season, especially those closest to Arches National Park and along the Colorado River corridor. The Sand Flats Recreation Area and Sovereign Lands outside Moab typically have more availability but fewer amenities. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Sites along Highway 128 provide scenic canyon views but come with road noise during daytime hours. One camper noted, "When the larger river campgrounds were full, this one was 1/2 empty. No real river views, dense willows, but quiet and at just 6 miles to Moab, a great adventure launching space."
Colorado River campsites receive consistently high ratings for their dramatic scenery and proximity to water. Campers frequently mention the towering red rock walls and river access as highlights of their stay. "Beautiful spot in the canyon. Decent space between campsites and good privacy. It is an 8-mile drive to Moab but the drive is outstanding," shared one visitor. Sites with shade are particularly sought after due to the intense desert sun. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while private RV parks offer additional services including showers, electric hookups, and WiFi. Several reviews mention arriving by mid-afternoon to secure sites, especially during spring and fall when visitation peaks and campgrounds regularly fill to capacity.
