Tent camping and RV sites near Arches National Park operate in a high desert environment where summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F during day and drop to the 60s at night. Winter camping faces temperatures that can dip below freezing, with occasional snow from November through February. Most campgrounds position themselves within 15 minutes of the national park entrance on Highway 191.
What to do
Mountain biking access: At Seven Mile RV Park, campers have direct access to Gemini Bridges and numerous off-road trails. "This park is the thrill seekers dream as it is at the base of Gemini Bridges and close to countless other off-road trails," notes one visitor who appreciated the location for outdoor recreation.
Water activities: Camping near the Colorado River provides cooling options during hot months. "We did the jet boat tour and it was so fun!" reported a camper at Spanish Trails RV Park, mentioning the variety of outfitters available for water recreation during summer heat.
Stargazing spots: Several campgrounds outside town limits offer better night sky viewing away from light pollution. "If you want simplistic beauty with endless stargazing and phenomenal sunsets located just a few miles of Moab, Seven Mile RV Park is the park for you," observed a reviewer who valued the dark sky location.
What campers like
Tent site features: Covered camping areas provide critical shade protection in the desert environment. "Each tent site had a charcoal grill and weather canopy. It was nice. Bathrooms were air conditioned and had a nice shower," reported a visitor at Sun Outdoors North Moab.
Winter operation: Year-round camping options exist despite seasonal closures at some facilities. "We camped in one of the small RV spots. It was nice that we were the only ones on the north side of the campground. Very quiet and peaceful compared to the summer months," explained a winter visitor at Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway.
Bike washing stations: After dusty trail rides, bike cleaning facilities become essential amenities. "Nice laundry, great bike wash, loved the playground, nice staff, great amenities," mentioned a camper at Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway who appreciated these practical details.
What you should know
Sloping sites: Many campgrounds feature slight grades that require leveling equipment. "Sites slope downhill ever so slightly, so be prepared to try and level your rig," cautioned a reviewer at Spanish Trails RV Park.
Highway proximity noise: Campgrounds along Highway 191 experience regular traffic sounds, particularly those closest to the roadway. "The sites were in the back row so we had a nice view of the mountains... It is a few minutes south of town - there are closer ones - but we really like the campground," shared a camper at Spanish Trails who found the tradeoff worthwhile.
Ground conditions: Primarily gravel parking surfaces dominate most RV parks in the area. "All the sites are packed tightly together, not much privacy," observed a tent camper at Sun Outdoors North Moab who noted the high-density layout typical of Moab area campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Pool temperature: Swimming facilities offer essential cooling during hot months. "The pool was also nice, we visited in early June and it was already triple digits," mentioned a guest at Village Camp Moab about the importance of water features during peak heat.
Kid-specific activities: Some campgrounds incorporate play areas for children. "The park has a neat area with games to do," noted a reviewer at Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway who found the recreational amenities valuable for family camping.
Air conditioning options: For summer visitors with children, temperature control becomes critical. "Each site has a picnic table. Good Verizon signal and good WiFi (we are close to welcome center & park pretty empty)," reported a camper at Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown who appreciated connectivity and comfort features.
Tips from RVers
After-hours check-in: For late arrivals, understanding self-check-in procedures prevents problems. "We got into Moab really late and they had all of our after hours stuff in the mail box. Sights were all pull through and very wide and it's full hook ups," explained an RV camper at Spanish Trails RV Park.
Water hookup winterization: Cold weather camping requires special attention to prevent freezing. "They do a good job of wrapping their water supply though," observed a December visitor at OK RV Park & Canyonlands Stables who found winter camping viable with proper preparation.
Site size considerations: RV length constraints affect campground selection significantly. "The park is in a cool location and has nice area amenities. Arches is 10 minutes, canyonlands is 45. The park has a neat area with games to do. I just don't care for the shared campside," reported an RV owner at Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway who found the shared living space arrangement challenging.
