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Best Tent Camping near Arches National Park

1,856 Reviews

Several tent camping options exist around Arches National Park in eastern Utah, including dispersed sites on BLM land and established tent campgrounds near Moab. Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area offers free primitive tent camping with drive-in and walk-in access south of the park. Gemini Bridges Campground provides another free tent camping option northwest of Moab with similar access types, though reviews indicate high-clearance 4WD vehicles are required for the challenging access road.

Tent sites throughout the area typically have minimal amenities. Most dispersed camping areas lack drinking water, toilets, and trash services, requiring campers to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Gemini Bridges Campground features five designated sites within a narrow canyon, but requires navigating rough terrain to reach them. Behind the Rocks Road Dispersed camping area provides free tent sites with fire rings permitted, but no other facilities. Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions and bring sufficient water, especially during hot summer months when temperatures can exceed 100°F.

The remote locations of these tent camping areas provide exceptional stargazing opportunities and scenic canyon views. Gemini Bridges Campground offers sites nestled among towering red rock walls that provide welcome shade during parts of the day. A camper described it as "stunningly beautiful" with "campsites [that] are spacious" and "relatively secluded so you aren't right on top of your neighbors." Many tent campers value these dispersed sites for their peaceful atmosphere and proximity to Arches National Park, though they should be prepared for the challenging roads that lead to some of the most scenic locations. Those seeking a walk-in tent experience closer to Moab might consider Up the Creek Campground, which offers toilets, showers and drinking water but does not allow fires.

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Best Tent Sites Near Arches National Park (53)

    1. Gemini Bridges Campground

    28 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 208-9692

    "No WiFi. No cell. Be prepared to enjoy fresh air, beauty, quiet. This is a narrow canyon, surrounded by high cliff walls. Everything echoes. Bring good quality firewood."

    "The drive to these campsites is steep and narrow. 4x4 advised. We drove the road in a Jeep Grand Cherokee and had no issues."

    2. Up the Creek Campground

    9 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 248-2001

    $28 / night

    "A few things set this place apart in Moab: Tent only campers, no dogs, showers, and there are Wheelbarrows to bring your camp gear to your site - there are no vehicles allowed past the parking lot."

    "Short drive to all the state/national parks, and just a walk to downtown."

    3. Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area

    33 Reviews
    La Sal, UT
    20 miles
    Website

    "This was our second night boondocking near Moab, and it was peaceful. We were the only ones out in this area camping with not a single car driving by while we were here."

    "AFTER CLEANING UP A HUGE MESS THAT SOME A HOLE LEFT, we arranged our gear and set up camp. Best time I have ever had camping. We were even greeted with 4" of snow our last day there!"

    4. Moonflower Canyon Group Site

    8 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    $125 / night

    "Great spot, close to the road, trailhead and river with some petroglyphs right there. 4 picnic tables, 1 fire pit and 1 bbq available as well as toilets, and large parking lots. flat sites in canyon for"

    "This campground is pretty primitive but that is just how I like it! All the parking is together and then you walk down a path to the different camping spots."

    5. Under Canvas Moab

    5 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    7 miles
    Website

    $199 - $399 / night

    "We (2 couples) stayed in a 4-single beds tent and were happy with the choice due to the heat while we were there."

    "Sitting under the stars listening to music around a fire was awesome. Tents themselves were really comfortable, had a wood burning stove, and our view was great."

    6. Jaycee Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "Campground Review: All walk in campground near the Colorado river next to the Wall Street climbing area. I really liked this spot despite its location to the road."

    "We came to Moab with the hope of camping inside Arches National Park."

    7. Behind the Rocks Road Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "This is an amazing place to come and get away from all the people in Moab! Beautiful place to set up and plenty of room to spread out and have a private area!"

    "We stayed here for a night while driving across the country. Our cell service only occasionally worked there. There is no facilities or trash cans. So pack it in and pack it out."

    8. BLM Mineral Point Road Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "We found the very first campsite (designated by a rock fire ring) to be empty and snagged it."

    "Found a spot with good privacy. Had 1 bar Verizon. Great for getting up early to catch a sunrise!"

    9. BLM Lower Onion Creek Camping Area

    5 Reviews
    Castle Valley, UT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "After searching for campsites around Moab, I drove out  128 and stumbled onto this gem. Just a clear spot on the side of the road adjacent to the Colorado river."

    "Great setting nestled next to the Colorado river and lower onion creek. Great views in every direction."

    10. BLM Intrepid Well Road Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "I would be very aware of the weather tho. Rain would make this much more complicated. Spots are small and not spread out very well. Most are on large flat rocks. Some great views and hiking around."

    "Great views, plenty of space between campers"

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Arches National Park

104 Photos of 53 Arches National Park Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Arches National Park

1856 Reviews of 53 Arches National Park Campgrounds

  • M
    Aug. 30, 2018

    Kane Creek Campground - Permanently CLOSED

    Showers after a hot day

    The campgrounds were basic, not many families. The sites had a good amount of space, picnic tables, fire ring, water, toilets and a sandy base to pitch the tent on. Not far from Arches National Park and just outside Moab so location was good.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2019

    Goose Island Campground

    Ranger review of Goose Island Campground

    Amazing views of red rock cliffs along the Colorado river

    Goose Island Campground is an amazing campground to get for a visit to Arches National Park. Located only 1.5 miles from Moab and 4.5 miles from Arches National Park's visitor, so close you can walk or bike to town. This campground is right on the Colorado River with towering red rock wall on the Arches National Park side of the river. The scenery is just amazing. This campground is on my all time favorite list. This is a first come first served campground and is very popular, I have been here twice once in July and once in October and both times were lucky to get a spot. Sites are nice and level with plenty of room to spread out and nicely spread apart. The campground has 18 sites and 2 group sites which can be reserved. Cost for individual sites are$20. The campground has three vault toilets, water and trash service. Each campsite has a picnic table and a metal fire ring.

  • B
    Aug. 30, 2021

    Courthouse Rock

    Quiet and beautiful

    We ended up staying here two nights because the location is perfect! The site is only 12 minutes from Arches National Park! The first night (08/28/21) we arrived around 7:45pm and were the only ones here! Our second night (08/29/21) we are arrived around the same time and there was only one other RV. No wifi but fantastic cell service!

  • Mary S.
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Wingate Campground — Dead Horse Point State Park

    Brand new Wingate area, comfortable but no shade

    Dead Horse Point has a new section called Wingate. The older section is Kayenta.

    Wingate has wide asphalt spaces, electricity, fire rings, tent pads and picnic tables with wind blocks on 2 sides. There are very few trees...so no shade. (Kayenta has greater shade possibilities.) There may also be some sewer hookups.

    Another feature - walk-in tent sites and yurts. There are 4 great looking yurts in Wingate and 5 others near the park's Visitor Center.

    Bathrooms - they are private and include an automatic flush toilet, soap dispenser, automatic faucet and hand dryer. No showers but the bathrooms are very nice.

    There is a dishwashing sink outside the bathroom. It appears the water is potable but they ask you to arrive with water and help conserve water. Their water is trucked in from Moab....per reserveamerica.com.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 28, 2023

    Island In The Sky (Willow Flat) Campground — Canyonlands National Park

    Small Campground In Canyonlands National Park

    Staying at this little campground feels like you're on top of the world, which must be why this area of Canyonlands is called Island in the Sky. It made exploring this area of Canyonlands easy, and led to a very peaceful night.

    The campground: With only twelve campsites, this campground has a slower and more intimate vibe. While it's not the highest elevation I have camped at, there's a feeling of being really high up, and because the trees in the campground are low shrub-y things, it also feels very wide open. (But still enough privacy to not see the campers on the other side of the loop.) Unless you stay here around a full moon, the stars are incredible.

    My campsite had a parking spot I could pull in; the spot for the tent was dirt. It also included a small pavilion that provided a little shade for the picnic table below, and a fire ring with a grate. There was a vault toilet across the road from my site. There's no drinking water at this campground.

    The area: There are multiple districts in Canyonlands National Park, and you have to go different ways to get to each of them. This area is called Island in the Sky; it has several hikes to scenic overlooks of the canyons. It's a bit of a drive to get to Island in the Sky if you're coming from Arches National Park, and I would recommend having all your supplies ahead of time; especially water.

    Booking: First-come; first-served. I stayed here in November, arrived in the afternoon, and there were only three campsites open.

    Cell service: None. Don't expect to have cell service in any part of this district of Canyonlands. I had some at the Visitor's Center right at the entrance to the Park.

  • Scott N.
    Jun. 6, 2024

    King's Bottom Campground

    Great location

    This is conveniently located 3 miles from downtown Moab and about 15 minutes from Arches National park.

    And only $20!

    No power or water though. They do have vault toilets.

    Right on the Colorado River. We are going to put our kayaks in up river and float down to the site.

    The only reason not 5 stars is the road directly along the site and across the river and when cars go bye it is pretty loud.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 14, 2024

    Village Camp Moab

    Great Town and RV Stop

    We loved Portal RV resort. Clean park with great amenities with adequate spacing. Full hook ups and great restrooms, showers and pool area. Just 5 minutes from Arches National Park and the center of town. Friendly staff and pretty quiet as we were there later in the season. 

    We will be back!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Kayenta Campground — Dead Horse Point State Park

    Nicely laid out campground

    General & Site Quality: 56 electric sites, walk-in tent sites, and nine yurts in two loops: Kayenta and Wingate. Paved driveways, mostly level, a tent pad, fire ring, and a sheltered picnic table (from sun and wind) complete the electric sites. Back-in sites are on the inside of the loops while pull-thru sites are on the outside. There were three camp hosts in the Wingate loop, more than I usually see. 

    Bathhouse: Eight individual units in each loop with toilet, sink, soap, and hand dryer. Although the toilets were automatic flush, they didn’t always do the job and often took multiple tries. One toilet was clogged. There are also some vault toilets. No showers. 

    Activities: Nice and easy hiking trails. You can hike the west rim and east rim trails to make a loop for approximately five miles (depending on how many overlooks you include). Some trails are better marked than others, but we enjoyed a west-to-east rim hike from and returning to our campsite in Wingate. Designated mountain biking trails. 

    Unfortunately, we could only snag one night here but would have liked to have stayed longer.

  • Angee D.
    May. 17, 2019

    Elephant Canyon 3 (EC3) — Canyonlands National Park

    Views All Around

    This is a great backpacking campsite. Permit is required as are wag bags and leave no trace. I tracked it at 3 miles from Elephant Canyon trailhead. It was a 2 mile hike to Druid Arch from this site. No service and no water so plan accordingly.

Guide to Arches National Park

Tent camping near Arches National Park in Utah offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes while enjoying the great outdoors. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and explore the natural beauty of the area.

Tips for tent camping near Arches National Park

  • Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area: This spot is free and allows for a peaceful experience with no permit required, making it a great choice for spontaneous trips.
  • BLM Mineral Point Road Dispersed Camping: Located just a short drive from the park, this area offers easy access via a well-maintained dirt road, perfect for those looking to explore both Arches and Canyonlands.
  • Oowah Campground: Nestled in the La Sal Mountains, this campground provides a cooler retreat from the desert heat, ideal for summer camping.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Behind the Rocks Road Dispersed: Enjoy panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for hiking and stargazing after a day of exploring.
  • Moonflower Canyon Group Site: Close to the Colorado River, this site is great for those looking to hike and explore petroglyphs while enjoying the scenic beauty of the canyon.
  • Jaycee Park Campground: Just minutes from downtown Moab, this location offers easy access to local attractions and outdoor activities, including climbing and biking.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Up the Creek Campground: This well-reviewed site features clean showers and restrooms, making it a comfortable base for your adventures.
  • Under Canvas Moab: For those seeking a glamping experience, this site offers luxurious tents with amenities like wood-burning stoves and live music events.
  • Masons Draw Campground: Located in a cooler mountain area, this campground provides picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Arches National Park for tent camping?

For exceptional tent camping near Arches National Park, Jaycee Park Campground offers a walk-in camping experience alongside the Colorado River, adjacent to the popular Wall Street climbing area. Despite its proximity to the road, the seven varied-size sites provide a quality camping experience. Another excellent option is Under Canvas Moab, which offers a glamping experience with amenities including water and toilets for those wanting more comfort while still enjoying tent camping. Both locations offer distinctive experiences while providing convenient access to explore Arches.

Is dispersed camping available near Arches National Park?

Yes, dispersed camping is readily available near Arches National Park on BLM land. Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area offers peaceful, free camping with spectacular views and minimal traffic, especially if you venture further from the entrance. Similarly, BLM Intrepid Well Road Dispersed Camping provides free sites overlooking the Whirlwind MTB trail with good cell signal. These areas typically have 3-4 established sites and require following Leave No Trace principles. Remember that dispersed camping regulations prohibit camping within half a mile of Highway 313, so plan to travel at least that distance to find legal camping spots.

Where can I find tent camping near Arches National Park?

Tent campers visiting Arches National Park have several options in the Moab area. Up the Creek Campground offers a unique tent-only experience with no vehicles allowed at campsites and wheelbarrows provided to transport gear from the parking area. For those seeking a more social atmosphere, Moonflower Canyon Group Site provides a reservable group camping area near a hiking trail. Both locations are conveniently located to access Arches, with Up the Creek situated in town while providing a surprisingly quiet sanctuary atmosphere.

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