K
Kirsten L.
Traveler
Travelerbefore entrance np
Beautful view-2 miles from Canyon Lands NP
Road is tough but we made it in our Landrover pulling a 22ft TT!
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.
Campground Showdown near Arches National Park, UT
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
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Round 1 of 5
Best Camping Sites Near Arches National Park (254)
1. Devils Garden Campground — Arches National Park
96 ReviewsMoab, UT7 milesWebsite+1 (435) 719-2299$25 - $250 / night
"This is the only campground in Arches National park. There are 50 campsites but it fills up so reserve online if you can. There are some low trees to give you some shade during the day."
"Beautiful campground in Arches National Park. I believe it is the only campground in Arches National Park and the scenery is gorgeous. All of the sites look nice but I liked site 21 and 18."
2. Utahraptor State Park Campground
70 ReviewsMoab, UT7 milesWebsite+1 (435) 259-3770$30 - $50 / night
"Close to Arches national park - less than 5 miles. 12 miles to downtown Moab. Porta potties no other amenities."
"If you want a good spot/spot closer to the entrance definitely try to arrive a bit before sunset."
3. Willow Springs Trail
53 ReviewsMoab, UT6 milesWebsite$15 / night
"There are no facilities toilets showers Etc but there are great views and close to Arches National Park. I would recommend and I will go back! What else can you ask for on top of being free"
"Some of the side roads definitely require 4x4 and high clearance to drive. We found an amazing site overlooking Arches National Park in the distance."
4. Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway
51 ReviewsMoab, UT6 milesWebsite+1 (877) 418-8535$66 - $161 / night
"Arches national park is a 10 minute drive. Absolutely loved it!"
"Road noise was loud, but it was beneficial to us to be so close to Arches National Park."
5. Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands
54 ReviewsMoab, UT8 milesWebsite+1 (801) 538-5418"Its really close to the entrance for arches National park. The only con is lack of cover from wind and sun"
"Low clearance vehicles can access sights closer to highway. Lots of camping spots tucked away if you continue down the road. Cattle around but bothersome. gorgeous red rock!"
6. Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown
51 ReviewsMoab, UT8 milesWebsite+1 (435) 259-6848"The Sun Outdoors Moab Utah camp grounds was great. Beautiful trees in the fall, laundry, clean showers, hookups, easy walk to downtown places, yet still quiet. Staff were very friendly and helpful."
"This is a great little campground with easy access to downtown Moab. Walk to all the local amenities and downtown attractions."
7. Grandstaff Campground
37 ReviewsMoab, UT5 milesWebsite+1 (435) 259-2100"Arrived around 13 and there were still a few spots left. A lot of people left disappointed after 16 though. Great place to stay and we enjoyed the most amazing sunrise. Close to arches national park."
"Minimal shade but a nice spot by the river on the edge of arches NP. Was very hot while we were there and pit toilets got very smelly. Great access to trails around. Fcfs site midweek no problem"
8. Sun Outdoors North Moab
44 ReviewsMoab, UT6 milesWebsite+1 (435) 259-7660"Entering Moab we found a great fit in SlickRock Campground, just a 3 mile drive from Arches National Park, it was a perfect stop for the night."
"Very close to Arches National Park. Unfortunately, too expensive"
9. South Klondike Bluffs / Road 142 Dispersed
43 ReviewsArches National Park, UT10 miles"Pretty much just flat land surrounded by a primitive fence. No porta potty when I was there. It’s far enough away from the highway that cars aren’t bothersome."
"close to highway, quiet at night
- 15 minute drive to Moab/services
- less than 10 minutes to Arches/Canyonlands entrances/turnoffs
- no plant/tree cover for 🚽
- not many private sites but sites"
10. Sand Flats Recreation Area
35 ReviewsMoab, UT8 milesWebsite+1 (435) 259-2444"The one I stayed at offered a huge expanse stretching out to the mountains in the distance. The view was incredible and the stars were stunning. Great privacy between sites."
"Moab was a last minute addition to our Colorado camping trip and I am SO glad we added this Utah gem in. Right by Arches National Park, the scenery is breathtaking."
Recent Camping Photos near Arches National Park
671 Photos of 254 Arches National Park Campgrounds
Kate L.
Upper Big Bend Campground
Jenny R.
Goose Island Campground
GoWhereYouAreDraw N.
Big Bend Campground
Madison G.
Big Bend Group Sites
Andrew S.
Grandstaff Campground
Madison G.
Drinks Canyon Camping Area
Lauren N.
Oak Grove Campground
David S.
Drinks Canyon Campground
Anita C.
Hal Canyon Campground
Leah W.
Willow Springs Trail
Crystal C.
Sun Outdoors North Moab
Recent Reviews near Arches National Park
2164 Reviews of 254 Arches National Park Campgrounds
Shawn S.
GuideKlondike Bluffs Trail Camp
BUMPY ROAD
This was a great spot for us to explore Moab and Arches NP. We were close to both and our cost was free! The road in was super bumpy and torn up from rain and dirt bikes. Tons of space and big rig ok if you can deal with going 3mph for a short bit.
Nicholas S.TravelerBLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed
Secluded, INSANE views, and spread out
So I turned off the main road towards this campsite, hoping that my Subaru Legacy might have a shot of making it even to the first campsite. Immediately, once the gravel stopped, I was met with a huge hole in the road. Trust me, no sedan is making it through there without risking serious damage. There is, however, a small area to park cars there at the entrance. If you're set on having your car next to your campsite, you WILL NEED a high clearance vehicle and should realistically also have 4WD. I have heard of some Masda CX-5's braving the journey, but I personally would've spent the entire drive worrying whether I would get stuck or even be able to make the drive back.
With that being said, this is an awesome campsite, and it's only 10-20 minutes walking along the road from that entry area till you get to campsites right along the canyon's edge. If you can stomach the few trips it'll take to carry all your essentials to the campsite, then I think it is well worth it - this is what my friend and I did. It wasn't at all busy along the rim of the canyon when I was there, but it seemed like there were endless campsites around that area and plenty of existing firepits, so I doubt you'd really struggle to find an open site even in busier months.
If you can drive in, then I think this is a no-brainer. I'd say the same if you can bear walking your stuff in - I'd definitely do it again.
David W.GuideSand Flats Recreation Area
Closest Best Place to Moab
Moab has changed a lot since Covid but one thing remains….the reliability of Sand Flats. Been coming here for years, once made the mistake of staying at a commercial campground. That was an awful decision. All the commercial campgrounds with a few exceptions were all acquired by Sun Resorts where you get to pay upwards of $100 to park in a parking lot that has a dirty hot tub and pool. Out on the flats you pay $10 per night if you have a National Park pass, and get plenty of space to spread out.
If you’re self contained (no water, no power, this is the place to be in Moab.
- GGladys U.Guide
Hittle Bottom
Beautiful Views
There’s I think 10 individual campsites or so. Some allow you to park right next to the picnic table and fire ring, others are more park and walk in to set up a tent. Great trees for hammocks and shade when it gets hot. River access. And great 360 views, beautiful canyon walls all around. Nearby hikes as well.
susan G.
ScoutUtahraptor State Park Campground
Disappointed
This location needs to be removed from the free listing for campgrounds.
Although review said $15, it has become $30!! We were put in the overflow area as we did not have a reservation. (Don’t need for dispersed sights) The entrance to the overflow area was extremely rough!! 🤬 For $30 a night, they could at least grade the yard.
- JJeffrey L.Scout
Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands
This place is now Utahraptor state park
This once was a nice dispersed camping area but is now a state park. My last visit was a couple of years ago while they were making all the changes so I never paid anything and don’t know what they are currently charging. I think it has both full hook up’s and primitive sites but not sure
- TTwindaddyGuide
BLM North Klondike Bluffs Campground
Right next to the MTB trails
Came for the biking, stayed for the camping. Moved here after our Willow Springs stay expired. It’s a first come site, so you may have to time it right. I arrived on a Sunday afternoon and there were plenty of open spots. I opted for number 7, tucked against the hill a bit. This has only pit toilets and a dumpster. No other facilities. Spots are nicely spaced, but as with many of these Moab spots, there are now trees for shade or view filtering. Be prepared to see your neighbors. Hopefully they’re attractive ;-) The pay stand is awesome. Takes credit cards and is easy to operate. I don’t see any cell coverage with Verizon and am using starlink.
Jeff D.ScoutMoab Koa
190 a night?
how in the world is a campsite worth 190 a night?
Guide to Arches National Park
Arches National Park camping accommodations range from primitive sites to established campgrounds at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet, where temperatures can fluctuate by 30°F between day and night. The desert environment features sandy soil with limited natural shade, and afternoon winds frequently pick up from April through June, making proper tent staking essential.
What to do
Morning hiking trails: Access the Devils Garden Campground hiking paths directly from your campsite. "The best part about this simple campground is that hiking paths to several arches are a convenient walk from camp. This made exploring easy. Sunset on the red rocks was a gorgeous view from camp," noted one visitor to Devils Garden.
Dinosaur track hunting: Near Willow Springs Trail, you can find fascinating prehistoric evidence. "The kids loved climbing the rocks and bonus there is a trail with dinosaur tracks!" shared a family who camped at Willow Springs Trail during Jeep safari season.
Night sky observation: The minimal light pollution at most area campgrounds creates ideal stargazing conditions. One camper at Sovereign Lands reported: "OMG the stars. Can't wait to go back. It was active, but we just grabbed the first spot we found. Perfect place to set up shop for the night."
What campers like
River access: Sites along Highway 128 provide quick water entry. At Grandstaff Campground, "a quiet campsite tucked in along the Colorado River under the cliffs of Moab, this is literally my fav place I have ever camped. The vaulted toilets were clean and the campsites well maintained."
Proximity to trailheads: Mountain bikers appreciate camps with direct trail access. A visitor to Sand Flats Recreation Area shared: "This campground's location is unbeatable if you're here to bike, hike, or off-road, with trails starting right from your campsite. The simple facilities, including vault toilets and picnic tables, are well-maintained."
Secure walkable areas: Many families value having protected spaces to explore. "Our caravan had 3 campers and 15 people, plenty of space even with it being Jeep safari and spring break. The kids loved climbing the rocks," commented a group staying at Willow Springs Trail.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Many campgrounds implement seasonal fire bans. At Devils Garden, "Be aware that there are sometimes firebans during the summer," cautioned one camper. Always check current restrictions before arrival.
Arrival timing: Sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "If you can snag a spot... look out, fantastic most scenic camp ever!" noted a visitor to Grandstaff Campground. Most first-come, first-served campgrounds benefit from mid-week or early afternoon arrivals.
Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping requires appropriate vehicles. At South Klondike Bluffs, "Go SLOW if you're driving a rig. Wild bumps and wash. Spots are fairly level," warned one RV camper. Many dirt access roads become nearly impassable after rain.
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: Desert temperatures fluctuate dramatically. At Sand Flats, "One downside is the summer heat. Even at night, the temperatures remain uncomfortably warm, making it difficult to cool down or sleep well during peak summer months. A portable fan or extra water for cooling off is highly recommended."
Site selection strategy: Look for natural barriers to create defined spaces. "We had an ideal site with a nice big lawn area we set up a whole game area in," shared a camper at Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway. Sites with rock formations provide both shade and entertainment.
Early morning activities: Plan activities before the heat intensifies. "The tent spots had a nice canopy so your tent stays shaded and dry," reported a car camper at Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway, adding that their location provided "great access to the park."
Tips from RVers
Level spot challenges: Many free dispersed sites require additional work to level RVs. "It is a bit bumpy all around, so finding level ground is a challenge but not impossible," noted one RVer at South Klondike Bluffs. Carry leveling blocks and stabilizers.
Site measurement: Commercial campgrounds often have tight spacing. "Sites are very narrow that you are 3 feet from your neighbor," cautioned an RVer at Sun Outdoors North Moab. Research exact site dimensions before booking larger rigs.
Water conservation: With limited hookups, plan water usage carefully. "No water, dumpsters, or toilets," mentioned a camper about Sovereign Lands. Most dispersed camping requires self-sufficiency with water for at least 2-3 days depending on your usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there free camping options near Arches National Park?
Are there free camping options near Arches National Park?
Yes, several free dispersed camping options exist near Arches National Park. Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites offers primitive camping just 10 minutes from the park entrance, though you'll be near highway, train tracks, and powerlines. BLM 144 Dispersed provides free camping about 22 miles from Arches on primitive roads with slight washboards. Courthouse Rock is another excellent free option just 12 minutes from the park. These sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no facilities, so come prepared with all necessary supplies including water and waste disposal means. Follow Leave No Trace principles and be aware that popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons.
Is there camping available inside Arches National Park?
Is there camping available inside Arches National Park?
Yes, camping is available inside Arches National Park at Devils Garden Campground, the only established campground within park boundaries. Located 18 miles from the park entrance, this campground offers a truly immersive experience among the stunning red rock formations. The campground features 51 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water and restrooms (no showers). While Devils Garden doesn't offer hookups, its prime location provides unparalleled access to park trails and stargazing opportunities. Sites must be reserved in advance through recreation.gov from March through October, and they typically fill months ahead, especially for spring and fall visits. From November through February, sites are first-come, first-served. The maximum RV length is 40 feet.
Where can I find campgrounds near Arches National Park?
Where can I find campgrounds near Arches National Park?
Numerous campgrounds surround Arches National Park, offering easy access to this stunning destination. Goose Island Campground sits along the Colorado River just 4.5 miles from the park entrance, providing spectacular red rock views. King's Bottom Campground is another excellent option about 15 minutes from Arches with sites right on the river for only $20 per night. Several campgrounds are located within Moab, including public, private, and RV park options. The area offers accommodations for all camping styles - from basic tent sites with vault toilets to full-service RV resorts with amenities. During peak season (spring and fall), reservations are highly recommended as campgrounds fill quickly due to the park's popularity.
What RV camping facilities are available near Arches National Park?
What RV camping facilities are available near Arches National Park?
Arches National Park is surrounded by RV-friendly campgrounds with varying amenities. Village Camp Moab offers full hookups, clean restrooms with showers, a pool area, and is located just 5 minutes from the park entrance. Spanish Trails RV Park provides gravel sites with full hookups, a pool, laundry facilities, bathrooms, and a store centrally located to Moab attractions. Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway features level camping pads and clean drinking water about ten minutes from Arches. Most RV parks in the area offer essential amenities like water, electric, and sewer hookups, with many providing WiFi and cable. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the busy spring and fall seasons.
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