RV campgrounds near Canyonlands National Park range from basic to premium facilities, with most located within a 30-minute drive of the park entrance. The area sits at elevations between 4,000-6,000 feet, creating significant temperature fluctuations between day and night even in summer months. Park campgrounds fill quickly during peak season (March-October), but several private RV parks provide alternatives with varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Sun Outdoors North Moab provides a convenient base for day hikers, located just minutes from trailheads. "This is a basic RV park outside Moab but isn't a place I would recommend staying. It was a great location to explore the area and we didn't spend any time in camp anyway. So it worked for us," notes Abbey F.
Mountain biking routes: The area surrounding most campgrounds offers exceptional mountain biking terrain. At Village Camp Moab, one camper reported, "Great location, super close to both NP. Clean well maintained large, level sites. No hwy noise and dark at night so you can see the stars."
Stargazing opportunities: Many campgrounds outside Moab offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "Seven Mile RV Park is the park for you if you want simplistic beauty with endless stargazing and phenomenal sunsets located just a few miles of Moab," writes Melissa S. who appreciated the unobstructed views.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway receives positive reviews for its maintenance. "Bathrooms and showers are cleaned regularly. It would have been nice to have individual fire pits, but there is a communal pit if you really feel inclined," notes Jason B.
Swimming pools: During hot summer months when temperatures can exceed 100°F, pools become essential. "The pool is nice with little sprays of water in a few places. The hot tub was nice for soothing sore muscles after all the hikes," says Bea about Spanish Trails RV Park.
Proximity to parks: Quick access to national parks ranks high with campers. "This is a nice campground with all the amenities you would want. The location is great if you are coming to visit Canyonlands or Arches national parks," reports Adam G., though he noted facility cleanliness could improve during busy periods.
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Most RV parks have minimal space between sites. "Sites are so narrow that you are 3 feet from your neighbor. We didn't even have our own table. Had to share a table if we wanted to use a table," warns Janine J. about site conditions.
Reservation timing: During spring and fall, when daytime temperatures range 65-85°F, campgrounds fill quickly. "Reservations are essential from March through October, as RV sites within 30 miles of Canyonlands often book up 6-9 months ahead."
Off-season availability: Winter camping options exist with fewer crowds. "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," shares Tina S. about her winter experience at Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Choose campgrounds with dedicated children's facilities. "Nice playground and splash pad for the kids! We were at a tent sight which was close to the playground and bathrooms! We were able to pack up while the kids played," reports Caitlin C.
Bathroom accessibility: Moab Rim RV Campark provides family-friendly facilities. "Restrooms were Super clean and the hot water seemed endless in the shower. Guys get there early my hubby said the wait in the men's room for anything was horrible, I did not have that experience on the Ladies side," explains Erin M.
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature swings exceeding 30°F between day and night. "In mid-August, it's hotter than hot…87 degrees at night with no wind (which may keep you up at night) as I write this at 1:00 a.m. 108 degrees during the day," reports Dave V. about summer conditions.
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Many RV parks offer varying hookup options. "The sites were adequate, and the selling point for me was the patch of nice green grass! We have two dogs, one of which finds it difficult to potty in unfamiliar places as well as those without grass," notes Chris H.
Budget options: Dowd Flats RV Park provides economical stays with basic amenities. "It has laundry services, 2 showers, solid wifi, and full hook ups, for cheaper than any other location in town. It is one of the furthest from Arches and Canyonlands but it offered everything I needed," explains Angela G.
Leveling challenges: Come prepared with leveling blocks as many sites require adjustment. "Sites are all gravel and the rv sites have a patch of grass next to the site and a picnic table. Most of the sites are on a hill so getting level or off the hitch was very challenging and we had to buy more blocks conveniently located at store on site," advises Angela Y.
