Best Campgrounds near Castle Valley, UT

The Castle Valley area in eastern Utah contains a mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas managed by various agencies including BLM and National Park Service. Camping options range from established sites in Arches National Park's Devils Garden Campground to more primitive spots near Castleton Tower and along scenic Highway 128. Several commercial campgrounds offer cabins and RV hookups, including Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown and Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway, while public lands support tent camping with varying levels of amenities.

Road conditions in the region vary significantly, with many dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles for access. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round, but summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. BLM dispersed camping typically allows 14-day stays, while developed campgrounds may require reservations up to six months in advance. Cell coverage is spotty outside Moab proper, and many primitive areas lack potable water. A visitor noted, "Couldn't really find the BLM road to get to the actual camp. A lot of signs saying no camping, not sure where the actual BLM camping area is."

The Colorado River corridor provides several popular camping areas with riverside sites. The campgrounds along Highway 128, including Hal Canyon and Oak Grove, receive high ratings for their scenic beauty and access to the river. One camper described Hal Canyon as "tucked away from the road with lots of trees for shade," noting its popularity means "not many campsites, so get there early." Camping areas near Castleton Tower appeal to rock climbers and those seeking dramatic desert views, though recent reviews indicate confusion about where camping is permitted. Travelers should expect basic amenities at most public sites—typically pit toilets and fire rings, with no running water or electric hookups. Most campgrounds near Moab fill quickly during spring and fall peak seasons.

Best Camping Sites Near Castle Valley, Utah (248)

    1. Devils Garden Campground — Arches National Park

    94 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 719-2299

    $25 - $250 / night

    "This campground is surrounded by tall majestic rocks high in the Utah desert. Well located to visit several National parks. Toilets and water scattered around this large site."

    "Depending on how far you want to walk, there is access to several of the park's arches right from the campsite. Beware of Ravens!"

    2. Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown

    48 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    9 miles
    Website
    +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."

    "Tucked in behind the Texaco gas station/general store, this large campground has plenty of shade trees and all the hookups including cable TV for around $55/night."

    3. Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway

    48 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 418-8535

    $66 - $161 / night

    "This park is very close to Arches entrance, so we chose it, that and we have stayed at several Sun properties. So we paid the higher than average price in the area to stay there."

    "I believe it's the only way to truly experience what Utah has to offer, at least if you want unique!! I'm not the kind to run with the crowd and enjoyed tenting Utah more than luxury RV camping."

    4. Grandstaff Campground

    35 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "If you're looking for beautiful scenery next to a nice cool water front then this place is your desert paradise. All campgrounds had permanent firerings and picnic tables."

    "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"

    5. Sun Outdoors North Moab

    44 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-7660

    "The proximity to Moab, Arches and Canyonlands is ideal. The sites themselves were pretty packed in there so we didn’t have a ton of space outside our camper (21’ with one pop out)."

    "Also it’s at the edge of Moab so it was a very close drive to Arches NP, etc. And it was also close to town so we were only maybe a 10 minute drive to the grocery store & the downtown area of Moab"

    6. Moab Koa

    37 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-0372

    "Nice Campground for exploring Moab and surrounding area. Clean, full hook up sites, and close to town. The pool area was awesome for cooling off after summer hikes."

    "What a location to call “home” while visiting Moab. Very friendly staff and service and the facilities are clean and neat. They have an awesome pool and laundry facilities (2)."

    7. Utahraptor State Park Campground

    66 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-3770

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Lots of room for over 100 rigs, tents, vans, though some are in close proximity to each other."

    "My class b van handled the road well. 15 dollars paid through the Utah park ap."

    8. Sand Flats Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2444

    "Sand Flats Recreation Area near Moab, Utah, is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering unmatched access to world-class trails like the famous Slickrock Bike Trail and stunning desert scenery."

    "We choose this spot for a few different reasons: 1) My husband is an avid off roader/Jeep rock crawler and you are 5 minutes away from two popular and fun trails, 2) It is a big enough area where you can"

    9. Moab Rim RV Campark

    32 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 599-6622

    $9 - $125 / night

    "Right on the edge of Moab with access to everything. About 10 minutes from arches and 30 from Canyonlands. Bathrooms were clean and camp store had most things you’d need."

    "We stayed at Moab Rim RV Campark in March 2021 on our way to visit Arches National Park (which is only 15 minutes drive from the campark). "

    10. Willow Springs Trail

    52 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    15 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Willow Springs is awesome for the person that wants to be out in the middle of nowhere without really being super far away from something... it’s about 15 minutes outside of moab and directly off of the"

    "this is the same campground as BLM dispersed camping outside of Moab, at blm378/willow springs trail roughly 12 miles north of Moab. plenty of space as there really are no designated spots, just be mindful"

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Recent Reviews near Castle Valley, UT

2101 Reviews of 248 Castle Valley Campgrounds


  • C L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area

    Highly Recommend

    HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

    There are a BUNCH of both individual campsites, group campsites, and shared campsites up the hill and RV campsites are at the bottom. All with great views. The road is gravel towards the entrance and then a little rocky at parts, but nothing crazy. Stone fire pits indicate where the sites are. Great views of the mountains and Moab in the distance. Maybe 15-20 minutes from Moab.

  • C L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Yellow Circle Crossing

    Highly Recommend

    HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

    There are a BUNCH of both individual campsites, group campsites, and shared campsites up the hill and RV campsites are at the bottom. All with great views. The road is gravel towards the entrance and then a little rocky at parts, but nothing crazy. Stone fire pits indicate where the sites are. Great views of the mountains and Moab in the distance. Maybe 15-20 minutes from Moab.

  • C L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Yellow Circle Road Mountain Top Camp

    Lots of options and great views!!

    HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

    There are a BUNCH of both individual campsites, group campsites, and shared campsites up the hill and RV campsites are at the bottom. All with great views. The road is gravel towards the entrance and then a little rocky at parts, but nothing crazy. Stone fire pits indicate where the sites are. Great views of the mountains and Moab in the distance. Maybe 15-20 minutes from Moab.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    South Klondike Bluffs / Road 142 Dispersed

    Open space, rough surface.

    There's plenty of space available, but the roads and surfaces are rocky, bumpy, and rough. You'll be fine if you go very slow. You can watch skydivers all morning.

  • Daryl D.
    Sep. 26, 2025

    SITLA 145 - Dispersed

    Moab trip

    Great place to Boon-dock which I prefer (I’m a nudist), so area was free of other people being around had like 4 car drive by total on a Thursday night. Area is close to visit all the sites yet away from the crowds e-bikes area awesome in this area. It is dusty it is the desert.

  • J
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument

    Gem on the Mesa

    Beautiful campground in the Colorado National Monument. Sunrise vistas over the Grand Valley. No water hookups or electric but clean, flush toilet bathrooms, water spigots around the campground. Bring levelers! Sites are not level.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    South Klondike Bluffs / Road 142 Dispersed

    Great Spot Close to Moab

    This is a hoppin place. A lot of travelers must use this spot as base or a quick overnight spot. Either way it is a great area. The camping spots are spread out over a half mile dirt area so plenty of room to spread out. It is a bit bumpy all around, so finding level ground is a challenge but not impossible. You are close to the highway but it seemed to slow down in the night. If you are a star gazer then this would be your 5 star place. With no light noise you can see every star in the night sky! We do have our side by side but decided not to try out any roads since we don’t know the area. If you want to visit Arches or Canyonlands this place seems to be the best base camp for that!

  • Alex I.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown

    Perfect Spot in the Heart of Moab

    The Sun Outdoors Downtown Moab was perfect for my wife’s and my travel. We were able to walk to all of our guides, as well as enjoying restaurants and brewery is downtown. The campsite was busy, but never allowed, and we could enjoy lounging around our camper van. The staff was easy to work with and friendly. Bathroom amenities were clean and well cared for. Highly recommend!

  • Nathan H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway

    Excellent Car Camping Site

    Clean. The tent spots had a nice canopy so your tent stays shaded and dry. Power and potable water. The staff was super helpful. Amenities included a pool and hot tub (we didn’t use). Laundry machines and a microwave. Although others commented on noise - we backed onto a protected area and we found it quieter than many sites we’ve stayed at near a highway. The property was clean - the bathrooms and showers could be cleaner. Great access to the park. If you’re coming from Denver - route 128 is about 30 min longer and slower but well worth the drive for the amazing scenery.


Guide to Castle Valley

Castle Valley is situated at approximately 4,500-5,000 feet elevation in the Colorado Plateau region, characterized by sandstone formations and expansive desert landscapes. The area experiences extreme temperature variations, with summer highs reaching 105°F during the day while dropping to the 60s at night. Camping options near Castle Valley range from primitive BLM sites without amenities to full-service campgrounds with cabins and RV hookups.

What to do

Mountain biking near trails: At Sand Flats Recreation Area, campers have direct access to world-class trails. "This is a great spot for riding a number of mountain bike and/or moto trails. Beautiful sun rises and sun sets!" says Katrina. The recreation area serves as an ideal base for the famous Slickrock Bike Trail system.

Dinosaur track hunting: Willow Springs Trail area offers unique paleontological features for families. "The kids loved climbing the rocks and bonus there is a trail with dinosaur tracks! Even with the crazy wind we still had fun!" shares Chelsey M. The trail is approximately 20 minutes north of Moab and offers free dispersed camping options.

Colorado River access: When staying at Grandstaff Campground, visitors can enjoy easy river access. "Outside Moab you can find a string of campgrounds along a scenic drive along the Colorado River. I tent camped at Grandstaff which is sandwiched between the river and the road like all campgrounds along the corridor," notes Deborah D. The sites provide opportunities for wading, swimming, and enjoying the riparian ecosystem.

What campers like

Proximity to national parks: Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown provides strategic positioning for park visits. "Very nice clean camping area. All the amenities you could ask for. Pool, gas station attached for extra convenience. Easy access to the Arches," says Joyce C. The location allows campers to reach Arches National Park in under 10 minutes.

Desert seclusion with amenities: When seeking a balance between isolation and comfort, Utahraptor State Park Campground delivers both. "Free, dispersed camping on BLM land. There are porta potties along the road, which was great for someone like me who sleeps in the back of their SUV. Decently flat spots to park. Verizon signal was good," reports Dale. The campground offers basic facilities while maintaining a true desert camping experience.

Night sky viewing: The area's dark skies provide exceptional stargazing opportunities. "A quiet campsite tucked in along the Colorado River under the cliffs of Moab, this is literally my fav place I have ever camped," Andrew S. says about Grandstaff Campground. Many campgrounds minimize light pollution, with campers reporting incredible astronomical visibility.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Devils Garden Campground fills quickly despite appearing available. "Spent (3) wonderful nights at Devil's Garden CG. Despite 'FULL' indicators at the park and campground entrances, I drove through and noticed a couple of sites open (cancellations)," Chris P. reports. Reservations for prime sites should be made 6 months in advance.

Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F with minimal shade at most sites. "The summer heat. Even at night, the temperatures remain uncomfortably warm, making it difficult to cool down or sleep well during peak summer months," notes Paulina B. about Sand Flats Recreation Area. Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures for camping near Castle Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Castle Valley campgrounds?

Amenities vary across Castle Valley area campgrounds. Grandstaff Campground offers permanent fire rings and picnic tables with the bonus of beautiful waterfront scenery. Goose Island Campground provides basic facilities as a BLM campground. For those seeking more amenities, Ok RV Park & Canyonlands Stables offers clean and quiet sites with helpful staff and full hookups. Most public campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like vault toilets and fire rings, while dispersed camping areas typically have no facilities and require pack-in, pack-out practices.

Do I need reservations for camping in Castle Valley?

Reservations are highly recommended for camping in the Castle Valley area, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall). Upper Big Bend Campground and other sites along the Colorado River fill up quickly due to their proximity to popular destinations. Fisher Towers Campground, while offering amazing views and access to outdoor activities, is quite small and can be difficult to secure without planning ahead. At Hittle Bottom, you might occasionally find availability with camp host assistance, but this shouldn't be relied upon. For the most reliable camping experience, make reservations well in advance, particularly during Moab's busy seasons and special events like Jeep Safari week.

Where can I find camping in Castle Valley?

Castle Valley offers several excellent camping options. Rock Castle Camping Area provides solitude and spectacular views into Castle Valley, though it's a bit farther from Moab. For those interested in climbing, Castleton Tower dispersed camping area offers stunning views of the famous desert towers, including Castleton Tower, the Rectory, and the Priest. Additional options can be found along Highway 128 following the Colorado River, which provides access to Castle Valley and features several campgrounds with beautiful red rock scenery.