The Colorado River carves a scenic corridor near Castle Valley, Utah, where red rock formations rise dramatically from the desert floor at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 feet. This area experiences extreme temperature variations between seasons, with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most pet friendly camping options near Castle Valley feature minimal natural shade, requiring campers to create their own or time activities carefully during hot months.
What to do
Dinosaur track hunting: Near Utahraptor State Park Campground, visitors can explore prehistoric evidence. "There is a trail with dinosaur tracks!" reports camper Chelsey M., who found this unexpected bonus while staying in the area.
Mountain biking access: The areas north of Moab provide immediate trail access. At Sand Flats Recreation Area, "hiking paths to several arches are a convenient walk from camp," according to Stacie H., while another camper notes it's "a great spot for riding slick rock, falcon flow, eagle eye and other trails."
Colorado River exploration: Camping along the river provides water-based recreation opportunities. Regarding Goose Island Campground, Katie H. mentions, "Our pups loved the stay here, close to the river and to a great 4 mile hike. They enjoyed jumping in the many creek crossings."
What campers like
Nighttime experience: The minimal light pollution creates stellar viewing opportunities. At Willow Springs Trail, one camper describes "Open desert, coyotes, cool nights. You can't beat it." While at Devils Garden Campground, Chris P. reports "Beautiful night skies and a great place to spend sunrise/sunset."
Unexpected amenities: Some campgrounds offer facilities not typically found at similar sites. Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown provides "RV spots, small cabins, and private tent camping. Bathrooms are clean. Good water pressure in showers. Nice little heated pool and splash pad," according to camper R E.
Space for activities: Several sites offer room to spread out. Chelsey M. notes that at Willow Springs Trail, "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."
What you should know
Arrival timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. Regarding Goose Island Campground, Jessica R. advises, "We were nervous about the site filling up but if you arrive between 12-3pm you should be fine. I went in July, during peak season and got a site at 1pm, but it does fill up later in the day."
Weather considerations: The desert climate presents challenges for campers. At Utahraptor State Park Campground, Ben R. warns, "Very sandy and windy. Watch out for cactuses and the area is busy so can get loud at night."
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires appropriate vehicles. VanpeDiem D. reports that at Utahraptor State Park Campground, there's a "Good gravel road in, some spots on slick rock and some in sand," while Sam notes, "Willow Springs Trail is VERY bumpy and I was surprised at the testicular fortitude of some of the people driving their nice trailers down it."
Tips for camping with families
Fenced areas for pets: Some campgrounds provide dedicated spaces for pets. According to Kristof B., Moab KOA "is a great pet friendly campground. They even have little cabins with yards with fences around them to let your buddy stretch his legs."
Rock exploration opportunities: Natural features become playgrounds. At Willow Springs Trail, families found that "The kids loved climbing the rocks and bonus there is a trail with dinosaur tracks!" according to Chelsey M.
Bathroom accessibility: When camping with children, bathroom proximity matters. Jessica R. recommends Goose Island, saying "We got a spot right next to the water and the bathroom!" which made managing family needs much easier.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway, David S. advises, "Great location right at the doorstep of Arches, and a bit outside of downtown Moab. Standard spots are a bit small, and you'll be dependent on the… social skills… of your neighbors with shared green space / picnic areas near the pads."
Power reliability issues: Electrical service quality varies between sites. David S. also notes, "50A service at our site and a couple next to us was spotty in its overall quality - probably an open ground or something. We made it work, though."
Overflow options: When established campgrounds fill up, alternative arrangements exist. At Moab Rim RV Campark, Rob D. reports, "There is overflow, dispersed camping, at the Rim. They have a dump site and water. Since it is first come first serve you could stay indefinitely @ $30 a night, $40 for holidays."
