261 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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!"
from $25 - $250 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"The park is ok but most sites are shared camp sides. And they aren’t very big. The park is in a cool location and has nice area amenities. Arches is 10 minutes, canyon lands is 45."
from $66 - $161 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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"
"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)."
"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."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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). "
from $9 - $125 / night
Check Availability"I stayed here for two nights with a girls camping weekend where we hiked and climbed around Moab. It is a BLM campground so it is $15/night and we stayed at one of the walk-in sites. "
"Very popular campground, close to town and next to the river; love the views. We ran/biked on the bike path both ways along the canyon, with access to town, Arches, and several other trails. "
from $125 - $175 / night
Check Availability
ScoutRoad: mostly graded Camp(s): flat ‘nuff Fire ring(s): yes Privacy: trees Wildlife spotted: coyotes, snake, arachnid, birds Noise: rain Light: moon Trash: broken glass and misc. litter Left it better than found: yes, picked up trash
ScoutThey kept my money and I didnt stay here!!
Moab is a beautiful place, sadly this is the first place I set foot on and I wont soon forget about much of an illusion this place is.
I paid$626.28 for a dirty room that smelled of mold, with a shared bathroom/ shower and kitchen, the site is misleading and their staff even agreed with me that it shows photos of much nicer cabins out front. I was denied a refund of any kind.
I certainly understand I shouldnt be entitled to a FULL refund, the room they held for me wasnt available for one night, two at most....but I did not stay here at all. I was told its there busy season...so doesnt that make this room more valuable?
I have never in my life had someone outright deny me my hard earned money.
I hope they consider how they treated me and how they gave me nothing in return for my money the next time they have misfortune fall upon them.
Shame on you for your deception, shame on you for how you treated someone whos never been to Utah. This is the welcome I got.
What a miserable experience. Buyer Beware!
Again...I asked for a PARTIAL refund, I cancelled and did not stay here and they kept my money. I have not been contacted nor do I expect to be.
Cowards who hide behind keyboards and wont contact me This company stole my money and gave me nothing in return. I took nothing from you.
I did my part and you took advantage of me. I have screen shots of their own employee agreeing the booking is misleading.
Call and ask what your getting. Do not book before you know.
They have zero compassion for the position they left me in.
I have serious concerns with the code to the door to the room they wanted me in being left in a public space under a magnet, not in an envelope, just out where anyone can take note of it and walk in the room at any time and take my things.
I wont forget how you stole my money and gave me nothing in return.
People have a right to know what you did to me before it happens to them!
I dont complain, I dont write reviews, this company made a choice to exploit me and I am not going quietly
GuideSite 44 was honestly a dream come true!! There was some shade, and direct access to the trail leading to Faux falls. The campground is well maintained and the vault toilets weren’t bad. In September the Lake leaves something to be desired, it’s more like a muddy pond, but it’s there. The stream and falls really stole the show though. 10/10 recommend. It is first come first served so plan accordingly!
TravelerClean, well managed campground with plenty of level tent and rv sites. Sites are well spaced with short walk access to any number of vault privets. Privets were very clean. Each site has a table and fire ring. Trash service is available. There are a variety of intermediate mtn trials accessible right from the grounds.
TravelerGorgeous views, spotlessly clean bathrooms, super friendly camp host. Loved it! Views from this particular site were not the best but there’s truly no bad site anywhere in the camp.
GuideLots of sites for every type of camper, level and well stocked clean bathrooms with showers.
ScoutGreat location with a variety of rental options and sites semi-good views depending on your location bathroom facilities are OK not always the cleanest
GuideTravel 2 miles down the wide hard packed dirt road and you can't miss the spot on the right where campers of all types stopover. It is a bit before this particular pin and of course you can go much further up the road. Good cell service with Tmobile and Verizon.
GuideThere can be long stretches of isolated road on I-70 between Colorado and Utah. When I’m doing distance camping trips I like to have short driving days, long afternoons (to get in a walk/happy hour & dinner), and then a quiet evening. Up your 401k to retire as early as possible, just saying.
Ballard RV Park checks all the boxes for a one night stop along any which way your headed, and this area is feature rich. There may be other things to do near this park but time is a concern for everyone. So how did I do on my list today? My 2.5 hour drive turned out to be four hours because I don’t drive as fast as my GPS thinks I should and check-in took longer than expected due to a wedding which took all the staff off site on arrival. Happy hour and dinner were most successful. The train, oh my gosh the trains! There must be an uncontrolled crossing within sight of the campground; each three blasts of the super loud train horn may ruin my peaceful sleep. There is an Exxon station just off the interstate here but that seems to be it. There are plenty of open camp sites here in September for you seat of the pants travelers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keep Exploring
