RV sites near Cisco, Utah offer camping options in the high desert environment where temperatures can fluctuate drastically, ranging from over 100°F in summer to below freezing in winter. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 4,000-4,500 feet, creating unique camping conditions with minimal natural shade. Cell service becomes increasingly limited as you travel away from Highway 191, with stronger signals at parks closer to Moab.
What to do
Dinosaur exploration: 35 minutes from Moab at Moab Giants dinosaur exhibit. "Our grandchild loved the Moab Giants dinosaur exhibit," notes a camper from Ballard RV Park, which provides affordable access to regional attractions.
Petroglyphs viewing: 8 minutes from Thompson at Sego Canyon. A visitor staying at Ballard RV Park mentioned, "It's also super close to Sego canyon which is an awesome little hiking spot like 8 minutes away where you can see petroglyphs."
Water adventures: Book jet boat tours from the Moab area. "We did the jet boat tour and it was so fun!" explains a camper at Spanish Trails RV Park, which provides central access to various Moab activities.
Route 128 scenic drive: 30 minutes longer than standard routes but worth the extra time. "If you're coming from Denver - route 128 is about 30 min longer and slower but well worth the drive for the amazing scenery," recommends a visitor at Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway.
What campers like
Off-season tranquility: Fewer crowds in winter months. "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," explains a winter visitor to Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway.
Rooftop viewing areas: Elevated landscape views. "The Red Rock views are absolutely gorgeous from the rooftop deck," notes a visitor at Ok RV Park & Canyonlands Stables, which sits on the edge of Moab with mountain views.
Walkable locations: Access to dining without driving. "We like this campground for its location! So convenient to walk to restaurants in Moab," shares a camper at Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown, highlighting the practical advantage of in-town camping.
Tent canopies: Shade structures over tent sites. "Each tent site had a charcoal grill and weather canopy. It was nice," explains a camper at Sun Outdoors North Moab, noting this helpful feature for desert camping where natural shade is limited.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Prepare with blocks. "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," warns a camper at Spanish Trails RV Park.
Highway noise varies by campground section. "You are right next to the highway, and some of the spots are next to permanent AirStreams running their heaters/AC," notes a camper at Sun Outdoors North Moab, pointing out noise considerations.
Alternative times for facility use. "The tent sites were backed up to two hotel parking lots. Too much light coming in from the parking lots and we stayed on a Sunday night, and got woken up at 6am to a trash truck," shares a camper about downtown locations.
Train disruptions in Thompson. "Quiet except for the occasional train at night," notes a Ballard RV Park visitor, with another mentioning, "a 4 am train conductor laid on his horn for some reason." Thompson campgrounds experience periodic train noise.
Tips for camping with families
Early morning arrival: Avoid crowds at facilities. "We were able to pack up while the kids played. Convenient to arches national park and Moab restaurants," shares a parent who stayed at Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway, mentioning its child-friendly amenities.
Water features for heat relief: Pools and splash pads. "Nice playground and splash pad for the kids!" notes a visitor at Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway, providing cooling options during hot summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F.
Junior Ranger programs: Educational activities at national parks. "If you have Children be sure to stop at the visitor center prior to your adventure and pick up a 'Junior Ranger' packet and get your kids involved and enable them to earn their junior ranger badge for each National Park!" recommends a parent who stayed at Moab Rim RV Campark.
Game areas on campground grounds. "We had an ideal site with a nice big lawn area we set up a whole game area in," shares a family who stayed at Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway, making use of the available outdoor space for entertainment.
Tips from RVers
Sewer connections: Not available at all sites. "Ours didn't have sewer hookup, but we knew that going in. There was a dump station we used before leaving," notes an RVer at Village Camp Moab, highlighting the importance of checking site amenities before arrival.
Weather-proofed water connections: Winter camping possible. "The positive is that they had full hookups including water even in the winter with below freezing temperatures," shares a winter camper at Moab Rim RV Campark, noting this critical feature for cold-weather RVing.
Early shower timing: Avoid men's facility lines. "The 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," advises a camper at Moab Rim RV Campark.
Site selection timing: Book premium spots early. "They do have premium sites that have great views and a lot more room but they were all booked," mentions a visitor at Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway, pointing out the importance of advance planning for optimal sites.
