Glamping in La Sal, Utah situates visitors in the shadow of the La Sal Mountain range where elevations rise dramatically from 4,000 to over 12,000 feet, creating distinct temperature zones and ecosystems. The area combines desert terrain with alpine forests, making it a uniquely diverse camping destination. Summer temperatures often reach 100°F during daytime hours while dropping 30-40 degrees at night, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Mountain biking access: The La Sal Mountain Loop provides excellent mountain biking opportunities with trails for various skill levels. At Sun Outdoors North Moab, one visitor noted, "Beautiful location, well kept, amazing scenery. Can't go wrong." Many trails connect directly to camping areas, allowing riders to start adventures right from their sites.
Stargazing sessions: The dark sky conditions in the area create exceptional stargazing opportunities. At Moab KOA, campers appreciate the minimal light pollution: "We pulled in and wondered why there was no lights anywhere, and the sky is so beautiful at night and they kept the lights to a minimal!" The high elevation and dry air create crystal-clear viewing conditions for constellations and meteor showers.
Hiking to petroglyphs: Nearby trails lead to ancient rock art sites accessible from several campgrounds. A visitor at Williams Bottom Campground shared, "Longbow arch trailhead was across the street" and "Corona Arch is a great close hike." The petroglyphs along Highway 279 are particularly well-preserved and worth seeing during morning hours when lighting is best for photography.
What campers like
Clean community facilities: The shared spaces at many glamping sites receive consistently positive feedback. A camper at HTR Moab mentioned: "The kitchen is awesome - stocked with pots and pans and plenty of room to cook even if you're sharing the space with other groups. Same with the bathrooms - really clean, spacious and hot water." These facilities make longer stays comfortable and practical.
Covered tent shelters: Many sites include structural protection from sun and wind. At Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway, a camper appreciated that "The tent spots had a nice canopy so your tent stays shaded and dry. Power and potable water." These shelters provide essential protection from intense desert sun and occasional strong winds.
Environmental practices: Some campgrounds prioritize sustainability. A visitor at HTR Moab explained, "It is also nice to know that I've reduced my carbon foot print when I stay there. The owner collects our biodegradable trash and makes compost." Recycling programs and water conservation measures are increasingly common at established sites.
What you should know
Limited shade availability: Most campgrounds have minimal natural shade. A camper at Moab KOA mentioned, "Zero grass" while another noted, "A few trees here and there. There are covers for shade this helps a lot." Bringing additional shade structures is advisable, especially during summer months when daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Highway noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to main roads. At Wingate Campground, campers report, "It was very windy while we were here so the camp shelter in each site was a life saver." Road noise is most noticeable at campgrounds located along Highway 191.
Water availability limitations: Not all sites provide water access. At Wingate Campground, a visitor advised, "No water here so bring your own. Nearest hospital and store are 30 minutes away." Planning water needs in advance is crucial, especially for tent campers or those staying at more remote sites.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for cooling off: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities that provide welcome relief from heat. At Moab KOA, a visitor noted, "We didn't explore a whole lot of the campground but they did have a pool and other sites looked nice." Pool hours typically run from 10 AM to 10 PM during summer months.
Kid-friendly cabin options: Family accommodations range from basic to well-appointed. At Kens Lake Group Sites, families appreciate that "The sites are huge with hiking, offroad, and mountain bike trails easily accessible from the campsite." Some cabins include private bathrooms and mini-fridges, making family stays more comfortable.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting desert wildlife. One visitor at Devils Garden Campground observed unique wildlife interactions: "We had a kit fox follow us around on a evening hike and even visited us at our campfire and hung out!!" Morning and evening hours offer the best chances to see native animals.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size and privacy between campgrounds. At Ok RV Park & Canyonlands Stables, an RVer mentioned, "Most of the sites are gravel pull through with full hook ups. They have several back in spaces but most of those are used for RV rentals which they also offer." Sites along the perimeter typically offer more privacy and better views.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds provide full hookups or dump stations. A visitor at Williams Bottom Campground advised, "Just off season, end of October, plenty of sites available on a Thursday late afternoon. A couple of pit toilets along the grounds, no water, dumpsters available." Planning dump station visits in Moab may be necessary for longer stays.
Wind protection strategies: The open terrain makes some areas susceptible to strong winds. An RVer at Wingate Campground noted, "Scenery is out of this world. Sites are a little close together, but we didn't mind it since we were busy hiking most of the time anyway." Positioning RVs to block prevailing winds can improve comfort during outdoor meals and activities.
