RV sites near Thompson, Utah position travelers between the rugged Book Cliffs mountains and the expansive Utah desert at approximately 5,000 feet elevation. The area experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, with summer days reaching 100°F and winter nights dropping well below freezing. Camping options range from full-service RV parks to basic tent sites, with most facilities positioned along the I-70 corridor for convenient highway access.
What to do
Trail access to Gemini Bridges: Just 10 minutes from Thompson, Seven Mile RV Park sits at the base of popular off-road trails. "This place is for campers who like millions of stars and who prefer not to camp in a parking lot," notes Brittany F., who appreciated the Seven Mile RV Park location only "10 minutes drive to Arches National Park."
Mountain biking routes: The area surrounding Thompson offers access to numerous cycling trails. "Being a cyclist, it's Nirvana. Never have I seen so many bicycle/outdoor shops within one square mile," writes Dave V. about staying at Sun Outdoors North Moab while exploring the region's extensive trail systems.
National park visits: Thompson provides a strategic base for visiting both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. "We used Ok Campground as a home based for exploring the national parks in the area. It was a good, quiet campground for us to return to each night," explains Chris G., who found Ok RV Park & Canyonlands Stables suitable for park exploration.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote setting around Thompson creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. At Seven Mile RV Park, Melissa S. appreciated "simplistic beauty with endless stargazing and phenomenal sunsets located just a few miles of Moab," noting the campground "boasts HUGE sites with plenty of room to relax under the blanket of Utah stars."
Convenient highway access: Thompson's location along I-70 makes it easily accessible for travelers. "Easy access off I-70. Amenities are in great shape. Friendly staff," writes Durango H. about Ballard RV Park, which offers straightforward access for those traveling the interstate corridor.
Price advantage over Moab: Campgrounds near Thompson typically cost less than those closer to Moab. One camper at Ballard RV Park noted it's "reasonably priced" with "roomy, pretty level, gravel sites," adding it's "an excellent place to stay to visit the area attractions while avoiding the high cost of RV parks closer to Moab."
What you should know
Train noise impacts sleep: The active rail line near Thompson creates periodic noise disturbances. Richard & mentioned that at Ballard RV Park, "The park was quiet and peaceful for the most part. There is a nearby rail line and you may wake to a train once or twice a night."
Limited amenities in Thompson: The town itself has minimal services, with more facilities available in Moab. "There is a 7-11 gas station very nearby" to Ballard RV Park, notes Joshua G., but for more options, "This location is about 30 min from both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks and is about 40 min from the town of Moab."
Weather extremes: The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations. "In mid-August, it's hotter than hot…87 degrees at night with no wind (which may keep you up at night) as I write this at 1:00 a.m. 108 degrees during the day," reported one camper about the Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway climate conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities for cooling off: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools to combat summer heat. Caitlin C. recommends Sun Outdoors North Moab: "We loved this campground so much! It was clean! Bathrooms and showers were the best I've ever used at a campground! Nice playground and splash pad for the kids!"
Centralized locations save driving time: Staying near Thompson reduces driving between national parks. "Location is central to Arches NP, Canyonlands NP and Dead Horse Point State Park. All services one may need are right on site.... propane, gas, convience store, ice, ect," states Janell about Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway.
Bathroom cleanliness varies: Some facilities maintain better standards than others. One visitor to Village Camp Moab reported: "This resort meets all possible needs. This was a great place to clean-up, rest-up and re-stock before heading out to the BLM land. They have pretty much thought of everything here."
Tips from RVers
Level sites available: Most Thompson area campgrounds provide relatively flat parking surfaces. At Ballard RV Park, "Sites are gravel, level and very well maintained. All are pull through. Hookups are in excellent condition," according to Richard &.
Hookup availability varies: Full-service sites are available at most Thompson area RV parks, though some have limited connections. "The main RV part is $90 nite for elect hookup but no water or sewer. RV dump onsite though. Another dry camp RV area is $35 nite," reports Greg L. about Seven Mile RV Park's tiered pricing structure.
Off-season considerations: Winter RV camping requires preparation for freezing temperatures. Alex reported about camping in December: "Park is great. Pull through spots with full hook ups. We stayed in late December so it was very cold. They do a good job of wrapping their water supply though."
