Bouldering on sandstone slabs, paddling the Colorado River, and day-tripping into Arches National Park are all within reach from Upper Big Bend Campground, a BLM site along UT-128 roughly six miles from Moab. The campground sits between a high sandstone wall and the river corridor, with canyon walls and mesa formations visible from the sites. Dense willows line the riverbank, which means direct water views are limited from camp, though some spots sit close enough to the water's edge to make quick river access straightforward.
Sites here are well-spaced, each with a picnic table and fire pit. Kailey S. notes the area is "bigger than ones earlier on the road," which holds up against nearby options like Oak Grove Campground and Big Bend Campground, both within a mile to the southeast and east. Site 2 can reportedly accommodate a 30-foot trailer. Sandstone boulders directly across the road give climbers something to work with between longer outings.
Noise from UT-128 is worth noting. The highway runs 50 to 60 feet from the sites and carries steady daytime traffic. By around 9 p.m., volume drops significantly and stays low through the night. As James L. puts it, "quiet rules until the sun rises again." Tent campers can set up on a lower ledge closer to the river, which helps buffer road noise somewhat. Insects can be heavy at night and in the early morning, particularly in summer.
The campground fills fast during peak season, with sites often gone by mid-afternoon on weekdays in October, and by noon or earlier on weekends. Arriving early or targeting shoulder-season weekdays gives the best shot at a spot. The $20 nightly fee is paid on-site. Amenities include vault toilets and trash service. No water is available on-site, so campers need to arrive with enough for the stay. Pets are not permitted. Cell service is available at the campground, which is useful for coordinating day trips to Arches or exploring campgrounds around Castle Valley nearby.
Upper Big Bend works well for campers who want a functional base for canyon country recreation without committing to a full-service campground.
Description
Campsites tucked along the Colorado River Canyon with spectacular views suitable for tent camping. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. This campground is popular with climbers visiting the Big Bend Bouldering Area, a short walk away. (Do not enter the river without the required life jackets; it has dangerous under currents.)Individual Sites: 8 Fees: $20/night Water: No Toilets: Yes Hook-ups: NoADA Access: ADA Information - The campground has one accessible standard site, campsite #5
Fee Info
$20/night (Pay at campground-cash or check only)
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsUpper Big Bend Campground is located in Utah near Castle Valley
Directions
From the junction of Hwy. 191 & Hwy 128, drive east 8.1 miles along the Colorado River on Highway 128. The campground area will be on the left.
Address
Moab Field Office
82 East Dogwood
Moab, UT 84532
Coordinates
38.64933 N
109.48819 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/1/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 1 hr 28 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 7 min from Provo, UT
- 3 hrs 17 min from Farmington, NM
- 3 hrs 37 min from Salt Lake City, UT
