Cheapest option
Free dispersed BLM camping
Best views
Dead Horse Point ($40-50/night)
Inside Arches
Devils Garden, $25/night
Inside Canyonlands
Willow Flat, $15/night (FCFS)
Best BLM site
Goose Island (Colorado River)
Best time to go
April to May, September to October
Moab sits at the center of one of the most concentrated outdoor recreation areas in North America. Within 30 miles you have two National Parks, a world-class state park, hundreds of miles of BLM trails, and the Colorado River winding through red sandstone canyon walls. Camping here puts you inside that landscape instead of driving into it each morning from a hotel.
The catch: the desert is unforgiving. In July, daytime highs regularly hit 105 F and the exposed sandstone radiates heat through the night. Shade is almost nonexistent at most campgrounds. Water sources are scarce, and in Grand County, human waste rules are stricter than almost anywhere else in the US. Knowing these realities before you arrive makes the difference between a transformative trip and a miserable one.
This guide covers every real option, from a $15-per-night backcountry spot in Canyonlands to glamping tents with real beds and en-suite bathrooms, with honest recommendations for each traveler type.
Which campground is right for you?
The right answer depends on three things: when you are visiting, what you are driving, and whether you are willing to compete for a reservation.
- First-time visitor, spring or fall, any budget: Try for Devils Garden in Arches (book exactly 6 months ahead) or go directly to a BLM site along the Colorado River. Dead Horse Point for the sunset experience.
- Budget camper, flexible dates: BLM dispersed camping is free and vast. Show up by early afternoon for the first-come, first-served paid BLM campgrounds (Goose Island fills by noon on weekends).
- RV or large van: Not all BLM sites fit rigs over 24 feet. Moab RV and Glamping Resort and private campgrounds have full hook-up sites. Dead Horse Point has RV electric sites.
- Visiting in summer (July to August): Consider Warner Lake Campground in the La Sal Mountains at 9,200 feet elevation. Temperatures there are 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the canyon floor.
- Visiting in winter (November to February): Most BLM campgrounds stay open. Devils Garden switches to first-come, first-served and is rarely crowded. Dead Horse Point closes for part of December and January.
- With dogs: BLM campgrounds generally allow dogs. Note that dogs cannot go on almost any trail inside Arches National Park, even if they can camp there.
Arches National Park: Devils Garden Campground
Devils Garden is the only campground inside Arches National Park, and it is genuinely excellent. It sits 18 miles from the entrance gate at the end of the scenic drive, adjacent to the best trailhead in the park. You wake up surrounded by fins and arches, walk to Landscape Arch before the day-trippers arrive, and the dark sky at night is as good as anything in the Southwest.
The competition for a spring or fall weekend reservation is intense. Sites open on Recreation.gov exactly 6 months in advance at 8am Mountain Time. Prime October weekends sell out in minutes. Strategy: set a calendar alert, log in before 8am, and have your dates and payment ready. Shoulder-week sites (Tuesday through Thursday) are easier to get.
Each standard site accommodates up to 10 people and 2 vehicles. There are also group sites for larger parties. The campground stays open year-round, though some sites may close during winter storms.
One practical note: arriving after dark on your first night is harder than it sounds. The scenic drive is 18 miles of winding road with no services after the visitor center. Fill water, pick up supplies in Moab, and get to the campground before sunset.
Canyonlands: Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground
The Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park is about 30 minutes from Moab, and its campground is one of the best underused options in the region. Twelve sites, no reservations, $15 per night, and genuine solitude on a mesa with views into the canyon system below.
Because there is no potable water at the campground or anywhere in the park district, you must bring all the water you need from Moab. Plan at least one gallon per person per day, more in summer. Fill completely before leaving town.
The campground fills most spring and fall weekends by early afternoon. Arriving Thursday evening dramatically increases your chances of getting a spot. On Sunday nights, it is often possible to walk in without planning. This spot rewards flexible travelers who can show up early.
Canyonlands: Needles Campground
The Needles district is the other main section of Canyonlands accessible by paved road. It sits over an hour from Moab, which makes it significantly less visited than Island in the Sky. The campground has 26 individual sites and 3 group sites split across two loops.
Needles is the right choice if you are planning multi-day hikes into the backcountry or want to explore the joint trail system without commuting an hour each way. The hoodoos and eroded towers of the Needles formation make for dramatic scenery right outside your tent door.
Dead Horse Point State Park campgrounds
Dead Horse Point sits 2,000 feet above a dramatic horseshoe bend in the Colorado River and the surrounding Canyonlands basin. The sunset and sunrise views from this park are, without exaggeration, some of the best in Utah. It is also where the final scene of the film Thelma and Louise was shot.
The park has two campgrounds: Kayenta and Wingate, both nestled in juniper trees with trail connections and direct views of the canyon.
Dead Horse Point is more expensive than most other options near Moab, and for most nights it is worth it. The electrical hook-ups at all RV sites and the shade structures at every site are rare luxuries in this area. Dogs are allowed on leash at most sites and on several park trails, unlike Arches.
Reservations go fast for spring and fall weekends. Book the full 4-month window in advance for October dates. Off-season (November, March) is more accessible without a reservation.
BLM campgrounds near Moab
The Bureau of Land Management maintains about 26 campgrounds in the Moab area, almost all first-come, first-served. These are the backbone of budget camping in the region: cheap, well-located, and spread across scenic canyon and river terrain. Most have vault toilets and fire rings but no water, no showers, and no hook-ups.
The best-known BLM campgrounds are clustered along two canyon highways:
- Highway 128 (Colorado River corridor): This road follows the river northeast from Moab through stunning red rock canyon. Goose Island (1.4 miles from Hwy 191), Drinks Canyon (6.2 miles), Big Bend (7.4 miles), Fisher Towers (21.5 miles), and Dewey Bridge (28.7 miles) are all strung along this corridor. Goose Island is the closest to town with the best river access and fills fastest, often by noon on weekends.
- Highway 279 (Potash Road): Gold Bar Campground sits 10.2 miles from Hwy 191 along the Colorado River on the other side, with petroglyphs visible from the campground road.
Ken's Lake Campground is the only reservable BLM campground in the Moab area. Located 10 miles south of Moab, it sits alongside a small reservoir with swimming, paddleboarding, fishing, and boating access, and connects to hiking trails. Book it on Recreation.gov.
Most BLM campgrounds accept cash or check on arrival. Some sites now have online payment options, but do not count on cell service at the campground itself. Bring cash.
Free dispersed camping near Moab
Beyond the developed BLM campgrounds, most public land surrounding Moab is open to free dispersed camping. You can camp anywhere that is not posted otherwise, as long as you follow three rules:
- Set up at least 200 feet from any water source, road, or other campsite.
- Pack out all waste. In Grand County, digging a cathole is illegal. You must use WAG (Waste Alleviation and Gelling) bags for solid waste. Buy them at any outdoor shop in Moab before heading out.
- Leave no trace: pack out everything you pack in, do not build new fire rings, and avoid camping on cryptobiotic soil crust (the dark, lumpy crust that holds the desert together and takes decades to recover).
The payoff for following these rules is complete solitude for free. Canyon rim sites west of town near the Gemini Bridges trailhead and north of Arches off Highway 191 are popular free camping areas. A truck or SUV with clearance opens significantly more options; passenger cars can still find legal dispersed sites but the best spots require some dirt road travel.
La Sal Mountains: escape the summer heat
If you visit Moab in July or August and want to camp, the La Sal Mountains east of town are the only sensible option. At 9,000 to 12,000 feet elevation, temperatures run 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the canyon floor. When it is 104 F in Moab, it is 74 F at Warner Lake.
The trade-off is distance. Warner Lake is about an hour from downtown Moab and 1.5 hours from the Arches entrance. It makes more sense as a base for hiking the La Sal Mountain loop, fishing the lake, or cooling off, rather than as a base for daily park visits. If you are visiting in June, the aspen groves and wildflower meadows at this elevation are genuinely spectacular.
Private campgrounds and RV parks
Private campgrounds near Moab fill a gap that public land campgrounds cannot: showers, full hook-ups, laundry, and consistent availability for RVs and large rigs. The trade-off is higher cost (typically $40 to $90 per night depending on site type) and a more developed atmosphere.
- Moab RV and Glamping Resort: Consistently the highest-rated private campground in the area. Full RV hook-ups, glamping options, pool, and a central location make it popular with families and RV travelers alike.
- Red Desert RV Park: The last locally owned private campground in Moab. 58 RV sites plus 14 cabin rentals at 5501 S Highway 191. Smaller and more relaxed than the resort options.
- Canyonlands RV Resort and Campground: Large full-service resort about 5 miles north of downtown with tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Walking distance to Colorado River access.
Private campgrounds generally do not require the months-ahead booking that Devils Garden demands. Most accept reservations a few weeks out, and some have walk-in availability for mid-week stays.
Glamping near Moab
For travelers who want to sleep outdoors without pitching a tent, Moab has developed a legitimate glamping scene. The standout option is Under Canvas Moab, a permanent canvas tent camp operated by the same company behind Under Canvas locations at Yellowstone, Zion, and Acadia.
- Under Canvas Moab: Permanent canvas tents with real beds, quality linens, en-suite bathrooms, and wood-burning stoves. Located in the red rock outside town with dark sky views. Prices run $200 to $450 per night depending on season and tent type. Book months ahead for spring and fall.
- Wingate Campground yurts (Dead Horse Point): Four yurts at the state park campground, reservable through ReserveAmerica. Less expensive than Under Canvas but also more basic. A good midpoint between tent camping and full glamping.
- Moab RV and Glamping Resort: Offers glamping-style units alongside its traditional RV sites.
All campgrounds at a glance
| Campground | Type | Price/night | Reservable? | Water | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devils Garden (Arches NP) | National Park | $25 | Yes (6-mo, Mar-Oct) | Yes | Convenience + night sky |
| Willow Flat (Canyonlands ISY) | National Park | $15 | No (FCFS) | None | Budget + solitude |
| Needles (Canyonlands) | National Park | $20 | Loop B yes | Seasonal | Backcountry hikers |
| Dead Horse Point (Kayenta/Wingate) | State Park | $40-50 | Yes (4-mo) | No | Views + RVs + dogs |
| Ken's Lake (BLM) | BLM | $25 | Yes (Recreation.gov) | No | Swimming + fishing |
| Goose Island (BLM) | BLM | $20 | No (FCFS) | No | River access, close to town |
| Big Bend / Drinks Canyon / Gold Bar (BLM) | BLM | $15-20 | No (FCFS) | No | Canyon scenery, budget |
| Dispersed BLM camping | Dispersed | Free | No | None | Solitude, flexible schedule |
| Warner Lake (La Sal Mtns) | National Forest | $20 | Jun-Sep | No | Summer heat escape |
| Moab RV and Glamping Resort | Private | $45-90 | Yes | Yes | RVs, families, amenities |
| Under Canvas Moab | Glamping | $200-450 | Yes | Yes | Comfort + dark sky |
Prices are per site per night and subject to change. FCFS = first-come, first-served.
Best time to camp in Moab
Spring (mid-March through May) is the peak season for a reason: wildflowers bloom in the canyon, temperatures are 60 to 85 F during the day, and the light on red rock is extraordinary. The trade-off is that campgrounds are at maximum demand and competition for reservations is fiercest. Book months ahead or plan to arrive early on a weekday.
Fall (September through October) rivals spring for weather and surpasses it for color. October in particular is the best single month to visit: crowds thin slightly from the peak spring crush, temperatures drop to ideal camping range, and the evening light on the red rock slants low and golden. October weekends book out almost as fast as spring.
Summer (June through August) is not recommended for camping unless you plan around the heat. Daytime temperatures in July and August average 97 to 104 F, shade is almost nonexistent at BLM and National Park campgrounds, and the exposed rock radiates heat after sunset. If you must visit in summer, camp at Warner Lake in the La Sal Mountains, arrive at trailheads before 7am, and plan afternoon naps.
Winter (November through February) is quiet, cheap, and genuinely beautiful after a snowfall. Most campgrounds remain open with reduced or no fees. The parks see a fraction of peak visitor numbers. The trade-offs: overnight temperatures drop below 20 F at elevation, some facilities close, and the occasional storm can close roads. Gear for cold desert camping (temperature-rated sleeping bag, insulating layers) is essential.
What to pack for desert camping near Moab
- Water: Carry more than you think you need. One gallon per person per day is the minimum; 1.5 gallons in summer. Most campgrounds have no water source. Fill completely in Moab before driving out.
- WAG bags: Required for dispersed camping in Grand County. Pick up a pack at any outdoor gear store in Moab (Gearheads, Moab Desert Adventures).
- Sun protection: The Colorado Plateau sits at 4,000 to 6,000 feet with high UV exposure. Wide-brim hat, SPF 50, UV-rated sun sleeves, and sunglasses are not optional in spring and summer.
- Warm layers: Even in summer, desert nights cool fast. At Canyonlands and Arches, night temperatures can drop 40 degrees from the daytime high. A fleece and a warm sleeping bag matter year-round.
- Headlamp: The canyon floor gets completely dark. A good headlamp is essential for navigating campgrounds and reaching vault toilets after dark.
- Cash or check: Most first-come, first-served BLM campgrounds still use self-pay fee envelopes. Bring $20 in small bills per night.
- Shade structure: A pop-up canopy or tarp makes a midday heat nap possible at exposed campgrounds. Especially useful at BLM sites with no trees.
- Fire safety: Check current fire restrictions before your trip. Campfire bans are common in summer and fall. Many campgrounds allow fires only in provided rings. Never leave a fire unattended.
Frequently asked questions
Is there free camping near Moab, Utah?
Yes. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) allows free dispersed camping on most public land around Moab. You can also find cheap paid BLM campgrounds for $5 to $25 per night: Goose Island, Big Bend, Drinks Canyon, Gold Bar, and about 25 others managed by the Moab Field Office. Most are first-come, first-served with no reservation system.
Where is the best place to camp in Moab?
It depends on your priority. For convenience and quick access to Arches, Devils Garden Campground inside the park is the best option, but it books out months in advance. For budget camping, BLM sites along the Colorado River (Goose Island, Big Bend) are unbeatable. For dramatic views, Dead Horse Point State Park has the best sunrises and sunsets of any campground in the area. For solitude, dispersed BLM camping on the canyon rims is hard to match.
Do I need a reservation to camp in Moab?
It depends on the campground. Devils Garden (Arches) and Dead Horse Point require reservations for most of the year and book out months in advance. Almost all BLM campgrounds around Moab are first-come, first-served with no reservation option. The only reservable BLM campground in the area is Ken's Lake, 10 miles south of Moab.
What is the 200-foot rule for camping near Moab?
BLM regulations require dispersed campers to set up at least 200 feet (roughly 70 steps) from any water source, road, or other campsite. This protects riparian habitat along the Colorado River and its tributaries. It also means you cannot camp right next to a stream or immediately adjacent to another group.
Do I need a WAG bag to camp near Moab?
Yes. In Grand County, digging a cathole to dispose of human waste is illegal because desert soils do not break it down fast enough, creating health hazards. All dispersed campers must pack out solid waste using WAG (Waste Alleviation and Gelling) bags. You can buy them at outdoor shops in Moab before heading out.
Can I camp in Moab with a dog?
Yes, in many campgrounds. BLM campgrounds generally allow dogs on leash. Dead Horse Point State Park permits dogs at most sites. Devils Garden Campground allows dogs, but dogs are restricted on almost all trails inside Arches National Park. Check individual campground rules before booking.
When is the best time to camp in Moab?
Spring (late March through May) and fall (September through October) offer ideal temperatures: 60 to 80 F during the day, cool nights. Summer (July and August) is genuinely brutal: daytime temperatures regularly exceed 100 F, shade is scarce at most campgrounds, and the exposed rock radiates heat through the night. Winter (December through February) is quiet and uncrowded, but nights drop below freezing and some campgrounds close.
How hard is it to get a spot at Devils Garden Campground in Arches?
Very hard during spring and fall. Reservations open 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov and the most popular weekends sell out within minutes. For a May or October weekend, set a calendar alert for exactly 6 months before your intended stay and be ready at 8am Mountain Time when reservations release. November through February sites are first-come, first-served and much easier to get.
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Written by Diego Fresno, Travel writer and independent publisher specialising in the American Southwest. Latest research conducted on location in Page, Arizona during July 2025. Guides are verified quarterly; last review April 2026.. Verified quarterly: last review April 2026. About the author →