Our Favorite Campgrounds in Moab UT

Camping in and around Moab is almost a rite of passage. The experience is spectacular, with scenery ranging from rivers and slickrock to canyons and mountains. Moab, Utah’s nighttime accommodations are equally as impressive as its daytime adventures. While indoor options are aplenty, there’s nothing more thrill-seeking than going camping in and around Moab, which is almost a rite of passage here. Staying at the many amazing campgrounds in Moab, UT, not only allowed us to soak in the town’s famed outdoor lifestyle, but we could also save cash along the way! While purists staked their claim on remote spots, there are many options with showers and hookups. That said, given Moab’s proximity to the breathtaking Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, it can be very difficult to find campgrounds on the spot during peak season. So, reserving in advance is a must.

Nevertheless, we had a long list of choices, whether it was resorts with RV sites, tented spaces, and even casitas, cabins, and Airstream stays! And let us tell you, these are no ordinary campgrounds either. To begin with, they’re pet-friendly. Secondly, some have swimming pools, while others even have a whole putting green on the property! Did we mention playgrounds and giant life-sized chess sets? So, no matter your preference on the camping spectrum, Moab has a place for you. Check out the best camping places in Moab, Utah.

Up The Creek

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We begin with the tent-only Up The Creek Campground, just two blocks from Main Street in the town. So, we were within walking distance of many local shops, restaurants, and convenience stores. The 15-site, tent-only, park-and-walk-to-your-site campsite sits in a shaded grove of trees right next to a cooling stream. So, there were no noisy cars or RVs in the campground. What could be better?

We had the choice of several luxury tents and campsites, ranging from single-person ones (USD 28/night) to 4-person ones (USD 49/night), with an additional USD 2 2/person for the weekends (Fri-Sat). The amenities include grilling stations, dish-cleaning stations, flush toilets, and showers. Moreover, cornhole games and a horseshoe pit adjacent to the camping area made staying here absolutely fun.

Since this is tent-only camping, this is a much quieter and more peaceful experience than anywhere else on the list. Quiet hours are between 10 pm and 6 am, campfires aren’t allowed, and neither is sleeping in cars. If you’re a light sleeper, you might want to invest in some for the traffic nearby, but it’s not too bad.

Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway

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We have yet another Sun Outdoors campground on this list; this time, it’s the year-round Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway. It was close to Downtown Moab and Arches National Park, making it perfect to get to the park early in the morning. What made this campground unique is the fact that it’s actually an Airstream village! We chose eight Airstreams and three different setups: one with two queen beds, one with a queen, full, and a twin bed each, and the last one with two twin beds. Nevertheless, all options have bathrooms with showers, air-conditioning and heat, plush linens, full kitchens, and even wooden decks with lots of shade.

This campground also has tent and RV sites, all full-hookup ones with 30/50-amp and Wi-Fi access, cable, charcoal grills, and concrete patios. Moreover, RVs measuring 20-45 ft (6-13.7 m) in length can access the back-in and pull-through sites. Finally, there are some tent sites, some of which are covered while others are not, and they all have Wi-Fi, picnic tables, and charcoal grills. Other campground amenities include a putting green, a hot tub, a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a bike wash-and-repair station, a dog park, and a general store.

Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown

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Closest to town. Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown is one of the best camping spots in Moab, and it’s open throughout the year. It sits the furthest south than any other spot, positioning us closest to the southern entrance to Canyonlands National Park and The Needles district. It also sits just off Main Street in downtown Moab, allowing us to easily access all the conveniences of the town.

We had the choice between two types of cabins, one sleeping five people and the other sleeping up to six people. Nevertheless, both types of cabins had plush twin and bunk beds, mini-fridges, air conditioning and heat, ADA-compliant ramps, and screened-in porches, with the six-person cabin even featuring a cable TV. When it came to camping, there were pet-friendly tent and RV sites, all of which had fire pits and picnic tables. Moreover, every RV site also had full hook-ups and cement/natural pads and could accommodate RVs up to 50 ft (15 m). Besides Wi-Fi access and cable, the tent sites also had water spigots, cooking grates over fire pits, and natural pads.

Finally, the amenities here included an ATM machine, a playground, laundry facilities, showers, a dump station, and even an on-site gas station. The standout amenity was the wonderful fenced swimming pool with loungers and umbrellas next to it. Is this even camping?

The Needles Campground, Canyonlands National Park

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Most remote. We wanted to cut off from all the bustle, which is why The Needles Campground in Canyonlands National Park was perfect for us. Formerly the Squaw Flat Campground, the Needles campsite is actually two sites divided as “A” and “B,” with a collective total of 26 campsites. The larger of the two areas, “A,” has most of the best sites; they are all spaced out and boast sweeping views over the landscape. However, that doesn’t mean that campground “B” is any less gorgeous. The setting is slightly different; the sites are larger and sit around a few large rock formations, making them very cozy and intimate. That’s why it’s one of Moab, UT’s best campgrounds.

While “A” is always on a first-come, first-served basis, “B” has 12 reservable sites in peak season. Moreover, they have 5 sites exclusively for tents and can accommodate RVs up to 28 ft (8.5 m). Individual campsites have drinking water, flush toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, although there are no RV hook-ups, electricity, dump stations, or showers. That said, there’s even a seasonal campground host located in “A” during fall and spring.

Camping here is perfect for those planning to hike in the remote Needles area. Since many of the trails take an entire day to traverse, staying at the campground is the best way to get an early start.

Moab RV and Glamping Resort, Spanish Valley

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Best pet-friendly. Think of Moab RV and Glamping Resort as a year-round desert paradise. Tucked in the Spanish Valley just 10 minutes from downtown Moab, this peaceful RV, camping, and glamping retreat was just minutes away from Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. We loved the options provided at this Moab campsite, which included spacious full hookup RV sites with 30/50-amp service, large group-friendly tipis, luxurious glamping tents, RV rentals, and even cozy cabins. What’s more, the glamping tents and cabins were thoughtfully furnished with everything we wanted from a comfortable and modern stay. These included air-conditioning and heating, plush beds, and even TVs!

Furthermore, the common amenities here were endless, ranging from modern bathrooms with showers, trash space, and a recycling and dump station to fire pits, firewood/ice sales, and laundry facilities. The best bit is that this campground is pet-friendly and allows domestic pets, including birds, cats, and dogs, but birds should always be kept in one’s RV. 

“Excellent location, pet-friendly, a whole boatload of amneities, and so many choices for staying – this was an excellent campground in Moab.”

WOW Travel

Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground, Canyonlands National Park

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Just like Devils Garden is the only campground in Arches National Park, the Island in the Sky Campground, also known as Willow Flat, is the only campground in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. However, unlike the Arches ones, this campground is first-come, first-served and, thus, sees many tenting campers like us. We loved the location of the campground near the Green River Overlook, which had wonderful canyon lookout views that were just a short stroll away. In fact, there was even a large group fire ring that looked out over this view, so we could enjoy alfresco dining under the stars with superb views.

The campsites are among heavy but small trees, but they all have shelters and picnic tables and are very well-spaced to offer room to spread out and privacy. What’s more, the spaces can also accommodate RVs up to 28 ft in length (8.5 m) and have paved parking pads as well. While there’s no drinking water, there’s a tap at the visitor center. And since the elevation is quite high, temperatures could be cooler than on the ground in Moab. So, no matter when you’re here, do look into packing heated camping blankets or lightweight base travel layers, even during summer.

Since there are just 12 campsites, reserve in advance as the campsite usually fills up every day in March-June and early September-mid-October.

Under Canvas Moab

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Best glamping. We’re huge fans of the Under Canvas camping, or rather “glamping” (glamorous camping) experience, and have stayed at its multiple outposts, from Yellowstone to Acadia. So, we were thrilled to stay at Under Canvas Moab, which is recognized by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as one of the best campgrounds in Moab, UT. This boutique camping experience was just 12 mi (19.3 km) from downtown Moab and 6 mi (9.6 km) from Arches National Park, making it the perfect location to explore the region. But what made it extra special was the amenities. It offered everything from camp programs and adventure packages to culinary experiences; think campfire s’mores, live acoustic music, guided hikes, yoga, and more.

The paradoxically close connection with the outdoors is cushy, yes, but it isn’t detached from nature. We had the choice of a slew of safari tents, complete with wood-burning stoves, hotel-like plush beds, and sitting areas looking out to the great outdoors. We loved conversing with the helpful and friendly staff, who helped us with luggage in the golf carts and even recommended places to see and things to do. When the hunger pangs call, we could grill dinner onsite using the provisions we ordered from the camp or find grab-and-go food items. When darkness fell, the staff built a wonderful communal bonfire where we mingled with fellow campmates, swapped stories, and bonded over delicious marshmallows and s’mores under the starry Utah desert sky. That’s why Under Canvas Moab is one of the best resorts in Moab, UT.

Sun Outdoors North Moab

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We wanted some ease in terms of camping, which is why we headed to Sun Outdoors North Moab, formerly the Slickrock Campground. This pet-friendly, round-the-year campground sits on the other side of downtown, so it’s a short ride from the town’s best drinking, dining, and entertainment. Plus, it was a short bike ride or even a hike from the Colorado River.

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We loved the comforts that came while camping here. There were 10 acres of shaded grounds to relax after a long day in the Utah sun and a store, showers, laundry facilities, and even Wi-Fi. Moreover, all sites, including tent and RV ones, came with recently upgraded sewer and water services. At the same time, RV sites have 30/50-amp electric hookups, and tent and van ones can with 20-amp electric hookups. The RV sites could accommodate campers measuring 25-50 ft (7.6-15 m) in length, including both pull-through and back-in ones. In fact, they even had room for RV slide-out awnings!

The best bit was that all sites had picnic tables and gravel pads, and tent sites even had covered areas and grills.

Wingate Campground, Dead Horse Point State Park

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Wingate Campground is the other camping spot in Dead Horse State Park. The 31 campsites here sit on top of a mesa directly across the canyon from Canyonlands National Park. So, staying here allowed us to soak in the spectacular views of the canyons and the mountains. Moreover, 20 campsites, including RV campsites accommodating rigs up to 56 ft (17 m), have electrical hookups. The rest of the 11 are hike-in, tent-only campsites. Nevertheless, they all have grates, fire pits, shade shelters, and picnic tables. Besides these, there are also six temperature-controlled yurt campsites with running water and shared restrooms. There are no showers, so you might want to invest in camping showers.

That said, the campground has a plethora of amenities, including an RV dump station, flush toilets, and drinking water, but water isn’t available to fill up RVs. With a maximum limit of 8 people per site, check-in time is 3 pm, and check-out time is 12 pm. Finally, they also sell firewood at the Visitor Center and Park entrance.

Kayenta Campground, Dead Horse Point State Park

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Kayenta Campground is one of the two neighboring campgrounds in Dead Horse Point State Park and offers an excellent mix of tent, RV, and even yurt camping. We could choose from 21 campsites, all of which had electrical hookups (20/30/50 amp), tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. Moreover, the campground had restrooms with flush toilets, dump stations, and a visitor’s center. Moreover, firewood was available for sale at the visitor’s center. We loved the fact that the sites were all very well-spaced, thus offering everyone a fair bit of privacy. Plus, the campsites varied in size and even provided lighted shade structures.

This campground is so popular with hikers because both the popular East and West Rim Trails leave right from it. That, combined with thrilling mountain biking trails and unmissable photo opportunities, makes it a cinch for the camping-loving public. That’s why it’s recommended that people wanting to camp here make reservations at least four months in advance, which is easy since they’re accepted throughout the year.

Devils Garden Campground, Arches National Park

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The Devils Garden Campground, the only one in Arches National Park, sits at the top of this list for many reasons. Firstly, the campground lies just 18 mi (29 km) from the park’s entrance, making it very easy for us to get into the park even early in the morning. Secondly, there are 51 developed sites, including one accessible and 2 group sites, all of which sit amongst slickrock formations and outcroppings at an elevation of more than 5,000 ft (1,524 m). Moreover, the parking spurs and roads are paved, allowing us to easily access the campsite. Besides a campground host on the property, there were many amenities here, including drinking water, flush and pit-style toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. That is why it’s one of our favorite Moab campsites. Please note that firewood isn’t for sale, and you must buy a coupon at the Visitor Center.

Due to this, reservations for these sites open as early as 6 months in advance and fill up quickly between 1 March and 31 October. During the November-February off-season, the campsites are first-come, first-served. While individual sites cost USD 25/night, group sites, which can accommodate 11-55 people, cost anywhere between USD 75 and 250/night.

The park doesn’t have showers or sewer/water/electric hookups for RVs, but RVs are welcome nonetheless. Are you headed to Moab in your trailer? Check out the best camper waste tanks and the best camper drinking water tanks.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all of Moab’s campgrounds for their unique features, here is a specialized list to help you choose one for your own adventures:

• Best glamping: Under Canvas Moab
• Best pet-friendly: Moab RV and Glamping Resort, Spanish Valley
• Closest to town: Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown
• Most remote: The Needles Campground, Canyonlands National Park

Where to Camp Near Moab, Utah?

Whether you’re pitching a tent under the stars or parking your RV at the pull-through site, some of the most spectacular scenery in the world is right at your doorstep in Moab. That said, there are many “regions” in and around Moab where you can find campsites. So, which ones are they?

We begin with the region’s crown jewel, Arches National Park, which lies north of the town. It’s extremely popular, which is why its one and only campground, Devil’s Garden, fills up very quickly. It’s a reasonably intimate yet well-spaced site to enjoy camping. Next, there’s Canyonlands National Park, which has four unique districts: the Maze, the Needles, the Island in the Sky, and the canyons made by the combined force of the Green and the Colorado rivers. It’s also one of the plateau’s few places to be a light pollution-free zone, so campers love this place for camping under the stars.

Dead Horse Point State Park, a designated International Dark Park, is even better than that. It lies 40 minutes outside Moab and just outside Canyonlands. With just 21 campsites, bookings here fill up months in advance. Finally, there is BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Camping along the Colorado River and at the Sand Flats Recreation Area.

Is camping in Moab worth it?

Absolutely. Moab’s dramatic landscape makes it one of the most renowned camping regions in the American South. Moreover, there are many excellent choices for campgrounds in Moab, UT.

Is it hard to find camping in Moab?

While it’s not hard to find camping spots if you book months in advance, it’s certainly difficult to find spots if you turn up on an impromptu trip. Most campsites are full every day during September, October, and mid-March to May.

Can you camp at the Moab for free?

While free camping is available well outside the town in Manti LaSal National Forest, it’s best to camp at some of the places we’ve mentioned. These are developed campsites; thus, overnight stays require a fee.