Camping and lodging

Wilderness is not a luxury but necessity of the human spirit. ― Edward Abbey

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Camping and Lodging in Moab, Utah: The Ultimate Guide to Where to Stay

Moab is where desert adventure meets real rest. By day, you’ll hike through Arches National Park, mountain bike slickrock, or raft the Colorado River. By night, you need a place to recharge—whether that’s under a sky full of stars or in a soft bed with air-conditioning.

This guide is the most complete resource on camping and lodging in Moab. From national park campgrounds to luxury riverside resorts, you’ll find everything you need to choose the right spot for your trip.

Why Where You Stay in Moab Matters

 

 Moab is different from most outdoor destinations. Campsites sit right next to world-class hiking trails, and boutique inns share the same skyline views as luxury resorts. Choosing the right place to stay can transform your trip: it’s the difference between rolling straight from your tent onto a trail or walking from your hotel to the best breakfast burrito in town.

Discover MOabs Unlimited Beauty

Infographic titled Quick Facts: Camping & Lodging in Moab with six icons showing key details. Tent for 20+ campgrounds, RV for full hookups, hotel building for 100+ lodging options, calendar reminding to book early in spring and fall, thermometer for summer highs over 100°F, and dog icon for pet-friendly stays.

Camping in Moab

Green camping tent set up under the Milky Way in the desert mountains near Moab, Utah.

Campgrounds in the National Parks

  • Devils Garden Campground (Arches National Park)
    The only campground inside Arches. Surrounded by sandstone fins, it puts you within minutes of hikes like Landscape Arch and Double O Arch. Reservations open six months in advance and sell out fast.

  • Willow Flat Campground (Canyonlands Island in the Sky)
    Small, first-come, first-served sites with dramatic mesa sunsets. No water, so bring your own.

  • The Needles Campground (Canyonlands The Needles District)
    Larger, quieter, and perfect if you want access to longer backcountry trails like Chesler Park.

BLM and Public Land Campgrounds

Moab’s Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are famous for their river views and proximity to town. These are first-come, first-served and usually fill by late morning in spring and fall.

  • Goose Island: Minutes from Moab with riverside sites and views of the red cliffs.

  • Big Bend: Spacious, family-friendly, with easy access to the river.

  • Sand Flats Recreation Area: Popular with mountain bikers and off-roaders, right next to the Slickrock Bike Trail.

Private Campgrounds and RV Parks

If you prefer showers, hookups, and reservations, Moab has a range of private campgrounds:

  • Moab Valley RV Resort & Campground: Pool, cabins, and RV hookups.

  • Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway: Large, modern park close to Arches.

  • Canyonlands RV Resort & Campground: Walking distance to downtown.

Lodging in Moab

 

Hotels and Resorts

  • SpringHill Suites by Marriott: Modern amenities, great for families, close to Arches.

  • Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton: Stylish downtown hotel with spa and pool.

  • Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa: A luxury option about 20 minutes from town, right on the Colorado River.

Boutique Inns and Lodges

  • Red Cliffs Lodge: A riverside ranch with its own winery and film history museum.

  • Sunflower Hill Inn: A locally loved bed-and-breakfast with peaceful gardens.

Vacation Rentals

Airbnb and VRBO rentals in Moab range from downtown condos with kitchens to off-grid desert cabins. Great for groups, families, or longer stays.

Seasonal Guide: Where to Stay When

  • Spring (March–May): Best weather, but also the busiest season. Reserve early.

  • Summer (June–August): Very hot. Hotels with air-conditioning and pools are the best choice. Camping is possible but be prepared for extreme heat.

  • Fall (September–October): Ideal for camping—warm days and cool nights.

  • Winter (November–February): Quiet season. Some campgrounds close, but hotel rates drop and downtown is peaceful.

Insider Tips for Camping and Lodging

  • Goose Island is the fastest to fill in spring—get there early.

  • If you’re camping in summer, bring shade tarps and a portable fan.

  • Lodges along the river offer quieter nights than downtown hotels.

  • For quick trail access, Devils Garden puts you right in the heart of Arches.

  • If you want nightlife, stay in town—Moab’s restaurants and breweries are within walking distance of many hotels.

Comparison Tables

Top Campgrounds in Moab

Campground Location Reservations Amenities Best For
Devils Garden (Arches) Inside Arches NP Required (Mar–Oct) Toilets, water Hikers, families
Goose Island (BLM) 2 miles from Moab, riverside First-come, first-served Toilets, no water Close to town, river views
Sand Flats Rec Area Near Slickrock Bike Trail First-come, first-served Toilets, no water Mountain bikers, off-roaders
Moab Valley RV Resort North of Moab Reservations Full hookups, showers RVs, families, comfort seekers

Best Lodging in Moab

Lodging Option Type Price Range Unique Feature Distance to Arches
SpringHill Suites Hotel $$–$$$ Pool, family-friendly 5 minutes
Hoodoo Moab Luxury Hotel $$$ Spa, rooftop bar 10 minutes
Red Cliffs Lodge Boutique Lodge $$–$$$ Winery, riverside ranch 20 minutes
Sorrel River Ranch Luxury Resort $$$$ Spa, horse stables 25 minutes

FAQs

Where can I camp for free in Moab?
Dispersed camping is allowed on some BLM land outside town. Always follow current regulations, bring your own water, and pack out all waste.

Do I need reservations for camping in Moab?
Yes for national park campgrounds and most private RV parks. BLM campgrounds are first-come, first-served.

Can I sleep in my car in Moab?
Only in designated campgrounds. Overnight parking in town or at trailheads is not allowed.

What’s the closest campground to Arches National Park?
Devils Garden inside the park, or Goose Island just outside the entrance.

When is the best time to camp in Moab?
Spring and fall offer the best conditions. Summer is extremely hot and winter can be cold at night.

Infographic titled Safety Callouts with four icons: water bottle with heat waves reminding hikers to carry extra water, raincloud with lightning warning about flash floods, campfire crossed out showing fire bans, and a critter paw next to a food bag advising secure food storage.

Safety Callouts

  • Heat: Always carry more water than you think you need.

  • Flash Floods: Avoid low-lying campsites if storms are forecast.

  • Fires: Fire bans are common—check rules before lighting a campfire.

  • Wildlife: Store food securely to avoid attracting critters.

Next Steps for Planning

  • Decide if you want to camp, stay in a hotel, or rent a vacation home.

  • Book early, especially for spring and fall weekends.

  • Download offline maps—cell service is spotty outside town.

  • Pack for both heat and cool evenings.

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Final Word

Whether you’re roasting marshmallows by the Colorado River or relaxing at a spa with red rock views, Moab offers a place to stay for every traveler. The right basecamp makes your desert adventure unforgettable.

Infographic with four icons showing tips for planning a Moab trip: choose camping, hotel, or vacation rental; book early for spring and fall weekends; download offline maps due to spotty cell service; and pack for both heat and cool evenings.

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