Under Canvas Moab
Your Complete Local Guide to Staying, Exploring, and Adventuring Near Arches and CanyonlandsIf you have ever dreamed of waking up in the desert with the La Sal Mountains glowing pink to the east and the red cliffs catching first light to the west, Under Canvas Moab brings that dream right into your tent. Under Canvas Moab sits just north of town along Highway 191, surrounded by open desert and sandstone buttes that feel worlds away from the rush of Moab’s main streets. When you stay here, you begin and end each day in a quiet pocket of wilderness while still being close enough to reach Arches, Canyonlands, the Colorado River, and downtown restaurants within minutes.
Quick Facts Under Canvas Moab
Location
Under Canvas Moab sits roughly six miles north of downtown Moab and about ten minutes from the entrance to Arches National Park.
Type of Stay
Safari style canvas tents with real beds, wood burning stoves in cooler seasons, fire pits, and outdoor lounge spaces.
Season
Typically open from early spring through late fall, with the most comfortable nights from April into early June and again in September and October.
What Staying at Under Canvas Moab Feels Like
Under Canvas Moab gives you the sweet spot between the wild desert and the comforts that make a busy adventure day feel restful at night. Once you turn off Highway 191 and follow the quiet road to the camp, the noise drops away and the landscape opens around you. Red cliffs rise on both sides of the valley, and the tents sit spaced across the desert floor so each one feels private and calm.
Inside your tent, you will find comfortable beds with quality linens, a small sitting area, and depending on your tent type, a private bathroom or access to shared bathhouses. At night, the desert cools down and the stars come out in full force. If you have never stepped outside at midnight in the Moab desert, you are in for a sky full of glittering light you will not forget. The tents move slightly with the breeze, and the quiet settles deep.
This is a place where you slow down. You wake with soft morning light, brew coffee while the sandstone warms, and then head out for your chosen adventure without the stress of being right in the middle of town. When you come back in the evening dusty, hungry, and tired in the best way, you have a comfortable bed waiting.
Why Travelers Choose Under Canvas Moab
Under Canvas Moab fits travelers who want to stay close to nature without giving up comfort. You are outside enough to feel the elements, watch the sky, hear the wind, and see wildlife stroll by, but you still have real beds, warm showers, and shaded areas to relax.
People stay here because:
You are close to Arches National Park. You can be at the entrance in about ten minutes, which makes sunrise hikes or evening arcs of golden light easy to reach.
You get true desert quiet. Unlike downtown hotels, there are no cars revving down Main Street or bars emptying at night. It is peaceful.
It pairs beautifully with adventure days. After canyoneering, biking, or rafting, nothing beats settling into the desert with a campfire and soft bed.
Kids love it. Families get the fun of camping without the extra logistics.
Couples love it. The desert is romantic, especially with a private deck and a bright star scene overhead.
The Tents and Amenities at Under Canvas Moab
Under Canvas offers several tent types, each one designed to meet different needs.
Suite Tents
These have a private bathroom, a king bed, a lounge area, and space to spread out. Good for couples or anyone who wants more comfort.
Stargazer Tents
These come with a big viewing window above the bed so you can fall asleep under the stars. This is a favorite of returning guests, and the experience is unforgettable.
Safari Tents
A classic choice with a comfortable bed and access to nearby shared bathhouses that are clean and well maintained.
Kids Tent Add Ons
Many visitors add a private adjacent tent for kids. It gives families an adventure and enough space to sleep well.
Common Areas
You will find outdoor seating, fire pits, shade structures, and places to relax after long adventure days. The staff keeps the grounds tidy and peaceful.
What to Expect Season by Season
Moab changes dramatically through the year, and Under Canvas Moab changes with it.
Spring
This is one of the best times to stay. Days are warm, evenings are cool, desert flowers bloom, and mornings feel fresh. It can still be chilly at night in early spring, but the stoves in the tents help.
Summer
Expect hot days and warm nights. Under Canvas is still enjoyable, especially if you plan sunrise activities and rest during the hottest part of the afternoon. Think shade, hydration, and slow pacing in the middle of the day.
Fall
Another prime season. Fall light is golden, the nights are crisp, and it might be the single best time for sleeping in a tent in Moab.
Winter
Under Canvas Moab usually closes in winter. If you want a winter glamping experience, the sister property ULUM Moab is the better choice.
How Long You Should Stay
Most travelers stay two to four nights. This gives you enough time to explore Arches, join a guided adventure, see Canyonlands, and still enjoy quiet evenings at camp. If you want more rest built into your trip, add a fifth night and space your activities out.
Terrain and Real Desert Conditions to Expect
Under Canvas Moab sits on a high desert bench. The ground is sandy and rocky, and the surrounding terrain is open with huge sky views in all directions. Shade is limited outside the tent structures, so mid day sun can feel intense in summer. Mornings and evenings are calm, cool, and beautiful.
Wind can come through suddenly, especially in spring. The tents are built to handle this, but it is helpful to expect a little movement. This is real desert country, and the weather shifts quickly.
Local Insight You Will Not Find on a Map
Walk the camp at sunrise.
The light is soft, the air is cool, and the cliffs turn warm gold. This is when the desert feels alive.
Plan adventures early or late.
If the day will be hot, schedule your hike or guided tour at first light.
Keep a soft blanket nearby for star watching.
Nights cool down quickly, even in summer.
Visit Arches in the late afternoon.
Crowds drop off, temperatures come down, and the evening glow on the rock is incredible.
If you want extra privacy, request a tent on the outer edge of camp.
These get the best night sky views.
Adventures That Pair Perfectly With a Stay at Under Canvas Moab
Under Canvas Moab sits in one of the most adventure rich corners of the American desert. Each day you can step straight into a new landscape or a new kind of challenge. Here are the experiences that fit best with this kind of stay.
Canyoneering
Moab has world class canyons. A guided canyoneering tour is one of the most memorable adventures you can do here and fits perfectly with the glamping experience. Routes like Morning Glory, Entrajo, or the canyons near the Colorado River offer rappelling, scrambling, and beautiful sculpted sandstone.
Rafting on the Colorado River
A half day river trip on the Colorado is ideal for families and groups. It cools you down in summer and gives you views of the cliffs from water level. Calm water sections near Fisher Towers are perfect for relaxed floats.
Off Road Tours
If you want to see famous 4×4 routes without driving them yourself, book a guided jeep or UTV tour. Hell’s Revenge and Fins and Things are the classic choices. Guided tours let you enjoy the terrain safely while learning about the geology and history of the area
Hiking
Staying this close to Arches means you can reach Delicate Arch, Devils Garden, or the Windows before many visitors arrive. A guided hike can help you pick the right trail for your fitness level and interests.
Mountain Biking
If you want a mellow ride, the Moab Brand Trails are close to Under Canvas. If you want something more technical, ask a local guide about longer rides that match your experience.
Is Under Canvas Moab good for families?
Yes. Under Canvas Moab is one of the best family friendly places near the parks. Kids love the space, the fire pits, and the adventure of sleeping in a tent with a real bed. Parents get the comfort of hot showers and an easy base for daily adventures.
How far is Under Canvas Moab from Arches National Park?
Under Canvas Moab is about ten minutes from the entrance to Arches. This makes sunrise or sunset trips very easy and helps you avoid some of the midday crowd pressure.
Do the tents have private bathrooms?
Some tents do. The Suite and Deluxe style tents include private bathrooms. Safari tents use shared bathhouses that are clean and well maintained.
What is the best time of year to stay at Under Canvas Moab?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and the most beautiful light. Summer is still enjoyable if you plan around the heat, especially with early morning activities.
Is it safe to stay in a tent during wind or storms?
Tents at Under Canvas are built for desert weather and hold up well. The staff keeps an eye on changing conditions. Desert storms move through quickly, and the camp is prepared for them.
Do you need to bring your own bedding?
No. The tents come with comfortable beds, linens, and pillows. You only need your personal items.
Can you see the stars from camp?
Absolutely. The night sky at Under Canvas Moab is one of the highlights. The stargazer tents make it even better with the viewing window above the bed.
Are campfires allowed?
Under Canvas provides controlled fire pits for guests and follows local fire regulations. Fire restrictions may be in place during dry periods.
Does Under Canvas Moab work well for first time Moab visitors?
Yes. It is close to the parks, easy to navigate, and offers a peaceful place to return each night. It is a comfortable introduction to the desert landscape.
Can I book guided adventures through Moab outfitters while staying here?
Yes. Many travelers book guided canyoneering tours, rafting trips, off road tours, and guided hikes while staying at Under Canvas. It is a great home base for adventure days.
How long should I stay at Under Canvas Moab?
Two to four nights is ideal for most visitors. If you want a more relaxed pace, add a night to spread out your adventures.
Is Under Canvas Moab pet friendly?
Policies can vary by season, so check current guidelines when booking. Some seasons allow pets in certain tent types.