Camping and Lodging in Moab, Utah
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, there are no wrong choices. 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 do you need it? because, 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.
Moab Camping & Lodging
From starlit campsites to comfortable hotels—find your perfect basecamp for red rock adventures.
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Camping in Moab
Campgrounds in the National Parks
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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.
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Goose Island: Minutes from Moab with riverside sites and views of the red cliffs.
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Big Bend: Spacious, family-friendly, with easy access to the river.
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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:
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Moab Valley RV Resort & Campground: Pool, cabins, and RV hookups.
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Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway: Large, modern park close to Arches.
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Canyonlands RV Resort & Campground: Walking distance to downtown.
Lodging in Moab
Hotels and Resorts
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SpringHill Suites by Marriott: Modern amenities, great for families, close to Arches.
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Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton: Stylish downtown hotel with spa and pool.
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Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa: A luxury option about 20 minutes from town, right on the Colorado River.
Boutique Inns and Lodges
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Red Cliffs Lodge: A riverside ranch with its own winery and film history museum.
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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
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Spring (March–May): Best weather, but also the busiest season. Reserve early.
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Summer (June–August): Very hot. Hotels with air-conditioning and pools are the best choice. Camping is possible but be prepared for extreme heat.
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Fall (September–October): Ideal for camping—warm days and cool nights.
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Winter (November–February): Quiet season. Some campgrounds close, but hotel rates drop and downtown is peaceful.
Insider Tips for Camping and Lodging
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Goose Island is the fastest to fill in spring—get there early.
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If you’re camping in summer, bring shade tarps and a portable fan.
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Lodges along the river offer quieter nights than downtown hotels.
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For quick trail access, Devils Garden puts you right in the heart of Arches.
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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.
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