The landscapes surrounding Moab offer diverse camping experiences at varying elevations, from the 4,000-foot Colorado River corridor to the 6,000-foot highlands near the La Sal Mountains. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, with winter nights often dropping below freezing even when daytime temperatures reach the 60s. Many campsites in the area have minimal shade, making sun protection and proper hydration essential year-round for utah moab camping adventures.
What to do
Hike to dinosaur tracks: Near Willow Springs Trail camping area, several campers report finding dinosaur tracks on nearby trails. As one visitor noted, "Our caravan had 3 campers and 15 people, plenty of space even with it being Jeep safari and spring break. The kids loved climbing the rocks and bonus there is a trail with dinosaur tracks!"
Mountain biking proximity: Utahraptor State Park Campground provides convenient access to popular mountain biking routes. "Close to the Soverign MTB trail system, and a little south from Klondike. Road is rough in a couple spots as you go farther back," explains one visitor, while another mentions, "In fact, at the end of this road is the KlonZo trail network. That's a really nice set of trails if you don't want to drive."
Explore multiple parks: From Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway, visitors can easily reach both national parks. "Beautiful setting, good location" reports one camper, who explains, "We've stayed at 3 of the 4 sun outdoors in Moab now. We drive a class c and do not tow a car. The Moab transit is convenient and user friendly."
What campers like
Night sky viewing: Willow Springs Trail offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. "OMG the stars. Can't wait to go back. It was active, but we just grabbed the first spot we found," shares one camper. Another adds, "Zero privacy. Lots of people, which I was not expecting. Lots of vehicle traffic too... Junipers take extremely long to grow, so please don't use the branches to burn."
Riverside camping: Grandstaff Campground provides riverside sites with riparian habitat. "Outside Moab you can find a string of campgrounds along a scenic drive along the Colorado River. I tent camped at Grandstaff which is sandwiched between the river and the road," one camper reports. Another visitor notes, "A quiet campsite tucked in along the Colorado River under the cliffs of Moab, this is literally my fav place I have ever camped."
Pool access: When temperatures climb, some campers appreciate access to swimming facilities. "The pool was really nice to be able to cool off in 110 degree weather. Centrally located and free showers!!" reports one visitor to Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown. At Moab Rim RV Campark, visitors found similar amenities useful: "They had full hookups including water even in the winter with below freezing temperatures. The bathrooms were also nice and clean."
What you should know
Porta-potty availability: Many dispersed camping areas around Moab have basic sanitation. One camper at Utahraptor State Park reports, "There are porta potties distributed adequately and a trash dumpster near the exit. We also had fair Verizon cell coverage." Another notes, "They did have two surprisingly clean porta-potties on the road which appear to be serviced weekly."
Limited privacy: Most established campgrounds have sites close together. At Sun Outdoors North Moab, a visitor notes, "All the sites are packed tightly together, not much privacy." Another camper reports, "The tent sites had canopy for shade, picnic table, and a charcoal grill. However all the sites are packed tightly together, not much privacy."
Early arrival recommended: Popular spots fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "This site can get extremely windy and stormy so make sure to have the necessary equipment and stakes depending on how you're camping," warns one Grandstaff Campground visitor. At the dispersed camping areas near Moab, timing matters: "It is free, there are no designated spots for your rv. It's kind of a free for all so if you don't want someone to park next to you, set it up so you can have the most privacy."
Tips for camping with families
Check for shade options: Some campgrounds offer more protection from the sun. At Devils Garden Campground, one camper reports, "The site was huge with large boulders for some shade early in the day. This site is well spaced from other campsites so you don't feel cramped." Another site with good shade is Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown, where a visitor notes, "They have RV spots, small cabins, and private tent camping. Bathrooms are clean. Good water pressure in showers. Nice little heated pool and splash pad."
Consider cabin options: For families wanting more comfort, several campgrounds offer cabin rentals. At Moab KOA, a visitor reports, "We arrived on the later side of things and every camp area was full, in all of Moab, KOA had four cabins available so we snatched one up. It was a new cabin and it was wonderful... It had a queen bed in the room you first walk in to. Then beyond that was another room with a bunk bed and a full bathroom."
Look for activity amenities: Some campgrounds have built-in entertainment options. A visitor to Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway mentions, "We had an ideal site with a nice big lawn area we set up a whole game area in." Another family-friendly feature noted at Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown: "This is a great little campground with easy access to downtown Moab. Walk to all the local amenities and downtown attractions. Short drive to Arches National Park and easy access to endless Mountain Biking. Perfect for families."
Tips from RVers
Site positioning matters: At Moab Rim RV Campark, site selection affects comfort level. "We were in the back lot (79) not on the map pictured. The CampPark also had several small cabins that looked adorable, and prices vary by season," notes one RVer. Another warns, "Sites are so narrow that you are 3 feet from your neighbor. We didn't even have our own table. Had to share a table if we wanted to use a table."
Road condition awareness: When taking RVs to dispersed camping areas, road conditions can vary. At the Willow Springs area, one visitor advises, "The road is rough in a couple spots as you go farther back, which can help add some privacy from larger rigs, but takes longer to get back to the main road." Another camper shares, "Willow Springs Trail is VERY bumpy and I was surprised at the testicular fortitude of some of the people driving their nice trailers down it."
Service access considerations: Some campgrounds offer better utilities during extreme weather. One visitor to the Moab area notes, "The positive is that they had full hookups including water even in the winter with below freezing temperatures." Another RVer at Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab reported, "High clearance would be good if you want to go deep down into spots that are more rocky and sandy but if not you can find spots right along the road."
