10 Best Campsites Near Arches National Park to Visit in 2025

Arches National Park is a true gem in the American Southwest, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers from around the world with its breathtaking scenery and striking natural formations.

Known for its iconic red rock arches, towering cliffs, and rugged desert terrain, this park offers a blend of beauty and adventure.

In 2025, Arches remains one of the best camping destinations, providing campers with numerous options, from primitive campsites deep within the park to more developed campgrounds with modern amenities nearby.

Today, we want to talk about the best campsites in Arches National Park to make your decision easier.

10. Lower Onion Creek Campground

Lower Onion Creek Campground lies 23 miles east of Moab and caters to outdoor enthusiasts seeking a quieter, more isolated experience.

Found along the Colorado River, the site is ideal for those who thrive on self-reliance and are drawn to natural terrain. Its remote setting eliminates urban noise, creating an atmosphere that encourages reflection and outdoor immersion.

Ideal for rock climbers, off-road adventurers, and rafters, the area serves as a launching point for adrenaline-filled pursuits. Steep canyon walls invite climbers to test their skills, while nearby river access ensures opportunities for rafting or simply cooling off after a long hike.

Trails around the campground wind through the terrain, offering panoramic views and a sense of unfiltered solitude.

Amenities remain minimal, there are no electric hookups, running water, or showers. Campers should arrive prepared to handle their supplies and waste.

For those prioritizing immersion over comfort, Lower Onion Creek rewards with unspoiled nights under star-filled skies and mornings that echo with the sounds of nature alone.

9. Dead Horse Point State Park

Wingate Campground at Dead Horse Point State Park provides a memorable camping experience just 25 miles away from Arches National Park. Nestled high on a mesa, it offers expansive views of the canyons below and skies above, making it one of the best destinations for stargazing in southeastern Utah.

Both RV and tent sites are available, equipped with essential comforts such as flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.

Ideal for travelers planning to see more than Arches, the campground serves as a base for visits to nearby Canyonlands National Park and the awe-inspiring overlook at Dead Horse Point itself. Each day can be filled with exploration of nearby terrain, followed by serene evenings under stars unobstructed by city lights.

Hiking and biking trails surround the campground, drawing in adventure lovers who enjoy scenic routes and open desert air. Visitors often take to the Intrepid Trail System, which offers multiple loops with varying difficulty levels and exceptional views of the Colorado River below.

8. Goose Island Campground

Goose Island Campground sits along the Colorado River, just 2 miles from Moab, offering a rugged and peaceful setting for those seeking proximity to natural water and rock formations.

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the site caters to both tent campers and RV users who don’t require full hookups but value open air and riverside access.

Campers can expect picnic tables and fire rings at each site, making it simple to enjoy a meal outdoors or unwind by a controlled fire in the evening. Tall cottonwood trees provide shade during the hotter months, helping to make summer stays more comfortable.

Without electrical or water hookups, the campground still manages to deliver a quality experience for those interested in stripped-down, scenic camping.

Easy access to both the Colorado River and Arches National Park puts Goose Island in a highly favorable location. Visitors can start their morning with a riverside walk and reach the entrance of Arches within minutes, creating a balanced experience between solitude and adventure.

7. Up The Creek Campground

Up The Creek Campground offers a calm, secluded setting that caters specifically to tent campers. Located just a short walk to downtown Moab, it balances proximity to town with a setting that feels removed from busy crowds.

Cottonwood trees provide ample shade, and several sites lie beside a peaceful creek, enhancing the restful environment.

No pets or campfires are allowed, which helps maintain a clean and quiet space ideal for solo adventurers or couples looking to disconnect and unwind. It’s not built for loud groups or large family gatherings, it’s a retreat meant for simplicity and calm.

Being only five miles from both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, the campground places visitors in a prime spot to head out for day hikes or scenic drives without the chaos of large campground crowds.

After a day of outdoor activity, guests can return to a site where quiet and stillness take over.

6. Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown

Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown delivers a blend of outdoor comfort and proximity to everything Moab has to offer. Nestled just steps away from the city’s restaurants, boutique stores, cafes, and local entertainment, it places campers right in the heart of the action.

For those who want to be close to Arches National Park but also enjoy creature comforts after a day on the trails, this campground checks all the boxes.

Tent campers can enjoy shaded plots perfect for a comfortable night’s rest, while those with RVs will find full hookups and level parking for a hassle-free stay. Cabins are available for travelers seeking shelter with added convenience and privacy.

The general store is stocked with daily essentials, snacks, and camping supplies, saving guests a trip into town for small needs.

A pool and splash pad add refreshing options for hot desert afternoons, offering relaxation for adults and fun for kids. With Wi-Fi access and walkability to local eateries and shops, it fits those who want outdoor access without being disconnected or far removed from town.

Proximity to Arches National Park, just 5 miles away, means easy access to sunrise hikes and evening scenic drives, all while sleeping close to modern conveniences.

5. Portal RV Resort

Portal RV Resort delivers a luxurious camping experience just 3 miles outside Arches National Park. Suited for those who appreciate refinement, it offers a comfortable base without sacrificing access to outdoor attractions.

Guests can choose between high-end RV sites and cabin rentals, each positioned with attention to privacy and space. Grounds are carefully designed, offering wide driveways, elegant design touches, and scenic desert views.

On-site amenities include a pool ideal for cooling off after a hot desert day and a large off-leash dog park, perfect for travelers bringing pets along for the adventure.

Moab’s bustling downtown is only minutes away, making dining, shopping, and adventure outfitters readily accessible. Despite the resort’s upscale tone, it maintains a friendly, laid-back environment that caters to both families and solo travelers.

Portal RV Resort is tailored to campers who prefer structure, comfort, and thoughtful design. It’s an excellent match for those seeking relaxation paired with proximity to Utah’s iconic outdoor attractions.

4. Moab KOA

Moab KOA sits conveniently just 10 miles away from Arches National Park, offering a structured, well-equipped place for campers who want a comfortable outdoor experience.

Located close enough for daily park visits, yet far enough to avoid the dense traffic near the park entrance, it provides a great balance between nature access and convenience.

RV travelers, tent campers, and those looking for cabins will all find fitting options here. The facility is designed to accommodate various camping preferences, making it a strong option for families or mixed groups with different needs.

Every site is clean and thoughtfully arranged, ensuring privacy and accessibility.

Guests enjoy a heated pool, hot tub, and organized family activities during peak seasons, adding a recreational aspect that kids and adults alike appreciate after a long day of hiking or sightseeing. Moab KOA also serves as a practical base for visits to nearby places like Dead Horse Point State Park or Canyonlands.

Blending natural surroundings with reliable comfort, Moab KOA suits those who want structure and amenities during their adventure near Arches.

3. Sand Flats Recreation Area

Tucked just outside Moab, Sand Flats Recreation Area offers a rugged and thrilling base camp for outdoor enthusiasts. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), this expansive destination stretches across slickrock ridges and wide-open mesas, providing an ideal setting for high-energy pursuits.

While its amenities are minimal, the terrain itself is the main attraction, vast, exposed sandstone formations make for perfect off-roading, hiking, and biking adventures.

Adrenaline seekers often flock to Sand Flats to conquer the world-famous Hell’s Revenge trail. Twisting climbs, steep descents, and striking vistas make it one of the most well-known off-highway vehicle (OHV) routes in the region. Other trails like Fins and Things deliver technical challenges and rewarding views for both beginners and seasoned off-roaders.

Mountain bikers also find the terrain engaging, with smooth stretches of slickrock alternating with sharp inclines.

Sand Flats serves as a practical option for large groups. Campsites are spacious and dispersed, allowing friends and families to stay close while enjoying enough room to breathe and unwind. Campers must come prepared to be self-sufficient, but those willing to trade luxury for adventure will find plenty to do.

Located just five miles from Arches National Park, the area offers convenient access to more structured hikes and sightseeing, making it a strategic base for a variety of outdoor plans.

2. Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway

Located just 2 miles away from the entrance of Arches National Park, Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway is a standout choice for visitors seeking both comfort and convenience during their outdoor adventure.

With its close proximity to the park, guests can maximize their time enjoying scenic drives, hikes, and photo opportunities without spending valuable hours commuting back and forth.

Accommodations here cater to a broad range of preferences. Options include well-equipped RV sites, tent sites for a more traditional experience, stylish vacation rentals, and even retro Airstream trailers that offer a touch of nostalgia paired with modern comforts.

Each setup provides easy access to utilities and facilities, making it easy for families and individuals to settle in and relax.

On-site amenities are designed with relaxation and entertainment in mind. After a day in the sun, guests can unwind in the hot tub or take a refreshing swim in the pool.

Children will appreciate the well-maintained playground, while pet owners can take advantage of the dog park to let their companions roam freely. Every detail is arranged to support a balanced experience that merges natural immersion with elevated hospitality.

1. Devil’s Garden Campground

Devil’s Garden Campground remains the only developed camping spot situated within Arches National Park, offering direct access to dramatic rock formations and some of the area’s most popular trails. Located amid natural sandstone formations, the site allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the park’s distinctive terrain.

Avid hikers will appreciate how easy it is to begin treks to Delicate Arch or the Devil’s Garden Loop right from their campsite. Morning light bathes the area in warm hues, creating ideal conditions for early trailheads and peaceful solitude before the crowds arrive.

Facilities are intentionally minimal. Flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings serve as the primary conveniences. What’s not provided in amenities is made up for in serenity. Campers will enjoy uninterrupted skies, ideal for stargazing.

Light pollution is virtually nonexistent, creating perfect conditions for spotting constellations and meteor showers.

Preparation is essential. The campground lacks electrical hookups, reinforcing a truly unplugged experience. Reservations must be made well in advance, often months before arrival, as demand remains high due to its popularity among nature enthusiasts.

Summary

Camping in Arches National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of one of the most iconic landscapes in the United States.

With campsites ranging from rustic BLM land to luxurious RV resorts, campers can choose the experience that best suits their adventure style.

Given the park’s growing popularity, it’s essential to plan ahead and make reservations early, especially during peak seasons when campsites fill up quickly.