Moab Desert Camping Guide: Free BLM Sites and Parks
Complete guide to camping near Moab, Utah with detailed info on BLM free sites, developed campgrounds in Arches and Canyonlands, camping tips, and the best seasons to visit.
Moab: Adventure Base Camp
Moab is surrounded by two national parks (Arches and Canyonlands), endless BLM land, and the Colorado River. It’s a magnet for mountain bikers, jeepers, climbers, and rafters. And the camping options are as varied as the adventures.
Whether you want a developed campground with showers or a free dispersed site with nobody around, Moab delivers.
Developed Campgrounds
Inside the Parks
Devil’s Garden (Arches NP) Sites: 50 | Reservable: Yes (March-October), First-come (winter)
The only campground in Arches. Sites nestled among sandstone fins and towers.
Why it’s special: Wake up in the park, beat the crowds to Delicate Arch Book: 6 months ahead at Recreation.gov Tips: Even winter sites (first-come) fill by late morning
Willow Flat (Canyonlands - Island in the Sky) Sites: 12 | Reservable: No (first-come)
Basic sites on the Island in the Sky mesa. No water, vault toilets.
Why it’s special: Solitude in Canyonlands, short drive to Grand View Point Tips: Arrive early for any chance at a site
BLM Campgrounds (Reservable)
Sand Flats Recreation Area Sites: 120+ | Near: Slickrock Trail
Pay camping ($20/night) with vault toilets. Right at the trailhead for the famous Slickrock mountain bike trail.
Best for: Mountain bikers, easy access from town
Goose Island / Big Bend / Hal Canyon Sites: Various | Location: Highway 128 along Colorado River
BLM riverside campgrounds along the scenic byway. Cottonwood trees, river access, red rock walls.
Best for: Rafters, scenic camping, Colorado River access Note: These fill up fast—arrive before noon on busy weekends
Free Dispersed Camping
This is where Moab really shines. BLM land surrounds the town, and dispersed camping is free and plentiful (14-day limit).
Popular Areas
Willow Springs Road (near Arches entrance) Multiple pulloffs with established sites. Close to town and Arches. Downside: Popular = can be crowded and noisy
Highway 128 (River Road) Pulloffs between the paid campgrounds. Stunning scenery. Downside: Limited spots, gets picked over by afternoon
Klondike Bluffs Road North of town, near the Klondike Bluffs trailhead. Fewer people than the Arches area.
Highway 313 (toward Dead Horse Point) Dispersed options along this road. Good access to Dead Horse Point and Island in the Sky.
Lockhart Basin Road Remote, requires high-clearance, and truly wild. Not for beginners, but incredible solitude.
Finding Dispersed Sites
Rules:
- Camp on previously disturbed sites (look for fire rings)
- 300 feet from water sources
- Pack out all trash
- Check fire restrictions (often Stage 1 or 2 in dry seasons)
Resources:
- freecampsites.net has GPS coordinates
- iOverlander app is solid
- Scout in daylight, not at dusk
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May)
Ideal. Cool nights, warm days, wildflowers in good years.
March: Can be cool, less crowded April-May: Prime time, book early
Fall (September-November)
The other ideal season. Summer heat fades, crowds thin after Labor Day.
Summer (June-August)
HOT. 100°F+ days. If you go, plan activities for early morning and evening. Seek shade midday.
Winter (December-February)
Possible snow, cold nights, but stunning and uncrowded. Four-wheel drive may be needed for some dispersed areas.
Desert Camping Tips
Water
Bring ALL of it. 2 gallons per person per day in hot weather. There’s no reliable water in the desert.
Heat Management
- Camp in shade when possible
- Use reflective tarps
- Stay in the river during midday
- Don’t underestimate hydration needs
Wind
Desert winds are constant and sometimes fierce. Stake everything, bring windbreaks, protect your food from sand.
Flash Floods
If rain is in the forecast, stay out of washes. Flash floods kill people every year in this area. Check weather.gov.
Side Trips
Dead Horse Point State Park
Maybe better views than the Grand Canyon (controversial take). Campground available ($40/night, reservable).
Fisher Towers
Dramatic sandstone spires. Great camping nearby (BLM, first-come).
Needles District (Canyonlands)
South of Moab. Less crowded than Island in the Sky, incredible backcountry.
Corona Arch Trail
Easy hike to a massive freestanding arch. Free, no permits.
The Bottom Line
Moab is one of the best camping destinations in the American West. Between the national parks, the BLM land, and the river corridor, you can find everything from developed sites with amenities to completely free dispersed camping with million-dollar views.
Come prepared for the desert—water, sun protection, and respect for the fragile landscape. Then go explore.
Red rock, blue sky, no limits.