Arches National Park Camping Guide in 2024: Where to Camp In & Near Arches
LOOKING INTO ARCHES NATIONAL PARK CAMPING?
We’ve got all the details you need in one place! We have spent months traveling around Southern Utah and have camped in Moab on many occasions. We’ve put together a guide with essential information about camping in the park as well as other details to help you enjoy a great Arches National Park camping experience!
It does not matter if you are tent camping in Arches National Park or RV camping in Arches National Park. The Arches National Park campground is a great spot to enjoy the wonderful activities in Arches and the surrounding Moab area.
We love visiting Arches and the great views it offers. Where you stay can make a big difference in how your trip will go. This guide will help you make the best choice for you and your family for your in Arches National Park.
Camping can be one of the best things to do in Arches National Park, as well as one of the fun things to do in Moab with kids.
Arches National Park Camping
Devil’s Garden Campground
The Devil’s Garden Campground is the only campground in Arches National Park other than a few backcountry camping sites. This is a nice campground and is often full because it allows you to camp inside Arches National Park. This means you will have easy and close access to all the great arches and hikes found in the area.
The campground is towards the back of Arches and is about 18 miles inside of the park and 23 miles from Moab, Utah.
Tent & RV Camping Sites
There are a total of 51 Arches National Park camping sites at the Devils Garden Campground in Arches National Park. Two of those sites are tent-only, two are RV sites (pad sites), and 47 are standard sites meaning they can be used for either.
None of the sites at the Devils Garden have full hookups, dump station, or electric hookups. There are flush toilets and potable water, but for everything else, you should be self-sustaining.
Group Camping Sites
There are two group campsites at the Devils Garden Campground, and both are for tent use. The two group sites are called Juniper Basin and Canyon Wren. The Juniper Basin Campground requires a minimum of 11 people and has a maximum capacity of 55 people.
The Canyon Wren Campsite requires a minimum of 11 people with a maximum of 35 people. The check-in is 12 P.M., and the check-out time is 10 A.M.
Campground Amenities
The campground does not offer a lot of amenities, but the best amenity is that it is inside Arches National Park. The campground has an amphitheater, restrooms, and running water. Pets are allowed in this campground, but you should be aware that many of the hiking trails do not allow dogs.
The campground has picnic tables and fire rings, but you will need to purchase firewood in the town of Moab or the visitor center bookstore.
Camping Reservations & Fees
Reservations are important if you are wanting to stay at this campground because it is in a highly sought-after location. You can make reservations six months in advance, and you have a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.
Timed Entry Tickets
The great thing about staying at this campground is that you do not have to deal with the timed entry tickets because you are already staying inside the campground. The timed entry starts April 1st and ends October 31st.
With this system, you will need to select a day and a time that you will be entering Arches National Park.
You can reserve your time at Recreation.gov. The reservation is free, but there is a small processing fee.
Winter Camping
The campground is typically open year-round. This means you can do some winter camping. If you are visiting in the winter, you will enjoy far fewer crowds and will have an easier time booking your campsite. In general, the park is less busy outside of the months when timed entry is required.
During the winter, the weather can be cold, and it does snow, so make sure you come prepared. If you are going to be visiting in the winter months or want to learn more about the weather and things you can do during the winter, check out some of our articles on Moab in December or Moab in January.
How to Get to Devil’s Garden Campground
The Devil’s Garden Campground is super easy to find and get to, but it does take a little bit to drive to once you get to the park. The campground is towards the back of the park, 18 miles inside of the park.
After you enter the park, you will follow the main road until you get to the Devil’s Garden. As you get to the end of Main Park Rd, there is a loop as you stay to the right. Upon entering the loop, the campground will be on your right.
Arches Campground Map
Backcountry Camping in Arches National Park
Backcountry camping can be one of the most fun things to do in Arches National Park, but there are a few things to be aware of before you start so you are prepared. You will need a backcountry permit to hike and camp in Arches backcountry.
Permits are issued up to 7 days before your hike and are issued at the Backcountry Permit Office. Permits must be picked up in person. You can only have seven people per permit, so if you have a large group, you will need to get multiple permits.
Three nights is the longest stay allowed at each campsite.
Backcountry Permit Office
Hours: Open Weekdays (Monday-Friday), 8 am-4 pm MT, except federal holidays
Permit Cost: $7 per person
NPS Backcountry Permit Office: 2282 SW Resource Blvd. Moab, UT
When backcountry hiking and camping in Arches, you need to pack out all of your waste. This means you will need some sort of portable human waste bag or toilet. Check out the great REI options, as they have many options to choose from.
If you want more information on backcountry camping and hiking in Arches National Park, check out the national park website and make sure you give them a call if you have any questions.
Camping Near Arches National Park
There are lots of camping options outside of Arches National Park. There are options for BLM campgrounds where you can boondock, state parks, or private options like Sun Outdoors.
You can also check out great dispersed camping near Moab. We have spent many nights boondocking in this area and always have a great time.
RV Camping Near Arches National Park
If you are looking for a private campground with an abundance of site options and amenities, you will want to look at Sun Outdoors.
They have four different locations in the Moab area. Staying here is actually one of the most fun things to do in Moab with kids. We have stayed here, and our kids love the pool and hot tub. The pool is heated and was super warm for pool standards.
There is a state park in the area that people enjoy. It is called Utah Raptor State Park. It used to be a popular boondocking site because it is close to everything, but we suspect it was getting so much traffic the government wanted to regulate the area a bit more, so now it costs 15 dollars a night.
We stayed here, and it was a great spot. Cell service was a little spotty, but it worked.
There are lots of campgrounds in Moab and campgrounds near Moab that you can enjoy visiting Arches National Park. They are economical campgrounds but don’t offer many services. Most have vault toilets, but that is about all they have.
People like these because they are very close to the activities they enjoy. If you want to be close to rock climbing or the off-road trails, you can find a campground almost across the street from most activities.
Do keep in mind that most of the area’s fun adventures are close. You can get to 90 percent of the fun trails, national parks, hiking, biking, food, and adventures all within 5 to 30 minutes of almost anywhere near Moab.
BLM Dispersed Camping Near Arches national park
If you are looking for dispersed camping, there are many reasonable options. Moab has lots of Bureau of Land Management land that can be used for boondocking and finding your own space. We love boondocking because you are not packed into a small tight space like you are in an RV park or some campground.
Do keep in mind that big rigs, large toy haulers, or 5th wheels are not all suitable in all the dispersed camping sites. The Yellow Circle area and the area North of the Utah Raptor State Park are the best options for larger RVs.
Free Camping Near Arches National Park
There are many options for free camping near Arches National Park. The area is surrounded by national park and BLM land, which often allows for free camping.
We love to find free camping spots, but sometimes it is hard to know which are viable and which are not. This is especially an issue if you have a larger camp trailer.
If you are getting in late or are a little nervous about finding a free camping spot, then you should go to Utah Raptor State Park. It used to be a free campground but is now a state park. It is only $15 dollars to stay, and the area is huge. There are lots of options for all size trailers.
The road getting in is a little bumpy, so make sure you drive slowly. The area can also get a little crowded during the popular times of the year because it is in a good location close to Arches, Canyonlands National Parks, and downtown Moab is only 20 minutes away.
How to Get to Arches National Park
Arches National Park is right off of the US-191 near Moab, Utah. If you are driving south because you are coming from Salt Lake City 5 or 6 minutes before you drive into Moab, Arches will be on your left. You will know you are getting close to Arches and Moab when you pass Moab Giants.
Moab Giants is easy to spot because it is right along the HWY and has huge dinosaur statues that you can easily see from the road. The statues are life-size versions of the dinosaurs they represent. This is a fun stop if you have the time and you want to learn about dinosaurs.
Cabins & Lodging Near Arches National Park
There are so many lodging options when visiting Arches National Park. There is something for everyone. You can stay at a budget motel like the Red Stone Inn, or you can stay at an incredible resort with spectacular views, spa options, and a very nice restaurant with Sorrel River Ranch.
Many of the hotels in the surrounding area also have cabin or casita options because of all the family-friendly activities. These cabins are great for the whole family to spend some time together, with full kitchens and more space than your typical hotel room. The Hyatt Place Moab has some good options for casitas.
If you are interested in a complete breakdown of hotels in downtown Moab or hotels near Arches National Park visit our other articles for a great breakdown of your different options in the area, like Element Moab.
Things to Do in Arches National Park
There are lots of things to do in Arches National Park, from the junior ranger program to 4×4 jeep trails or hiking. You will love your time in Moab.
Hiking in Arches National Park
Here are some of our favorite Moab hiking trails in the park and arches.
- The Windows
- Sand Dune Arch
- The Devil’s Garden
- Landscape Arch
- Delicate Arch
- Double Arch
If you want to visit a few sweet arches that are not inside Arches National Park, check out Jeep Arch and Corona Arch. These are huge and very pretty arches with great hikes.
Tours of Arches National Park
Arches National Park has some fun tours for those who want a guide. We love taking guided tours because we learn more, and they always know where the best spots are. There are lots of fun jeep tours in Moab.
Check out our favorite tours when visiting Arches National Park. They are also a great place to meet people and see all of the fun things to do in Moab.
- Arches National Park 4×4 Adventure from Moab: Explore the less-traveled 4×4 roads in the park with an experienced guide to see less well-known arches and beautiful views
- Immersive Arches National Park Half Day Scenic Tour: Learn more about the amazing geology and botany found inside Arches National Park
- Ultimate Utah Bundle Self-Driving Audio Tour: This self-guided audio tour is a perfect add-on to your adventure through Arches and the southern Utah area
- Canyonlands & Arches National Parks Airplane Tour: See the amazing canyons and Colorado River in Canyonlands as well as the amazing landscapes in Arches from above in a memorable airplane tour
- Full-Day Private Hiking Tour in Arches or Canyonlands National Park: Hike with an experienced guide in the national park of your choice – Arches vs. Canyonlands
Arches National Park Camping Rules and Regulations
When camping in Arches, there are some rules and regulations that everyone should be aware of when making their campground reservation. One policy that everyone should be aware of before booking anything is the cancelation policy.
Plans can change, and you should be aware of how they can affect your reservations.
Cancellation Policy
The reservation can be canceled at any time before the date of your arrival. You can get a refund; however, there are some small fees associated with a cancelation. There is a $10 cancellation fee, and if you were charged a fee at booking, those fees will not be refunded.
You can only stay for seven consecutive nights. After seven nights, you will have to stay somewhere else before you can return to the campground. You can book four reservations with the same credit card.
For a complete list of rules and regulations, you can visit Recreation.gov.
What to Bring Camping in Arches National Park
If you want to make sure you have everything for your camping road trip, below are some of our favorite camping items you may enjoy.
POP UP SHOWER AND SHOWER TENT
Being able to shower anywhere with absolute privacy and always remaining clean when Moab dispersed camping is a game changer.
The best pop-up shower tents provide us with more than enough space to shower. More importantly, they’re discrete to use and offer privacy from prying eyes.
▶ SHOP Pop Up Shower and Shower Tent
CELL PHONE BOOSTER
In the hilly terrains of Moab, the signal can sometimes get spotty and sometimes even drop. Having a cell phone booster, however, will reliably get you a strong signal where you would have a single bar.
Of course, a cell phone booster won’t pull a signal out of thin air or where it doesn’t exist, but it may mean the difference between email-only communication and the ability to do web conferencing or streaming video. We would recommend the WeBoost Drive 4G-S.
SOLAR PANELS
We are a big supporter of solar power. It’s not only convenient but provides a nice supplement to your generator.
Solar panels don’t use gas, are noiseless, and don’t need to be started or stopped. If you are unsure about solar panels, get a good starter pack.
POP-UP PICNIC TABLE
Picnic tables are handy for food preparation and serving. Choose the one with adjustable height and one you can level the legs on uneven ground.
OUTDOOR CAMP RUG
There are many reasons you should consider an outdoor rug when trying camping in Moab.
The terrain here can be dirty, and an outdoor camp rug will keep you from tracking the dirt and everything into your rig. Using an outdoor rug helps keep our fifth wheel so much cleaner inside.
PROPANE FIRE PIT
Propane fire pits are necessary for providing warmth and cooking, especially where fire restrictions are already in place. We got tired of not being able to have campfires in certain areas, so we got a propane fire pit this last year, and it has been awesome.
While we love wood fires, having a propane fire pit makes it so easy and convenient to enjoy a campfire after a fun day of adventuring.
RV LEVELING BLOCKS
Many campsites in Moab can be on or around uneven ground. RV leveling blocks help make sure you are level. Walking around or sleeping in an uneven RV can be challenging.
You can avoid many issues with leveling blocks. Before setting your rig, use the RV leveling block to steady and level your RV for maximum comfort, safety, and function.
Best Time for Camping in Arches National Park
The best time to go camping in Arches National Park is in the spring and fall. This is the time you will have the best weather. If you go in early spring or late fall, you will have fewer crowds, but you should be prepared for the weather, which can change quickly.
Our last visit we were visiting the end of October, and on the day we were leaving, it snowed on us.
If you want to look at what the weather is going to be in the spring and fall, check out these articles: Moab in April, Moab in May, Moab in September, and Moab in October.
FAQs: Arches National Park Camping
Can You Camp Anywhere in Arches National Park?
No, you cannot camp anywhere in Arches National Park. This is the same for almost all of the national parks. Even when boondocking on BLM or national forest land, there are regulations.
The only campsite other than the backcountry camping spots in Arches is the Devil’s Garden Campground.
Can You Camp For Free in Arches National Park?
No, it is not free to camp in Arches National Park. You will need to pay for a campsite at recreation.gov. There are opportunities for free camping just a few minutes outside the national park, though.
Can You Stay in Arches Overnight?
Yes, you can stay at Arches overnight. They have a very nice campground in the Devil’s Garden. This is great for late hikes and stargazing.
There are no hotels or lodges inside the park where you can stay.
Are Pets Allowed When Camping in Arches National Park?
Yes, you can have pets at Arches National Park when RV camping, but not all of the trails in the area allow pets. Do keep in mind that most of the trails do not allow pets.
Do You Need to Pay the Entrance Fee When Camping at Arches National Park?
Yes, the park entrance fee is separate. If you will be going to multiple national parks, you should purchase America the Beautiful Pass.
Conclusion: Arches National Park camping
We hope you enjoy staying in Arches National Park or one of the many RV parks near Arches National Park. Camping in the area is a great option for those visiting, even if you are tent camping near Arches National Park.
Do keep in mind that Moab is hot in the summer and gets busy during peak season. This means you will want to make your Moab camping reservations early. If you have already camped in Arches and want to try something different, you could check out Canyonlands National Park camping.
The two parks are very different, and it is fun to explore both. Even if you are staying in Arches, you should spend a day in Canyonlands. There are so many fun things to do in Canyonlands, like hiking to Mesa Arch and exploring the White Rim Trail.
More Moab Adventures
What’s the Closest Airport to Moab, Utah?
What to Expect at Moab Giants
17 Delicious Moab Restaurants to Visit
A Complete Guide to Visiting the Moab Food Truck Park
The Shafer Trail in Moab: A Complete Trail Guide
