Arches National Park Camping
notifications Text me when there's a cancellation at Arches National Park
Overview
A brief introduction to Arches National Park
Camping at Arches National Park offers an unforgettable experience surrounded by some of the most iconic red rock formations in the American Southwest. The park, located just north of Moab, Utah, is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches and is a top destination for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. If you’re planning a camping trip to Arches, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit.
Devils Garden Campground
The only campground within Arches National Park is Devils Garden Campground, located 18 miles from the park entrance and about 23 miles from Moab. This campground sits among towering fins and sandstone formations, providing campers with direct access to several hiking trails, including Landscape Arch, Broken Arch, and the Devils Garden Primitive Loop. With just 51 individual sites and two group sites, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season.
Reservations and Seasonality
Camping at Devils Garden is available year-round. From March 1 to October 31, all sites are reservable in advance through Recreation.gov and typically fill up months ahead. During the off-season (November through February), campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees are $25 per night for individual sites, and group site rates vary based on size.
Facilities and Accessibility
Facilities at the campground include picnic tables, fire rings, potable water, and both flush and vault toilets. There are no showers, RV hookups, or dump stations, and RVs longer than 30 feet are not recommended. Some sites, like 4H and 7, are wheelchair-accessible, and the restrooms are also ADA-compliant.
Nearby Camping Alternatives
If Devils Garden Campground is full, there are several alternatives nearby. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) maintains 24 developed campgrounds in the Moab area, including Goose Island, Ken’s Lake, and Big Bend. These are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, with Ken’s Lake accepting reservations in advance. Private campgrounds like Archview RV Resort offer more amenities and accept reservations. Dispersed camping is permitted on nearby BLM lands, though visitors must follow specific rules and Leave No Trace principles.
Weather and Desert Preparedness
Camping in Arches means being prepared for a desert environment. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter nights can drop below freezing. The park receives about 8 to 10 inches of precipitation annually, including summer monsoons that can trigger flash floods. Always check the forecast before heading out and carry plenty of water—at least one gallon per person per day. Shade is scarce, so wear sun protection and consider hiking in the early morning or late afternoon.
Wildlife and Pet Policies
Wildlife encounters are possible but generally limited to early morning or dusk. Mule deer, desert cottontails, foxes, and various reptiles and birds are common sights. Pets are allowed in campgrounds and parking areas but not on trails or at overlooks.
Getting There
To get to Arches, most visitors drive. The park is accessible via U.S. Route 191, just five miles north of Moab. The nearest airports are Canyonlands Regional Airport (15 minutes away), Grand Junction Regional Airport (1.5 hours), and Salt Lake City International Airport (3.5 hours). There is no public transportation within the park, so a personal vehicle is necessary.
Activities and Park Guidelines
Camping at Arches also offers unique experiences like stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the region and ranger-led programs in spring through fall. Visitors are reminded to stay on designated trails and avoid stepping on biological soil crust, a living part of the desert ecosystem. Climbing or scrambling on arches is prohibited, and all campers should adhere to Leave No Trace practices.
Final Tips
For an immersive and respectful experience camping at Arches National Park, plan ahead, come prepared for the elements, and take time to appreciate the fragile beauty of this ancient landscape.
ARE Arches National Park campsites SOLD OUT?
We can help! Many campsite reservations are cancelled daily. Just tell us when you’d like to camp at Arches National Park, and how long you want to camp for. We’ll text you when a suitable spot opens up!
Scan for cancellationsContact Arches National Park
- Recreation.gov
- Booking site: https://www.recreation.gov
Spotted an error?
Whoops! Sometimes we make mistakes. Want to help improve the Arches National Park listing? Please suggest a correction.
Other nearby parks
Open to camping at other nearby parks? Here are a few other parks you'll find in the vicinity.
Reviews
Camper reviews for Arches National Park
Beautiful park along with island in the sky at Canyonlands
Very nice campground Desert Garden. Sites are paved not a bad spot with great views. Only drawbacks no hookups or dump station.
Steve Mckay reviewed Arches National Park
on September 17th, 2023
LOVED our visit to Arches
We spent 2 nights at Devils Garden Campground. The campground is relatively small, which was nice after some of the busier parks we had been to in Utah. I enjoyed that the grounds were located deep into the park. There is also a hiking trail located in the campground which makes for a wonderful evening/sunset hike. We went to the ranger talk one night which was a really cool dark skies discussion. Cons for me would be that very few spaces have shade, which is hard in the hot summer months. Also, there weren't tent-specific areas, so we were camped next to several RV's running their generators, at one point after quiet hours we had to go ask our neighbors to shut it down. The camp host was friendly and often roaming the grounds during the day and the restrooms had flush toilets and running water.
Arches overall is a great park, but you do need to drive between sights, so we stuck with some of the longer hikes which we prefer. I think the timed entry has helped with the traffic in the park because it wasn't nearly as bad as I had read before.
Amy Mattison reviewed Arches National Park
on September 7th, 2023
Had to have a certain date-- It works great!
I was planning a series of camp sites in a sequence. I needed a certain date in the middle of the journey to fit it together. I signed up for Campnab and I got notified within a couple of days. I had to be quick so I had all of my info ready to grab the site. It made for a wonderful trip.... Couldn't have done it without Campnab!
Bill Parker reviewed Arches National Park
on May 29th, 2023
Primitive and beautiful
I used Campnab to score a coveted spot at Devils Garden Campground in Arches National Park in October 2022. The campground is small with primitive campsites, but what it lacks in hookups and amenities, it makes up for in views. I stayed in site 12, which is a pull-through site. I was within walking distance of the restrooms, dishwashing/water station, and, most importantly, the Devils Garden trailhead. My visit to this campground was the most relaxing camping experience I've had in years, and I can't wait to go back again one day soon.
Meagan Butler reviewed Arches National Park
on May 26th, 2023
Cool Campground
Fun campground to explore, but don't go in July! That was an amateur move!
Stephanie Barrows reviewed Arches National Park
on March 14th, 2023
Map
View a map of Arches National Park
UNABLE TO RESERVE A CAMPSITE?
Get notified when a sold-out campground has availability
Tell us when, where, and how long you want to camp for. We’ll notify you (via SMS) when a suitable spot opens up at that campground—so you can nab that sold-out campsite reservation!
