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The region to the southwest of Moab is full of outdoor attractions, and while Canyonlands National Park is by far the best-known, there are plenty of other areas within a few hours’ drive worth exploring, including Natural Bridges National Monument. San Juan County, in particular, offers a verdant alternative to the rockier landscapes that dominate the area, with plenty of mountainous forestlands and biking trails just west of Highway 191, near Monticello.
A short drive southeast of Moab will take you to the Manti-La Sal National Forest and its La Sal Mountains. It's a great place to be if you're in search of lush camping options away from the national park crowds; Warner Lake campground, in particular, is a good option, with tent sites, picnic tables, and fire pits. Also worth checking out is the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Colorado, which preserves ancient indigenous petroglyphs, cave dwellings, and shrines.
The Moab area is at its busiest during the summer months, and if you like hot weather and don't mind crowds, this is a great time to visit. For a cooler, quieter experience, consider visiting in the spring, when the weather is pleasant and wildflowers are in bloom. Fall offers equally mild weather, and while winters can be bone-chilling, it’s a great time to visit to avoid crowds—just make sure your car has four-wheel drive.
Yes, you can go camping in Moab in winter. Many Moab campgrounds and RV resorts stay open year-round, and the town does not shut down for winter. Area attractions like Arches National Park see much fewer crowds in winter than in fall, and snowy landscapes make for great photos. Between November and February, average highs in Moab run from 44°F to 57°F and average lows from 21°F to 30°F, meaning tent camping is possible with the right gear so long as you check weather forecasts in advance. January is the coldest month—you can also choose a cozy cabin stay or a vacation rental in Moab for a warmer experience.
Moab camping ranges in price, from $20 per night for a simple tent or RV camping site to upwards of $350 for a luxury Moab cabin. You're likely to pay more as amenities increase, as prices are lowest for primitive campsites and rise with access to things like bathrooms, showers, camp kitchens, and free wifi. Find Moab camping under $50.
While you're unlikely to find any free camping in Moab, free camping is available well outside town in Manti LaSal National Forest. Although the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees more than 20 campgrounds around Moab, most of these developed campsites require a fee to stay overnight. (In popular areas closer to town, camping is restricted to campgrounds or designated sites.)
Finding camping in Moab is not difficult, as there are many campgrounds and options available. However, during peak season (spring and fall), campsites can fill up quickly, so it's a good idea to make reservations in advance or arrive early to secure a spot. You can find various camping options on Hipcamp, ranging from BLM campgrounds, private land, and RV parks. Additionally, there are campgrounds in nearby national parks, such as Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
To reserve a Moab campground, you'll need to visit the reservation website or call the campground directly, depending on the type of campground you're interested in. For public parks and campgrounds, you cannot make reservations on Hipcamp, but you can learn about them on their website. Here are some resources to help you reserve a campground in Moab:
Make sure to reserve your campground well in advance, especially during peak season, as Moab is a popular destination and campgrounds fill up quickly.
Yes, you can sleep in your car in Moab as long as you do so at a designated campground or RV park that allows for vehicle camping. Many campgrounds in the area specifically cater to RVs, vans, and car campers. To find a suitable location for car camping, check out Hipcamp. Remember that it is not legal to sleep in your car on the side of the road or in undesignated areas.