The best great views camping near Moab

·

On the banks of the Colorado River, just west of the La Sal Mountains, Moab is an excellent base for exploring some of eastern Utah's most impressive outdoor attractions, drawing hikers, campers, and ATV and mountain-biking enthusiasts, particularly in the summer months. It's the gateway to both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, and while the national parks are certainly the big draw here, there are plenty of other Moab-area spots to explore, including the Sand Flats Recreation Area and Dead Horse Point State Park. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also operates a couple of dozen first-come, first-served campgrounds near Moab.

While you’re unlikely to find any free camping in Moab itself, free camping can be found 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. (When within 20 miles of Moab, camping is only allowed in developed campgrounds, making free camping a rarity) Arches National Park requires entry fees, so you won’t find free camping in the park either.

Yes, you can camp on BLM land in Utah, where 42% of the state is considered BLM land (some 22.9 million acres). Most developed BLM campgrounds in the state require a fee, while dispersed campsites on Utah BLM land are more often free. Popular spots include the Silver Island Mountains Backcountry Byway (BCB) outside the Bonneville Salt Flats, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest outside Gunnison, and Ashley National Forest

96% (2.3K) 28 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Moab

The Needles Outpost Campground

1. The Needles Outpost Campground

94%
(1531)
29mi from Moab · 55 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This Outpost and campground is located on 300 acres of private property surrounded by park and public land. It has been here for over 30 years in some form or another. We are Caleb & Amber who enjoyed managing this little oasis in the middle of the desert from March to June of 2017 when we decided to purchase the business & make it our own. This is a dry, rugged campground with a bathhouse that provides coin operated showers and flush toilets. In addition there is little old rustic camp store placed in the middle of nowhere where we provide fuel, snacks, firewood, ice, showers, cold drinks & more. If you are looking for a more private site with lots of space and shade, book our Small Group at the Rocks. For a warmer stay during the cooler months book one of our Glamping Tents listed. We have the larger, and spacious tent in the grove of the Juniper Trees (which is also amazing in the warmer season) and rent a heater from us inside the general/camp store. Please check with us on fire restrictions, hipcamp is often wrong on their assumptions, we rarely have fire restrictions. BE SURE TO GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME TO CHECK IN NO LATER THAN 5PM. THANK YOU!! DON'T FORGET TO TAKE A SCREEN SHOT OF THE DIRECTIONS HERE, YOU WILL LOSE SERVICE ON YOUR WAY.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Red Desert RV Park

2. Red Desert RV Park

91%
(344)
7.8mi from Moab · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Red Desert RV Park has expanded to 55 full hookup RV sites along with 14 cabins. We are geared towards outdoor adventurists and sightseers wanting a cost-effective stay while taking advantage of everything Moab has to offer! We are locally owned by a family of 8 and love calling Moab our home. We understand the corporate overtaking that Moab has had in the last 5 years and plan to keep our campground affordably priced and locally owned. We have upgraded the old site plan from 7 RV sites to 55 Full Service RV sites this year. Most sites are pull through but we will have some back-ins. Our new bathhouse has a laundry, women's bathrooms and showers, men's bathrooms and showers, and an ADA compliant family style bathroom. In addition to the new bathhouse, we have a new office and retail store where we sell souvenirs, RV supplies, snacks, drinks, ice, firewood, and other necessities for guests. We do not currently have propane fill on site. We know that there are many options to choose from when it comes to staying in Moab. We urge people to support locally owned businesses that help Moab grow and solve problems that exist in our community. Moab is a recreation mecca with something for everyone and our little campground on the south end of the valley puts you within minutes of town, the mountains, and the red deserts around Moab.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$45
 / night
High Sage Hogans

3. High Sage Hogans

96%
(473)
23mi from Moab · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Situated at 7,000 feet, campers are surrounded by the snow covered LaSal Mountains overlooking the deep Canyonlands NP of the Colorado River escarpment, and only 30 minutes from Moab, Utah. Summer temps are much cooler here than in the surrounding canyons and valleys of the Moab area, a very pleasant retreat from the heat! Virtually ALL outdoor sporting adventures are found around here in nearly limitless abundance, including winter sports, snowmobiling, off-roading, dirt-biking, 4-wheeling, and more. Campground has outdoor-potty, free firewood with pits.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$39
 / night
South-40@LaSal Tent and RV Park

4. South-40@LaSal Tent and RV Park

100%
(303)
24mi from Moab · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
The South-40@LaSal Is: quiet, spacious, secluded, secure, and natural! We are located 26 miles southeast of Moab Utah. ( about a 30 minute drive from town or 40 minutes from Arches national Park.) This property is 40 acres of undeveloped Ranch land That borders the remote community of La Sal, Utah. We currently offer four (4) RV spots and several opportunities for tent camping. The RV spots include: Electric hook ups with (50amp, 30 amp, & 20 amp) water hydrants, Wi-Fi Internet, gray water disposal system, and solar powered sanitary vault toilet, Currently there are no sewer hook ups, black water dump . See more pictures and videos on FB at South-40 at LaSal
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Adventure Haven RV

5. Adventure Haven RV

97%
(622)
23mi from Moab · 8 sites · RVs
Hello! Please note that we are RVs only. ALL five sites have FULL hookups, strong WiFi, (so your cell phone WILL work!) and tables. We are 27 miles south of Moab. What we offer: In addition to an exceptional view of the mountain, our place is clean, spacious, orderly, quiet, inexpensive, with super fast and stable WiFi. What we don’t offer: fancy landscaping or restrooms. The Adventure Haven feels open, public and safe to most people. Funky and rural, in high pristine desert with a sweet view of the mountain is the overall vibe. Hours can go by with no traffic noise. This is in contrast to the constant drone of traffic noise in Moab. We are also about ten degrees cooler than Moab with nights cooling off even more; what a relief! The Adventure Haven is a five site mini-RV park located in an old and somewhat derelict subdivision in a small town on a 1.5 acre lot. A uranium boom town in the 1950's, La Sal is now a shadow of past times (and littered with artifact trailers and structures). But we are in beautiful high desert country and we are at the foothills of the La Sal Mountains and the park has a completely unobstructed view of this range! What kind of people LIKE it here? Those who like peace and quiet and dark skies. Relaxed full-time RVers, work-at-homes who need strong and fast WiFi, folks on a budget, those who like to support Hipcamp hosts, people looking for inside local information, solo travelers who want to feel safe yet not in a crowded place - like they’re near someone they know, and in a quiet, small town where unusual things are noticed. What kind of people DON’T like it here? People expecting a resort, or a vast-pristine-remote property. Also people who are uncomfortable with rural eye-sores typical of rural Utah (old cars, and slow projects) will not like it here, nor will party people and special event groups (not allowed here). *If you want a long stay contact us because we might be able to work it out! • Hook and Ladder OHV Trail system is less than five miles away and Rim Rocker Jeep trail is close as well.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$44
 / night
Where The Wild Things Camp

6. Where The Wild Things Camp

96%
(233)
22mi from Moab · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
Come camp Where The Wild Things Camp! Let the awe-inspiring views of the majestic slick rock, sage and juniper surround you in the peace and quiet of this beautifully secluded desert space. Centrally located to the best Canyonlands has to offer, our camp is located on 25 acres less than half a mile from Looking Glass Arch, a popular rock climbing destination which got its name from the conquistadors who would climb to the top and look through a “looking glass” for landmarks that would lead them back to Santa Fe.  Moab is 25 miles to our North, about a 30 minute drive. The nearest convenience store/gas station is in the tiny town of La Sal, 12 miles NE of us. Although the Lasal Jct. now has burger truck, showers, ice and snacks. The nearby La Sal mountains rise to over 12,000 in elevation and is a great place to get out of the heat and enjoy lakes surrounded by beautiful pine and aspen forests. As the name suggests, Where The Wild Things Camp truly is wild and not for everyone. We are off grid, meaning there is NO electricity, no drinking water, and only "spotty" cell phone service is best just anywhere before bathrooms. Make sure to check the weather forecast before coming out and be prepared for anything as the weather here in the desert can be unpredictable and ALWAYS stake down your tents! Porta-Potty's available. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PRACTICE PACK-IT-IN AND PACK-IT-OUT. Trash service not available. NON-AGGRESSIVE dogs are always welcome, however please keep in mind that a lot of our wild friends also live here, such as coyotes, rattlesnakes, deer and antelope. We wouldn’t want your pets or our friends harmed in any way! From Moab: Drive south on Hwy 191 for approximately 23 miles and turn right (east) onto Looking Glass Rd/Co. Rd. 131 (It will be the first right after La Sal Junction) Continue on this road for 1.4 miles until you see a wide gravel road branching off to the left. Turn left, this road will branch again in .03 miles, turn to the right and continue straight (another .5 mile to WHERE THE WILD THINGS CAMP!! From Monticello: Drive north on Hwy 191 for approximately 31 miles and turn left onto Looking Glass Rd/Co. Rd 131 (It will be the first left after Wilson Arch). https://earth.google.com/earth... Moab: 25 miles Canyon Rims Recreation Area: 12 miles La Sal: 12 miles Monticello: 33 miles Blanding: 54 miles Bluff: 79 miles Mexican Hat: 104 miles Monument Valley: 126 miles
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night
Earls HideAway

7. Earls HideAway

100%
(46)
41mi from Moab · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:Hi explorers!!! We are explorers ourselves and enjoy sharing our slice of heaven!!! Please remember to be respectful, not only to our land but all land :) After booking, we will call with instructions on how to access the site (there will most likely not be cell service in the area).We are in the Paradox Valley, Dolores River within a mile, Petroglyphs, Western artifacts, Native American artifacts, Red Cliffs, Red Dirt, Peace, Isolation, Calm, Sunshine, Hunting! We have dry RV sites and tent sites. Please BYO supplies and pack out what you pack in. The camping land is a fenced/gated/protected area where you can leave belongings safe while exploring!!!
Pets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

On the banks of the Colorado River, just west of the La Sal Mountains, Moab is an excellent base for exploring some of eastern Utah's most impressive outdoor attractions, drawing hikers, campers, and ATV and mountain-biking enthusiasts, particularly in the summer months. It's the gateway to both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, and while the national parks are certainly the big draw here, there are plenty of other Moab-area spots to explore, including the Sand Flats Recreation Area and Dead Horse Point State Park. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also operates a couple of dozen first-come, first-served campgrounds near Moab.

While you’re unlikely to find any free camping in Moab itself, free camping can be found 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. (When within 20 miles of Moab, camping is only allowed in developed campgrounds, making free camping a rarity) Arches National Park requires entry fees, so you won’t find free camping in the park either.

Yes, you can camp on BLM land in Utah, where 42% of the state is considered BLM land (some 22.9 million acres). Most developed BLM campgrounds in the state require a fee, while dispersed campsites on Utah BLM land are more often free. Popular spots include the Silver Island Mountains Backcountry Byway (BCB) outside the Bonneville Salt Flats, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest outside Gunnison, and Ashley National Forest

96% (2.3K) 28 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Moab

The Needles Outpost Campground

1. The Needles Outpost Campground

94%
(1531)
29mi from Moab · 55 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This Outpost and campground is located on 300 acres of private property surrounded by park and public land. It has been here for over 30 years in some form or another. We are Caleb & Amber who enjoyed managing this little oasis in the middle of the desert from March to June of 2017 when we decided to purchase the business & make it our own. This is a dry, rugged campground with a bathhouse that provides coin operated showers and flush toilets. In addition there is little old rustic camp store placed in the middle of nowhere where we provide fuel, snacks, firewood, ice, showers, cold drinks & more. If you are looking for a more private site with lots of space and shade, book our Small Group at the Rocks. For a warmer stay during the cooler months book one of our Glamping Tents listed. We have the larger, and spacious tent in the grove of the Juniper Trees (which is also amazing in the warmer season) and rent a heater from us inside the general/camp store. Please check with us on fire restrictions, hipcamp is often wrong on their assumptions, we rarely have fire restrictions. BE SURE TO GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME TO CHECK IN NO LATER THAN 5PM. THANK YOU!! DON'T FORGET TO TAKE A SCREEN SHOT OF THE DIRECTIONS HERE, YOU WILL LOSE SERVICE ON YOUR WAY.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Red Desert RV Park

2. Red Desert RV Park

91%
(344)
7.8mi from Moab · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Red Desert RV Park has expanded to 55 full hookup RV sites along with 14 cabins. We are geared towards outdoor adventurists and sightseers wanting a cost-effective stay while taking advantage of everything Moab has to offer! We are locally owned by a family of 8 and love calling Moab our home. We understand the corporate overtaking that Moab has had in the last 5 years and plan to keep our campground affordably priced and locally owned. We have upgraded the old site plan from 7 RV sites to 55 Full Service RV sites this year. Most sites are pull through but we will have some back-ins. Our new bathhouse has a laundry, women's bathrooms and showers, men's bathrooms and showers, and an ADA compliant family style bathroom. In addition to the new bathhouse, we have a new office and retail store where we sell souvenirs, RV supplies, snacks, drinks, ice, firewood, and other necessities for guests. We do not currently have propane fill on site. We know that there are many options to choose from when it comes to staying in Moab. We urge people to support locally owned businesses that help Moab grow and solve problems that exist in our community. Moab is a recreation mecca with something for everyone and our little campground on the south end of the valley puts you within minutes of town, the mountains, and the red deserts around Moab.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$45
 / night
High Sage Hogans

3. High Sage Hogans

96%
(473)
23mi from Moab · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Situated at 7,000 feet, campers are surrounded by the snow covered LaSal Mountains overlooking the deep Canyonlands NP of the Colorado River escarpment, and only 30 minutes from Moab, Utah. Summer temps are much cooler here than in the surrounding canyons and valleys of the Moab area, a very pleasant retreat from the heat! Virtually ALL outdoor sporting adventures are found around here in nearly limitless abundance, including winter sports, snowmobiling, off-roading, dirt-biking, 4-wheeling, and more. Campground has outdoor-potty, free firewood with pits.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$39
 / night
South-40@LaSal Tent and RV Park

4. South-40@LaSal Tent and RV Park

100%
(303)
24mi from Moab · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
The South-40@LaSal Is: quiet, spacious, secluded, secure, and natural! We are located 26 miles southeast of Moab Utah. ( about a 30 minute drive from town or 40 minutes from Arches national Park.) This property is 40 acres of undeveloped Ranch land That borders the remote community of La Sal, Utah. We currently offer four (4) RV spots and several opportunities for tent camping. The RV spots include: Electric hook ups with (50amp, 30 amp, & 20 amp) water hydrants, Wi-Fi Internet, gray water disposal system, and solar powered sanitary vault toilet, Currently there are no sewer hook ups, black water dump . See more pictures and videos on FB at South-40 at LaSal
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Adventure Haven RV

5. Adventure Haven RV

97%
(622)
23mi from Moab · 8 sites · RVs
Hello! Please note that we are RVs only. ALL five sites have FULL hookups, strong WiFi, (so your cell phone WILL work!) and tables. We are 27 miles south of Moab. What we offer: In addition to an exceptional view of the mountain, our place is clean, spacious, orderly, quiet, inexpensive, with super fast and stable WiFi. What we don’t offer: fancy landscaping or restrooms. The Adventure Haven feels open, public and safe to most people. Funky and rural, in high pristine desert with a sweet view of the mountain is the overall vibe. Hours can go by with no traffic noise. This is in contrast to the constant drone of traffic noise in Moab. We are also about ten degrees cooler than Moab with nights cooling off even more; what a relief! The Adventure Haven is a five site mini-RV park located in an old and somewhat derelict subdivision in a small town on a 1.5 acre lot. A uranium boom town in the 1950's, La Sal is now a shadow of past times (and littered with artifact trailers and structures). But we are in beautiful high desert country and we are at the foothills of the La Sal Mountains and the park has a completely unobstructed view of this range! What kind of people LIKE it here? Those who like peace and quiet and dark skies. Relaxed full-time RVers, work-at-homes who need strong and fast WiFi, folks on a budget, those who like to support Hipcamp hosts, people looking for inside local information, solo travelers who want to feel safe yet not in a crowded place - like they’re near someone they know, and in a quiet, small town where unusual things are noticed. What kind of people DON’T like it here? People expecting a resort, or a vast-pristine-remote property. Also people who are uncomfortable with rural eye-sores typical of rural Utah (old cars, and slow projects) will not like it here, nor will party people and special event groups (not allowed here). *If you want a long stay contact us because we might be able to work it out! • Hook and Ladder OHV Trail system is less than five miles away and Rim Rocker Jeep trail is close as well.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$44
 / night
Where The Wild Things Camp

6. Where The Wild Things Camp

96%
(233)
22mi from Moab · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
Come camp Where The Wild Things Camp! Let the awe-inspiring views of the majestic slick rock, sage and juniper surround you in the peace and quiet of this beautifully secluded desert space. Centrally located to the best Canyonlands has to offer, our camp is located on 25 acres less than half a mile from Looking Glass Arch, a popular rock climbing destination which got its name from the conquistadors who would climb to the top and look through a “looking glass” for landmarks that would lead them back to Santa Fe.  Moab is 25 miles to our North, about a 30 minute drive. The nearest convenience store/gas station is in the tiny town of La Sal, 12 miles NE of us. Although the Lasal Jct. now has burger truck, showers, ice and snacks. The nearby La Sal mountains rise to over 12,000 in elevation and is a great place to get out of the heat and enjoy lakes surrounded by beautiful pine and aspen forests. As the name suggests, Where The Wild Things Camp truly is wild and not for everyone. We are off grid, meaning there is NO electricity, no drinking water, and only "spotty" cell phone service is best just anywhere before bathrooms. Make sure to check the weather forecast before coming out and be prepared for anything as the weather here in the desert can be unpredictable and ALWAYS stake down your tents! Porta-Potty's available. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PRACTICE PACK-IT-IN AND PACK-IT-OUT. Trash service not available. NON-AGGRESSIVE dogs are always welcome, however please keep in mind that a lot of our wild friends also live here, such as coyotes, rattlesnakes, deer and antelope. We wouldn’t want your pets or our friends harmed in any way! From Moab: Drive south on Hwy 191 for approximately 23 miles and turn right (east) onto Looking Glass Rd/Co. Rd. 131 (It will be the first right after La Sal Junction) Continue on this road for 1.4 miles until you see a wide gravel road branching off to the left. Turn left, this road will branch again in .03 miles, turn to the right and continue straight (another .5 mile to WHERE THE WILD THINGS CAMP!! From Monticello: Drive north on Hwy 191 for approximately 31 miles and turn left onto Looking Glass Rd/Co. Rd 131 (It will be the first left after Wilson Arch). https://earth.google.com/earth... Moab: 25 miles Canyon Rims Recreation Area: 12 miles La Sal: 12 miles Monticello: 33 miles Blanding: 54 miles Bluff: 79 miles Mexican Hat: 104 miles Monument Valley: 126 miles
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night
Earls HideAway

7. Earls HideAway

100%
(46)
41mi from Moab · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:Hi explorers!!! We are explorers ourselves and enjoy sharing our slice of heaven!!! Please remember to be respectful, not only to our land but all land :) After booking, we will call with instructions on how to access the site (there will most likely not be cell service in the area).We are in the Paradox Valley, Dolores River within a mile, Petroglyphs, Western artifacts, Native American artifacts, Red Cliffs, Red Dirt, Peace, Isolation, Calm, Sunshine, Hunting! We have dry RV sites and tent sites. Please BYO supplies and pack out what you pack in. The camping land is a fenced/gated/protected area where you can leave belongings safe while exploring!!!
Pets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

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The best great views camping near Moab guide

Where to go

North of Moab

Arches is the main attraction north of Moab, and while there's only one camping area in the park (Devils Garden Campground), campers will find plenty of private alternatives, some with RV sites and hookups, in the immediate vicinity. Further north, the McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area offers plenty of gorgeous rock formations, with fewer crowds than what's found at the national parks.

Southwest of Moab

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.

Southeast of Moab

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.

When to go

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.