The best desert campgrounds near Thompson Springs, Utah

91% (1359 reviews)

Looking to escape to the desert near Thompson Springs, Utah? Hipcamp offers over 1000 camping options specifically tailored to your preferences. Whether you're looking for a secluded desert oasis or a campground with stunning views, we've got you covered. Check out some of our top campsites, like The Needles Outpost Campground (811 reviews), Desert Moon Campground and RV Park (330 reviews), and The Views at Gateway (243 reviews). With prices starting as low as $20 per night and popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, toilets, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. Plus, enjoy activities like paddling, whitewater paddling, and surfing during your stay. Book your desert getaway now!

Popular camping styles for Thompson Springs

Top-rated campgrounds

91% (1359 reviews)

Looking to escape to the desert near Thompson Springs, Utah? Hipcamp offers over 1000 camping options specifically tailored to your preferences. Whether you're looking for a secluded desert oasis or a campground with stunning views, we've got you covered. Check out some of our top campsites, like The Needles Outpost Campground (811 reviews), Desert Moon Campground and RV Park (330 reviews), and The Views at Gateway (243 reviews). With prices starting as low as $20 per night and popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, toilets, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. Plus, enjoy activities like paddling, whitewater paddling, and surfing during your stay. Book your desert getaway now!

Popular camping styles for Thompson Springs

Top-rated campgrounds

1. HTR Moab

85%

(61)

49 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Moab, UT

HTR Moab Lodge & Cottages offers luxury deluxe vacation rental cottages, rustic rooms, lodge residences, NEW safari tents, and primitive tent sites, all just a short drive to downtown Moab, Utah, and multiple national parks, including Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Guests are encouraged to explore the desert and return to base camp at HTR Moab. One of the highlights of our location is our unique community kitchen on the property that allows you to meet a community of one-of-a-kind adventurers just like you.

2. The Views at Gateway

96%

(419)

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Gateway, CO

Located on the Dolores river, this property is perfect for hikers, fishing, rafting, or just camping! There is a natural spring just a few miles from the location with drinking water as well. When you stay here you are located right on the river with nothing but places to hike, climb and have fun and there are several options for you to choose from. There is a cabin, an onsite RV, a canvas tent, and BYO tent or RV camping on the land - you can pick whatever suits you best! No matter what, you can fall asleep to the sound of the river after a great night of star gazing! Nearby outdoor points of interest include the Dolores River on property, Hanging Flume which is approx. 20 miles from site, Gateway Canyons Resort Auto museum 7 miles from site, Arches National Park 2 hour drive from site, Colorado national monument 1 hour drive. The Grand Mesa 2 hour drive, Telluride ski resort 2 hour drive! You can find hiking, biking, swimming, paddle board, kayaks, rafting, fishing, tubing, bird watching, star gazing rock climbing, bouldering, all right from the property. All sites are accessible without 4wheel drive. I love where I live and think everyone should be able to experience the peaceful quiet beautiful environment that it is!

3. Moab RV and Glamping Resort

95%

(105)

79 sites · Lodging, RVs · Moab, UT

Discover the ultimate retreat at our peaceful RV, camping, and glamping resort. Just minutes away from the breathtaking Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Unwind and rejuvenate in our peaceful oasis after a thrilling day of exploration. We provide a range of accommodations to cater to your every need, including spacious FHU RV sites, cozy cabins, convenient RV rentals, luxurious glamping tents, and charming tipis big enough for the whole family. Our RV sites offer full hookups with 30 and 50-amp service. Our cabins and glamping tents are thoughtfully furnished with everything you require for a comfortable stay, while our tipis offer a unique and unforgettable experience with heat, AC, tvs, and more! Escape the ordinary and embrace exceptional adventures at our extraordinary RV park and campground.

4. Red Desert RV Park

91%

(343)

8 sites · RVs, Tents · Moab, UT

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.

5. Up The Creek Campground

88%

(58)

9 sites · Tents · Moab, UT

Your quest to find a tent only Moab Campground can stop. Base all of your adventures and exploring in Arches & Canyonlands National Parks from Moab's best, Up the Creek Campground. Just two blocks from Main Street, Up The Creek is a cozy, urban campground - an oasis of peace and relaxation in the heart of Moab. Our 16 site, tent-only, park &; walk to your site campground is nestled within a grove of large shade trees next to a cooling perennial stream. We are located off the beaten path, yet a just a short walk to Moab's many restaurants and shops. Our close proximity to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks as well as the World Famous Slick Rock Bike Trail gives you easy access to any adventure you choose! Pricing is as follows: $/night for 1 person; each additional person in a site is $7 Friday and Saturday is $3 for 1 plus $9/person additional Below (at the bottom of this email and copied from the website) is the checklist of items guests must acknowledge before booking on our site. In addition, we have the following Disclaimer & Etiquette items: Disclaimer We are a tiny, cozy Urban Campground located right in the bustling town of Moab next to the newly constructed middle school. We are nestled within a grove of large shade trees, and beautiful landscaping, and next to a cool perennial stream. (Please keep in mind that if you are coming in the early spring, there will not be foliage or flowers yet and camp will look more bare than the website photos! Also, note that the creek's flow is variable throughout the year) We are just 2 blocks off of the Main street, close to shopping, restaurants and the bike/walking path. We are a self check-in, (no onsite office), tent-only, walk-in only (park and walk in), campground. (No cars in camp, no camping in parking lot allowed.) Sites are primarily on sand. There is no on-site office. We are in camp 3+ times a day to check, clean, mow, etc. If you don't see us, but you need something...call and leave a message at 435-248-2001 or email. We have clean bathhouses with hot showers (closed daily from 11-1) and an outdoor sink for dishes. There is a picnic table at each site, and 3 communal propane BBQ grills. Sorry, but no campfires, propane fire rings or open flame allowed. Camp stoves are fine! Sorry, no dogs. We have two site types, Small Tent Sites and Large Tent Sites. Small Tent sites can accommodate one larger tent or two smaller tents with a maximum capacity of four people. Large Tent Sites can accommodate 2 larger tents or three to four smaller tents with a maximum capacity of 6 people. Due to our small size, this camp is not recommend for children under 3. Etiquette: Check-in/Quiet hrs: Check-in is after 12:00 noon and Check-out is 11:00 am. The bath house is closed for cleaning from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Please plan accordingly! Quiet hours in camp are from 10:00pm to 6:00am. Consider the many nearby places you can go if you want to stay up late, as a courtesy to your neighbors. ‍ About Us: We are an Urban Camp! Local noise includes but is not limited to; trucks, cars, motorcycles, 4X4’s, school bells, marching bands and perhaps even a parade! We are self-check in (no onsite office or staff), walk in and tent only. We are in camp 3+ times a day to check, clean, mow, etc. If you don't see us, but you need something or have a problem, call and leave a message or email. Campsite: Your tent and equipment must fit and be set up between the camp dividers and cannot be over the “No Camping Beyond This Point”. Please do not overflow into the neighboring campsites. Camp Tables and Site Use: Do not move the picnic tables, as they are chained down. Each camp table is numbered for that site. No cleaning, repairing or working on bicycles and/or motors on the picnic tables. No Motorcycles are allowed in the camp area for any reason. All motor vehicles and trailers must be in parking lot. No exceptions! Nature and The Environment: This is the desert! We have rocks, sand, dirt, sun, heat, cold, rain, wind, etc. Most campgrounds in the city area of Moab have the same desert aspects as we do; the difference is our close proximity to downtown. You are camping! Be prepared for bugs, insects, ants, spiders, Cottonwood beetles, caterpillars, lizards, deer, cotton from the trees, etc. Leaving food out or unsecured, attracts bugs and Ravens. Ravens are smart, they will wait until you leave and will get into everything except zippered tents, closed coolers, and locked cars, (at least thus far)! Plan accordingly. No dogs are allowed in the camp or parking lot. Before Booking Acknowledgement: Tent Only: No RVs, trailers, campers, or vehicles in camp. Park in the parking lot and use our handy carts to get your gear to your site. Sleeping in vehicles and in the parking lot is not allowed. Urban Campground: Our campground is right in the middle of beautiful downtown Moab. No Dogs: We love dogs, however, we don't allow them at our campground. 3 Years + We don't recommend our campground for kids under 3. No Camp Fires We do not allow campfires. Personal propane camp stoves are how most people prepare their meals. The campground has a few propane barbecue grills available for use.

6. FieldStation Moab

94%

(186)

5 sites · RVs · Moab, UT

Van life spot at adventure hotel 20ft long with 120 volt - 110 standard outlet free washer/dryer showers pool,Hot tub fire pit cafe/general store Home of Arches and Canyonlands, Moab has long been a destination for travelers of all kinds. Field Station Moab is the ideal location for any adventure, offering a range of accommodations – rooms for two to eight guests, spots for van lifers – paired with our Little Station Coffee & Kitchen. Grab a mountain bike from our partners and explore the rocky terrain, or opt to raft down the iconic Colorado River. Park your home in one of our Van Life posts and enjoy all of the amenities Field Station has to offer. With 120 volt - 110 standard outlet power on paved parking space and communal space available to spread out, you’re welcome to stay and enjoy a hot shower, take a dip in the pool, or just relax with a beverage after a long day of driving. Each Van Life reservation comes with access to our showers, Wi-Fi, communal areas, guiding services, and rentals. Our van life spots are parking spots that are 20ft long with 120 volt - 110 standard outlet. These spots are only designed for vans and van like vehicles (no stand alone tents). Please check in with Guest Experiences before parking your vehicle.

7. Bear Family Ranch RV and Camping

95%

(44)

13 sites · RVs, Tents · Mack, CO

PLEASE CHECK IN BEFORE 9 PM. We are less than 2 miles from I-70, We are just outside of the really small town of Mack, Colorado. We are 2 miles from the Colorado River, Horse Thief Canyon, and many other outdoor activities. Here you will find world class mountain biking. Bear Family Ranch is a secluded and hidden ranch, you cannot see the ranch from the roadway. You will see incredible views of the Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa, and Mount Garfield. When the sun sets, shinning its sun rays on the Colorado Monument the shading of the monument brings the monument to life. There are 3 full hook-up RV sites and 8 dry WALK-IN 8'X8' raised pad camping sites (the walk is roughly 200 feet). Walk around the seasonal pond, explore the property, hike a mile to the Mack Wash. You can mountain bike around the property. It's quiet with birds flying and chirping. This is a very private and secluded location with lots of space! Bring your own camping toilet or use our outhouse with a camping toilet inside. Because it's a working ranch, we prefer to familiarize you and your guests to the ranch and show you the route to the site as we have exposed irrigation, irrigation ditches, and a pond. We prefer not to fish you out of the pond. LOL LIMIITED SEWER (If you need to dump grey or black from your RV tank, please help us keep our leach field from being saturated, If you need to dump grey or black water from your RV, we recommend the really nice rest area in Fruita. The Colorado Welcome Center Rest Area is off of I-70 at EXIT 19, which has a FREE dump station. We are on a leach field, no paper products including toilet paper into the sewer, please and thank you. We must check you in, to familiarize you and your guests to the Ranch. Ater check-in you are our guests; you may come and go as you need. We respect your privacy, but if you need anything please contact us or go to the main house. Being a family ranch, we are always working and vigilant of our animals and the security of the Bear Family Ranch.

8. Desert Moon Campground and RV Park

85%

(678)

6 sites · RVs, Tents · Thompson Springs , UT

Setup your tent and enjoy some respite before and after exploring the beautiful canyons and desert landscapes that surround the Desert Moon and beyond. We have 2 showers, bathrooms, potable water, picnic tables, and wifi on site. There is also a covered seating area for guest use by our Inn. There are 5 campsites total. Please note, the Union Pacific Railroad is right across the street, with trains passing by multiple times a day and night. There will be noise at night. Campsites are relatively close together so you will likely see other campers during your stay. Also, there is not a lot of shade on the property so be prepared. Thompson Springs began as a railroad stop on the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad in the mid to late 1800's. It soon became a shipping point and community center for local farmers, cattle ranchers and sheepherders. It is now a ghost-town with a population of 50 people. The Desert Moon has a true wild western past. The old dancehall on the property, The Cactus Caberet, once served as the town bar and brothel. We are currently in the process renovating the dancehall into a venue for live music and retreats. There are 8-12 staff members living on site in their personal RV's at all times. We are a small community of artists, builders, and adventurers. We are constantly working to improve this property that came under our ownership in July of 2020. Feel free to come say hello and ask us about what we are building here! Thompson Springs is a true "ghost town" with no retail or restaurants except a 7-11 off the I-70 exit. The towns of Moab and Green River are only a half hour drive away and are full of regional and eclectic restaurants and shops. The Desert Moon is located just four miles from the Sego Canyon Rock Art in the Bookcliffs featuring pictograph and petroglyph panels from three different Native American cultures: Barrier, Fremont, and Ute. Be sure to check them out! There are miles of off-road trails accessible from our property. Some require a 4x4 vehicle or dirtbike, but many are well maintained enough for almost any vehicle.

9. AreaBFE Overland Park Moab

100%

(2)

10 sites · RVs · Moab, UT

AreaBFE offers camping with limitless fun and adrenaline rushes! AreaBFE has rural camping without utilities and is best suited for overlanders and RV camping. AreaBFE can be enjoyed year round and is located in beautiful Moab, UT. The crew at Area BFE is always working on the next best thing to improve our area and bring the community together for a fun time. We offer off-roading as well as camping and encourage our guests to purchase a park pass while here and explore all Moab can offer.

Stories from the community

H

Harrison

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Up The Creek Campground

Great place to spend a few nights in a tent. In a quiet part of Moab with walking access to many restaurants and bars. Nice amenities, had a great time here.

Craig

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Up The Creek Campground

I was looking for a few days to stay cheaply in Moab and Up the Creek fit the bill well. Yes as other have said, the campsites are very close together. However I feel that the space is enough for needs and that definitely explains why you can't have a campfire cuz you're so close to your neighbor. However it's pretty cool to stay very close very close within walking distance of restaurants and other places in Moab. I slept with earplugs and was not disturbed by any noises. You also have a nice camp sink to wash out your dishes with and a decent bathhouse with bathrooms and hot showers. I was near one of the propane grills and used it to cook my meal. I would definitely consider staying here again provided the weather was decent. The temperature got pretty close to freezing which is about my threshold right now for camping outside in a tent. I recommend you give it a try!

J

Jason

3 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

1 night at FieldStation Moab

Cool spot. Clean showers and bathrooms, great pool and hot tub, along with community spaces.

T

Taylor

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Up The Creek Campground

Super cute campground and nice clean bathrooms, would stay here again. It’s going to be loud at night and early morning but that’s granted considering the location. Happy campers!

R

Robert

3 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

1 night at FieldStation Moab

Very clean showers and bathroom. with very nice staff and the hot tub was very comfortable. Downside is you are in a parking lot and it has 110 electric. But the amenities make up for it.

J

Josh

3 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

With pets

3 nights at FieldStation Moab

Very convenient location. Close to the things I came to Moab for. Restrooms and showery ice and clean. Pool, hot tub, fire pit areas all nicely maintained and friendly. Highly recommend

R

Rebecca

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Up The Creek Campground

Nice spot if you want to be downtown - close walk to restaurants. You park in a lot by the street and then wheel your gear back in carts they provide. Bathrooms were basic but clean and hot water showers

C

Catherine

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Up The Creek Campground

Easy check in. Clean bathrooms. Charging station.

Amanda

October 2025

2 nights at HTR Moab

This was a very safe space with clean bathrooms and kitchen for use. Our tent was toasty upon arrival too. This place is fun because you meet people from around the world and have cool conversations. Being so close to town was nice as well cause you can be there in 5 minutes to walk the streets. Tons of stores and places to eat. Loved this experience and hiking the national parks!

M

Michael

October 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to FieldStation Moab

Absolutly a super experience. We stayed there for 3 days and enjoyed the excellent bathrooms, the warm wirlpool, the laundry and the morning coffee. Our #1 RV place on our trip!

K

Krista

October 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Red Desert RV Park

Friendly staff and wonderful facility. Clean and new restrooms. Would stay again.

E

Emma

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at HTR Moab

I loved the amenities here! Taking a hot shower after a long day of hiking and being able to cook in the community kitchen was lovely.

S

Sara

October 2025

32 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to Red Desert RV Park

RV park 15 mins south of Moab right off highway. Easy to access many trails and sights with a short drive. Full hook ups were great, and the bathrooms/shower house was clean (and an added bonus). It was a bit loud being right off of the highway, but otherwise we enjoyed our stay here

G

Gary

October 2025

24 ft Class C

3 nights at HTR Moab

Convenient to atractions. Full hookups. A little traffic noise, but subsides after night fall.

D

Dan

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at HTR Moab

The location was convenient to get to all the great shops and restaurants on the Main Street, and was a reasonable drive to Arches NP. The amenities like the showers and kitchen are so clean and really beautifully done! The space had a great vibe and aesthetic. I’d definitely stay here again in the future. The campground itself was close to the highway and other tent pads which means there can be some distracting noises at night. I’d recommend bringing some ear buds to block noise if that’s something that would bother you.

S

Sabrina

September 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Family Ranch RV and Camping

Absolutely fantastic stay! I was greeted by the host upon arrival, and they couldn’t have been more friendly or helpful. They gave me a full lay of the land—showing me where I’d be staying, where I could walk on their property, local trails to check out, and great places to visit nearby. Grand junction is only 20 mins away so this was PERFECT! Once I got settled in and explored, holy cow—this property is stunning. The trails are not only beautiful but also really well maintained, raked, and clearly marked, which was such a treat for me and my dog to enjoy. They’ve also created the cutest tent camping sites, and you can tell so much care goes into keeping the whole property welcoming and enjoyable. The amenities were just as described, and I was able to easily plug in and charge up all my appliances without any issues. Between the scenery, the setup, and the kindness of the hosts, I honestly couldn’t have asked for more. I’d definitely come back here, especially with a group for tent camping. Excellent property, wonderful people—highly recommend and can’t wait to return!

L

Leah

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Up The Creek Campground

This camp was amazing! I only stayed there one night, but out of all the tent camping sites I stayed at during my Mighty 5 trip, this beat them all. Clean, well maintained, excellent check in instructions, nice camp host, clean bathrooms with free shower use, utility sink with dish soap and sponge, and awesome location one block from Main Street. It is urban, so just be prepared for lack of sleep due to traffic noise… just bring earplugs! True gem in Moab! ☺️

N

Nick

September 2025

24 ft Class C

With kids

3 nights at HTR Moab

Really clean showers with towels and soaps included Great location

S

Sidnei

September 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at FieldStation Moab

Great amenities after being off-grid for several days. Great location to bike into downtown.

D

Doug

September 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Family Ranch RV and Camping

Everything was great, nothing was missing, very private, beautiful location and AMAZING hosts. I took my two dogs with me and they could not have been welcomed more - often off leash when walking the ranch. If you have an occasion to stay near Grand Junction, I would absolutely recommend staying at the Bear Family Ranch!