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Arches National Park   |  Angie Payne

Arches National Park Camping

The otherworldly landscape of Arches National Park is a desert dream painted in red sandstone, faded green juniper and pastel twilight sky. Camping in Arches grants easy access to the namesake arches, fantastic pillars and remote canyons that make this one of America's most exotic national parks.

How to Visit Arches Moab

Campground in Arches

"The otherworldly landscape of Arches National Park is a desert dream painted in red sandstone, faded green juniper and pastel twilight sky."

Devil's Garden in Arches National Park

Devil's Garden in Arches National Park

Photo: Rosie Serago

Arches is a certified International Dark Sky Park.

Arches is a certified International Dark Sky Park.

The backcountry at Arches is notoriously rugged and dry.

The backcountry at Arches is notoriously rugged and dry.

Photo: Angie Payne

Camping near Arches

Arches only offers one campgrounds inside the park, but don't fret. Moab is a major camping and outdoor adventure hub. Dead Horse Point State Park offers stunning views and a solid shot at snagging a site. Canyonlands National Park is just down the road and has a few campgrounds worth considering, too. If looking to stay in town, Moab has a range of campgrounds and RV parks close to all the action.

RV Campsites

Camping near Aches National Park doesn't have to mean pitching a tent. RVs are welcome in the Devils Garden Campground, though getting a reservation can be a challenging affair. Utilizing the numerous RV parks in Moab is just as good an option. They offer RV hookups and easy access to the town itself. (Read: “Wheeling It: An RV Primer for Utah Family Trips”)

Glamping

There are also several hotels, resorts and glamping options (Under Canvas Moab, ULUM Moab and Glamping Canyonlands) in Moab, for those looking for a few more amenities.

Backcountry and BLM Camping

If you want to delve into the backcountry of Arches National Park, a permit ($7 per person) is required from the visitor center. Adventure the notoriously rugged, dry and definitely not beginner-friendly terrain at your own risk. Human waste must be packed out using an approved commercial bag system (Read: "How to Poop in the Outdoors"). Beyond the rugged terrain, certain areas of the park are prone to flash floods and lightning storms — be vigilant about the forecast before heading out. 

Outside Arches, Moab offers a wealth of Bureau of Land Management land (BLM) that’s just as popular (and often as busy) as Devils Garden. The BLM supports a whopping 26 campgrounds in the Moab area. The collection of developed sites is $20 per night and most feature vault toilets, fire pits and picnic tables. These range from 4,000 feet above sea level near town to over 6,000 feet at the Cowboy Campground. The BLM campgrounds are required to be located 20 miles from town, which often means they are actually closer to the famous Moab destinations than in-town lodging. Nearly all are a short 10- to 20-minute drive to Arches National Park. 


Camping Responsibly

Utah Forever

While venturing beyond the more predictable, and sometimes crowded, public campgrounds to camp in the backcountry can be a thrilling adventure — remember to travel responsibly and help shape a Utah that lasts forever.

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Leave No Trace

No matter what Utah activities you take on, remember to follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace:

  • Plan ahead and prepare.
  • Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
  • Dispose of waste properly.
  • Leave what you find.
  • Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
  • Respect wildlife.
  • Be considerate of other visitors.

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Arches Camping FAQs


When is the best time to camp in Arches?

April through May and September through October offer the best camping at Arches, with temperatures between 60 and 80°F. This mild weather avoids the 100°F summer heat and freezing winter nights.

Can you camp inside Arches National Park?

Yes, Arches has one campground, Devils Garden, located at the end of the park road about 18 miles from the entrance. The 51 make an ideal basecamp for exploring the park. However, it books up quickly. Be sure to make a reservation in advance.

Are pets allowed at Arches campgrounds?

Pets are not allowed on trails or backcountry terrain. However, pets are allowed on-leash in parking areas, picnic areas and at the Devils Garden Campground. Pet-friendly campsites near Arches include Dead Horse State Park and many BLM campgrounds near Moab, such as Goose Island and Horsethief.

Is there dispersed camping near Arches?

BLM land surrounding Moab offers plenty of dispersed camping options. Areas like Canyon Rims Recreation Area and stretches of BLM land off Highway 191 are good places to start. Check with the Moab BLM Field Office before heading out to confirm current conditions and any restrictions.

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Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead
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