Camping Near Moab, Utah

Not many of us enjoy the stress of driving around aimlessly, as the setting sun sinks closer to the horizon.. and not being able to find a spot to set up camp. If you’re feeling the itch to go explore Moab, here are a few camping locations to help you out!

Before you go, there are some important rules you should know!

• Vehicles must stay on roads
• Human waste carryout required (portable toilet or human waste bags)
• Pack it in; pack it out
• Do not build new fire rings or leave trash in existing ones
• No wood cutting or gathering
• Do not mark on rocks

Free/Dispersed Camping Near Moab

BLM 340: This site is less than a couple miles west of Horsethief Campground on BLM 340. This area has a lot of opportunities for dispersed camping! However, the shade providing pygmy pinyon-juniper trees get smaller and the shade becomes sparse the further west you go. Coming in from Colorado, shade was a welcome sight! It was snowing when we stopped for lunch in Vail, and nearly 90* when we were setting up camp in Utah.

Long Canyon Road: This site is located on Long Canyon Road, about 2 miles off of 313. Dispersed camping opens up between miles 2 and 3, before Long Canyon turns into a 4×4 road. This site has a wonderful view and there are a few cliff-side spots to choose from. The cliff-side locations fill quickly, so get there early to claim a spot with a view! It was a beautiful, clear night so we ditched the tent and enjoyed the star-packed sky!

BLM 140: This specific location was 8.8 miles west of 313 on Spring Canyon Bottom Road (BLM 137). It turns into BLM 140 about 1.5 miles down the road. The night we stayed here was a bit windy, but the bluff provided great shelter from the wind! However, we did have to shoo off a few cows that were hanging around the site. There are a few spots with deep sand here, so be cautious!

Developed Campgrounds Near Moab

Most campgrounds in the Moab area operate on a first come, first serve basis. Typically, campground sites are $20 per night. East of Moab along Highway 128, there is a small tent only campsite near Fisher Towers. This is a great location, but there are only a few sites so it can be difficult to snag a spot. Also in the area is Lower Onion Creek Campground. However, shade is limited in these areas.

On the west side of Moab is Horsethief Campground. This campground is conveniently located near Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse State Park. This site is popular due to the location, and the fact that the campsites are tucked into pygmy pinyon-juniper trees. Nearby is Lone Mesa Campground, which unfortunately doesn’t offer as much shade.

Campgrounds are also available in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, which is another great way to explore Utah! However, those are by reservation only and tend book up quickly. Check https://www.recreation.gov/ for availability.

For maps and more information on Moab campgrounds and dispersed camping on BLM land, visit: https://www.discovermoab.com/blm-campgrounds/

For some ideas on places to check out around Moab, visit my previous post: https://wanderingprose.com/things-to-do-moab/