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15 Top Boondocking Location In Moab Options in Jan 2024

Travel Utah Boondocking, Boondocking / By John - Laurel Rodgers / 21 minutes of reading

15 Boondocking Location Spot in Moab Options

We want to offer you 15 great boondocking location in Moab options as well as Moab Utah free RV parking spots. These are our favorite Moab camping spots. You will be right in the middle of both Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyon Lands and Bears Ears plus so many more great destinations to visit.

Table of Contents

The experience of boondocking Moab, Utah is one of the best in the United States. The area is home to two National Parks and countless camping grounds. As a boondocking enthusiast who is on the lookout for the best boondocking areas, you should look no further than Moab, Utah.

Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Utah?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!

Moab camping has a rich history that is worth learning. According to archeologists, the area and its surroundings were inhabited by an ancient Indian tribe, the Ancestral Puebloans. Moab’s present town sits on Pueblo farming communities’ ruins from the 11th and 12th centuries. If you love touring areas with classic historical backgrounds, then Moab, Utah, will be best for you.

This article shall be taking you through the top 16 boondocking locations and free camping in Moab.

Boondocking Location Options in Moab Utah: How to Get to Moab, UT

If you plan on going trying Moab camping getting there is pretty much straightforward. Salt Lake City has the major airport close to Moab, Utah (approximately 236 miles from Moab, roughly a 4-hour drive). However, in Grand Junction, Colorado, Walker Field Airport offers most airlines’ closest options (about 110 miles from Moab, 1 hour and 45-minute drive). Las Vegas International Airport is significantly far, with 468 miles between the Airport and Moab. Fortunately, as an individual coming from Denver, you can catch a flight to Canyonlands Field Airport, which is 18 miles from Moab, making it the closest and reliable airport.

Moab camping spots are undoubtedly the perfect place for a road trip and camping adventure. It will take you half a day from various major cities. The best thing is that Moab is not on the way, and you will get to enjoy tons of attractions on your way irrespective of the direction you are coming from. Some of the directions you might consider using include a drive from Salt Lake City, which will take you approximately 4 hours. Denver to Moab is roughly a 6-hour drive, while Las Vegas to Moab will take you 7 hours of driving.

15 Free Campsites Near Moab UT

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1. Moab Camping – Gemini Bridges Campsites 1-5

Address
Gemini Bridges Road
Moab, Utah
GPS: 38.612202, -109.665496
Elevation: 4669′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is 4×4. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 14 days at Gemini Bridges Campsites 1-5. Campsites 1-5 are clustered together in a beautiful red rock canyon, but they well spaced out with lots of junipers between them.

Amenities:

Fire Ring

Best Review

Only one of these Boondocking Location in Moab was occupied when I visited at the end of May. The most Moab camping spots are little more than a clear, flat spot with a rock fire ring. There are no facilities. You must pack your trash out! You must bring everything that you will need, You are required to have portable toilet to camp here. Each Moab camping area can hold 2-3 vehicles. The ground is a fine sand. The road from highway 191 is an intimidating high clearance road that only rugged vehicles should try to traverse. After a couple of miles, the road tames. This area is a Bighorn birthing area and dogs must be leashed. No cellular signal at these Moab camping options.

2. Boondocking Location Options in Moab Utah – Camp Sunset

Address
Moab, Utah
GPS: 38.49485, -109.65216
Elevation: 4252′

Management: Public – State Trust (Unofficial)

The road in is Dirt. You may stay 14 days at Camp Sunset. Overlooks the river on State Trust Land with a sign condoning the free usage of recreation to the public including camping.

Best Review:

So as it turns out you are not allowed to camp anywhere around here. It is all private property. So we headed back to Moab. Most of the sites have been blocked off.

That said if you continue down Potash road, continue past the intersection and start heading up hill and on the left there will be 3 sites on your left and another one around a switchback further up. Beyond that is private land, and beyond that it becomes part of Canyonland National Park.

3. Moab Boondocking Locations – Potash Road

Address
Moab, Utah
GPS: 38.488431, -109.669514
Elevation: 4160′

Management: Public – State Trust (Official)

The road in is Dirt. There are 6-15 campsites at this Moab camping location. Dozens of campsites near the Intrepid Potash Mine outside Moab. The road continues to the Shafer Trail, and eventually into Canyonlands National Park. To access the campsites, follow the road as far up the mountain (mesa) as you wish and you’ll see dozens of them on both sides of the road. Some are better than others.

Best Review:

None

4. Moab Utah Boondocking Spots – Long Canyon Dispersed Camping

Address
Moab, Utah
GPS: 38.539848, -109.71217

Management: Public – Bureau of Land Management

The road in is 4×4. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. From Moab, take Potash road west. At Jug Handle Arch (there is a sign on the road for the arch but not the road), take the 4×4 road to the very top where it finally flattens out.

Best Review:

There is no camping until you get to the top (approximately 5 mile drive). This Moab camping area is depicted by the tan and light blue areas on the map. The hashed areas are no dispersed camping zones. There are several Boondocking Location in Moab with fire rings and spectacular views. Alternatively, from Canyonlands NP/Dead Horse Point SP, turn on to Long Canyon Road from Hwy 313. The road and terrain is flat here. You will start seeing campsites with fire rings at approximately mile 2-3. From this direction the road is gravel/dirt and any vehicle can access.

5. Moab Camping – Picture Frame Arch

Address
Moab, Utah
GPS: 38.435963, -109.509295
Elevation: 5492′

Management: Public – Bureau of Land Management

Free Moab camping. There are four designated sites located six miles from Highway 191. Camping is limited to officially marked campsites. Portable toilets are required.

Best Review:

This spot kicks ass. It is pretty far though; about an hour in on a bumpy road once you turn off the highway, the only technical part being crossing a rocky wash. The arch and surrounding boulders are beautiful and there’s a great view of a park just down the road. We had the place to ourselves on a week day in August.

6. Boondocking Location in Moab Utah – Castleton Climbing

Address
Moab, Utah
GPS: 38.642319, -109.376765
Elevation: 4915′

Management: Public – Utah Open Lands Conservation Association. (Official)

There are about 4 sites here with plenty of urban sprawl. Its a free site but they do ask for donations. A pit toilet, no water, no fires allowed. Controlled by Utah Open Lands Conservation Association.

Amenities:

Restrooms

Best Review:

One of my favorite spots in the Moab camping circle. Located right off of La Sal loop road in Castle Valley. This is a climbers campsite for the Tower, but is technically open to everyone. You don’t have to be an expert climber to hike the trail that takes you right up to the base of the Tower. Bring your camera, Amazing views. There is about 4 sites here with plenty of urban sprawl.

7. Boondocking Location in Moab Utah – Kokopelli’s Trail – Porcupine Rim

Address
Forest Road 4632
Moab, Utah
GPS: 38.575105, -109.347077
Elevation: 7408′

Management: Public: Forest Service

The road in is Dirt. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. This Moab camping area is at high elevation and one of the notable camping location along the Kokopelli Trail. One of the nicest Boondocking Location in Moab.

Best Review:

Great place with a great view. Google maps took me through sand flats rec area and they require a $5 entrance fee so just be aware of that. The road turns to dirt about a quarter of the way into sand flats and it can be wash boarded at times. The final leg to the sites would be ideal to have some clearance and I would definitely recommend good tires. This would be tricky to get to if rain is recent.

8. Moab Utah Boondocking Spots – 11 Miles From Moab: Spring Valley

Address
Moab, Utah
GPS: 38.426718, -109.440227
Elevation: 5489′

Management: Forest Service

Free Dispersed Camping near Moab -> First camped no reservations

Best Review:

Turn onto Yellow Circle Road from UT 191…about 11 miles south of Moab. The dirt road is a little rough and watch for rocks. We found a nice spot for our 32ft class A. This is our 4th day. Peaceful and quiet just what we were looking for. There is more activity now the weekend is upon us. Spectacular views.

9. Moab Camping – Willow Springs Road

Address
Willow Springs Road
Moab, Utah
GPS: 38.696832, -109.6981
Elevation: 4430′

Management: Public: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is Dirt. plenty off pullouts and places to camp off Willow Springs Road (BLM 378). It is a dirt road but our sedan did just fine getting down in a little ways from 191.

Best Review:

I camped here in May 2011 and June 2022 with a car and tent and had no problem. the complete opposite actually: always met some really cool people. no amenities or anything… just another free spot in another rocky/desert area of Utah.

10. Boondocking Location in Moab Utah – Fr 4651

Address
Moab, Utah
GPS: 38.507814, -109.339406
Elevation: 7805′

Management: Forest Service

The road in is Paved. Fr 4651 is open weather permitting. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You may stay 14 days at Fr 4651. Large open spaces that are easy to access. bushes add privacy. Decent cellular. Room for any size rig at this Boondocking Location in Moab.

Best Review:

None

11. Boondocking Location in Moab Utah – Manti-LaSalle National Forest

Address
Moab, Utah
GPS: 38.468199, -109.363763
Elevation: 6693′

Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)

The road in is Paved. You may stay 14 at Manti-LaSalle National Forest. about 30min south of Moab up in the mountains of the Manti-LaSalle National Forest there’s dispersed camping available for 14 days at a time.. very nice juniper forested sites with excellent views! not super convenient for the nearby national parks, but very nice sites and not crowded at all.

Best Review:

The first gravel mile is leased grazing land with no camping. Then you’ll see a sign for national forest turning into pavement. I can tell you most sites are small with steep entry/exit off paved road. This is a very steep, windy road with switch backs and not meant for bigger rigs. I’m used to CO off roading with my rig but my friend in a28ft Class C had to pull over and throw up due to fear of heights.

12. Moab Boondocking Locations – Cotter Mine Campsites

Address
Moab, Utah
GPS: 38.698374, -109.708278
Elevation: 4688′

Management: Bureau of Land Management (Official)

The road into this Moab camping options is Gravel. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Cotter Mine Campsites. Free designated campsites along Cotter Mine Road. This road connects to the parking lot indicated by the Mill Creek campsite. Each end of Cotter Mine Rd has an info sign with a map showing where the campsites are. You can only camp in sites with a tent symbol on a stake and you can’t build new fire rings.

Best Review:

Just as advertised from a previous post I took my sprinter style van here no problem. I was not camping with a group with a fire so I pulled into what looked like an AOV staging area. No fire ring. Probably not supposed to camp here but I got in late as the sun went down quickly. Seems very safe and accessible to any style vehicle with no trailer. I didn’t check previous posts to see what the supposed cell coverage is but I have a 5g signal with t mobile.

13. Moab Utah Boondocking Spots – Jimmy Keen Boondock

Address
La Sal Scenic Loop
Moab, Utah
GPS: 38.543507, -109.317529
Elevation: 8294′

Management: Public: Forest Service

The road in is Dirt and .1 miles from a paved road. Jimmy Keen Boondock is open weather permitting. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 14 days at Jimmy Keen Boondock. Best views around. Great cellular. Short road in is a little rough and muddy during wet weather. Large RVs will have trouble ascending La Sal Loop Road so this is better suited for small-medium rigs at this Boondocking Location in Moab.

Best Review:

Very nice spot with great views of Castle Valley. Lots of cows who may decide to join you for coffee in the morning. The better coordinates are added to get you to the proper turn off: 38.54223, -109.31364. There is also a clean pit toilet just up the road.

14. Moab Camping – Dalton Wells Camping Area

Address
Moab, Utah
GPS: 38.717797, -109.689383
Elevation: 4396′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

The road in is 4×4. The Dalton Wells Moab Camping Area is open year round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Dalton Wells Camping Area. A free camping area to the north of Arches National Park and Moab. Plenty of spots.

Best Review:

The camping areas are flat and open with full sun. There are lots of roads and rails for jeeps and OHV here. Decent Verizon 4G. No ATT data w/o booster. 4×4 or front wheel drive suggested. There is a sandy wash that you must cross to get to the camping area. Camping is not allowed within 1/2 mile of highway 191, well past the wash.

15. Boondocking Location in Moab Utah – La Salle Loop Rd

Address
Moab, Utah
GPS: 38.476741, -109.343744

Management: Forest Service (Official)

Free NPS boondocking site -> First come first camped, No Reservations

Best Review:

Moab in the summer is hot. Found a really nice primitive camping going up the road to do the Whole Enchilada bike trail. Forest road that takes you to the top of the mountain and you will see primitive camping all over. One of my favorite Boondocking Location in Moab.

Top 10 Trails In the Moab Area

Moab, Utah, is undoubtedly vast and has numerous hiking trails. Therefore, if you are on the lookout for some of the best hiking trails in Moab, you should consider the ones discussed below.

1. Delicate Arch Trail

This trail is moderate and covers a total distance of .34 miles or 5.5 Km making it one of the best hiking trails. Furthermore, it is by far the most famous trail in Moab due to the famous Delicate Arch.

Length: 3.2 mi
Elevation gain: 629 ft
Route type: Out & back

Kid friendly, Hiking, Partially paved, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky, No shade, Fee, No dogs

2. Hidden Valley Trail

With an elevation gain of 680 ft. or 208 m, the Hidden Valley Trail is ideal for various individuals, thanks to its moderate difficulty level. The trail covers a total distance of 4 miles or 6.3 Km. This trail will, without a doubt, have your calves burning from the beginning; however, in the end, you are guaranteed scenic views.

Length: 1.8 mi
Elevation gain: 160 ft
Route type: Out & back

Kid friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Views, Wildlife, Rocky, Fee, No dogs

3. Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail

The Corona Arch Trail is by far the easiest on this list. The trail covers a total distance of 3 miles or 4.8 Km and 250 ft. or 76m elevation gain making it ideal for anyone to tackle. This trail passes Pinto and Bow Tie arches, and it also offers little shade. The best part is that dogs are allowed on this hiking trail.

Length: 2.4 mi
Elevation gain: 482 ft
Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash, Camping, Hiking, River, Views, Wildflowers, Rocky, Scramble, No shade

4. Mesa Arch Trail

A short, easy hike to a beautiful view. I didn’t realize the edge you see in the photo is the actual edge.

Length: 0.7 mi
Elevation gain: 88 ft
Route type: Loop

Kid friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, OHV/Off-road driving, Running, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky, No shade, Fee, No dogs

5. Grand View Point Trail

Several uneven stairs to navigate & slick rock along the trail. Hiking boots are helpful. Not safe for little ones who don’t understand cliff edge drop-offs = death. Please, if you’re going to hike this with children, keep them close.

Length: 1.8 mi
Elevation gain: 160 ft
Route type: Out & back

Kid friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Views, Wildlife, Rocky, Fee, No dogs

6. White Rim Overlook Trail

This hike is a must if you’re in the area. We saw very few people along the trail and the views at the end are stunning. There is very little parking so plan accordingly. The hike is pretty easy, going out you are steadily going down hill without realizing it. Going back up you can definitely notice the incline, but nothing too challenging.

Length: 1.8 mi
Elevation gain: 160 ft
Route type: Out & back

Kid friendly, Hiking, Walking, Views, Fee, No dogs

7. Upheaval Dome

Again, beautiful. This park is much prettier than expected. In particular, this trail with awesome eye candy, but not the grandeur of the other park hikes.

Length: 1.3 mi
Elevation gain: 226 ft
Route type: Out & back

Kid friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, Running, Forest, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky, No shade, Fee, No dogs

8. Chesler Park Loop

Excellent hike. Some thrills for acrophobes, but nothing super scary. Great views, great variety. Trail is well marked with cairns–follow them rather than footprints that sometimes can lead you astray.

Length: 10.4 mi
Elevation gain: 1,820 ft
Route type: Loop

Backpacking, Camping, Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Running, Views, Rocky, No shade, Fee, No dogs

9. Aztec Butte Trail

Fun hike! The scramble up to the butte was really fun but if you’re scared of heights, don’t have grippy shoes, etc. then you might want to avoid that part. Just follow the cairns up the rock.

Length: 1.7 mi
Elevation gain: 259 ft
Route type: Out & back

Kid friendly, Hiking, OHV/Off-road driving, Walking, Running, Views, Wildlife, No shade, Fee, No dogs

10. False Kiva Trail

Great short hike with awesome views. Not a marked trailhead so had trail to ourselves. Not hard to find a trail. Just work your way down and stay to the right as you reach views into the canyon.

Length: 1.9 mi
Elevation gain: 426 ft
Route type: Out & back

Hiking, Views, Rocky, Scramble, Off trail, No shade, Fee, No dogs

Places to Visit Near Moab

Are you planning on Moab camping? Here are some of the places you should consider visiting and things you can do for fun:

Arches National Park

One of the main reasons you should consider going to Moab is Utah boondocking it visiting the Arches National Park. This park is regarded as one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Therefore, if you happen to be in Moab, visiting the Arches National Park should be at the top of your list.

The National Park offers scenic environments and famous points such as the Balanced Rock, The Windows, Double Arch, and Park Avenue viewpoint. The area also provides the best hiking trails where you will come across some delicate rock arts. Here, you will be able to take some sleek pictures that are out of this world.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is one of the lesser-known parks in the United States. However, you can never go wrong with a trip to this national park. Canyonlands is undoubtedly one of the best areas you should visit while in Moab, Utah.

The area covers vast land and has been divided into several different regions. Due to the extensive location it covers, the National Park offers some of the best viewpoints and stunning landscape. It has a similar look to the Grand Canyon; however, it does not have too many people. Here, you will be able to enjoy some of the best hiking trails, such as a short hike to Mesa; it offers phenomenal scenery.

Dead Horse Point State Park

This state park is known for offering some of the best sunsets. It is located a short drive from Moab on the way to the Canyonlands National Park. Watching the sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park is something worth doing while boondocking in Moab, Utah.

The Colorado River

If you love rafting, then the Colorado River is the place to be. As a rafting enthusiast, rafting on the Colorado River is something you have to do while in Moab during summertime. With various choices, there is always a perfect rafting trip for everybody. During summer, Moab experiences ideal temperature, which makes it favorable for rafting. In addition to rafting, you will be able to enjoy some scenic views.

Route 128

It would help if you considered driving through this route for some top-notch photography. This route is incredibly scenic, with unbelievable desert scenery that you will fall in love with once you are there. In addition to its top-notch beauty, the area is significantly close to Moab, and you will hardly come across any car with remarkably few tourists in the area.

Things to Do When Try Moab Camping

Finding an area that is best for boondocking and offers various fun activities is never an easy task; however, this is never the case with Moab, Utah boondocking. While in Moab, there are various activities one can do, including these top ten sports;

Hiking

Moab is a playground for hikers; here, you will get to enjoy various incredible hiking trails, such as the Delicate Arch that is located in Arches National Park. If you love hiking, then Moab, Utah, will be the best place for you.

Cycling

Moab is also a famous destination among bikers, with Slickrock Trail being the main center of attraction. If you are a biking enthusiast, you must have heard about this trail. Slickrock Trail is famous among bikers and is ideal for advanced bikers; however, everyone seems to fall in love with it and is biking on this trail.

Rafting

Moab has various fun activities to do, with rafting being one of them. When Moab, Utah boondocking, you should consider rafting on the Colorado River during the summertime. You will be able to enjoy the temperature along with the scenic environment.

Exploring

This area is also ideal for explorers. Moab offers a vast area that you will love to explore, such as the Island in the sky located in Canyonlands National Park. If you love exploring, then visiting Moab should be at the top of your bucket list.

ATV

There are various locations within Moab where you will enjoy driving an ATV, including the famous Slickrock and Sand Recreation Area.

Driving on a Shafer Trail Road

This trail road is a famous cliff-hugging, dirt, and gravel road, which is best for adrenaline junkies. Here you will be able to drive on a cliff that might not appeal to everyone.

Kayaking

You will be able to kayak on the Colorado River while enjoying its peaceful flow and enjoying the scenic environment.

Running

While in Moab, you will be able to run up and down dunes. The area features a hill patch of sand, and it is busy with kids and adults.

Walking on Bartlett Wash

This is a fantastic wonderland that is free of people most of the time. You can walk and enjoy the beautiful environment it offers while taking pictures.

Driving 4WD

There are several 4WD options in Moab. The area features rugged terrain that is ideal for driving 4WD; this is one of the fun activities you shouldn’t miss.

How Much Time Do You Need for Your Visit?

When Moab, Utah boondocking, it is recommended that you have two full days and three nights. You will divide these days into your liking. For instance, one will be visiting Arches National Park, half a day for Canyonlands National Park, along with Dead Horse Point State Park. You can then set half a day for rafting and the remaining time for hiking and other fun activities within Moab.

Accommodations and Dining Near the Moab UT

If you are wondering where to stay while Moab, Utah boondocking, then you should consider the below options;

· SpringHill Suites. This is an ideal hotel for a family with rooms that accommodate up to 8 people.

· Gonzo Inn. This is a unique and electric hotel located in downtown Moab. It is located within walking distance of shops and the Moab Adventure Center.

· Best Western Greenwell Inn. It offers the best Western quality right near the creek and main street. You will have access to a TV, pool, Wi-Fi, double queen, or a single king room.

· Mainstay suites. Located at the South of Moab Adventure Center, you will have access to the main shopping area and convenience to the City Market. Here, you will have breakfast, a pool, Wi-Fi as well as fitness.

Best Time to Visit the Moab UT

You can use most of these Moab camping and boondocking options throughout the year; however, spring and fall are considered the best times to visit Moab. Therefore, you should consider visiting Moab between March and May or between October and November. During this period, the weather is pleasant for any outdoor activity and not as busy as summertime.

What to Pack for Your Visit to the Moab UT?

When planning to go to Moab camping or boondocking, you should consider packing the following;

· T-shirt or a light long-sleeved shirt.

· Shorts or pants.

· Hat.

· Hiking boots or sneakers.

· Sunscreen.

· Jacket (this is optional; however, it is highly recommended).

· Cameras, storage cards, and batteries.

· First aid kit.

· A significant amount of water and snacks.

· Insect repellent.

· Electrolytes.

· Sunglasses.

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