About Moab BLM Camping

This is a regional planning guide, not a listing for one campground or one verified campsite. Camping near Moab includes BLM developed campgrounds, free designated backcountry sites in mapped zones, eligible dispersed areas farther from high-use corridors, Grand County’s jointly managed Sand Flats Recreation Area, and the separate Hatch Point and Windwhistle campgrounds in Canyon Rims Recreation Area.

Near Moab, land ownership and camping status change quickly. The current BLM visitor guide says many areas close to the city and developed campgrounds are closed to dispersed camping. In other mapped zones, camping is limited to marked sites identified by a brown post and tent symbol. Never use the city-center coordinate above as a campsite location.

What to Expect

The landscape

Expect red sandstone fins, slickrock benches, canyon overlooks, desert washes, open mesas, juniper, sagebrush, and dramatic views near Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the Colorado River corridor.

Campsite setup

Camping conditions vary by exact management category. Sand Flats has 140 individual first-come, first-served campsites and six reservable group campsites. Canyon Rims contains the developed Hatch Point and Windwhistle campgrounds as well as overlooks and backways; the recreation area itself should not be presented as one open dispersed-camping zone. Elsewhere, follow the current BLM camping map and on-site signs.

Things to do nearby

• Use official route maps for Sand Flats, Canyon Rims, and the Colorado River corridor.
• Visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
• Ride or watch routes near Slickrock, Fins & Things, and Porcupine Rim.
• Explore canyon overlooks, hiking trails, and red rock viewpoints south of Moab.
• Use Moab for fuel, groceries, gear, showers, and repairs.

Rules & Regulations

• Use the current BLM Moab Visitor Guide and camping map to determine whether the exact location is closed, campground-only, designated-site-only, or open to eligible dispersed camping.
• Sand Flats requires camping in a designated site. Grand County currently lists a $20 fee per vehicle per night, with limits of 10 people and two vehicles per individual site.
• Hatch Point and Windwhistle are developed Canyon Rims campgrounds. BLM currently lists each at $20 per site per night with a 14-night limit in a 30-consecutive-day period.
• In designated backcountry camping zones, stay within the marked site boundary shown by a brown post and tent symbol.
• Use existing disturbed surfaces only where dispersed camping is open; avoid biological soil crust and restoration areas.
• Do not assume potable water is available. BLM states that Hatch Point no longer provides potable water, and Sand Flats advises visitors to bring water.
• Where a constructed toilet is not provided in designated-site zones, follow the portable-toilet and solid-waste carryout requirement shown on the official BLM map and signs.
• Check the current BLM Utah fire order immediately before travel. As reviewed July 31, 2026, the Canyon Country District order effective June 26 prohibited all open fires, but restrictions can be changed or rescinded.

Seasonal Access

• Spring — March to May: Often comfortable but heavily used; heat, wind, storms, and campground availability still vary.
• Summer — June to August: Very hot. Plan around heat and carry extra water.
• Fall — September to November: Often comfortable and busy, with short daylight, cold nights, and changing fire conditions.
• Winter — December to February: Quieter and colder, with occasional snow or icy roads.

How to Get There

From Moab: US-191 is the main regional corridor. Sand Flats is accessed from Moab by Sand Flats Road. BLM lists the Canyon Rims turnoff approximately 32 miles south of Moab, with Windwhistle about six miles west on the paved access road. Use the official map for Hatch Point and other Canyon Rims destinations.

Last fuel and supplies: Moab, Utah.

Offline maps: Download BLM maps, Sand Flats maps, and offline navigation before driving away from town.

Official Planning Resources

Use these sources to identify the exact camping category, fee, route, waste rule, and active restriction before departure. CIWILD does not designate campsites or authorize overnight use.

Official-source review completed: July 31, 2026.