About Moab BLM Camping

Moab BLM camping covers a wide mix of public-land camping styles around Moab, including managed campgrounds, primitive desert pullouts, Sand Flats Recreation Area, and canyon-rim areas south of town. This page is written as a regional camping guide rather than one single campground.

The Moab area is extremely popular with overlanders, mountain bikers, climbers, hikers, rooftop tent campers, and national park road trippers. Because of heavy use, some places that look like open desert camping are now fee areas, designated-site areas, or closed to camping.

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 widely. Sand Flats has designated campsites and fees. Canyon Rims includes scenic roads, overlooks, and developed campgrounds. More remote BLM areas may offer primitive dispersed camping where allowed, but restrictions are common near high-use zones.

Things to do nearby

• Drive scenic roads near 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

• Check whether your chosen area is free, fee-based, or designated-camping only.
• Sand Flats campsites are managed and fee-based, not free dispersed camping.
• Many BLM campgrounds around Moab are first-come, first-served and charge nightly fees.
• Camp only where camping is allowed and avoid closed restoration zones.
• Use existing campsites and durable surfaces to protect biological soil crust.
• No water or hookups are available at many Moab-area campsites.
• Pack out trash and follow human-waste rules; portable toilets may be required in some primitive areas.
• Campfires may be restricted during dry or windy periods.

Seasonal Access

• Spring — March to May: Peak season with excellent weather but heavy crowds.
• Summer — June to August: Very hot. Plan around heat and carry extra water.
• Fall — September to November: Another peak season with strong camping weather and busy weekends.
• Winter — December to February: Quieter and colder, with occasional snow or icy roads.

How to Get There

From Moab: Use US-191 as the main access corridor. Sand Flats is reached from town via Sand Flats Road. Canyon Rims is south of Moab and north of Monticello along US-191 and signed scenic backways.

Last fuel and supplies: Moab, Utah.

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