Camping in Arches National Park: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations, and Rates
Arches National Park has just one campground inside the park: Devils Garden, at the end of Scenic Drive, 18 miles from the main entrance. Sites are reserved through recreation.gov and sell out within minutes during the busy season. If you're planning to stay in a tent or RV in this Utah park, here's what you need to know before you arrive.
Campgrounds in the park (1)
- Campground Devils Garden Campground recreation.gov · 51 sites Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Can You Camp Inside Arches National Park?
Yes, you can camp inside Arches National Park, but the options are limited. The park allows camping only in officially designated sites. Free camping isn't allowed outside the campground or regulated backcountry areas. The only developed campground, Devils Garden, is open year-round.
Campgrounds in the Park
Devils Garden Campground
Devils Garden is the park's only official campground. It's at the northern end of Scenic Drive, about 18 miles from the entrance and just steps from Devils Garden Trailhead, one of the park's busiest.
Number of sites: 51 sites in all.
Available facilities: Restrooms, picnic tables, fire grates, and food-storage lockers. No showers, electrical hookups, or running water in winter.
Who can stay: Tents and RVs are welcome. Keep in mind that some sites are narrow and the 18-mile access road includes sharp turns. Check the length restrictions on recreation.gov before booking with a large vehicle.
Opening: Open year-round, weather conditions permitting.
Rate: About $25 per night, not including the park entrance fee.
Reservations: Most sites can be reserved through recreation.gov up to six months in advance. A small number remain first-come, first-served, but don't count on getting one during the busy season. In April and May, they fill before 9 a.m.
RV vs. Tent Camping: Which Site Should You Choose in Arches National Park?
Devils Garden accommodates both, but there are no hookups. You'll be dry camping with no electricity, water or sewer, and no dump station on-site. Generators are allowed only during the limited hours posted at the campground entrance.
Tent campers have a comfortable setup: partial shade from juniper trees, a quiet desert setting, and the chance to hit the trail at dawn directly from your site, before the heat and tour buses arrive.
The Arches National Park RV camping guide covers dump stations, water refills, and services in and around Moab.
Camping Nearby: Private Campgrounds and BLM Land Outside the Park
Moab is 5 miles south of the park entrance. The town has plenty of private campgrounds, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) campgrounds, and KOAs. These alternatives become essential when Devils Garden is full, which happens regularly from March through October.
BLM areas around Moab often allow legal dispersed camping. It's less expensive and better suited to large vehicles. Private campgrounds are a better fit for families who want showers and full restroom facilities.
The Arches National Park lodging guide covers hotels, lodges, and rentals in and around the park.
Dispersed and Backcountry Camping
Arches National Park allows backcountry camping, but it's strictly regulated. A paid permit is required, and you must get it before entering the area. Sites aren't marked because camping is dispersed, Leave No Trace rules apply in full, and fires are prohibited in the backcountry. You must carry a WAG Bag (a human-waste disposal kit) in most areas.
This option is for experienced hikers who can navigate without a marked trail in a desert environment. The Arches hiking guide details the relevant areas and the steps for obtaining a backcountry permit.
How and When to Reserve a Campsite in Arches National Park
Platform: recreation.gov. No other reservation system is accepted.
Reservation window: Six months in advance on a rolling basis. Want to camp in late April? Open the calendar in late October, starting at 8 a.m. Mountain Time.
Timing: In April, May, September, and October, weekend sites sell out within minutes after reservations open. Don't wait.
Quietest season: November through February. But winter temperatures in Arches National Park regularly drop below 5°F at night, so pack accordingly.
To choose the best time based on your needs and your tolerance for cold or heat, see our Arches National Park seasons guide.
Rates: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost in Arches National Park?
| Item | Rate |
|---|---|
| Park entrance (vehicle) | $30 (valid for 7 days) |
| Motorcycle entrance | $25 |
| Pedestrian / bicycle entrance | $15 |
| Annual park pass | $55 |
| Devils Garden campsite | ~$25 |
The park's $55 annual pass pays for itself after two visits in a year. The America the Beautiful pass covers admission to all U.S. federal recreation sites, so it's worth considering if you're visiting several parks on a road trip. It doesn't cover camping fees. Our editorial Fees & passes page explains entrance fees and passes.
Camping Safety and Best Practices
Heat and dehydration. In summer, daytime temperatures on the Colorado Plateau regularly climb above 100°F. Even for a short outing from Devils Garden, plan on at least 4 liters of water per person per hiking day. Emergency response is slow in this terrain.
Food storage. Bears are rare in Arches. Ravens and squirrels, on the other hand, are remarkably effective. Always use the campground's food-storage lockers, and don't leave food visible in your vehicle, even for a few minutes.
Fire. Fire bans are common between June and September. The notice at the campground entrance is the authority, so don't rely on the previous day's conditions.
Wind and dust. The plateau can produce strong winds, especially in spring. Stake your tent carefully, and protect your camera and electronics from sandstone dust.
Speed on the park road. The speed limit is 45 mph on Scenic Drive and lower on secondary roads. Follow it: nocturnal wildlife such as foxes, snakes, and rabbits regularly crosses the road.
For the park's complete rules, see the general Arches National Park guide.
Which Campground to Choose in Arches National Park Based on Your Needs
Tent camping, as a couple or solo: Devils Garden, reserved six months in advance, with an early-morning arrival so you can enjoy the quiet before visitors arrive.
Families with young children: A private campground in Moab with showers, restrooms, and shade, plus days in the park by shuttle or car.
Large RV: Be sure to check the length restrictions on recreation.gov before committing to the park's 18-mile access road.
Looking for solitude: Backcountry camping with a permit is the most demanding and quietest option. It's also the only way to see Arches National Park's starry sky without neighbors 30 feet away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp inside Arches National Park?
Yes, you can camp inside Arches National Park at Devils Garden Campground, which is open year-round. Free camping outside designated sites is strictly prohibited in the park.
Which campground should you choose in Arches National Park?
The only campground inside Arches National Park is Devils Garden, 18 miles from the entrance. For full services such as showers and electricity, private campgrounds in Moab, 5 miles south, are the natural alternative.
When should you reserve a campsite in Arches National Park?
Reservations on recreation.gov open six months in advance. For a night in April or May, you need to act in October or November. The most sought-after sites sell out within minutes after reservations open.
How do you camp in Arches National Park?
Reserve through recreation.gov, pay the park entrance fee ($30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days), then arrive at Devils Garden with your reservation confirmation. Backcountry camping requires a separate permit before you enter the area.
How much does a campsite in Arches National Park cost?
A site at Devils Garden costs about $25 per night, not including the park entrance fee ($30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days).