Camping in Arches: Devils Garden, the Park's Only Campground (51 Sites)
Arches has just one campground inside the park: Devils Garden, at the end of Scenic Drive, 18 miles from the main entrance. All 51 sites must be reserved through recreation.gov, and they disappear within minutes during peak season. If you're planning to camp 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 Arches campgrounds by the numbers
1 official campgrounds inside the park, 51 campsites in total, 51 of them reservable.
| Campground | Sites | Booking | Fee / night | Open | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devils Garden Campground | 51 (2 group) | Reservation | from $25 | Year round | toilets, firewood |
Source: National Park Service (NPS API), retrieved October 6, 2026. Fees and dates change: check the campground page before you go.
Can you camp inside Arches?
Yes, you can camp inside Arches, but your options are very limited. The park allows camping only in officially designated sites. Free camping isn't allowed outside the campground or regulated backcountry areas. Devils Garden Campground is the only developed campground, and it's open year-round.
Campgrounds in the park
Devils Garden Campground
Devils Garden is the park's only official campground. It's located at the northern end of Scenic Drive, about 18 miles from the entrance and steps from the Devils Garden Trailhead, one of the busiest trailheads in the park.
Number of sites: 51 sites in all, including 2 group sites.
Available services: Restrooms and firewood. You can buy firewood only at the visitor center bookstore, not at the campground itself. There are no showers or electrical hookups.
Maximum length for motorized vehicles: 40 feet. Check the restrictions on recreation.gov before taking a large vehicle onto the park's 18 miles of internal road.
Season: Year-round, weather conditions permitting.
Rate: $25 per night, not including the park entrance fee.
Reservations: All sites must be reserved through recreation.gov, up to six months in advance. During peak season, weekend dates disappear within minutes of the reservation window opening.
RV vs. tent camping: which site should you choose in Arches?
Devils Garden accommodates both, but there are no hookups. It's completely dry camping, with no electricity, water or sewer connections, and no dump station on site. Generators are allowed only during restricted hours posted at the campground entrance.
The maximum permitted length is 40 feet. If you're traveling in a large vehicle, check the restrictions on recreation.gov before booking.
Tent campers get an ideal setting: juniper trees for partial shade, a quiet desert backdrop, and the chance to hit the trail at dawn right from your site, before the heat and tour buses arrive.
Our RV camping guide to Arches covers dump stations, water supplies and services 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.
Our Arches lodging guide covers hotels, lodges and rentals in and around the park.
Backcountry camping and dispersed camping
Arches 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. In most areas, you must carry a WAG Bag (human-waste disposal kit).
This option is for experienced hikers who can navigate without a marked trail in a desert environment. Our Arches hiking guide covers the relevant areas and the steps for getting a backcountry permit.
How and when should you reserve a campsite in Arches?
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 dates disappear within minutes of the reservation window opening. Don't wait.
Quietest season: November through February. Winter temperatures in Arches regularly drop below 5°F at night. Pack accordingly.
To choose the best time of year for your travel style and tolerance for cold or heat, see our Arches seasons guide.
Rates: how much does a night of camping in Arches cost?
| 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 just two visits in a year. The America the Beautiful pass covers admission to all U.S. federal recreation areas, so it's worth considering if you're stringing several parks together on a road trip. It doesn't cover camping fees. Our editorial page on fees and passes explains entrance fees and pass options.
Camping safety and best practices
Heat and dehydration. In summer, daytime temperatures on the Colorado Plateau regularly exceed 100°F. Even for a short outing from Devils Garden, plan on at least 4 liters of water per person per hiking day. Help can take a while to arrive in this terrain.
Firewood. The campground doesn't sell firewood. You can buy it only at the visitor center bookstore. Get your supply before arriving at your site. Fire bans are common between June and September, and the notice posted at the campground entrance is the final word.
Food storage. Ravens and squirrels are remarkably effective. Always use the available food-storage lockers, and don't leave any food visible in your vehicle, even for a few minutes.
Wind and dust. The plateau produces strong winds, especially in spring. Stake your tent carefully and protect your camera gear and electronics from sandstone dust.
Speed on the park road. The speed limit is 45 mph on Scenic Drive and drops on secondary roads. Nocturnal wildlife, including foxes, snakes and rabbits, regularly crosses the road.
For the park's complete rules, see our general Arches guide.
Which camping option fits your travel style?
For couples or solo travelers in a tent: Devils Garden, reserved six months in advance, with an early-morning arrival so you can enjoy the quiet before the crowds arrive.
For families with young children: A private campground in Moab, with showers, restrooms and shade, plus days in the park by shuttle or car.
For a large RV: Make absolutely sure your vehicle is no longer than 40 feet before taking it onto the park's 18 miles of internal road.
For solitude: Backcountry camping with a permit is the most demanding and quietest option. It's the only way to see Arches' starry sky without neighbors 33 feet away.
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp inside Arches?
Yes, at Devils Garden Campground, which is open year-round with 51 sites. Dispersed camping outside designated sites is strictly prohibited in the park.
Which campground should you choose in Arches?
The only campground inside Arches is Devils Garden, 18 miles from the entrance, with 51 sites that all require reservations. 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?
Reservations through recreation.gov open six months in advance. For a night in April or May, act in October or November. The most sought-after sites disappear within minutes of the reservation window opening.
How do you camp in Arches?
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. For backcountry camping, a separate permit is required before entering the area.
How much does a campsite in Arches cost?
A Devils Garden campsite costs $25 per night, not including the park entrance fee ($30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days). Firewood is sold separately at the visitor center bookstore, not at the campground.