Arches by RV: Campgrounds, Rules, and Tips

By Jocelyn Pion · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Arches

Yes, you can visit Arches National Park by RV. The park has just one official campground, Devils Garden, with no electrical hookups, and RV sites book up months in advance. The number one rule is to plan ahead. Show up without a reservation between March and October, and you'll be sleeping in Moab, five miles from the entrance.

Can You Drive and Camp at Arches in an RV?

The good news is that Scenic Drive, the park's main road, is paved and suitable for standard-size RVs. There's no mandatory clearance-restricted tunnel, unlike at Zion, and no winding cliffside climb. You access the park from US 191, five miles north of Moab, Utah, at the traffic light marked for the entrance.

Camping inside the park comes down to one choice: Devils Garden Campground. Dispersed camping within the park boundaries isn't allowed. Outside the cold season, a few sites remain available on a first-come, first-served basis. From March through October, getting a site without a reservation is nearly impossible.

The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. If your road trip covers several parks, the annual America the Beautiful pass, which costs $80, includes this entrance fee. The savings add up quickly.

RV Restrictions and Regulated Roads

Arches is more forgiving than many of its neighbors in this regard. There are no vehicle-clearance restrictions on Scenic Drive itself. Still, a few things deserve your attention.

Site length. Devils Garden Campground sites have different length limits depending on the loop. Some accommodate vehicles up to about 28 feet, while others are reserved for shorter rigs. The maximum length is listed for each site on recreation.gov when you book.

Pullouts and parking lots. Several parking areas along Scenic Drive are sized for passenger cars. With a long rig, some scenic pullouts can be difficult to leave in reverse, so it's better to continue to the next designated turnaround. The larger lots at Delicate Arch, Devils Garden, and Balanced Rock offer enough room for most RVs.

Speed. The speed limit on the main road is 35 mph, reduced to 15 mph near campgrounds and trailheads. Follow the limits. The road has plenty of curves, and rangers issue citations.

Entrance hours. The NPS officially recommends entering before 8 a.m. or after 3 p.m. to avoid traffic. During the busy season, from May through September, the line at the entrance station can exceed an hour by 9 a.m.

Official Campgrounds in the Park

Devils Garden Campground: The Park's Only Campground

Devils Garden sits at the end of Scenic Drive, about 18 miles from the entrance. That's a real logistical advantage: you'll sleep steps from some of the park's most spectacular trailheads, including the one for Landscape Arch.

RV sites. The campground has 51 sites in all. Several work for RVs, as long as you stay within the limits posted for each site. Check the NPS listing when you make your reservation.

Hookups. There are no electrical hookups, pressurized water, or sewer connections. This is primitive camping with restrooms that have running water and flush toilets, and that's it.

Reservations. Reservations are required from March through October via recreation.gov. Sites go within minutes when new booking windows open, 6 months ahead. In winter, a handful remain available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rate. About $25 per night. Check the current amount on the NPS website, since it can change.

Season. Open year-round. In winter, the access road may close temporarily because of snow or ice.

Boondocking and Areas Around Arches

The Moab area benefits from the abundance of BLM, or Bureau of Land Management, land surrounding the park. Boondocking, or dispersed camping, is allowed in many areas, with a limit of 14 consecutive nights in one spot and a required minimum distance from waterways.

In practical terms, several BLM areas within a 15- to 30-minute drive of the park entrance accommodate van lifers and midsize rigs. These spots have no services at all, including water, dump stations, or electricity. In return, the views across the mesas often rival those inside the park. Our guide to the area around Moab covers the locations of accessible BLM areas.

Moab's RV parks are a solid alternative if you want hookups. The town has several, with water, electricity, and sewer connections. Book early for weekends in May and September. They fill up months ahead.

Dump Stations, Water, and Services

There is no dump station inside the park. To dump gray and black water, you'll need to head to Moab, five miles away. Several gas stations and campgrounds in town offer this service, usually for a few dollars.

Drinking water is available at the visitor center near the park entrance and at Devils Garden Campground. Summer heat regularly pushes temperatures above 100°F from June through August, so carry more water than you think you'll need. In winter, the campground's outdoor faucets may be turned off.

You can find propane and everyday supplies in Moab. Fill up before you enter the park.

Which Campground Should You Choose?

There's only one campground in the park, but it's worth taking an honest look at the basic choice between staying inside the park and staying in Moab.

You're self-sufficient and want the park experience. Devils Garden Campground is for you. Wake up among sandstone formations, enjoy dark night skies, and walk to the trailheads. Reserve 6 months ahead. There's no getting around it.

You've got a large rig or need hookups. Choose an RV park in Moab. The town is a 10-minute drive away. You give up the nighttime atmosphere inside the park, but you gain comfort and scheduling flexibility.

You're looking for peace and savings. BLM boondocking around Moab is a solid option for fully self-contained vehicles. The iOverlander and Campendium.com apps list recent spots and camper reviews.

To fine-tune your trip timing, our guide to the seasons at Arches breaks down temperatures and crowds month by month.

Renting an RV to Visit Arches

If you don't have your own vehicle, renting a camper van or Class C in Moab or Salt Lake City, about a 4-hour drive away, is common. Local agencies often offer rigs suited to the region, such as 4x4 vans and compact Class B models. That's useful if you plan to head onto BLM roads.

Recommended size. To maximize your options at Devils Garden and on BLM land, a vehicle under 23 to 26 feet offers the best versatility. Large Class A motorhomes can access Scenic Drive, but they have a tight fit in some parking lots and are automatically ruled out at several Devils Garden sites.

The rental doesn't include the entrance fee. Plan on $30 per vehicle, or get the America the Beautiful pass if your itinerary includes other parks. Our guide to reaching Arches by car or plane covers options from the region's major cities.

RVs, Pets, Budget, and Reservations: What to Know

Pets. Dogs are allowed in the park, but only on paved roads, in parking lots, and in campgrounds. They must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They can't go on the trails. At 104°F in July, leaving a dog in an unventilated van is dangerous. Summer visits are best avoided with a pet.

Site budget. Expect to pay about $25 per night at Devils Garden, plus the $30 vehicle entrance fee, valid for 7 days. BLM boondocking is often free or nearly free.

When to reserve. For an April through September stay, book as soon as reservation windows open on recreation.gov, 6 months before your target date. For October and the winter months, you have more time, but the first freezes can make some sites uncomfortable. Our guide to lodging at Arches compares all the options.

In Summary: Our Arches RV Plan

One campground in the park, Devils Garden, with no hookups and reservations required 6 months ahead; BLM boondocking around Moab for self-sufficient travelers; and RV parks in town for large rigs or anyone who wants more comfort. Scenic Drive has no major vehicle-clearance restrictions. Enter before 8 a.m. or after 3 p.m. to avoid the lines. Plan to dump in Moab. There is no dump station in the park.

Frequently Asked Questions