Moab / Arches · Utah

Private campsites & glamping in Moab, UT

Moab is the red-rock capital of America: Arches National Park is five miles north of town, Canyonlands' Island in the Sky district is about 30 miles southwest, and Dead Horse Point State Park's overlook is the single most photographed view in Utah. The town itself runs on adrenaline — mountain biking on Slickrock, 4WD trails on Hell's Revenge, rafting the Colorado — and has the outfitters, breweries, and gear shops to match. It's also the busiest gateway town in the state, and it shows.

The private stays here are the most developed of any Utah gateway. Under Canvas Moab sets safari-style tents on open desert seven miles north of town, ten minutes from Arches, with nightly s'mores and morning yoga. ULUM Moab — the luxury sibling — runs 360-square-foot suite tents on 200 acres south of town near Looking Glass Arch, with rain showers, hot and cool dipping pools, and a full-service restaurant. HTR Moab Lodge & Cottages does climate-controlled safari tents alongside deluxe cottages on Mill Creek Drive, pet-friendly and minutes from downtown. Moab RV & Glamping Resort in Spanish Valley mixes full-hookup RV sites with cabins, glamping tents, family tipis, and on-site RV rentals. And Glamping Canyonlands, a husband-and-wife off-grid camp on Highway 211 toward the Needles District, is the connoisseur's pick — solar-powered, with monthly astronomy tours and a sauna, about 40 minutes south of town. The honest part: Moab in spring and fall is packed — Arches now uses timed-entry reservations in peak season, and every trailhead fills by 9 a.m. Book everything early, start hikes at dawn, and don't underestimate the desert heat even in May.

4 stays in Moab

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Moab, UT

Under Canvas Moab

Under Canvas's Moab camp sits on open desert seven miles north of town, ten minutes from Arches and within reach of Canyonlands. The safari-style tents pair king beds…

Safari tents
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Moab, UT

ULUM Moab

Under Canvas's luxury sibling on 200 acres of desert south of Moab, steps from Looking Glass Arch. Suite tents come with king beds, rain showers and private decks, while…

Safari tents
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Moab, UT

HTR Moab Lodge & Cottages

A relaxed red-rock basecamp on Mill Creek Drive offering climate-controlled safari tents alongside deluxe cottages and rustic rooms. A communal indoor-outdoor kitchen…

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Moab, UT

Moab RV & Glamping Resort

A full-service resort in Spanish Valley mixing full-hookup RV sites with cabins, glamping tents, family tipis and rentable RVs. Every traveler type lands somewhere…

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Questions, answered

Camping in Moab: FAQs

Do I need a timed-entry reservation for Arches?

In peak season, yes — Arches has required timed-entry tickets typically from spring through fall. Check nps.gov for current dates and book the moment your dates release; they sell out. Canyonlands currently does not require one.

When is the best time to visit Moab?

March through May and September through October. Summer highs exceed 100°F — fine for the river, brutal for hiking. Winter is quiet and beautiful but brings short days and possible snow at elevation.

How far are the parks from town?

Arches is 5 miles north (10 minutes). Canyonlands' Island in the Sky is about 30 miles southwest (45 minutes). The Needles District is about 75 miles south (1.5 hours) — a full day on its own.

Is Moab good for non-hikers?

Very. Scenic drives (the Potash Road, the La Sal Mountain loop), Dead Horse Point, rafting trips, Hummer and 4WD tours, and stargazing programs all work without lacing boots. The dining and brewery scene is genuinely good for a town this size.

What's the deal with the heat?

Desert heat is deceptive — low humidity means you don't feel yourself sweating, and dehydration sneaks up. Carry a liter of water per person per hour of hiking, wear a hat, and plan exposed hikes for morning. There is no water on the trails.