Campground

AreaBFE

Campground★ 4.9
Off-road vehicles rest on a sunlit rock plateau at Area BFE in Arches National Park.

AreaBFE’s stand-in for Arches is Devils Garden Campground: 51 individual sites and 2 group sites, with no RV hookups. Water is seasonal (Mar–Oct), and winter water may be shut off; showers are not on-site. Fire pits, a gravel/sand pad, and trail access from the campground define a hands-on, family-friendly basecamp.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
6 months for standard sites; 12 months for group sites; Reservations Mar 1–Oct 31; first-come Nov 1–Feb 28
Reservation Tips
Book early (6 months out); group sites book quickly (up to 12 months for groups); November–February is first-come
Season Dates
Year-round; Reservations Mar 1–Oct 31; First-come Nov 1–Feb 28

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
6 months for standard sites; 12 months for group sites; Reservations Mar 1–Oct 31; first-come Nov 1–Feb 28
Reservation Tips
Book early (6 months out); group sites book quickly (up to 12 months for groups); November–February is first-come
Season Dates
Year-round; Reservations Mar 1–Oct 31; First-come Nov 1–Feb 28
Fills Up Speed
Highly competitive; peak season fills months in advance
Per Night Cost
$25/night for individual sites; Group sites $75–$250 per night
Extra Vehicle Fees
$15
Day Use Fees
$30 per vehicle for park entrance (valid 7 days)
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful pass accepted for park entrance

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
51 individual sites, 2 group sites
Site Types
Tent, RV (dry camping); Group sites
Site Type Breakdown
51 individual sites, 2 group sites
RV Max Length
40 ft max combined length; some sites up to 30 ft
Group Sites Available
1
Group Site Capacity
Juniper Basin up to 55; Canyon Wren up to 35
Hookups
Dry camping only (no electric, water, or sewer hookups)
Site Features
Picnic table, fire ring, gravel or sandy pad; paved campground roads
Ground Type
Gravel or sandy pads
Site Privacy
Sites generally well-spaced with some privacy

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets; vault toilets in winter
Showers Available
No on-site showers; Moab has showers
Potable Water
Water spigots Mar–Oct; winter water may be shut off; bring your own
Dump Station
No on-site dump station; nearest in Moab
Trash Service
Bear-proof dumpsters not listed; store food in vehicle or latched container
Camp Store
No on-site store
Firewood Availability
Firewood not for sale on-site; coupons at Visitor Center; gathering firewood prohibited
Cell Service
No cellular reception
Nearby Facilities
Moab for gas, groceries, and showers

Access

Road Type
Paved roads and parking spurs
Road Conditions
Main park road paved; winding with elevation changes
Vehicle Restrictions
OHVs prohibited; max 40 ft combined length
Clearance Needed
Standard clearance
Distance From Entrance
Approximately 18 miles
Nearest Gas Services
Moab
Accessibility
One ADA accessible site; paved paths where applicable
ADA Accessible Sites
1 accessibility site available

Rules & safety

Food Storage Requirements
Store food, cookware, trash in vehicle or latched hard-sided container
Fire Restrictions
Fires allowed only in designated pits; seasonal bans possible
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Leashed pets allowed in campsites and on roads; not on trails; leash ≤ 6 ft
Generator Hours
Loop A: 8:00–10:00 a.m. and 4:00–8:00 p.m.
Quiet Hours
10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Max Stay Limit
7 nights in 30 days; 14 nights per year
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking directly from campground; stargazing
Trailheads Nearby
Devils Garden Trail (Landscape Arch, Broken Arch); Devils Garden Primitive Loop
Stargazing Quality
Excellent open sky; minimal tree cover
Shade Coverage
Limited shade from juniper and pinyon pines
Noise Level
Low highway noise; generally quiet
Best Time To Visit
Spring and fall offer comfortable temps; peak season brings crowds
Vibe Check
This is a park campground: functional basecamp near trailheads, not a forest retreat. Expect open, spaced sites, limited shade, no hookups, and minimal cell signal.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You want a budget Arches basecamp with 51 individual sites and 2 group sites, no hookups, and access to Devils Garden trails. ❌ SKIP IF: You need full hookups, reliable cell service, or a resort-like setting.
Tips Advice
  • Book six months out for standard sites
  • Water planning: bring water for winter months
  • Bear storage: use vehicle or hard-sided container
  • Quiet hours are enforced; plan kids’ routines around them

More details

Park Area
Arches National Park
Family Friendly Notes
Kid-friendly basecamp with direct trail access; toilets available nearby; keep to 10 p.m. quiet hours
Senior Access Discounts
Not listed
Boat Launch
No boat launch
Terrain Type
Sites among slickrock outcroppings, piñon pines, and junipers
Temperature Ranges
Varies by season
Setup Strategy
Arrive with a 40 ft rig max; internal campground roads are paved; sites are gravel/sand pads; plan for back-in spaces; group sites exclude RVs/trailers; carry leveling blocks if needed
Bath Laundry Recon
Showers are not on-site; Moab has shower facilities; laundry details not listed
Review Summary
AreaBFE is rated 4.9/5 from 227 reviews. Guests praise the proximity to Devils Garden trails, the budget-friendly pricing, and the quiet, park-side setting; the lack of hookups and cell service is a tradeoff for a true backcountry feel. Booking well in advance is essential, and be prepared to drive from Moab for supplies and showers.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can my RV fit a 40-foot total length?

Yes. The maximum combined vehicle and trailer length is 40 feet; some sites accommodate up to 30 feet, so plan accordingly.

Do I need a reservation all year?

Yes, reservations are required March 1–October 31; November 1–February 28 are first-come, first-served; group sites book differently (Mar 1–Oct 31 for Juniper Basin, year-round for Canyon Wren).

Is it quiet at night?

Yes. Quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.; the campground sits away from major roads, but be mindful of park activity and trailhead crowds during peak season.

Are there showers or water on-site?

No on-site showers or guaranteed water year-round; water is available Mar–Oct; winter water may be shut off; plan to shower in Moab and bring extra water.

Is there cell service at Devils Garden?

Cell service is not available within the campground.

Big Bend Campground

No hookups, water spigots, and paved sites near Broken Arch Trail; stellar dark skies.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.