Big Bend Campground

Campground scene at Arches National Park with a trailer and red rock mesa in the background.

Big Bend Campground hosts 51 sites and 2 group sites inside Arches National Park. There are no hookups; flush toilets are provided and potable water spigots are nearby; showers are not on-site. The Broken Arch Trail trailhead sits at the campground, making it ideal for hikers and stargazers with dark night skies. Generators have restricted hours to keep the desert quiet.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: 6 months rolling window; standard sites can be booked up to 4 days in advance; group sites up to 12 months; reservations start at 10 am ET
Reservation Tips: Book early in peak season; 6 months ahead; set an alarm for 10 am ET; group sites book up quickly
Season Dates: Mar 1–Oct 31 (reservations required); Nov 1–Feb 28 (first-come, first-served)

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: 6 months rolling window; standard sites can be booked up to 4 days in advance; group sites up to 12 months; reservations start at 10 am ET
Reservation Tips: Book early in peak season; 6 months ahead; set an alarm for 10 am ET; group sites book up quickly
Season Dates: Mar 1–Oct 31 (reservations required); Nov 1–Feb 28 (first-come, first-served)
Fills Up Speed: Sold out seconds after release during peak season; first-come, first-served off-season and holiday weekends
Per Night Cost: $25/night
Extra Vehicle Fees: Varies
Day Use Fees: $30 per vehicle, park entrance, valid for seven days
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful pass accepted for park entrance; camping discounts not listed

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 51
Site Types: Tent sites, RV sites, group sites
Site Type Breakdown: RV sites, tent sites, 2 group sites
RV Max Length: No published maximum length; very large rigs may face constraints due to lack of hookups and site spacing
Group Sites Available: 1
Group Site Capacity: 11-55 people
Hookups: No electric, water, or sewer hookups
Site Features: Fire ring, picnic table; paved site surfaces; potable water nearby
Ground Type: Paved
Site Privacy: Varied privacy by site; some spots offer more distance between campers

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets
Showers Available: No showers available
Potable Water: Potable spigots are available
Dump Station: No dump station on-site
Trash Service: Trash and recycling collection year-round
Camp Store: No camp store on-site; ice not for sale
Firewood Availability: Firewood not for sale; coupons at Visitor Center; gathering prohibited
Cell Service: No cell service
Nearby Facilities: Moab ~23 miles for gas, groceries, and services

Access

Road Type: Paved roads and parking spurs
Road Conditions: Generally good
Vehicle Restrictions: No RVs or trailers in group sites; RVs allowed at other sites
Clearance Needed: Standard clearance (sedan friendly)
Gate Hours: Park entrance hours govern access; specific campground gate hours not listed
Distance From Entrance: 18 miles
Nearest Gas Services: Moab ~23 miles
Elevation: 5200 ft
Accessibility: One ADA accessible site
ADA Accessible Sites: 1 site

Rules & safety

Food Storage Requirements: Food storage lockers not provided; standard food safety recommended
Fire Restrictions: Fires allowed in provided rings; seasonal bans may apply
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leashed at campsites and on roads only; clean up after pets
Generator Hours: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Quiet Hours: 10 p.m. – 6 a.m.; generator hours 8 a.m.–10 a.m. and 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
Max Stay Limit: 7 days per month; 14 days per year
Alcohol Permitted: 0

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking from camp; Broken Arch Trail access
Trailheads Nearby: Broken Arch Trailhead within campground
Wildlife Viewing: Desert wildlife common; observe from a distance
Stargazing Quality: Excellent stargazing; International Dark Sky Park
Shade Coverage: Limited shade; some from pinyon pine and Utah juniper
Scenic Views: Rock arches and fins views
Noise Level: Quiet; minimal campground noise
Best Time To Visit: Spring and fall for milder temps and dark skies
Vibe Check: Functional desert campground with immersive rock formations; privacy varies; not a forest setting
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want a desert Arches experience with direct trail access, 51 sites, and dark skies; no hookups are needed for your trip. ❌ SKIP IF: You require on-site showers, camp store, or full RV hookups.
Tips Advice: Bring ample water; taps are available but plan for hot days.
There are no on-site showers—shower in Moab or town.
Use the vehicle for food storage; lockers aren’t provided.
Arrive early in peak season or book months ahead for group sites.
Respect quiet hours and limit generator use to 8am-10am and 4pm-8pm.
Pack sun protection and headlamps for night hiking and stargazing.

More details

Park Area: Arches National Park, Utah
Family Friendly Notes: Good for families who want direct trail access and dark skies; prepare for sun and no in-camp showers
Senior Access Discounts: No senior discounts listed
Amphitheater: Not listed
Nearby Attractions: Arches NP entrance ~18 miles; Moab ~23 miles
Terrain Type: Desert terrain with sandstone arches and fins
Temperature Ranges: Varies by season; nights cool at altitude
Snow Season: Occasional winter snowfall
Monsoon Season: Late-summer monsoon possible
Wind Exposure: Desert winds can occur; exposure varies
Bug Season: Bring bug spray in warmer months
Setup Strategy: Rigs: pull-through and back-in sites; interior roads paved and wide; most sites are level; verify site length for very long rigs; group sites have RV restrictions
Bath Laundry Recon: Shower facilities: none; on-site laundry: none; plan to use town facilities in Moab
Review Summary: Reviews praise the dark skies and easy access to the Broken Arch Trail; the campground’s quiet desert vibe and proximity to Arches make it appealing, though lack of hookups and in-camp amenities requires advance planning.

Location

Photos

Tent camp setup at a campground in Arches National Park, with red rock cliffs and a river in the foreground.

Arches National Park campground area along a river, with green shrubs and towering red rock cliffs in the distance.

Frequently asked questions

Can my 35-foot RV fit here?

RVs are welcome; roads are paved and accessible; there is no published maximum length; large rigs may face site and hookup constraints; check site length when booking.

Do I need a reservation in peak season?

Yes. Peak-season slots sell out within seconds of release. Use Recreation.gov, with 6 months’ notice for standard sites; group sites can be reserved up to 12 months in advance.

Is it quiet at night?

Yes, typical desert quiet with limited campground noise. Generator windows are 8 a.m.–10 a.m. and 4 p.m.–8 p.m.; otherwise, plan for dark skies and low light pollution.

Are there showers at Big Bend Campground?

No; there are flush toilets but no showers on-site. Plan to shower in Moab or in town facilities.

Is water available at the campground?

Potable water spigots are available; there is no continuous water supply beyond taps—bring extra if you need more from home.