Goose Island Campground

Riverfront Goose Island: 20 individual sites, 2 group sites, no on-site water

When to come

March–October; mornings fill quickly, plan to arrive early

Campground

Campground★ 4.5

Goose Island Campground sits along the Colorado River between canyon walls, offering riverfront access for tents and small RVs. It comprises 20 individual sites and 2 reservable group sites, with gravel or sandy pads and shade from cottonwood trees. Water, hookups, and showers are not on-site, so bring what you need and plan to shower in Moab.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Group sites via Recreation.gov; individual sites first-come, first-served
Reservation Window
Group sites can be reserved in advance
Reservation Tips
Group sites book via Recreation.gov; individual sites fill mornings in peak season; plan to arrive early
Season Dates
Open year-round; typically fills in the morning from March through October

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Group sites via Recreation.gov; individual sites first-come, first-served
Reservation Window
Group sites can be reserved in advance
Reservation Tips
Group sites book via Recreation.gov; individual sites fill mornings in peak season; plan to arrive early
Season Dates
Open year-round; typically fills in the morning from March through October
Fills Up Speed
Very popular; usually fills in the morning during peak season
Per Night Cost
Individual sites: $20/night; Group Site A: $125/night; Group Site B: $175/night
Day Use Fees
Not applicable for overnight camping
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful Interagency Pass (50% discount)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
20 individual sites, 2 group sites
Site Types
Tent sites, small RV/trailer sites
Site Type Breakdown
20 individual sites, 2 group sites
RV Max Length
30 feet (some sources list up to 36 feet)
Group Sites Available
1
Group Site Capacity
Group Site A: up to 10 people, up to 2 vehicles; Group Site B: up to 10 people, up to 2 vehicles
Hookups
No potable water or hookups at individual sites
Site Features
Picnic tables, fire rings/grates; gravel or sandy pads; cottonwood shade pockets
Ground Type
Gravel or sandy tent pads
Site Privacy
Sites are nicely spread apart

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Vault toilets
Showers Available
No showers on-site; Moab shower facilities elsewhere
Potable Water
No potable water on-site
Dump Station
No dump station
Trash Service
Trash receptacles available
Camp Store
No on-site store
Firewood Availability
Gathering firewood not permitted; fire rings provided
Nearby Facilities
Moab amenities ~1.5 miles away; Lions Park water sources nearby

Access

Road Type
Paved road to campground entrance
Vehicle Restrictions
Two vehicles per site
Clearance Needed
Sedan-friendly
Distance From Entrance
Approximately 4 miles to Arches entrance; Moab ~1.5 miles away
Nearest Gas Services
Moab; about 1.5 miles away

Rules & safety

Fire Restrictions
Fire rings provided; check current local bans
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Pets allowed on leash
Max Stay Limit
14 nights within a 30-day period
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking, biking, climbing, rafting/kayaking, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing; paved bicycle trail to Arches and Moab; Goose Island Trail runs through campground
Trailheads Nearby
Goose Island Trail
Fishing Details
Access to the Colorado River; dangerous undercurrents
Wildlife Viewing
Yes, wildlife viewing opportunities nearby
Stargazing Quality
Excellent stargazing due to open sky
Shade Coverage
Cottonwood shade pockets; more by late afternoon
Scenic Views
River views with red rock cliffs/ canyon walls
Noise Level
Some road noise from Highway 128; generally quiet at night
Best Time To Visit
March–October; mornings fill quickly, plan to arrive early
Vibe Check
Functional basecamp with river scenery; not a backcountry wilderness vibe; convenient to Moab and Arches, with some highway noise
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You want river access near Arches with small RV or tent setup; you don’t need on-site water or showers; you’re okay with a group site. ❌ SKIP IF: You require on-site water, full hookups, or large RVs beyond ~30 ft.
Tips Advice
  • Bring your own water; no on-site supply.
  • Arrive early in peak season to secure a spot.
  • Use Moab water sources (Lions Park, Gearheads).
  • Pack a headlamp for late arrivals and short nights.
  • Keep to established fire rings and pack out what you bring.

More details

Park Area
Moab, Utah (Arches National Park area)
Family Friendly Notes
Great for families with tents or small RVs; river access and shade; group sites available for families
Senior Access Discounts
50% discount for eligible passes
Boat Launch
Not available on-site; direct Colorado River access with caution
Nearby Attractions
Arches National Park entrance ~4 miles; Moab ~1.5 miles; Colorado River access
Terrain Type
Sites between river and tall canyon walls
Temperature Ranges
Seasonal; nights can be cool
Setup Strategy
RV setup is primarily back-in; internal roads are not fully described; sites are generally level on gravel pads; sedan-friendly; expect proximity to town amenities
Bath Laundry Recon
Vault toilets only; no showers or on-site laundry
Review Summary
Goose Island Campground draws crowds with river access and proximity to Arches; mornings in peak season fill quickly; sites are spread out and offer simple setups; lack of on-site water and showers means planning ahead is essential.

Location

Goose Island area at Arches National Park shows red cliff walls, tents, and a shelter in a desert campground.Sandstone cliffs rise beside a calm river with a sandy shoreline and leafless trees along a campground area in Arches National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Is there potable water on-site?

No. Water must be obtained in Moab from outside sources.

Are group sites available and how do I book them?

Yes. Two group sites exist; book via Recreation.gov.

Can my RV be longer than 30 feet?

Rigs up to ~30 ft are common; some notes mention up to 36 ft, but maneuvering is tight for larger units.

Are showers available at Goose Island?

No showers on-site; you’ll need to use facilities in Moab.

What about bear safety?

Bear-specific lockers aren’t listed; follow standard food storage practices and use existing bear safety steps.

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.