Grandstaff Campground | Arches Camping

Grandstaff Campground at Arches National Park shows a silver trailer, picnic table, and shaded trees beneath a bright blue sky.

Grandstaff Campground sits along the Colorado River near Moab with a canyon setting and river views. It is tent-focused, with vault toilets and no hookups or on-site water. Arriving early is essential since the 16 sites fill quickly in the Mar–Oct window. Bring all water, keep food secure, and respect quiet hours as you soak in the canyon ambiance.

Quick facts

Reservation System: First-come, first-served
Reservation Window: N/A (first-come, first-served; typically Mar–Oct)
Reservation Tips: Arrive before dawn; 16 sites fill quickly during peak season; have a backup plan if you miss out
Season Dates: March–October

Reservations & season

Reservation System: First-come, first-served
Reservation Window: N/A (first-come, first-served; typically Mar–Oct)
Reservation Tips: Arrive before dawn; 16 sites fill quickly during peak season; have a backup plan if you miss out
Season Dates: March–October
Fills Up Speed: Fills by morning during peak season
Per Night Cost: $15–$20/night
Extra Vehicle Fees: No extra vehicle fee; two vehicles allowed per site
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful Interagency Pass accepted; 50% discount for eligible pass holders occupying site

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 16
Site Types: Tent camping only
Site Type Breakdown: Tent: 16
Group Sites Available: 0
Hookups: No hookups (water or electric)
Site Features: Picnic table, fire ring with grill, some sites with tent pads
Ground Type: Dirt with some tent pads
Site Privacy: Sites spacious but can be busy in peak season

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Vault toilets
Showers Available: No
Potable Water: Not available on-site; bring water or fill at Lions Park. Bring your own water jug just in case.
Trash Service: Bear-proof dumpsters at end of road; pack-it-out policy
Camp Store: No on-site store; nearest supplies in Moab
Firewood Availability: Firewood sold in Moab; do not gather on-site; moving firewood discouraged
Cell Service: Spotty
Nearby Facilities: Moab for gas and groceries; Lions Park for water fill; Arches access ~5 miles

Access

Road Type: Paved to campground
Road Conditions: Generally good; washboarding possible on internal roads
Vehicle Restrictions: RVs not accommodated; tent-only
Clearance Needed: Standard sedan friendly
Gate Hours: Not listed
Distance From Entrance: 5 miles from Arches NP Entrance; ~10 minutes
Nearest Gas Services: Moab ~3 miles
Elevation: Varies

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Store food in vehicle or use dumpsters; bear safety practices advised
Fire Restrictions: Fire rings provided; seasonal bans possible
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leash rules likely; keep pets under control
Alcohol Permitted: 1

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking Grandstaff Trail to Morning Glory Bridge; nearby Porcupine Rim Trail; stargazing
Trailheads Nearby: Grandstaff Trailhead; access to Morning Glory Bridge; Porcupine Rim Trail
Wildlife Viewing: Bear safety advised; canyon wildlife possible
Stargazing Quality: Excellent; dark skies with minimal light pollution
Shade Coverage: Cottonwood shade available at some sites
Scenic Views: Colorado River canyon walls and red canyon vistas
Noise Level: Road noise from adjacent highway; slow speed limits mitigate disturbance
Best Time To Visit: March–October; mornings best to beat heat and crowds
Vibe Check: Nature-forward canyon setting with river access; simple, rustic, and convenient to Moab and Arches; not a resort
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You’re a tent camper seeking a river-adjacent canyon vibe near Arches; you don’t need on-site water or hookups. ❌ SKIP IF: You require RV access, on-site showers, or a store; you need a quiet, fully serviced campground.
Tips Advice: Arrive early to secure a site
Bring ample water
Pack out trash
Use shade or sun protection
Expect highway noise; plan for night sky viewing

More details

Park Area: Moab, Utah / Arches National Park area
Family Friendly Notes: Vault toilets; no showers; proximity to Arches appealing for families; bring headlamps for late moves
Senior Access Discounts: 50% discount for eligible senior/access pass holders occupying site
Nearby Attractions: Arches NP entrance ~5 miles away; Moab ~3 miles
Terrain Type: Canyon along the Colorado River with sandstone cliffs
Temperature Ranges: Hot summers; cool nights
Snow Season: Winter presence possible
Monsoon Season: Summer monsoon thunderstorms possible (Jul–Sep)
Wind Exposure: Moderate; canyon setting provides some shelter
Bug Season: Mosquito activity likely in late spring to fall
Setup Strategy: Tent sites along a paved approach; parking at each site; RVs not allowed; internal drive is for access only; bring level and shade considerations
Bath Laundry Recon: No showers; plan showering in Moab; laundry facilities not listed
Review Summary: Popular tent campground along a Colorado River canyon; water is not on-site; vault toilets; no showers; proximity to Arches NP is the main draw; expect some highway noise and rustic facilities.