Lower Onion Creek Campground - No hookups

Lower Onion Creek Campground in Arches National Park sits along a winding road with towering red rock formations in the distance.

Lower Onion Creek Campground sits along the Colorado River with 21 individual sites and 4 group sites. No potable water or hookups means you bring everything you need from Moab. Generators are allowed 8am-8pm, and group sites host rafting crews and large gatherings.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: Up to 6 months in advance during peak season (likely similar for Lower Onion Creek Group Sites).
Reservation Tips: Book early on Recreation.gov; group sites fill quickly; check availability for individual sites; arrive early in peak months
Season Dates: Open year-round

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: Up to 6 months in advance during peak season (likely similar for Lower Onion Creek Group Sites).
Reservation Tips: Book early on Recreation.gov; group sites fill quickly; check availability for individual sites; arrive early in peak months
Season Dates: Open year-round
Fills Up Speed: First-come, first-served for individuals; group sites fill quickly (peak season).
Per Night Cost: $15-$20 per night for individual sites; group site fees vary
Extra Vehicle Fees: Varies
Day Use Fees: Varies
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful pass accepted; no discount for group sites

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 25
Site Types: Individual sites, group sites
Site Type Breakdown: 21 individual sites, 4 group sites
RV Max Length: 24-40 ft (conflicting sources)
Group Sites Available: 1
Group Site Capacity: 15-30 people per group site
Hookups: No water, sewer, or electric hookups
Site Features: Fire rings, picnic tables; vault toilets; no potable water; group site parking limited to one large RV or truck with trailer; two Colorado River boat ramps on-site; gravel access; generator allowed 8-8
Ground Type: Dirt/gravel
Site Privacy: Limited privacy; peak-season crowds

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Vault toilets; some open-air with no doors or ceilings
Showers Available: No on-site showers; showers in Moab
Potable Water: No potable water on-site; bring water
Dump Station: No on-site dump station; nearest in Moab
Trash Service: Pack-it-in, pack-it-out
Camp Store: No on-site store; Moab supplies nearby
Firewood Availability: Firewood not sold; gathering wood prohibited
Cell Service: Spotty; ATT/Verizon with limited bars; download offline maps
Nearby Facilities: Moab for gas, groceries, dining; about 40 minutes away

Access

Road Type: Gravel (final 1.5 miles)
Road Conditions: Gravel road recently graded; generally smooth; may be crowded in peak season
Vehicle Restrictions: Group sites: one large RV or truck with trailer; individual sites: up to 2 vehicles
Clearance Needed: Standard clearance; large RVs may face limitations (24-40 ft)
Gate Hours: Open 24 hours
Distance From Entrance: ≈40 minutes from Arches Entrance Station
Nearest Gas Services: Moab; ~40 minutes away
Elevation: Varies

Rules & safety

Food Storage Requirements: Keep food and trash secured; ravens and chipmunks present
Fire Restrictions: Fires allowed in fire rings; seasonal bans may occur
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leash at all times; not allowed on trails
Generator Hours: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Quiet Hours: 10:00 pm to 6:00 am
Alcohol Permitted: 1

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, four-wheel driving, rafting, rock climbing, fishing, stargazing
Trailheads Nearby: Fisher Towers trail nearby
Fishing Details: Colorado River access; follow Utah fishing regulations
Wildlife Viewing: Ravens and chipmunks frequent; bear presence not specified
Stargazing Quality: Excellent stargazing; clear skies, low light pollution
Shade Coverage: Limited shade; some sites have shaded picnic tables
Scenic Views: Red rock formations, Fisher Towers, Colorado River
Noise Level: Low; occasional river and road noise
Vibe Check: Rugged, river-adjacent BLM campground; minimal facilities; quiet nights can be interrupted by rafting season
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want a budget riverfront campground with group sites for rafting crews; you can supply your own water. ❌ SKIP IF: You need on-site water, showers, or hookups.
Tips Advice: Bring ample water; no on-site supply.
Pack out trash; vault toilets available.
Gravel approach—drive slowly and watch for cyclists.
Group sites fill fast in peak season; book early.
Night sky is spectacular—bring a telescope or binoculars.

More details

Park Area: Moab Area, Utah
Family Friendly Notes: Family-friendly with vault toilets and river access; no on-site water; plan for Moab supplies; quiet hours and river access
Boat Launch: Two boat ramps on-site
Nearby Attractions: Colorado River, Fisher Towers, Arches vicinity; Moab services
Terrain Type: Desert canyon with riverfront
Temperature Ranges: Varies by season
Snow Season: Varies
Monsoon Season: Varies
Bug Season: Varies
Setup Strategy: Gravel approach; last 1.5 miles; group sites accommodate one large RV or trailer; internal roads non-paved; plan for limited signage and space
Bath Laundry Recon: Showers not on-site; Moab has facilities; no on-site laundry
Review Summary: Campers appreciate river access, affordable rates, and dark skies; basic amenities require planning for water and supplies; group sites attract rafting crews