Up the Creek Campground

Shaded seating area and rustic structures at a campground in Arches National Park with sandy ground and trees.

Up the Creek Campground is a tent-only base near Moab, roughly 18 miles from Arches. It offers 16 sites with sand/dirt pads, shade trees, and picnic tables, all without RV hookups. No fires are allowed; hot showers and flush toilets keep things comfortable, and potable water is available. Expect an urban campground vibe with close neighbors and some traffic—plan to use earplugs if needed.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Private (Direct booking via website or phone)
Reservation Window: Reservations recommended due to demand; window not explicitly stated
Reservation Tips: Reserve directly via upthecreekcampground.com; expect seasonal fluctuations and plan ahead
Season Dates: Open year-round; phone reservations and check-in hours vary by season

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Private (Direct booking via website or phone)
Reservation Window: Reservations recommended due to demand; window not explicitly stated
Reservation Tips: Reserve directly via upthecreekcampground.com; expect seasonal fluctuations and plan ahead
Season Dates: Open year-round; phone reservations and check-in hours vary by season
Fills Up Speed: High demand; book in advance
Per Night Cost: $30/night (tent sites)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 16
Site Types: Tent-only, walk-in
Site Type Breakdown: Small Tent Sites (capacity 4), Large Tent Sites (capacity 6)
RV Max Length: Not applicable (tent-only)
Group Sites Available: 0
Hookups: No hookups (tent-only)
Site Features: Picnic table at each site; sand/dirt ground with wood chips under picnic tables; shade trees; potable water spigots; flush toilets; lights in bathhouses; bear-proof dumpsters
Ground Type: Sand/dirt with wood chips under picnic tables
Site Privacy: Sites close together but generally respectful

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets; lights in bathhouses
Showers Available: Free hot showers; closed daily 11am–1pm for cleaning
Potable Water: Potable water spigots available
Trash Service: Bear-proof dumpsters available
Camp Store: No store on-site
Firewood Availability: Gathering firewood prohibited; camp stoves allowed; no on-site firewood sales
Cell Service: Good (AT&T and Verizon)
Nearby Facilities: Downtown Moab provides dining and shopping within walking distance

Access

Road Type: Paved roads within campground
Vehicle Restrictions: No cars in camp area; vehicles must be parked in designated lot; no motorcycles in camp area
Clearance Needed: Sedan friendly
Gate Hours: No gate; open access
Distance From Entrance: Approximately 18 miles from Arches entrance
Nearest Gas Services: Downtown Moab; gas stations available nearby

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Proper food storage recommended; ravens can access unsecured food; bear safety awareness advised
Fire Restrictions: No fires; no campfires, propane fire rings, or open flames
Pet Restrictions: No dogs allowed in camp or parking lot
Generator Hours: Not allowed
Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Alcohol Permitted: 0

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking from camp; nearby trailheads
Trailheads Nearby: Nearby trailheads; not specified as starting directly within campground
Wildlife Viewing: Ravens present; bear country; wildlife can be observed nearby
Stargazing Quality: Open sky with minimal tree cover; good for stargazing
Shade Coverage: Shade trees around sites
Scenic Views: Tree-lined campground with stream nearby; urban-adjacent setting
Noise Level: Urban campground with potential truck, car, motorcycle, and band noise
Vibe Check: Functional urban campground near Arches; convenient and comfortable, not a wilderness retreat
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want a tent-focused Moab base close to Arches with solid facilities. ❌ SKIP IF: You need RV hookups, dog-friendly grounds, or solitude in a remote setting
Tips Advice: Book early for limited tent sites
Bring earplugs for traffic noise
Secure food to deter ravens
Pack a headlamp for late-night trips to the bathhouse

More details

Park Area: Moab, Utah
Family Friendly Notes: Family-friendly setup with walkable access to Moab amenities; maintain quiet hours; bathrooms with showers help families stay comfortable
Nearby Attractions: Downtown Moab restaurants and shops within walking distance
Terrain Type: Sand and dirt; level sites
Setup Strategy: Tent-only; park in designated lot and carry gear to individual sites. Internal campground roads are paved; expect level sites with sandy ground and shade.
Bath Laundry Recon: Clean bath houses with flush toilets and free hot showers; no on-site laundry
Review Summary: Rated 4.3 stars from 204 reviews. Guests note clean bathhouses, hot showers, and convenient Moab proximity, with some mentioning traffic noise and lack of solitude.