Arches

Greetings, fellow Utahns! When the red rock country calls, there’s one destination that stands above the rest for its unparalleled natural beauty and awe-inspiring formations: Arches National Park. And for those of us who truly want to immerse ourselves in this geological wonderland, camping right inside the park is an experience that’s hard to beat. We’re talking about the main campground within the park, a prime spot to make your basecamp for exploring one of Utah's most iconic landscapes.

For those of us who call Utah home, the diverse landscapes of our state are a source of immense pride and endless adventure. Arches National Park, with its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, towering pinnacles, and massive balanced rocks, offers a truly unique outdoor experience. Camping here means waking up to breathtaking sunrises painting the rock formations in vibrant hues and spending evenings under a blanket of stars, far from city lights. It’s an opportunity to truly connect with the raw, untamed beauty of the desert. While the park is incredibly popular, and planning is key, the rewards of staying within its boundaries are immense. This article will guide you through what makes camping at Arches a must-do for any Utah local, offering practical information and highlighting the unique aspects of this incredible destination.

Arches National Park’s only developed campground is Devils Garden Campground, located at the very end of the scenic park road, approximately 18 miles from the park entrance. Its address, 1536 S Mill Creek Dr, Moab, UT 84532, USA, corresponds to the general area of Moab, but remember the campground itself is deep inside the park. This location is a significant advantage for campers, as it minimizes travel time to some of the park's most famous features, including Landscape Arch, Double O Arch, and Dark Angel, which are accessible via trails directly from the campground. For those coming from Salt Lake City, Provo, or other parts of Utah, the drive to Moab is a scenic journey that traverses various captivating terrains, culminating in the stunning red rock country.

Accessing the park, especially during peak seasons (typically March 1 – October 31), requires a timed entry ticket, which must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. This system helps manage visitation and ensures a better experience for everyone. However, if you have a Devils Garden Campground reservation, a timed entry ticket is generally not required for your entry into the park. This makes camping inside the park not only convenient for exploration but also potentially streamlines your arrival. The town of Moab, a full-service community, is located just five miles south of the park entrance, offering amenities like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and medical facilities, providing convenient access to supplies and services you might need during your stay.

Devils Garden Campground provides essential services designed to offer a comfortable experience amidst the rugged beauty of Arches National Park:

• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available at the campground year-round, which is crucial in the arid desert environment.
• Picnic Tables and Grills: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a grill, perfect for enjoying outdoor meals and camp cooking.
• Toilets: Both flush toilets (year-round) and pit-style (vault) toilets are available at the campground for guest convenience. Note that sinks are available outside comfort stations for washing dishes.
• Trash/Recycling Collection: The campground provides year-round trash and recycling collection services, supporting Leave No Trace principles.
• Campground Host: A campground host is typically on-site to assist visitors and answer questions.
• Amphitheater: An amphitheater is available, where ranger programs may occasionally be offered, providing educational and entertaining opportunities.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are provided at each campsite for safe campfire use. Firewood can be purchased via coupons at the visitor center.

Camping at Devils Garden Campground in Arches National Park offers several unique features and highlights that enhance the overall experience for visitors:

• Unbeatable Location: Being the only developed campground within Arches National Park, it offers unparalleled access to the park's iconic features. Campers can start their hikes directly from their site, allowing for early morning explorations and stunning sunset views without needing to drive to trailheads.
• Immersive Desert Experience: The campground is nestled among slickrock outcroppings and tall sandstone fins, providing an authentic desert camping experience. This allows for excellent stargazing opportunities, as the park is certified as an International Dark Sky Park, offering clear, unobstructed views of the night sky.
• Scenic Campsites: Each of the 51 individual campsites (plus two group sites) is set within the natural landscape, offering a sense of privacy and direct connection to the park's unique geology. Roads and parking areas within the campground are paved, ensuring smooth access.
• Direct Access to Devils Garden Trails: The campground serves as the trailhead for the Devils Garden Trail, which leads to numerous arches, including Landscape Arch, Double O Arch, and Private Arch, making it exceptionally convenient for hikers.
• Opportunity for Ranger Programs: The presence of an amphitheater allows for ranger-led programs, offering insights into the park's geology, ecology, and history.
• Generator Use Periods: For RVers, generator use is permitted during specific hours (8-10 am and 4-8 pm), allowing for convenient power while maintaining quiet hours for other campers.

While direct phone numbers for the campground itself are typically routed through the park's general information or reservation systems, here is the primary contact information for Arches National Park, which oversees Devils Garden Campground:

Address: 1536 S Mill Creek Dr, Moab, UT 84532, USA (General park address)

For campground inquiries and reservations, it’s best to use the National Park Service’s official channels or the Recreation.gov website.

General Information Phone: (435) 719-2299 (Arches National Park Visitor Center)

Reservations for Devils Garden Campground (individual sites March 1 - October 31, and group sites year-round) must be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Individual sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance, and group sites up to 12 months in advance. During the off-season (November 1 - February 28), individual sites are first-come, first-served.

For Utah locals, experiencing Arches National Park is more than just a trip; it’s a connection to our state’s incredible natural heritage. Camping at Devils Garden Campground provides the ultimate immersive experience, allowing you to truly live within this red rock wonderland. The convenience of being inside the park means less time commuting and more time exploring, whether it's an early morning hike to Delicate Arch to catch the sunrise or an evening spent marveling at the Milky Way from your campsite.

While obtaining a reservation requires planning, especially during peak seasons, the effort is undoubtedly worthwhile. The ability to directly access world-renowned trails from your tent or RV, coupled with the basic yet essential amenities like drinking water, flush toilets, and picnic areas, creates a comfortable base for adventure. For families, friends, or solo adventurers, it’s a chance to unplug, breathe in the crisp desert air, and witness geological marvels up close. This campground isn't just a place to sleep; it's a launchpad for discovery, an intimate encounter with a landscape that defines our state's wild beauty. As Utahns, we cherish our access to such magnificent places, and camping at Arches offers a profound way to appreciate and protect this irreplaceable gem for generations to come. Make your reservation, pack your water, and prepare for an unforgettable Utah adventure!

Arches

1536 S Mill Creek Dr, Moab, UT 84532, USA