Drinks Canyon Campground

For Utah locals seeking a truly immersive and authentic red-rock camping experience, Drinks Canyon Campground along the scenic Colorado River Byway (Highway 128) near Moab offers a breathtaking escape. This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground provides an unparalleled opportunity to camp directly beside the iconic Colorado River, surrounded by towering canyon walls and the dramatic landscapes that make Moab a world-renowned outdoor destination. It’s a favored spot for those who appreciate primitive camping with stunning views, a calming river soundtrack, and direct access to the region's vast recreational opportunities.

What sets Drinks Canyon Campground apart is its incredible natural setting. Imagine waking up to the soft rush of the river, with colossal sandstone cliffs rising majestically on all sides. The campground's location "in the middle of a canyon" creates a truly private and enclosed feel, offering a unique sense of solitude despite its proximity to the road. Campers consistently highlight the "incredible scenery" and the soothing "sound of the river" as key draws, promising a deeply relaxing and visually spectacular experience. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, it appeals to the spontaneous spirit of Utah adventurers, inviting them to discover their own piece of riverside paradise.

While Drinks Canyon offers a primitive experience without modern hookups or showers, its basic amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and vault toilets ensure a comfortable stay for those prepared for a rustic adventure. It serves as an excellent base for exploring Moab's famous mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and river activities. For locals who prioritize stunning views, a peaceful riverside environment, and direct access to the heart of Utah's red rock wilderness, Drinks Canyon Campground offers a truly unforgettable outdoor experience, emphasizing preparedness for its unique charm and surroundings.

Drinks Canyon Campground is prominently located on UT-128, Moab, UT 84532, USA, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Field Office. Its position along the scenic Colorado River Byway (Highway 128), approximately 6.2 miles east from the junction of Highway 191 in Moab, makes it highly accessible for Utah locals eager to explore the region's famous red rock landscapes.

The campground's setting is truly remarkable, nestled within a dramatic canyon right by the Colorado River. This provides campers with immediate and breathtaking views of the massive sandstone cliffs and the flowing water. There are three entrances to the camping area, with the payment station centrally located. While the campground is "right by the road," and some reviewers note hearing traffic at night, the stunning scenery and the calming sound of the river often outweigh this factor for many. The winding canyon road, while scenic, can carry more traffic than one might expect, even at night.

As a first-come, first-served campground with 17 individual sites (including four walk-in sites), securing a spot often requires an early arrival, especially during popular seasons or on weekends. Sites are generally designed to accommodate tents, and some can fit smaller RVs or vehicles. Visitors should be prepared to bring leveling blocks, as some spots are noted as being unlevel. Its strategic location offers easy access to other BLM campgrounds along UT-128 and is a convenient launchpad for exploring Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the myriad of outdoor activities Moab is renowned for.

• Individual Campsites: Drinks Canyon Campground offers 17 individual campsites, including four walk-in sites, providing dedicated spaces for campers along the Colorado River.

• First-Come, First-Served Basis: All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This means no reservations are accepted, and campers should plan to arrive early to secure a spot, particularly during peak seasons.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table, offering a convenient surface for outdoor dining, meal preparation, or simply relaxing while enjoying the views.

• Fire Pits/Fire Rings with Grates: Every site includes a fire pit or fire ring, often with a grill grate, allowing campers to enjoy campfires responsibly and cook meals over an open flame. Visitors must always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire.

• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available within the campground, providing essential restroom facilities. It's important to note there are no showers or sinks.

• No Potable Water: A critical point for all visitors is that Drinks Canyon Campground does NOT have potable drinking water available. Campers must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing purposes.

• Self-Pay Station: Payment for campsites (currently $20 per night, subject to change) is made at a self-pay station within the campground. Cash or check is typically accepted. Campers should prominently display their receipt or tag to indicate their spot is occupied.

• Limited Cell Service: Reviewers often note that cell phone reception is poor or non-existent at this location, which can be seen as a feature for those looking to truly disconnect, but a point of preparedness for others.

• Incredible River Canyon Scenery: The most prominent highlight is the "incredible scenery" and "spectacular views of the river canyon." Campers are immersed in a dramatic landscape of towering red sandstone cliffs and the majestic Colorado River, providing an unforgettable backdrop.

• Riverside Location: Situated directly "along the river," the campground offers immediate access to the Colorado River. This proximity allows for the calming sounds of the water and opportunities for river-based activities like rafting, kayaking, and fishing, though caution is advised due to strong undercurrents.

• Private and Secluded Feel: Despite being located "by the road," the campground's setting "in the middle of a canyon" often provides a "very private" and secluded atmosphere for campers, creating a sense of being truly away from it all.

• Calming River Sounds: The constant, soothing sound of the Colorado River is a frequently mentioned highlight, contributing significantly to the peaceful ambiance of the campground, perfect for relaxation and unwinding.

• Access to Moab Recreation: Drinks Canyon serves as an excellent base camp for exploring the vast outdoor recreation opportunities in the Moab area, including world-class mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and four-wheeling trails, all within easy driving distance.

• Night Sky Views: Due to limited light pollution within the canyon, the campground offers fantastic opportunities for stargazing, allowing campers to witness a brilliant display of stars.

• Spacious Sites (Some): While site sizes can vary, some, like the last campsite in the loop (#11), are noted for being "larger than the other campsites" and offering extensive views, providing extra comfort and space.

Address: Bureau of Land Management, Field Office, UT-128, Moab, UT 84532, USA

Phone: (435) 259-2100 (BLM Moab Field Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 435-259-2100 (BLM Moab Field Office)

Email: utmbmail@blm.gov (BLM Moab Field Office)

For Utah locals, Drinks Canyon Campground near Moab offers a compelling and quintessential desert camping experience that resonates deeply with the state's outdoor enthusiasts. Its suitability for residents stems from its remarkable natural attributes and the immersive, adventurous spirit it embodies.

Firstly, the campground's unparalleled location directly on the Colorado River, set within a dramatic canyon, provides an immediate and profound connection to Utah's iconic landscapes. Locals who appreciate the raw, breathtaking beauty of towering red rock cliffs and the calming presence of a major river will find Drinks Canyon to be an ideal retreat. It's an opportunity to truly disconnect and absorb the unique geology and serene atmosphere that defines this world-famous region, right in their backyard.

Secondly, the primitive, first-come, first-served nature of the campground, without modern hookups, appeals to the self-reliant and adventurous spirit prevalent in Utah's outdoor community. This encourages a more authentic camping experience where preparedness is key – bringing your own water, leveling blocks, and being mindful of your belongings. While some minor inconveniences, like potential theft or road noise, are noted, they are often seen as part of the rustic charm by those seeking genuine wilderness immersion rather than a resort-like stay. The emphasis on nature's sounds and sights over digital distractions is a significant draw for locals looking to truly unplug.

Finally, Drinks Canyon serves as a phenomenal base for accessing Moab's world-class outdoor recreation. Whether it's launching a kayak onto the Colorado River, hitting a nearby mountain biking trail, or exploring the vast network of hiking paths in the surrounding national parks, the campground's strategic location maximizes outdoor play. For Utahns seeking a budget-friendly, visually stunning, and adventurous camping experience that truly captures the essence of their state's natural heritage, Drinks Canyon Campground is an excellent choice, provided they arrive prepared for its unique characteristics.

Drinks Canyon Campground

Bureau of Land Management, Field Office, UT-128, Moab, UT 84532, USA