Hittle Bottom Campground

For Utah locals, the red rock country around Moab is a landscape ingrained in our very identity. It’s a place where adventure calls, and unparalleled natural beauty unfolds at every turn. When the urge to escape the everyday sets in, finding a serene and picturesque spot to camp is essential. Hittle Bottom Campground, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and situated just outside of Moab, offers precisely this kind of experience. Perched along the majestic Colorado River, it provides a stunning backdrop for all your Utah outdoor pursuits.

Utah is famous for its dramatic desert scenery, and the Moab area, in particular, draws adventurers from around the globe. Hittle Bottom Campground stands out as a prime location for those who appreciate a more rustic and quiet camping experience, away from the immediate hustle and bustle of Moab town. Imagine waking up to the sight of towering red rock formations like Fisher Towers, with the gentle sounds of the Colorado River flowing nearby. Whether you're planning a thrilling whitewater rafting trip, an epic mountain biking excursion, a challenging hike, or simply a peaceful retreat under the vast desert sky, Hittle Bottom offers an ideal basecamp. This article will provide a detailed overview of Hittle Bottom Campground, including its scenic location, the services it offers, its incredible features and highlights, and why it's a perfect fit for Utah locals looking to truly immerse themselves in the spirit of our remarkable state.

Hittle Bottom Campground is located approximately 23 miles northeast of Moab, Utah, off of Utah State Route 128 (also known as the River Road), in the heart of the striking red rock country. While its address is broadly "Utah 84532, USA," its specific placement along Scenic Highway 128 is key to its allure and accessibility.

Access to Hittle Bottom Campground is straightforward, as it's directly off a paved highway, ensuring no rough roads to navigate. This makes it suitable for a variety of vehicles, including large RVs, although some individual sites might have "pretty steep approaches that may require a significant number of leveling blocks." The campground is situated along the banks of the Colorado River, providing easy access to the water. Its distance from Moab means it offers a quieter atmosphere, "far from the hustle-and-bustle of Moab," which is often a desirable trait for locals seeking to escape crowds. While it might be a "little distance" from Moab, the scenic drive along Highway 128, with its "striking views" of Fisher Towers, Professor Valley, and the Colorado River itself, makes the journey part of the experience. The campground is also a popular launch site for "Moab Daily" river trips, making it a hub for river runners.

• Individual Campsites: Hittle Bottom Campground has 15 single-family campsites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each site can accommodate up to 2 vehicles and 10 people.
• Group Campsites: Two group campsites are also available, which can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. These sites can accommodate up to 10 vehicles and 30-40 people and often include a shade shelter.
• Basic Site Amenities: Each single-family campsite includes a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and relaxation. Group sites also have these amenities.
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are provided throughout the campground for convenience.
• Trash Collection: Trash receptacles are available, ensuring proper waste disposal and helping to maintain the cleanliness of the campground.
• Boat Ramp: A significant amenity is the on-site boat ramp, making Hittle Bottom a popular launch site for river running and whitewater adventures on the Colorado River.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for all campers to note that there is no potable (drinking) water available at Hittle Bottom Campground. Visitors must bring their own water supply.
• No Hookups: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at any of the campsites (individual or group), emphasizing a rustic, off-grid camping experience.
• No Showers: As is common in many BLM campgrounds, showers are not available on-site.
• Limited Cell Service: Cell service is generally poor or non-existent in the area, offering an opportunity to truly disconnect.

• Stunning Red Rock Scenery: The campground offers "spectacular views" of iconic red rock formations like Fisher Towers, Professor Valley, Castle Valley, and the dramatic Colorado River canyon, making it "absolutely one of the most beautiful places we've stayed."
• Riverside Location: Situated directly on the banks of the Colorado River, it provides easy access for water activities, relaxing by the water, and enjoying the tranquil sounds of the river.
• Popular River Launch Site: Hittle Bottom is a renowned put-in for the "Moab Daily" whitewater rafting trip (Class I to Class III rapids), making it ideal for those planning a river adventure.
• Spacious Sites: Campsites are "large and can accommodate large RVs," providing ample room and a sense of privacy, with sites "spread along the banks of the Colorado River."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Being "far from the hustle-and-bustle of Moab" contributes to a peaceful environment, particularly quiet at night after the day's river traffic subsides.
• Accessibility from Highway 128: Located directly off the paved Scenic Highway 128, it offers easy access for all vehicle types, unlike some more remote Moab-area campgrounds.
• Proximity to National Parks: Hittle Bottom is about "45 minutes from Arches National Park and one hour from Canyonlands National Park," making it a convenient base for exploring these world-famous attractions.
• Hiking Opportunities: The campground is the trailhead for the "Amphitheater Loop Trail," a 3-mile hike offering broad vistas of the Colorado River Valley. Other hiking, mountain biking, and four-wheel drive trails are abundant along Highway 128.
• Cottonwood Tree Shade: Some sites offer shade from cottonwood trees, which can be a welcome relief in the desert environment, though some sites near the road have "little to no shade."
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night skies offer "breathtaking" views for stargazing.

Address: Utah 84532, USA (This general address refers to the Moab area. Hittle Bottom Campground is located on Utah State Route 128, approximately 23 miles northeast of Moab.)

Phone: (435) 259-2100

This phone number connects you to the Moab Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which manages Hittle Bottom Campground. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding campground conditions, site availability (especially for first-come, first-serve sites), current fire restrictions, and any regulations, it is highly recommended to contact the BLM Moab Field Office directly before your trip. Group site reservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Hittle Bottom Campground is an absolute gem for Utah locals, perfectly encapsulating the adventurous spirit and breathtaking landscapes that define our state. For those of us who call Utah home, this campground offers a truly authentic red rock camping experience that resonates with our love for the outdoors.

Firstly, its prime location along the Colorado River, with "spectacular views of Fisher Towers and the area's red rock formations," is simply iconic Utah. Waking up to these vistas, right from your campsite, is an experience that connects us directly to the natural wonders of our backyard. The fact that it's a popular launch site for the "Moab Daily" river trip means that for many Utahns who enjoy rafting or kayaking, Hittle Bottom serves as the ideal starting point for a quintessential Moab adventure. This direct access to the river allows for spontaneous aquatic fun right from camp.

Secondly, while it’s a BLM campground with no potable water or hookups, this primitive aspect is often precisely what discerning Utah locals seek. It encourages self-sufficiency, adherence to "Pack It In, Pack It Out" principles, and a deeper appreciation for the unspoiled environment – values deeply ingrained in our outdoor culture. The distance from the immediate "hustle-and-bustle of Moab" means a quieter, more peaceful camping experience, a welcome reprieve from the crowds that can sometimes gather in the more central areas.

Furthermore, Hittle Bottom serves as an excellent base for exploring the region's world-class attractions. Being within a short drive of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, along with numerous hiking and biking trails, means endless opportunities for exploration right at your fingertips. For Utah locals, Hittle Bottom Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's a gateway to the raw, untamed beauty of our state, offering peace, adventure, and the chance to truly disconnect and recharge amidst some of the most stunning scenery on Earth.

Hittle Bottom Campground

Utah 84532, USA