Oak Grove Campground

For Utah locals seeking an authentic and immersive desert camping experience, Oak Grove Campground along Scenic Byway UT-128 near Moab offers a truly spectacular setting. Tucked alongside the banks of the mighty Colorado River, this primitive campground provides an unparalleled opportunity to wake up to towering sandstone cliffs, enjoy the soothing sounds of the river, and immerse yourself in the unique red rock landscape that defines this iconic region of Utah. It's a favored spot for tent campers looking for a quieter refuge from larger RVs and a direct connection to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Moab area.

What makes Oak Grove Campground particularly special is its emphasis on natural beauty and raw outdoor adventure. Unlike highly developed campgrounds, it maintains a rustic charm, focusing on the fundamental joys of camping: a picnic table, a fire ring, and a truly unforgettable view. Campers consistently rave about the "spectacular views of the river canyon" and the majestic night sky, which is often unmarred by light pollution. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, it caters to the spontaneous spirit of many Utah adventurers, inviting them to discover their own slice of desert solitude.

Beyond its scenic allure, Oak Grove Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the vast recreational opportunities that Moab is famous for. From rafting and kayaking on the Colorado River to world-class hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing, the options for outdoor activity are boundless. For locals who crave direct access to these adventures and a peaceful retreat into Utah's stunning red rock country, Oak Grove Campground is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Oak Grove Campground is conveniently located on UT-128, Moab, UT 84532, USA. This strategic position along the scenic Colorado River corridor makes it highly accessible for Utah locals planning a trip to the Moab area. Situated approximately seven miles from the junction of Highway 191 on Scenic Byway 128 (also known as the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway), the campground offers a relatively short and incredibly picturesque drive from Moab, ensuring that your desert adventure begins long before you even set up camp.

The campground's direct proximity to the Colorado River is a major highlight, with many sites offering stunning views of the river canyon and soaring sandstone cliffs. While the road (UT-128) runs nearby, the layout of the campground, often with a grove of scrub oak trees separating sites from the highway, helps mitigate significant road noise, contributing to a generally peaceful atmosphere. This convenient access to the river also means easy entry points for various water activities, though it's crucial to be aware that the Colorado River in this area can have strong and dangerous undercurrents, requiring life jackets for any entry.

Being a first-come, first-served campground, accessibility to a site often depends on arrival time, especially during popular seasons. However, its manageable size with only 7 campsites can contribute to a more intimate camping experience. The location also places it incredibly close to other popular BLM campgrounds along UT-128, such as Hal Canyon Campground, making it part of a vibrant corridor of outdoor recreation possibilities near Moab, including easy drives to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

• Individual Campsites: Oak Grove Campground offers 7 individual campsites, providing dedicated spaces for campers.

• First-Come, First-Served Basis: All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not accepted. Campers should arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.

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

• Fire Rings with Grates: Every site includes a fire ring, often with a grate, allowing campers to enjoy campfires and cook safely. Visitors should always check for current fire restrictions.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides clean and well-maintained vault toilets, which are a key amenity in this primitive setting, ensuring basic hygiene facilities.

• No Potable Water: It is crucial for visitors to note that Oak Grove Campground does NOT have potable drinking water available. Campers must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing.

• Tent Camping Focus: While some smaller RVs (under 22 feet) or vans might fit, the campground is primarily ideal for tent camping due to the nature of the sites and limited space for larger vehicles.

• Spectacular River Canyon Views: The most significant highlight of Oak Grove Campground is its "spectacular views of the river canyon." Campers are treated to the dramatic red rock cliffs soaring above the Colorado River, creating a breathtaking backdrop for their stay.

• Colorado River Proximity: Located directly along the banks of the Colorado River, the campground offers easy access to the water for various activities like rafting, kayaking, and canoeing (though caution is advised due to strong currents, and life jackets are essential).

• Secluded Tent Sites: Several sites are described as "walk-to tent campsites" or offer a more "secluded" feel, providing privacy and a quiet environment away from larger RVs and trailers, making it ideal for a true tent camping experience.

• Dark Skies for Stargazing: Being in a relatively open area with surrounding cliffs, the campground is excellent for viewing the "majestic night sky," offering incredible opportunities for stargazing away from city lights.

• Access to Outdoor Recreation: The area surrounding the campground is a mecca for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, rock climbing, and OHV trail riding, all within close proximity.

• Natural Shade from Oak Groves: The campground is named for the presence of scrub oak trees, which provide natural shade at many sites, offering welcome relief from the desert sun.

• Affordable Camping: With a fee of $20 per night (check current rates as they may vary), Oak Grove Campground offers a very affordable way to experience the renowned Moab area.

Address: UT-128, Moab, UT 84532, USA

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

For Utah locals, Oak Grove Campground presents an ideal camping opportunity that truly embodies the spirit of the state's magnificent outdoors. Its suitability for residents stems from a combination of its unique setting, raw natural beauty, and practical considerations that resonate with the local outdoor culture.

Firstly, the campground's prime location along the Colorado River, with its dramatic canyon views and towering red rock cliffs, offers a quintessential Moab experience without the need for extensive travel from central Utah. For residents who cherish the iconic landscapes of their home state, Oak Grove provides direct, immersive access to some of the most breathtaking scenery, making it an excellent choice for a weekend escape or a more extended stay. The unique opportunity to camp directly beside the river, listening to its soothing sounds, is a highly sought-after experience for many.

Secondly, its primitive, first-come, first-served nature appeals to the independent and adventurous spirit often found in Utah's outdoor community. This less developed approach means fewer crowds and a more authentic connection with nature, allowing locals to truly unplug and embrace the solitude of the desert. While the lack of potable water requires preparedness, it also contributes to the "back-to-basics" appeal that many seasoned campers appreciate, highlighting a reliance on self-sufficiency and careful planning, which are often part of the outdoor ethos in Utah.

Finally, the abundance of world-class recreational opportunities right at its doorstep makes Oak Grove Campground a practical hub for a wide range of outdoor pursuits. Whether it's rafting on the Colorado, hitting the renowned mountain biking trails, or exploring the numerous hiking paths to hidden arches and canyons, locals have an unparalleled playground at their fingertips. This combination of stunning scenery, authentic camping, and immediate access to adventure makes Oak Grove Campground an ideal and highly recommended destination for Utah residents looking to connect deeply with their state's extraordinary natural heritage.

Oak Grove Campground

UT-128, Moab, UT 84532, USA