Goose Island Group Sites

4.01

204 reviews

MOAB FIELD OFFICE, 82 E. DOGWOOD AVE., Moab, UT 84532, USA

Quick Facts

3,970 ft

Price

$125 - $175/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens BLM Moab Field Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,970 ft

Price

$125 - $175/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens BLM Moab Field Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Goose Island Group Sites

$125.00 - $175.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Site A accommodates up to 25 people for $125/night, while Group Site B accommodates up to 40 people for $175/night. Additional fees include a...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-259-2100blm_ut_moabgroupsite@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.01

Satisfactory

Based on 204 reviews

185 Google reviews

"Goose Island Group Sites receive mixed reviews. Positive aspects include the scenic location along the Colorado River and proximity to Moab and Arches National Park. Negative reviews highlight issues like cleanliness, limited amenities, and noise from nearby roads."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

MOAB FIELD OFFICE, 82 E. DOGWOOD AVE., Moab, UT 84532, USA

Goose Island Group Sites

MOAB FIELD OFFICE, 82 E. DOGWOOD AVE., Moab, UT 84532, USA

Driving directionsFrom Moab, drive north on Highway 191 to the junction of State Route 128. Drive two miles on SR 128 to the entrance to Goose Island campground. The group sites are at the far end of the campground.

The campground is accessed via paved roads; no seasonal closures or challenging terrain are noted.

Nearby places

Moab (2 miles, ~5-minute drive), Arches National Park (10 minutes), Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park (30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as groceries, fuel, and camping equipment are available in Moab, UT (~2 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Goose Island Group Sites

The high desert climate here tells a tale of extremes that shapes every adventure. Summer transforms the canyon country into a blazing furnace where temperatures regularly soar past 100°F, accompanied by afternoon winds that sweep through the canyons like ancient spirits. These hot months occasionally surprise visitors with dramatic thunderstorms that can trigger flash floods through narrow washes—nature's reminder of water's sculpting power in this arid land. When winter arrives, the landscape takes on a different character entirely, with temperatures plunging below freezing and delicate dustings of snow creating ethereal contrasts against the red rock walls. Spring and fall offer the sweet spots, with comfortable temperatures perfect for exploration.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Summers 'regularly soar past 100°F' and reviews cite extreme heat and strong winds as issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is popular with moderate temps and high activity/access to parks and trails.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring is a peak season with moderate temperatures and abundant hiking/biking activity.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter is cooler with fewer visitors but fewer seasonal activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from January 1 to December 31 each year.

About Goose Island Group Sites

Nestled along the Colorado River, Goose Island Group Sites serve as your gateway to the legendary landscapes of Moab, where adventure meets comfort under towering cottonwoods. This riverside retreat puts you minutes from the otherworldly arches of Arches National Park and the dramatic canyonlands that have drawn explorers for generations. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with fire grates for evening gatherings, sturdy picnic tables for outdoor meals, and protective shade shelters that offer respite from the desert sun. Modern vault toilets ensure convenience without compromising the natural setting. Whether you're planning dawn hikes through slickrock trails, afternoon mountain bike expeditions, or sunset rafting adventures on the Colorado, this campground positions your group at the heart of Utah's outdoor playground.

Goose Island Group Sites cater to group camping, with designated areas for large groups. There are no individual or primitive sites available.

Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate here tells a tale of extremes that shapes every adventure. Summer transforms the canyon country into a blazing furnace where temperatures regularly soar past 100°F, accompanied by afternoon winds that sweep through the canyons like ancient spirits. These hot months occasionally surprise visitors with dramatic thunderstorms that can trigger flash floods through narrow washes—nature's reminder of water's sculpting power in this arid land. When winter arrives, the landscape takes on a different character entirely, with temperatures plunging below freezing and delicate dustings of snow creating ethereal contrasts against the red rock walls. Spring and fall offer the sweet spots, with comfortable temperatures perfect for exploration.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Colorado River whispers past your campsite, its life-giving waters nurturing a ribbon of green through the desert—a corridor of massive cottonwoods that cast dancing shadows and provide blessed shade. From beneath these ancient sentinels, you'll gaze up at canyon walls that rise like natural cathedrals, their layers telling stories millions of years in the making. As evening approaches, watch the red cliffs of nearby Arches National Park transform into a canvas of fire, glowing with an intensity that seems almost supernatural in the golden hour light. This dramatic interplay of water, stone, and sky creates a landscape that feels both intimate and infinite.

Geological RegionYour campground sits at the heart of the Colorado River Corridor, where eons of patient erosion have carved one of Earth's most spectacular geological galleries. Here, the river has sliced through layer upon layer of ancient sediments, exposing a timeline written in stone—from Jurassic sand dunes frozen in time to Triassic mudflats that once teemed with prehistoric life. The surrounding red rock canyons stand as monuments to deep time, their Entrada and Navajo sandstone formations sculpted by wind and water into impossible shapes. To the north, the striking cliffs of Arches National Park rise like a natural fortress, harboring over 2,000 documented stone arches within its boundaries—the densest concentration of natural arches on the planet.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-out

Noon

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Site A allows up to 25 guests
Site B allows up to 40 guests.

Groups

Group Site A can host up to 25 people and is tent-only, while Group Site B can accommodate up to 40 people and allows motor vehicles.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutGroup sites are located at the far end of Goose Island loop, beyond individual campsites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or by contacting the BLM Moab Field Office.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit information provided on walk-up availability for group sites.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee and additional charges for late cancellations or no-shows. Refunds exclude reservation fees. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) forfeit the first night’s fee.

AccessibilityAccessibility features were not explicitly mentioned in the source information.

Site SizeGroup Site A allows up to 25 people, and Group Site B accommodates up to 40 people.

PrivacyThe group sites are located near the road and tend to be less private. Some users highlighted that people often walked through their sites, mistaking them for picnic areas.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesSite B is better suited for larger groups and those requiring vehicle access. Site A offers a quieter tent-only experience.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Goose Island Group Sites offer a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can hike, bike, explore scenic drives, and enjoy photography. The campground's proximity to the Colorado River also provides opportunities for river-based activities.

HikingThe area is close to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, which offer numerous hiking opportunities. Trails range from scenic overlooks to more challenging routes.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

BikingA paved bicycle trail connects the campground to Arches National Park, the Bar M Mountain Bike Trailhead, and the town of Moab.

BoatingThe Colorado River provides opportunities for boating, though there are no specific docking facilities at the campground.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as ravens and chipmunks frequent the area. However, reviewers warn against leaving food unattended due to these animals.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent gusty winds, flash flooding risks during summer storms, and wildlife (ravens and ants). Ant infestations reported by multiple users.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed; users must adhere to regional fire bans.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services include hospitals and police stations in Moab, UT (~2 miles away). For camping-related issues, contact the BLM Moab Field Office at 435-259-2100.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but some users reported issues with overflowing garbage bins during peak times.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the Colorado River, offering scenic views and limited river access.

Camp HostPositive feedback for hosts Sean and Angie, described as friendly and helpful.

Weather at Goose Island Group Sites

Reviews

4.0

204 reviews

Satisfactory

Goose Island Group Sites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Goose Island Group Sites receive mixed reviews. Positive aspects include the scenic location along the Colorado River and proximity to Moab and Arches National Park. Negative reviews highlight issues like cleanliness, limited amenities, and noise from nearby roads.

Review Summaries

Based on 204 reviews

What Campers Love

Users consistently praised the beautiful setting along the Colorado River, the proximity to major attractions like Arches National Park, and the helpfulness of the camp hosts.

Based on 204 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of water and showers, cleanliness of vault toilets during peak times, noise from the nearby road, and the occasional presence of non-reserved vehicles in group sites.

Based on 204 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend securing reservations well in advance due to high demand. It is also suggested to bring plenty of water and to be aware of potential windstorms.

Based on 204 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Summer reviews mention extreme heat, strong winds, and limited shade.

Based on 204 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The vault toilets are filled to the brim by the end of summer.' 2. 'Amazing location that is very close to town, and far away enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re cramped.' 3. 'Beautiful,...

Based on 204 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group Site A is tent-only and accommodates up to 25 people, while Group Site B allows up to 40 people and motor vehicles. Specific reviews mention parking limitations and cleanliness issues in both...

Based on 204 reviews