Is Goose Island Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Goose Island Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Goose Island Campground?

Goose Island Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Goose Island Campground?

Cell phone service at Goose Island Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Goose Island Campground have?

Goose Island Campground has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Goose Island Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Goose Island Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Goose Island Campground?

Goose Island Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Goose Island Campground?

Popular activities at Goose Island Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Goose Island Campground

4.01

177 reviews

82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA

Top 8% in UTFall

Scenic Views

Quick Facts

3,970 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,970 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Goose Island Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$20.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(435) 259-2100

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA

Goose Island Campground

82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA

Nearby places

Moab (1.5 miles, approximately 5 minutes)

Weather at Goose Island Campground

Best Time to Camp at Goose Island Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs generally in the 60s–80s°F, cooling to the 40s–50s at night) and spectacular desert light — cottonwoods along the Colorado River often turn golden and the red rock shows its richest color. Hiking and mountain biking are at their peak with cooler trail conditions and fewer midday heat hazards, while river-side campsites remain pleasant for evening swims and campfires. Crowds are strong in early fall (September–early October)但 Peak months: October, April, May, September Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in UT

Fall cited as best season: comfortable temps and spectacular desert light, plus cottonwoods.

Planning Tips

About Goose Island Campground

Goose Island Campground sits on the Colorado River between Moab and Arches National Park, surrounded by 500-foot canyon walls and fall-golden cottonwoods. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this small riverside site offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers fish from the banks, explore nearby trails, and watch the desert light shift across red rock while occasional river tour boats pass after dark.

Goose Island Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. The primitive facilities reflect its focus on a back-to-nature experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs generally in the 60s–80s°F, cooling to the 40s–50s at night) and spectacular desert light — cottonwoods along the Colorado River often turn golden and the red rock shows its richest color. Hiking and mountain biking are at their peak with cooler trail conditions and fewer midday heat hazards, while river-side campsites remain pleasant for evening swims and campfires. Crowds are strong in early fall (September–early October)但 Peak months: October, April, May, September Avoid: July, August

Elevation3970 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a flat stretch along the Colorado River, hemmed in by massive sandstone cliffs that showcase the same layered red rock visible throughout canyon country. Some sites sit right on the riverbank. Cottonwoods provide shade in certain areas, turning golden in fall. The cliffs rise abruptly from the valley floor, creating dramatic morning and evening light. Arches National Park's formations are visible in the distance. Elevation is 3,970 feet.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges are available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights within a consecutive 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

10 people per site.

Groups

Group sites are spacious and can accommodate multiple tents and vehicles. Site B permits motor vehicles, whereas Site A is tent-only.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsGroup sites can be booked through Recreation.gov.

Site SizeSites are spacious, with some large enough to accommodate rigs up to 40 feet. Group sites can host multiple tents and vehicles.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site; trees and natural barriers provide seclusion for some sites, while others are more open and exposed to sunlight.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers recommend arriving early, around noon, to secure a spot as the campground fills quickly. Sites along the river, like #17, offer the best views.

Best CampsitesSite #1 gets frequent mentions for size and shade. Site #17 sits directly on the river. Privacy varies. Some sites have tree cover and natural barriers; others are open and exposed.

Amenities available

Goose Island Campground offers essential amenities for campers seeking an outdoor experience with limited facilities. The campground has 20 individual sites and 2 reservable group sites, providing access to vault toilets but no running water or hook-ups. The lack of water necessitates bringing sufficient supplies. The fire rings and picnic tables at campsites enhance the camping experience, as noted by users who appreciated the spacious sites and well-maintained facilities. However, some concerns were raised about the need for more frequent garbage disposal and tree maintenance in certain sites.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Goose Island Campground

Goose Island Campground offers a range of outdoor activities due to its location along the Colorado River and proximity to Arches National Park. Visitors can engage in biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. However, activities like swimming are discouraged due to dangerous undercurrents in the river.

Hiking4.0/5

Provides access to nearby trails and a bike path that leads to Moab and Arches NP.

Biking4.0/5Top 17% in Utah

Direct connection to a paved bike path to Moab and Arches National Park.

Fishing3.0/5

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Canyon-country, low development and expansive skies are conducive to stargazing.

Photography5.0/5Dramatic canyon walls, riverbank sites and golden cottonwoods offer standout photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

177 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews highlight the campground's excellent location along the Colorado River and its proximity to Moab and Arches National Park. Many praised the views, the camp hosts, and the cleanliness of the sites. However, some expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of water facilities, the inconvenience of first-come, first-served availability, and specific disturbances such as ant infestations and nightly truck lights during boat tours.

Review Summaries

Based on 177 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 177 reviews.

Site #17Loved
It was level side to side and pretty good front to back." - Site #17: "Recommended by camp host Sean, great spot right on the river with a gorgeous view and…
Site #1Mentioned
- Site #1: "One of the largest sites and could accommodate a large ridge.

What Campers Love

- "Phenomenal place to stay. $20 a night or $10 with an annual national park pass." - "Amazing location! Super close to arches entrance. You're right on the Colorado River with 500ft canyon walls...

Based on 177 reviews

Common Concerns

- Several users mentioned issues with payments not being recorded properly, leading to notices to vacate despite full payment. - Lack of water facilities and vault toilet cleanliness during peak...

Based on 177 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early, ideally around noon, to secure a spot. - Bring plenty of water, as there are no water facilities. - Be prepared for ants and other bugs. - Take a photo of your payment slip to avoid...

Based on 177 reviews

Seasonal Insights

- Spring and fall are highly recommended due to moderate temperatures and manageable crowds. - Summer can be challenging due to high temperatures, strong winds, and limited shade. - Winter visitors...

Based on 177 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "This is the place to camp in Moab. Beautiful location that is very close to town, and far away enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re cramped into a small hotel campground." - "Don’t let the...

Based on 177 reviews