Goose Island Campground

Star4.05
177 reviews
82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA

Quick Facts

3,970 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Goose Island Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The fee is $20 per night, payable at the campground via cash or check. Discounts are available for holders of an annual National Park pass, making...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$20.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(435) 259-2100
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What Campers Say

4.05

Satisfactory

Based on 177 reviews

185 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationfriendlysites

"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."

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Campground Map

82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA

Goose Island Campground

82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA

Driving directionsGoose Island is located 1.4 miles east from the junction of Hwy. 128 and Hwy. 191. The campground will be on the left.
The campground is easily accessible from major highways. The road leading to it is paved and suitable for all vehicle types. There are no seasonal closures or challenging terrains mentioned.
Nearby places
Moab (1.5 miles, approximately 5 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Moab, 1.5 miles away, offers groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other necessities.

Best Time to Camp at Goose Island Campground

Desert sunshine reigns supreme here, with summer temperatures soaring into the 90s and beyond, creating the perfect excuse for afternoon river dips. Desert winds sweep through the canyon, particularly during dramatic storm systems that paint the sky in spectacular fashion. While winter nights can plunge into bone-chilling cold, the magical shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer goldilocks conditions – warm days, cool nights, and weather that invites endless exploration.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Summers are very hot (90s+), windy with limited shade; river dips are risky due to undercurrents.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is recommended for moderate temperatures and manageable crowds.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring recommended for moderate temps and good conditions near Arches and Moab.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter visits are possible though cooler and less activity-driven.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March to October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Typically open year-round, though peak season is from March to October.

About Goose Island Campground

Nestled along the banks of the mighty Colorado River, Goose Island Campground beckons adventurers seeking the perfect basecamp for exploring Moab's legendary landscape. This Bureau of Land Management gem welcomes tents, RVs, and trailers to a riverside sanctuary where towering red rock formations create nature's own amphitheater. As one of the most coveted camping destinations near Moab, early arrivals are rewarded with precious summer shade and front-row seats to the Southwest's most dramatic scenery.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
N/A, first-come, first-serve.
Check-out
N/A, first-come, first-serve.
Stay Limit
14 nights within a consecutive 30-day period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe campground provides access to nearby trails, including a bike path leading to Moab and Arches National Park, which is suitable for walking and biking.
BikingThe campground is directly connected to a paved bike path that leads to Moab and Arches National Park, making it ideal for biking enthusiasts.
Wildlife viewingThe area’s natural surroundings provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, including along the river and in the canyon.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include strong river currents, as noted by the warning, 'Do not enter the river without the required life jackets.' Campers have also reported ants falling from trees and high winds causing potential damage to tents and camping equipment.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Goose Island Campground

Reviews

4.1
177 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 177 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site #1: "One of the largest sites and could accommodate a large ridge. It was level side to side and pretty good front to back." - Site #17: "Recommended by camp host Sean, great spot right on the...
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Based on 177 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features were not explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 177 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets seemed to be allowed, but no specific reviews addressed pet policies or amenities for pet owners.
Based on 177 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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