Is Grandstaff Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

What is the best time to visit Grandstaff Campground?

Grandstaff Campground is open The campground typically fills in the morning from March to October, indicating seasonal popularity.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Grandstaff Campground?

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

How many campsites does Grandstaff Campground have?

Grandstaff Campground has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Grandstaff Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Grandstaff Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Grandstaff Campground?

Popular activities at Grandstaff Campground include Hiking, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Grandstaff Campground

4.32

78 reviews

82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA

Top 24% in UTFall

Stargazing

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,967 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

The campground typic...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,967 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

The campground typic...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)Official Website

Get Directions

Grandstaff Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(435) 259-2100blm_ut_mb_mail@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA

Grandstaff Campground

82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA

Nearby places

Moab, UT (3 miles, approximately 10 minutes by car)

Weather at Grandstaff Campground

Best Time to Camp at Grandstaff Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 60s–80s°F) and cool, crisp nights (40s–50s°F), making hiking and biking on nearby trails much more pleasant than the scorching summer. The red-rock colors are especially vivid against clear autumn skies and river-side cottonwoods, and crowds thin slightly after peak spring/early-summer windows while campsites remain sought-after. Expect stable, dry weather ideal for long trail days and late-afternoon river-side relaxes,但 Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in UT

Fall described as most comfortable: days 60s–80s°F and cool nights—peak season for visits.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground typically fills in the morning from March to October, indicating seasonal popularity.

About Grandstaff Campground

Grandstaff Campground sits along the Colorado River corridor near Moab, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This small, primitive campground offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables amid red-rock cliffs and riverside cottonwoods. Visitors come for hiking and biking access, stargazing under dark skies, and fall camping when temperatures drop from summer's extremes.

Grandstaff Campground is designed exclusively for tent camping on a first-come, first-serve basis. It does not accommodate RVs, cabins, or glamping setups. Group camping is also not explicitly mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 60s–80s°F) and cool, crisp nights (40s–50s°F), making hiking and biking on nearby trails much more pleasant than the scorching summer. The red-rock colors are especially vivid against clear autumn skies and river-side cottonwoods, and crowds thin slightly after peak spring/early-summer windows while campsites remain sought-after. Expect stable, dry weather ideal for long trail days and late-afternoon river-side relaxes,但 Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: July, August

Elevation3967 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Colorado River runs directly alongside the campground, with Navajo and Entrada sandstone cliffs rising above in shades of burnt sienna and vermillion. Cottonwoods provide shade along the riverbank, their leaves catching the desert breeze. The same red rock geology that defines nearby Arches National Park frames the sites here. At 3,967 feet elevation on the Colorado Plateau, the campground offers river access and views that shift with the light. Minimal light pollution makes for excellent stargazing.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations available at Grandstaff Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights in a 30 consecutive day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to 10 people and two vehicles per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; no reservations accepted.

AccessibilityThe campground does not provide detailed information about accessibility features. Some sites are level and could be suitable for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeThe campsites accommodate up to 10 people and two vehicles per site. Some sites are noted to be level and spacious.

PrivacyThe sites are decently spaced according to user reviews, but the proximity to the road and the shared facilities may affect privacy.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesFor shade, consider Site 2. Avoid Sites 6 and 7 due to bathroom proximity. Site 15 is recommended for level ground and ample parking.

Best CampsitesSite 2 offers good shade. Site 15 is level with plenty of parking space. Avoid sites 6 and 7, which sit too close to the heavily-used vault toilets.

Amenities available

Grandstaff Campground is a tent-only, riverside campground located along the Colorado River. The campground is designed for first-come, first-serve use and offers spectacular views of Arches National Park's red rock cliffs. It provides picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets for visitor use. However, there is no potable water, hookups, or showers available, making it essential for campers to bring their own water. Trash receptacles are available for waste disposal.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Grandstaff Campground offers outdoor activities such as hiking on the nearby Grandstaff Trailhead, mountain biking on the Porcupine Rim Trail, and stargazing. The proximity to the Colorado River allows for scenic views but swimming or water-based activities are discouraged due to dangerous undercurrents.

Hiking

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 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

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

78 reviews

Recommended

Grandstaff Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Grandstaff Campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.13 out of 5. Positive comments focus on the stunning river views, proximity to hiking and biking trails, and clean facilities. Common complaints include road noise, bugs, and the lack of water and showers.

Review Summaries

Based on 78 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful riverside location with views of red rock cliffs. Close to hiking and biking trails. Stargazing is excellent due to minimal light pollution.

Based on 78 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from the nearby road, prevalence of insects (e.g., ants and gnats), and limited amenities (no water, no showers).

Based on 78 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 15 is noted for being level and spacious. Sites 6 and 7 are less desirable due to proximity to the restroom and high traffic from day-use visitors.

Based on 78 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a spot as the campground fills quickly, particularly between March and October. Bring sufficient water and insect repellent. Cash or check is required for payment.

Based on 78 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular from March to October, with shade being a major advantage in the summer. Some visitors note the extreme heat during the day and cool temperatures at night. Winter...

Based on 78 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Right on the Colorado River, convenient and clean campsite close to Moab/Arches." - Frank Formanek. "Beautiful! $20/night. Trash and bathrooms. No water, so bring your own." - Chantelle Torrey....

Based on 78 reviews

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Go if

You want primitive camping near Moab with dark skies and direct trail access.

Skip if

You need quiet nights or prefer campgrounds with through-road circulation to avoid dust.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Goose Island Group Sites

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

Goose Island Group Sites sits along the Colorado River corridor in the BLM Moab Field Office lands, minutes from Arches National Park. This small group-camping area offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a redrock canyon setting popular with mountain bikers. Camp hosts are on-site, and the BLM enforces a strict no-show policy and designated quiet hours.