Is Hal Canyon Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Are there showers at Hal Canyon Campground?

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

How many campsites does Hal Canyon Campground have?

Hal Canyon Campground has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Hal Canyon Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Hal Canyon Campground?

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

Hal Canyon Campground

4.50

48 reviews

Moab Field Office, 82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA

Top 24% in UTFall

Featured in:Camping Near Arches National Park Camping Near Moab Hidden Gem Campgrounds Utah +3 more

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

3,990 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Moab Field Office 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

3,990 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Moab Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Hal Canyon Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(435) 259-2100utmbmail@blm.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Hal Canyon Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Moab Field Office, 82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA

Hal Canyon Campground

Moab Field Office, 82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA

Nearby places

Moab: approximately 6.6 miles (10 minutes by car)

Arches National Park: about 10 miles (approximately 15 minutes by car).

Weather at Hal Canyon Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hal Canyon Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best overall balance of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 65–85°F) and cooler nights (mid-30s to low-50s), dramatic golden light on the canyon walls, and fewer crowds than peak spring weekends. Riverfront camping, easy day hikes, and wildlife viewing are at their peak as migratory birds and desert mammals are active and vegetation softens from summer heat. Expect moderate crowding on holiday weekends but generally quieter weekdays, making it the ideal time to snag oneof Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in UT

Overview: 'Fall delivers the best conditions' with mild days, cool nights, and ideal light on canyon walls.

Planning Tips

About Hal Canyon Campground

Hal Canyon Campground sits along the Colorado River near Moab, operated by the BLM Moab Field Office. This small, budget-friendly campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reviewers consistently praise the exceptionally clean facilities and scenic riverfront setting, though shade is limited and winds can pick up.

Hal Canyon Campground offers mainly primitive camping options with a focus on tent camping. RV camping is possible for smaller rigs, but larger setups may find it unsuitable.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best overall balance of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 65–85°F) and cooler nights (mid-30s to low-50s), dramatic golden light on the canyon walls, and fewer crowds than peak spring weekends. Riverfront camping, easy day hikes, and wildlife viewing are at their peak as migratory birds and desert mammals are active and vegetation softens from summer heat. Expect moderate crowding on holiday weekends but generally quieter weekdays, making it the ideal time to snag oneof Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: July, August

Elevation3990 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Colorado River runs directly past the campsites, flanked by towering red sandstone and limestone cliffs that glow amber and crimson as light shifts throughout the day. The canyon walls expose millions of years of sedimentary layers. Ancient seabeds, windswept desert deposits, and the persistent erosion that carved this corridor. Reviewers consistently mention the beauty of riverside views and the dramatic rock formations surrounding camp.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodging or cabin accommodations at Hal Canyon Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural and educational programs are not explicitly mentioned.

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

Limited to 10 people and two vehicles per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; first-come, first-serve basis.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Site SizeSites are described as small ('Sites seem small, not really accommodating for a big rig or a class A'). Users suggest they are more suited for vans, cars, or tent camping.

PrivacySeveral reviews suggest decent privacy and spacing between sites ('Plenty of space between campers, quiet and private'). However, others indicate some sites are not hidden or secluded ('Camping spots were okay, not very hidden or large').

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early for desired spots, particularly shaded areas. Check for people leaving to secure a site. Sites closer to the river offer the best views.

Best CampsitesSite 6 gets specific mention for unobstructed Colorado River and red rock views from the fire ring. The two walk-in tent sites provide more privacy than the others. Spacing between sites is decent, though some feel more exposed than secluded.

Amenities available

Hal Canyon Campground offers basic amenities suitable for rustic camping. 'No running water is available, but vault toilets are provided.' Multiple user reviews confirm the cleanliness of the toilet facilities: 'Absolutely the cleanest bathroom I've ever seen in my 50 years of camping.' Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings ('bench style table and safe fire rings'), which reviewers appreciate for convenience and safety. However, there is no facility for electrical, water, or sewer hookups ('Hook-ups: No'). Trash disposal facilities appear to be well-maintained ('ample trash container'). Users should note that firewood availability is not mentioned, and potable water is entirely absent.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Hal Canyon Campground offers various activities due to its location along the Colorado River. Highlights include river-related activities like rafting and observing wildlife. Hiking trails are not explicitly listed, nor are biking paths or cultural programs.

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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Hal Canyon Campground. Vault toilets are provided instead, and reviews frequently praise their cleanliness: 'Absolutely the cleanest bathroom I've ever seen in my 50 years of camping.'

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

Rate Hal Canyon Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.5

48 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews for Hal Canyon Campground are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting scenic beauty, cleanliness, and affordability. However, some mention the lack of shade and small site sizes as minor drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently praised the cleanliness of the vault toilets ('Absolutely the cleanest bathroom I've ever seen in my 50 years of camping') and the scenic Colorado River views ('Beautiful right...

Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of shade at some campsites ('Only issue was that there was not a lot of shade') and the small size of the sites ('Sites seem small, not really accommodating for a...

Based on 48 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 6 was specifically mentioned as a good spot: 'Had a beautiful spot on site 6, we had our chairs around the fire with views of the Colorado river and the red rocks, bathroom close by, and it was...

Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include arriving early to secure a spot ('Get there early and check for people leaving') and bringing your own water ('No running water is available'). One user suggested visiting the hostel in...

Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that late summer and early fall are popular times due to mild weather and scenic beauty ('More river than highway this time of year, late September'). Windy conditions were noted...

Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Absolutely the cleanest bathroom I've ever seen in my 50 years of camping.' - 'For $20 I got a Colorado river view in the beautiful cliffs across the river.' - 'Sites have a decent amount of space...

Based on 48 reviews