Is Lower Onion Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Are there showers at Lower Onion Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Lower Onion Creek Campground have?

Lower Onion Creek Campground has 23 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Lower Onion Creek Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Lower Onion Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Lower Onion Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Lower Onion Creek Campground include Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lower Onion Creek Campground

4.50

93 reviews

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

Top 24% in UTFall

Scenic Views

Featured in:Primitive Camping Utah Camping Near Arches National Park Desert Camping Utah

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

4,085 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Bureau of Land Management (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

4,085 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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

Get Directions

Lower Onion Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$20.00

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(435) 259-2100utmbmail@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Lower Onion Creek Campground

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

Nearby places

Moab (22 miles, approximately 30 minutes drive)

Weather at Lower Onion Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Lower Onion Creek Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and dramatic canyon color — daytime highs typically run in the 60s–70s°F (15–25°C) with crisp, cool nights. Cottonwoods along the river turn gold against the red sandstone of Fisher Towers, making it peak season for photography, hiking, and river-side camping. Crowds are active on weekends and holiday weeks but generally lower and more manageable than spring peak periods, so weekday visits feel especially peaceful. Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in UT

Fall called best: 60s-70s days, cool nights, cottonwoods turn gold and quieter weekdays.

Planning Tips

About Lower Onion Creek Campground

Lower Onion Creek Campground sits along the Colorado River near Moab, managed by the Bureau of Land Management's Moab Field Office. The small campground offers primitive and group tent sites with direct views of Fisher Towers and the river canyon. Visitors come for boating access, stargazing, and fall foliage when cottonwoods turn gold against red sandstone cliffs.

The campground caters to those seeking a rustic camping experience along the Colorado River. It offers 21 individual sites and two group sites but no cabins, RV hookups, or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and dramatic canyon color — daytime highs typically run in the 60s–70s°F (15–25°C) with crisp, cool nights. Cottonwoods along the river turn gold against the red sandstone of Fisher Towers, making it peak season for photography, hiking, and river-side camping. Crowds are active on weekends and holiday weeks but generally lower and more manageable than spring peak periods, so weekday visits feel especially peaceful. Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: July, August

Elevation4085 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a stretch of river corridor hemmed in by sandstone cliffs in shades of rust, orange, and burgundy. Fisher Towers, a series of Cutler Formation spires that climb over 900 feet above the valley floor, stands less than a mile to the east. Cottonwoods and willows line the river, providing the only significant shade. Reviews consistently mention the lack of tree cover at most sites. One camper wrote, "The views are beyond words," while another noted the stargazing opportunities due to zero light pollution. The open terrain means wind funnels through camp with regularity.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; the campground is limited to campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights in a 30-day consecutive period

Guests Allowed Per Site

10 people per site

Groups

Two group sites are available and can be reserved through Recreation.gov. Users have noted their spaciousness: "Group campsite was amazing! Plenty of space for tents, great fire pit, pretty far from other sites."

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov for group site reservations.

AccessibilityNo detailed information on accessibility features is provided.

Site SizeIndividual campsites can accommodate up to 10 people and two vehicles. Group sites provide ample space, as highlighted in user reviews: "Group campsite was amazing! Plenty of space for tents, great fire pit, pretty far from other sites.

PrivacyWhile the area offers beautiful, open vistas, privacy levels depend on proximity to other sites. One user noted, "The sites were spread out," but another observed, "The seclusion and tranquility are dictated by the rafters.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the river offer the best views but may experience higher winds. Early arrival is suggested during peak seasons.

Best CampsitesGroup sites A and B get consistent praise for space and distance from other campers. One review noted, "Group campsite was amazing! Plenty of space for tents, great fire pit, pretty far from other sites." Individual sites vary. One camper mentioned "sites were spread out," though another pointed out that "seclusion and tranquility are dictated by the rafters" passing through.

Amenities available

Lower Onion Creek Campground offers a variety of amenities. There are 21 individual campsites and two reservable group sites. Vault toilets are available on-site, but there are no potable water sources or hookups for electricity, water, or sewer. The campground is equipped with two boat ramps for river access. No firewood is sold on-site, and campers are advised to bring their own water. "Bathrooms and campsite were very clean," noted one user. Another highlighted, "There is not any shade, firewood, or drinking water, so make sure you bring plenty of your own water and firewood."

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground supports a variety of activities, including hiking, river rafting, rock climbing, and stargazing. Its riverside location makes it a good base for water-related recreation. One user praised the area's starry nights: "Also wonderful stargazing at night." Another noted the proximity to activities: "Perfect for floating or going to Fisher Towers."

Boating

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 ToiletsNo flush toilets are 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

4.5

93 reviews

Top-Rated

Lower Onion Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Lower Onion Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.57 out of 5. Users consistently praise the scenic beauty and cleanliness of the campground, but lack of shade and water are commonly noted as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 93 reviews

What Campers Love

Key positives include stunning vistas of the Colorado River and Fisher Towers, clean facilities, and stargazing opportunities. "The views are beyond words," wrote one user. Another mentioned,...

Based on 93 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints focus on the lack of shade, potable water, and firewood. One user stated, "There is not any shade, firewood, or drinking water," while another warned about windy conditions and the...

Based on 93 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The group sites are frequently highlighted for their spaciousness and privacy: "Group campsite was amazing! Plenty of space for tents."

Based on 93 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing ample water and firewood, arriving early to secure a site, and preparing for strong winds. One user advised, "Make sure your gear is low profile and can withstand large...

Based on 93 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are favored for their moderate temperatures and clear skies. Summer can be very warm, as noted by one user: "A bit warm in July for camping," while winter reviews are limited.

Based on 93 reviews

Camper Quotes

"What an amazing camp spot!" "Bathrooms and campsite were very clean." "Loved the site next to the river. Great panoramic views." "Stargazing at night was wonderful."

Based on 93 reviews