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

Upper 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 Upper Onion Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Upper Onion Creek Campground have?

Upper Onion Creek Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Upper Onion Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Upper Onion Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Upper Onion Creek Campground?

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

Upper Onion Creek Campground

3.97

82 reviews

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

Top 7% in UTFall

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Tent 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

10,200 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

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

10,200 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Onion Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard 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

Upper Onion Creek Campground

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

Nearby places

Moab (40 minutes, approximately 22 miles)

Weather at Upper Onion Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Upper Onion Creek Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable and reliable conditions — expect crisp, clear days usually in the 50s–70s°F (10–25°C) and cool nights that can drop into the 20s–30s°F (-5–0°C), ideal for long hikes and photography. Aspen stands on the La Sal slopes and riparian willows often show strong color in September–October, while lower visitor numbers than Moab valley mean quieter camps and better wildlife viewing. Thunderstorm and flash‑flood risk has diminished compared with summer, and trails are dry, Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 7% in UT

Fall gives the most reliable conditions; ideal temps for hiking and photography.

Planning Tips

About Upper Onion Creek Campground

Upper Onion Creek Campground sits in the high-elevation foothills of the La Sal Mountains outside Moab, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, serving as a quieter alternative to crowded valley campgrounds. Campers come for the expansive mesa and red rock views, dark skies, and access to fall aspen color on the surrounding slopes.

Upper Onion Creek Campground caters to primitive tent campers, RV users, and groups. It offers 14 individual and 2 group sites, all of which are first-come, first-serve except for the group sites that can be reserved.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable and reliable conditions — expect crisp, clear days usually in the 50s–70s°F (10–25°C) and cool nights that can drop into the 20s–30s°F (-5–0°C), ideal for long hikes and photography. Aspen stands on the La Sal slopes and riparian willows often show strong color in September–October, while lower visitor numbers than Moab valley mean quieter camps and better wildlife viewing. Thunderstorm and flash‑flood risk has diminished compared with summer, and trails are dry, Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: July, August

Elevation10200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMassive red rock cliffs rise around the campground, punctuated by spires and balanced rocks. The La Sal Mountains provide an alpine backdrop. A rare laccolith formation that pushed through sedimentary layers millions of years ago. One visitor wrote, "I cried it was so beautiful." At this elevation, aspen stands and riparian willows show strong color in September and October. The sites themselves are exposed. Gravel and dirt with limited shade, so you'll feel the full sweep of the landscape. "Millions of stars can be seen," noted another camper.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at the campground, which caters strictly to campers using tents or RVs.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned as part of the campground's offerings.

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.

Groups

The campground features two reservable group sites (Upper Onion Creek Group Sites A and B). Details on maximum group size or vehicle allowances for these sites are not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov (only for group sites)

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly noted. The remote, rugged surroundings and lack of paved pathways may pose challenges for some visitors.

Site SizeSites are gravel/dirt with enough room for a tent, a picnic table, and a fire pit. They are spacious but exposed to wind and offer limited shade.

PrivacyThe campsites are wide open, offering limited privacy. "Very wide open, so not a ton of privacy," noted one user.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive before noon to secure a site during busy seasons.

Best CampsitesCampsite 11 gets mentioned in reviews as particularly beautiful. Beyond that, reviews don't call out specific sites. Just that they're spacious and offer sweeping views of mesas and red rock.

Amenities available

Upper Onion Creek Campground offers a mix of basic and group camping sites with limited amenities. While it is well-situated with excellent views and access to the Onion Creek four-wheel drive road, it has no water supply, electrical hookups, or dump stations. Flush toilets are not available, but vault toilets are provided. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table, although shade may be limited. This simplicity aligns with its appeal as a 'crash campsite' for outdoor activities. The campground is noted for being clean and well-maintained.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Upper Onion Creek Campground is an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include hiking, off-roading, and camping under remarkable night skies. The surrounding area features the Fisher Towers and trails leading to the La Sal Mountains.

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 Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

4.0

82 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Upper Onion Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users widely praised the campground for its breathtaking views, cleanliness, and convenience for various outdoor activities. However, some users pointed out the lack of shade, privacy, and cell service as potential drawbacks. Overall, the sentiment is positive, with an average rating of 4.27 out of 5 for campground-specific experiences.

Review Summaries

Based on 82 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently mentioned the stunning views of mesas and red rock formations, the peaceful atmosphere, and clean facilities. One user wrote, "I cried it was so beautiful!" Another praised,...

Based on 82 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints revolved around the limited shade, exposure to wind, and the lack of cell service. A reviewer noted, "Not much shade, and some sites may be more exposed to the wind."...

Based on 82 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 11 was specifically lauded for its beauty. One reviewer noted, "I cried it was so beautiful! We had campsite 11." Another described the sites as generally "gravel/dirt with plenty of room."

Based on 82 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site as the campground fills quickly. Prepare for sunny conditions by bringing shade if possible. Users also recommend having a compass or offline navigation tools due to the...

Based on 82 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Busy during peak weekends and Jeep/RZR seasons. Summers may be less comfortable due to the heat and limited shade.

Based on 82 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful views, clean campsites, and the commode is open to the stars," one reviewer noted. Another wrote, "Not much shade, so don't hang around on a hot day, but the scenery seriously can't be...

Based on 82 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not frequently mentioned in reviews, but the remote and rugged conditions may not be ideal for all visitors.

Based on 82 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is described as pet-friendly, though limited shade and wind exposure may affect the comfort of pets.

Based on 82 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want dramatic scenery and solitude away from Moab's busier campgrounds and don't need shade or water hookups.

Skip if

You need tree cover, privacy between sites, or protection from wind.

Nearby Campgrounds

Oowah Campground sits at 8,800 feet in the La Sal Mountains, offering 11 tent-only sites along the shore of Oowah Lake. The campground costs $10 per night and provides vault toilets and picnic tables. Hiking trails depart directly from camp, and the lake holds abundant trout. No potable water is available, and free-range cattle occasionally wander through.