William'S Bottom Campground
4.2821 reviews82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$20/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
17 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$20/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
17 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsWilliam'S Bottom Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$20 per night, payable on-site using cash or check only.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$20.00
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Provider(435) 259-2100
What Campers Say
4.28
Satisfactory
Based on 21 reviews
69 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewscleanshadelocation
"Overall, the campground receives mixed reviews from users, with an average sentiment of 3.857142857142857 for camping-specific experiences. While many appreciate the scenic views and shade, users frequently identify mosquitoes and proximity to the road as significant drawbacks."
Fees & Passes at William'S Bottom Campground
$20/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 nights within a consecutive 30-day period.
Cancellation: Reservations are not accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served. No refunds, modifications, or...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website.
Best Time to Camp at William'S Bottom Campground
Sun-drenched days define the camping experience here, where blue skies stretch endlessly above canyon walls and the desert climate keeps conditions reliably dry. Spring visitors should come prepared for nature's seasonal visitors—mosquitoes make their appearance in late spring and early summer, particularly near the river corridor. When rare desert rains do arrive, they transform the landscape spectacularly, sending ephemeral waterfalls cascading down the cliffs along Potash Road in a display that longtime visitors cherish.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Late spring and summer experience higher visitation due to weather suitability.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round, except for closures during maintenance (e.g., December 2020 closure).
- Current Alerts: Maintenance closure from November 30 to December 4, 2020.
About William'S Bottom Campground
Discover your perfect basecamp in the heart of the Colorado River Canyon, where shady cottonwoods provide welcome relief from the desert sun. This intimate campground welcomes tent campers and small trailers to a wonderland of red rock adventure, positioned perfectly between world-class climbing routes and legendary 4WD trails. While amenities remain refreshingly simple with vault toilets and no hookups or water, the authentic canyon camping experience more than compensates—imagine waking to canyon wrens singing as first light illuminates towering sandstone walls.
The campground is designed for a mix of tent and small trailer camping. No options for RV hookups, cabins, or glamping are available.
Historical SignificanceAncient voices still speak from the canyon walls here, where centuries-old petroglyphs etched into desert varnish tell stories of the Indigenous peoples who first called this landscape home. These rock art panels, visible near the campground, serve as powerful reminders that you're camping in a place of deep cultural significance—a corridor that has drawn travelers, traders, and adventurers for thousands of years.
Weather and SeasonsSun-drenched days define the camping experience here, where blue skies stretch endlessly above canyon walls and the desert climate keeps conditions reliably dry. Spring visitors should come prepared for nature's seasonal visitors—mosquitoes make their appearance in late spring and early summer, particularly near the river corridor. When rare desert rains do arrive, they transform the landscape spectacularly, sending ephemeral waterfalls cascading down the cliffs along Potash Road in a display that longtime visitors cherish.
ElevationTucked into the depths of the Colorado River Canyon, this campground occupies a dramatic position where towering walls of ancient sandstone rise hundreds of feet overhead. The canyon location creates its own microclimate, offering cooler temperatures than the surrounding plateau country while showcasing some of the Southwest's most spectacular geological architecture right from your campsite.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up surrounded by the raw beauty of the Colorado River Canyon, where vertical walls of Wingate and Navajo sandstone create a natural amphitheater of stone. Your campsite sits at the crossroads of adventure—the famous Wall Street climbing area attracts rock climbers from around the globe, while the notorious Poison Spider trailhead beckons 4WD enthusiasts to test their skills. Between adventures, the canyon itself provides endless entertainment, from watching golden eagles soar between the cliffs to photographing the ever-changing light show as sun and shadow play across the rock faces.
Geological RegionSet within the spectacular Colorado River Canyon, this campground showcases millions of years of geological history written in stone. Massive canyon walls reveal layer upon layer of ancient sediments, from desert dunes to prehistoric seafloors, all carved by the patient work of the Colorado River. The nearby Wall Street climbing area displays these geological wonders up close, while the Poison Spider 4WD trail winds through a landscape that seems torn from another planet—a testament to the incredible forces that shaped this corner of the Colorado Plateau.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeSites are described as shaded with varying sizes suitable for tents and small trailers.
Sites PrivacySome users describe the sites as offering privacy, while others mention the proximity to the road diminishes the secluded feel.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect shaded sites for cooler conditions. Avoid camping near the highway for reduced noise.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- First-come, first-served basis
- no formal check-in time.
Check-out
Vacate site by end of day, typically around noon.
Stay Limit
14 nights within a consecutive 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limited to 10 people and 2 vehicles per site.
Groups
No group-specific camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground consists of 17 individual sites arranged in proximity to Hwy. 279. Layout prioritizes accessibility to climbing and trailhead areas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, except for closures during maintenance (e.g., December 2020 closure).
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 17 individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campground may fill quickly during peak times.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served. No refunds, modifications, or cancellations allowed with Scan & Pay payments.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those interested in rock climbing, scenic views of the Colorado River Canyon, and proximity to nearby trails.
Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are highlighted in the sources.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed only in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Standard quiet hours apply, specifics not provided.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquito swarms reported during late spring and summer. Proximity to Hwy. 279 results in road noise. Wildlife interactions possible, and the region experiences hot conditions during summer.
Active alertsMaintenance closure from November 30 to December 4, 2020.
Weather at William'S Bottom Campground
31
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest hospital and emergency services are located in Moab, UT, approximately 5.5 miles away. Police and ranger services are also based in Moab.
Good to know
Peak season datesLate spring and summer experience higher visitation due to weather suitability.
Trash and recyclingReviews and authoritative sources do not provide specific details about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Colorado River; no direct water access provided for camping purposes.
Common complaintsMosquito infestations during late spring and summer; proximity to noisy highway; lack of water and electricity; vault toilets perceived as unpleasant by some users.
HostHosts are described as helpful and caring by user reviews.
Campground Map
82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA
Driving directionsFrom the center of Moab (at Center and Main) head north on Hwy. 191 to Hwy. 279 just south of the Arches National Park entrance. Turn left (west) on Hwy 279 and drive 5.5 miles. You will see the campground on the right.
Accessible via paved roads; located off Hwy. 279, 5.5 miles from Moab. Seasonal rain may affect accessibility due to potential waterfalls on Potash Road.Nearby places
Moab (5.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes by car)
Grand Junction, CO (112 miles, approximately 2 hours by car).
Nearby supplies
Moab provides grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel within 5.5 miles from the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
21 reviews
William'S Bottom Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, the campground receives mixed reviews from users, with an average sentiment of 3.857142857142857 for camping-specific experiences. While many appreciate the scenic views and shade, users frequently identify mosquitoes and proximity to the road as significant drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlight the campground’s shade, scenic views, clean bathrooms, and proximity to Moab attractions. One user stated, 'Such a beautiful campground with great afternoon shade,' while...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaints revolve around mosquitoes, with users describing them as 'aggressive and relentless,' making outdoor activities nearly impossible. Additionally, the campground’s proximity...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users suggest visiting during a time of year with fewer mosquitoes and bringing plenty of insect repellent. One camper recommended considering alternative sites if shade or quiet surroundings are...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Mosquitoes are a prominent issue in warmer months, severely impacting the camping experience. Some comments suggest that these challenges may be seasonal.
Based on 21 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Gorgeous site though! Bathrooms were clean, not too busy. Quiet.' - Amber Stream
2. 'The mosquitoes were horrible! We had planned to stay two nights, but...decided to get a hotel for our second...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are reviewed as the best or worst, but comments suggest that some spots offer better shade than others. 'Some spots get excellent shade and stays cool for awhile,' according...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 21 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
While pets are not explicitly mentioned in policies, one user noted their dog was miserable due to mosquitoes.
Based on 21 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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