Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)
4.097 reviewsWestwater Ranger Station, Westwater, UT, 84532
Quick Facts
Price
$20/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$20/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$20 per site per night plus a reservation fee. Payments onsite by cash, check, or through Recreation.gov mobile app. Campsites 8-11 are available by...
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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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider435-259-2100blm_ut_mb_mail@blm.gov
What Campers Say
4.09
Satisfactory
Based on 7 reviews
5 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanspacioussites
Some mention
noisemosquitoestrain
"Overall, reviews for Westwater Campground are mixed, with many praising its scenic location, clean facilities, and proximity to the Colorado River. However, some users mention issues with insects and crowding."
Fees & Passes at Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)
$20/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum group size: 10 people and 2 vehicles.
Cancellation: Reservations can be changed or cancelled through Recreation.gov. Changes include a $10 fee if moving...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official BLM Moab Field Office website.
Best Time to Camp at Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)
The high desert climate here paints each day with brilliant sunshine and crisp, dry air that carries the scent of sagebrush and adventure. While the arid landscape rarely sees rain, when storms do roll through the canyons, they arrive with dramatic flair—bringing gusty winds that whistle through the sandstone walls and occasional flash floods that remind visitors of nature's raw power. From March through November, fresh drinking water flows at the campground, making these months ideal for extended stays. Winter visitors should come prepared with their own water supply but will be rewarded with serene solitude and crisp, clear days.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Best
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: January 1 - December 31 (Peak Yearly Season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round. Drinking water available March-November but not guaranteed.
About Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)
Perched along the banks of the mighty Colorado River, Westwater Campground at the Ranger Station serves as your gateway to unforgettable river adventures and desert exploration. This riverside haven welcomes both spontaneous adventurers and planners alike, with a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Each campsite comes equipped with essential comforts—sturdy picnic tables for riverside meals, fire rings for evening gatherings under star-filled skies, and vault toilets for convenience. Whether you're launching a multi-day float trip or setting off on the legendary Kokopelli's Trail, this campground provides the perfect basecamp for your Colorado River journey.
Westwater Campground provides both reservable and first-come, first-serve sites, catering to tent and small group camping. No facilities for RV hookups or luxury camping are offered.
Historical SignificanceWhispers of the Old West echo through Westwater Canyon, where weathered remnants of pioneer dreams still cling to the cliffsides. As you explore the area, you'll discover mysterious caves that once sheltered ancient peoples and stumble upon abandoned settler cabins—their sun-bleached timbers telling silent stories of homesteaders who tried to tame this wild landscape. These historical treasures dot the canyon walls, offering glimpses into the lives of those who came before, from Native Americans who first called this land home to the hardy pioneers who followed the river's promise westward.
Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate here paints each day with brilliant sunshine and crisp, dry air that carries the scent of sagebrush and adventure. While the arid landscape rarely sees rain, when storms do roll through the canyons, they arrive with dramatic flair—bringing gusty winds that whistle through the sandstone walls and occasional flash floods that remind visitors of nature's raw power. From March through November, fresh drinking water flows at the campground, making these months ideal for extended stays. Winter visitors should come prepared with their own water supply but will be rewarded with serene solitude and crisp, clear days.
ElevationNestled in the Colorado River valley, the campground sits at an elevation that perfectly balances accessibility with the dramatic topography of the surrounding canyon country.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering walls of ancient Navajo Sandstone embrace the campground, their layers telling a story written over millions of years in shades of crimson, amber, and cream. The Colorado River flows past your tent door, its waters carrying the whispers of distant mountains and the promise of adventure. This stunning landscape forms part of the pristine Westwater Wilderness Study Area, where red rock canyons carve dramatic sculptures against azure skies. Dawn paints these stone sentinels in glowing hues while sunset transforms them into a natural amphitheater of shadow and light, creating an ever-changing canvas that captivates photographers and nature lovers alike.
Geological RegionSet within a dramatic river valley where the Colorado River has carved its ancient path through layers of Navajo Sandstone, the campground offers front-row seats to one of nature's most impressive geological theaters. These towering sandstone formations, sculpted by wind and water over eons, create a natural fortress around the campground. The surrounding Westwater Wilderness Study Area preserves this geological wonderland in its raw, untamed state, where cross-bedded sandstone cliffs reveal the ancient sand dunes that once dominated this landscape millions of years ago.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeRoom for 3-4 medium-large tents is noted for some sites.
Sites PrivacyThe first-come, first-serve sites are located along the river, offering scenic views, while the reservable sites are further inland, providing slightly more seclusion.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReserve spots for privacy and mowed grass; first-come river spots provide water views but are closer to traffic.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in by 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out by Noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum group size: 10 people and 2 vehicles.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 10 people per site.
Groups
Group sites are not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites 1-7 (first-come, first-served) are closer to the water; Campsites 8-11 (reservable) are further inland.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Drinking water available March-November but not guaranteed.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov mobile app or website.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites 1-7 are available first-come, first-served. Campsites 8-11 require reservations.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be changed or cancelled through Recreation.gov. Changes include a $10 fee if moving to dates outside of the original reservation. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's use fee. No refunds available for Scan & Pay sites.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Westwater Campground serves as a hub for various outdoor activities centered around the Colorado River, including boating, biking, and hiking. The area offers significant opportunities for adventure with challenging rapids, scenic trails, and access to iconic trails like Kokopelli’s Trail.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are abundant nearby, with day hikes available in Ruby-Horsethief Canyon and Westwater Canyon. Highlights include scenic views of red rock canyons and geological features.Biking
The campground offers access to Kokopelli’s Trail, a 140-mile biking route from Loma, CO, to Moab, UT, featuring elevations as high as 8,400 feet and a mix of single-track trails and four-wheel-drive roads. One user review praises the ranger for assisting with a bike issue.Boating
The campground is the take-out for Ruby-Horsethief Canyon and a put-in for Westwater Canyon river trips. Ruby-Horsethief offers Class I to II rapids, while Westwater Canyon has Class I to IV rapids, suitable for experienced adventurers.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like rafting and kayaking are implied through the description of boating opportunities.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in fire rings provided at campsites.
- Quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential dangers include gusty winds, flash flooding, and abundant mosquitoes.
Weather at Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)
46
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.3 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
BLM Moab Field Office, 82 E. Dogwood, Moab, UT 84532. Phone: 435-259-2100.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31 (Peak Yearly Season).
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available near the campsites. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Colorado River, boating access available.
Common complaintsMosquitoes and flies can be overwhelming, especially during warmer months. Noise from passing trains is noted by some campers.
HostStaff at Westwater Ranger Station available during business hours for assistance with campground etiquette and campsite acquisition.
Campground Map
Westwater Ranger Station, Westwater, UT, 84532
Driving directionsFrom Grand Junction Colorado (westbound traffic): Take I-70 from Grand Junction for approximately 35 miles to exit 227. Turn south at the stop sign and proceed for nine miles to the Ranger Station and put-in. From the west (eastbound traffic): Take exit 227 on I-70, then head south at the stop sign. Proceed for nine miles to the Ranger Station and put-in. NOTE: Do NOT use exit 221 toward Sulphur when the roads are wet. It may be impassable with muddy conditions.
Accessible via I-70 exit 227 with a nine-mile drive on paved roads. Exit 221 toward Sulphur is not recommended during wet conditions due to potential impassability.Nearby places
Grand Junction, CO (35 miles, ~40 minutes), Fruita, CO (35 miles, ~40 minutes), Moab, UT (70 miles, ~1 hour 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Grand Junction, CO (~35 miles) or Moab, UT (~70 miles).
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
7 reviews
Westwater Campground (Ranger Station) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews for Westwater Campground are mixed, with many praising its scenic location, clean facilities, and proximity to the Colorado River. However, some users mention issues with insects and crowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback highlights include clean vault toilets, spacious campsites, proximity to the river, and assistance from attentive rangers.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include issues with insects (mosquitoes and flies) and occasional crowding, particularly with boaters.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring insect repellent to address mosquito and fly issues. If possible, choose first-come, first-serve sites for better river views. Secure tents and gear due to strong winds.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Visitors recommend spring and early summer as the best times to visit, as mosquitoes are less active then. Late summer sees an increase in insect activity.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The bathrooms were clean, the only problem we had was the bugs. The mosquitos were insane, and the flies were out of control." - Amara S. "A great place off the beaten path. Very clean bathrooms,...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 10 has received mixed reviews. One user noted it was spacious and well-maintained but switched to a riverside site (No. 3) for better views. Reservable sites are noted for being inland but...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific feedback on accessibility from users.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no detailed reviews mention pet-specific facilities or experiences.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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