Can anyone suggest some cost effective places to car camp near Moab and also near Canyon Lands? I found a great topper for $150 and now hope to sleep in my truck on my next trip out there. I don't want any police like Mr. Edge knocking on my window in the night asking me to move on. Any suggestions, from anyone apart from Grant, would be greatly appreciated.
I bet the local law enforcement wouldn't bother you if you just park your truck in Grant's driveway and set up camp there. He's probably even got a BBQ grill on his deck you could use!
Posted by Todd Caudle on April 24, 2009 at 11:29 AM
I think there's free-for-all car camping around Faux Falls, and maybe at whatever that manmade lake nearby it.
Posted by Grant Collier on April 24, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Hmmm....well, I was going to offer a good deal for my cabin...something like the deal you gave me for your house...but since you don't want any suggestions from me...
I'll be sure to tell Mr. Edge to run a nightly patrol past my driveway looking for any uninvited vagabonds.
Grant, after your low-down dirty video attack, trashing me on RMNPForums.com and continual slander on Facebook, I'm definitely not trusting you with anything.
Posted by Jim Casteel on April 24, 2009 at 12:24 PM
When I was out in Moab about 4 weeks ago there was a place where there were a bunch of people car camping. You go into Moab and go east at the bridge (128) following the river upstream for about 1 mile On the left side of the road there is a large car camping campground.
Posted by Brent Murphy on April 24, 2009 at 1:23 PM
Erik,,There's plenty of camping along the Colorado River. From Moab head up the river towards Fisher Towers you can't miss the camping areas. There's also a camping area over by Canyonlands if your going to do a morning shoot. If your going down to the Blanding area to shoot Mule Canyon etc. I've just pulled over and camped by the trailheads with no problems.
There are many campgrounds on 128 heading into or out of Moab right on the Colorado River. They are busy places, so I'd probably show up early on a weekday to get a spot. Also, if you make reservations (nps.gov), you can camp inside Arches at Devil's Garden it's not the cheapest, but a nice location for photography access. There is also a small campground near Mesa Arch in Island in the Sky area in Canyonlands...it's first come first serve and I think it was 10.00...but also a great location. If you look at nps.gov and find the camping links, you'll see some alternate camping areas listed and how far they are from the parks. I don't know the rules for BLM land...but there might be some areas near Potash and around Arches that one can park.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on April 24, 2009 at 2:48 PM
They've opened alot of new camping areas along the river along 128 in the last couple years. You should be able to find minimal cost camping through there. I would avoid Kane Springs road and the road to Potash if you don't want to be harassed by the BLM. I haven't heard of the BLM breaking up camps anywhere but those roads.
I miss the days when you could just pull off Kane Springs and camp. Granted, this wasn't very good for the crust soils, but it there were alot less people in Moab in those days. Now it seems like the BLM has just about made everything from Crescent Junction to the turn for Needles closed to camping unless otherwise specified.
Head north out of town on 191 turn on to 313 (road to Canyonlands, Mesa Arch) go along for about a mile and there is an area on your left that you most likely will see people camping, or continue along past the switch backs then the next right is Mineral Bottom Rd I believe. Turn here and you should be fine I always see campers etc here and I believe its BLM land. Hope this helps.
Erik: There isn't any overnight parking/camping allowed w/i city limits. There is very little free dispersal camping on BLM land unless you get WAY out there. There are tons of great campgrounds along the 128, Kane Creek and Potash Rd. There is no free camping at Faux Falls, although you *might* be able to get away with it if the BLM and/or state park rangers don't find you. There is a designated campground out there, though. Some of the nicest campsites are out Onion Creek Rd. It's a bit out of the way but it's generally peaceful and the views are outstanding. You can camp for free on Kane Creek Rd. if you follow it all the way into the valley (about 10+ miles).
Discussion
13 repliesI'll be sure to tell Mr. Edge to run a nightly patrol past my driveway looking for any uninvited vagabonds.
There are many campgrounds on 128 heading into or out of Moab right on the Colorado River. They are busy places, so I'd probably show up early on a weekday to get a spot. Also, if you make reservations (nps.gov), you can camp inside Arches at Devil's Garden it's not the cheapest, but a nice location for photography access. There is also a small campground near Mesa Arch in Island in the Sky area in Canyonlands...it's first come first serve and I think it was 10.00...but also a great location. If you look at nps.gov and find the camping links, you'll see some alternate camping areas listed and how far they are from the parks. I don't know the rules for BLM land...but there might be some areas near Potash and around Arches that one can park.
I miss the days when you could just pull off Kane Springs and camp. Granted, this wasn't very good for the crust soils, but it there were alot less people in Moab in those days. Now it seems like the BLM has just about made everything from Crescent Junction to the turn for Needles closed to camping unless otherwise specified.
Hope this helps!