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PappaV's avatar
PappaV
Explorer
May 14, 2013

Camp sites in southern Utah - near Moab & Zion

Ok friends, spending the 2nd week of June in Utah visiting the parks of southern Utah. I have a 38' 5W. I was planning on staying at the KOA's since their services are somewhat predictable and ease of reservations. My plan was to stay 2-3 nights per stop and then disconnect and explore the parks so I don't have to worry about towing my rig into parks.

Does anyone have any suggestions or must visit spots?

I am new to the forums and I must say I am so grateful for the wealth of knowledge out there! Thanks in advance for your help.

4 Replies

  • 1 week in Moab is NOT enough, so just accept that as fact and enjoy your time there with an eye on visiting again.
  • I could go on forever about must visit spots in and around Moab. Its hard to go wrong there!

    Go up to Island in the Sky...check out Green River Overlook, Grand Overlook. Take a stroll to Mesa Arch and look down on Washerwoman and Monster Tower. Drive down Shafer Trail if your into some 4wheeling (don't go down it if its just rained or going to rain). Visit Deadhorse Point State Park. Take a cruise down Potash Road for some easy to spot pictographs. Drive down Kane Creek to Hurrah Pass for a 4wheeling sampler. If you're not into driving yourself, get a guided tour. If you want a ride that will show you what Moab really has to offer, get a tour on Hells Revenge...or Behind the Rocks. DO NOT drive your tow vehicle on these. Modified trucks only. Want to ride a mountain bike? Check out the slickrock trail. Its unforgiving terrain so I suggest experienced riders only. An easy drive...that is incredibly scenic and is paved...go up Hwy 128. It follows the Colorado River and there are some spectacular views all along it. Check out the Fisher Towers...or better yet, the Priest and the Rectory that are south of it....along with Castleton Tower just east of it. Or take a drive up into the LaSals on a loop road.

    On and on and on.
    http://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm

    Many love Arches National Park. Its cool for sure, but I like Canyonlands Better. If you want relatively short hikes, Arches is the place.

    Archview RV Resort a ways north of Moab could be ok. I've never camped there...just used their showers. I've actually never rv camped around Moab so defer to others for what is best in that regard.

    There are numerous trails to hike in Zion but I've only done one as a descent off 1300' rock climb so can't help much. Get their park brochure for trip planning. Last I knew, you had to take shuttles into the park to ease congestion.

    Another place you don't mention is Bryce. Its pretty cool too.
  • We were in Moab, Arches and Canyonlands in August 2012 (not camping this trip). Town of Moab is a friendly with lots of "touristy" things to do, good Mexican restaurant next door to the Ramada Inn.

    Both Arches NP and Canyonlands NP (our fav. was Island in the Sky) are stunning from various/many points at sunset/sunrise; worthwhile to arrange your schedule to do some viewing around these times.
    We went into both Parks despite intermittant storms and it paid off watching the storms clear. Locals consider late August the "monsoon season". The rains in this area and at our next stop in Monument Valley cleared to some of the most dramatic skys and lighting in landscape photo's of our 7000 mile journey.

    Enjoy!
  • In the Moab area I would stay in Moab. My favorite RV resort is Moab Valley, mostly because of the pool and hot tub, although it is a very nice park otherwise. My favorite places near Moab are Dead Horse Point, Arches and several bike trails, but I don't know if you are into mountain biking or not. Have a great trip!

    Miles

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