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!
