Campsites at Devils Garden Campground (2026 Guide)

For more, see How to Tour Arches National Park and Arches National Park Scenic Drives: Arches Jeep Trails (2026).

Location and Arrival

The campground address is straightforward: 18 miles inside the park entrance on the main park road. From Moab, head north on US 191 for 5 miles, enter the park, then follow the road all the way to the end. That last stretch of road passes through the heart of the park - you'll drive past Balanced Rock, the Windows Section, and several viewpoints before you reach the campground.

Rangers will tell you the entrance station wait times can be substantial in 2026, especially between 9 AM and 2 PM on weekends and holidays. The park's official complete visitor guide includes current updates on entry delays, but the consistent advice is to arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM. Once you're past the gate, the drive to the campground takes about 25 minutes at park speed limits. Factor that into your arrival time if you have a site reserved.

Reservation System and Fees

Reservations are required for stays March 1 through October 31. You can book standard campsites up to six months in advance. Most visitors underestimate how quickly these go - sites are often fully booked within minutes of becoming available on Recreation.gov. The park service recommends setting a calendar reminder for your desired date window.

During the winter season (November 1 through February 28), all sites are first-come, first-served. No reservation is needed, but you still need to pay. Winter campers should download the Recreation.gov app before arriving because the self-pay system at the campground requires it. Cell service drops out at various points along the park road, and the campground itself has no reliable signal. The app allows you to pay onsite without a connection.

Standard Individual Site Fees

• $25.00 per night for up to 10 people and 2 vehicles.

Group Site Fees

Two group sites serve larger parties: Canyon Wren and Juniper. Both require reservations year-round, including in winter.

Canyon Wren Group Site (capacity tiers):

• 11-16 campers: $75.00/night
• 17-22 campers: $100.00/night
• 23-28 campers: $125.00/night
• 29-35 campers: $160.00/night

Juniper Group Site (capacity tiers):

• 11-22 campers: $100.00/night
• 23-33 campers: $150.00/night
• 34-44 campers: $200.00/night
• 45-55 campers: $250.00/night

Group site reservations open on a rolling window similar to standard sites, but the larger capacity means it's possible to find availability even when individual sites are gone - provided you have a large enough group.

Facilities and What to Expect

Devils Garden Campground operates year-round, though water availability can change with freeze-thaw cycles in winter. The facilities include drinking water spigots, picnic tables, grills, and a mix of pit-style and flush toilets. There are no showers or RV hookups. The maximum trailer length is 28 feet, and tents are welcome.

Firewood is not sold at the campground. The only place to buy it is at the visitor center bookstore, which is located near the park entrance - 18 miles away. If you need firewood, pick it up before heading into the park or stop at the visitor center as you drive in. Bringing your own from outside the region is discouraged because of the risk of introducing pests.

The parking situation at trailheads within the park can be tight. The NPS alert for 2026 advises that if trailhead parking is full, plan to return later. Avoid parking on vegetation or roadways. This is not just a courtesy - it damages the fragile cryptobiotic soil and can earn you a citation.

Seasonal Considerations

Peak season (March-October): Warm days, cool nights. Daytime highs range from 60°F in March to 100°F in July and August. If you're hiking from the campground, start early. The Devils Garden Trailhead is within walking distance, giving you a head start on the crowds heading to Landscape Arch. Reservations are mandatory and nearly impossible to get at the last minute.

Winter (November-February): First-come, first-served. Temperatures drop below freezing at night, often into the teens. Daytime highs range from 40°F to 50°F. Snow is possible but seldom deep. Fewer visitors mean you can often find a site midweek. Bring a warmer sleeping bag and check the NPS alerts for road conditions inside the park - the main road is plowed, but icy patches can form in shaded sections.

Spring and fall shoulder seasons offer the best balance of moderate weather and availability. April, May, September, and October are popular, but you still need reservations. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get a site that fits your needs.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Booking too late for summer. Sites for July are gone by mid-January. Set a calendar alert for the exact on-sale date.
• Assuming winter means walk-in. Winter first-come sites fill on holiday weekends (Thanksgiving week, Christmas break). Arrive early or call the visitor center for current occupancy.
• Forgetting firewood. The 18-mile round trip from the campground to the visitor center for firewood is frustrating. Plan ahead.
• Ignoring entrance station wait times. A 60-minute wait to get into the park can eat into your hiking window. Use the NPS app or social media for real-time updates.
• Relying on cell service. There is no reliable signal at the campground. Download maps and the Recreation.gov app before you leave home.

Practical Takeaways

1. Book standard sites exactly six months in advance on Recreation.gov for March 1-October 31 stays.
2. Arrive early to the park (before 8 AM) to avoid entrance station lines and secure trailhead parking.
3. Bring firewood from the visitor center bookstore - the campground has none.
4. Download the Recreation.gov app if camping November-February; the self-pay kiosk requires it.
5. Have a backup plan - if you can't get a site, consider BLM campgrounds outside Moab or private campgrounds in town.
6. Check the NPS alerts page for up-to-date conditions, especially regarding road construction, weather, and entrance delays.

Final Thoughts

Devils Garden Campground is the only developed camping option inside Arches, and it rewards those who plan ahead. The setting - slickrock, juniper, and silence after dark - makes the effort worthwhile. The park's all campgrounds page on our site covers alternatives outside the boundaries, but if you're determined to sleep inside the park, treat the reservation process like buying concert tickets: be ready at the exact moment they go live, know your dates, and have payment information ready. The rest is up to the Utah weather.