If you want the best camping base in Arches National Park, I’d pick Devils Garden Campground every time. It’s the only campground inside the park, and that changes your whole trip. You wake up near the trailhead, cut down on driving, and get much quieter nights than you would in town.
The trade-off is simple. It books fast, services are basic, and desert weather can turn cold in a hurry. As of March 2026, the campground is open, the paved road is open year-round, and all 51 sites require advance reservations via recreation.gov, with no first-come, first-served options or walk-ups. Arches also isn’t using a timed entry reservation this year, although you still need to pay the park entrance fee.
Key takeaways
- Book early because spring dates often fill 2 to 3 months out
- Pack for cold nights, even if the afternoon feels warm
- Expect basics only, water and toilets, but no showers or hookups
- Use the location to hike at sunrise and beat the crowds
If I could give only one tip, I’d reserve first and build the rest of the trip around that date.
Book early, then choose the right campsite for your setup
Devils Garden Campground sits about 18 miles from the park entrance in Arches National Park, so once you’re there, you’re in a great spot. That’s why this Devils Garden Campground is so popular. If you ask me, this is not the kind of campground you “just try for” on a busy weekend. It’s the kind you plan around.
I’d look at three things before booking: site length, shade, and how close you want to be to restrooms. Shade comes from the piñon pine and Utah juniper trees dotting the high-elevation landscape, which also influences the weather patterns. If you’re in a tent, some privacy and wind cover matter more than being near the road. If you’re bringing an RV or trailer, double-check size limits, because the technical cap is 30 feet, though some sites near 40 feet can work depending on the paved parking spurs.
Rates and rules can change, so I always verify details before I go, including checking for cancellations. For another traveler’s breakdown, I like this complete camping guide to Devils Garden. And if your dates are flexible, take them. Midweek stays usually give you a better shot than weekends, especially in spring and fall.
Pack for desert camping, not just a sunny forecast
This campground has what you need, but not much extra. You’ll get drinking water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and a mix of flush toilets and pit toilets. You won’t get showers, no hookups, no dump station, or firewood sales at your site. So, I pack like I’m heading somewhere beautiful and a little bare-bones, because that’s exactly what it is.
March is a perfect example. Days often land in the 50s to 70s, but nights can drop into the 20s or 30s. That temperature swing catches people off guard. I bring warm sleep layers, a good pad, a wind shell, and more water than I think I’ll need. Dry air works like a silent thief.
Cell service can also be spotty, so I download maps and reservation details before I drive in. Upon arrival, check in with the camp host. If you want a feel for recent site conditions, noise, or pad layout, it helps to skim recent camper reviews. Also, buy firewood in Moab, Utah before you settle in, because gathering wood in the park isn’t allowed.
Use the campground’s biggest advantage, early trail access
The best part of staying here isn’t the picnic table or the stars, though both are great for stargazing under the clear night skies with the La Sal Mountains in the distance. It’s the head start. You’re right next to one of Arches National Park’s best trail areas, which means you can hit the hiking trails while day visitors are still driving in from Moab.
That matters a lot at Devils Garden. The short walk to Landscape Arch is beginner-friendly and a smart first outing amid stunning red rock formations and towering sandstone arches. If you want more, keep going toward Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, or Double O Arch, weaving through dramatic sandstone fins. As a nearby alternative, try the Broken Arch Trail. I like starting near sunrise because the light is better, the trail feels calmer, and I’m usually back before the busiest stretch. If you want route ideas, this Devils Garden trail guide is a good companion read.
Because you’re already inside the park, mornings feel easier. No rush through town, no extra drive, no fighting for a trailhead spot. In other words, the campground gives you time, and in Arches, time is often the thing people run out of first.
Devils Garden Campground FAQs
Do I need a reservation for Devils Garden Campground?
Yes. As of March 2026, all 51 sites require advance reservations, and there are no walk-up sites. I wouldn’t count on last-minute luck here, especially during peak season.
Does Devils Garden Campground have showers or RV hookups?
No. You’ll have water, toilets, picnic tables, grills, and fire rings, but there are no showers, hookups, dump station services, or cell service on-site.
Is Devils Garden Campground good for beginners?
Yes, as long as you come prepared. I think it’s one of the best beginner-friendly campgrounds in Arches National Park because access is easy, the road is paved, and nearby hiking trails range from easy to moderate.
What’s the best time to camp there?
Spring and fall are my picks. March, April, September, and October usually offer the best mix of hiking weather and cool nights, although those months also book the fastest.
My final take on Devils Garden Campground
If you want the easiest, most rewarding way to camp in Arches, this is it. I’d book early, pack for colder nights than you expect, and use every sunrise you can. Do that, and Devils Garden Campground in Arches National Park stops feeling like just a place to sleep, it becomes one of the best parts of the trip.
