Arches National Park is one of the easiest national parks to visit by Campervan, but it’s not one you can “wing it” in peak season. The park sits just outside Moab, Utah, and the main scenic drive puts iconic stops like Balanced Rock, The Windows, and Delicate Arch within reach in a single day. The challenge is timing: car parks fill early, summer heat can be intense, and timed entry reservations are required from April to October for most daytime visits.
Renting a Campervan near Arches National Park gives you the flexibility to set off before the crowds build, take breaks during the hottest part of the day, and stay close enough to return for sunset viewpoints without driving back and forth. This page covers Campervan routes, the best hikes with distances, campsite options, waste disposal points, practical Campervan planning tips, and the best time to visit Arches by season.
Arches Scenic Drive (main park road)
Key stops: Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, The Windows Section, Delicate Arch trailhead, Devil’s Garden
Approx driving time: 1 to 2 hours without stops, half a day to a full day with hikes
Best time to go: Early morning for parking and cooler temperatures, late afternoon for photos
Campervan notes: Car parks can fill by mid-morning in high season, especially at Delicate Arch and The Windows
Windows Section loop
Key stops: North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, Double Arch
Approx driving time: Short drive plus easy walks
Best time to go: Sunrise or late afternoon
Campervan notes: One of the best areas for quick walks right by the car park
Devil’s Garden area route
Key stops: Landscape Arch, optional extensions toward Double O Arch
Approx driving time: 30 to 60 minutes plus hiking time
Best time to go: Early morning
Campervan notes: Parking is limited and fills quickly — arrive early
Colorado River Scenic Byway (Highway 128, outside the park)
Key stops: river viewpoints, canyon walls, pull-outs, picnic spots
Approx driving time: 1 to 2 hours depending on stops
Best time to go: For sunset
Campervan notes: A great alternative when Arches feels crowded at midday
Spring (March to May): This is one of the best seasons to visit Arches. Days are warm but manageable, walks are comfortable in the morning, and you can enjoy the scenic drive without extreme heat.
Summer (June to August): Summer gets hot and exposed. Plan early-morning walks, take long midday breaks and head back in the late afternoon. This is the season where Campervan comfort matters most.
Autumn (September to October): Autumn brings comfortable walking conditions again and is ideal for photography and longer routes. Expect crowds, especially at weekends.
Winter (November to February): Winter is quieter and can be a great time to visit for solitude and easier parking. Nights can be cold, but daytime walks are often comfortable. It's also a good season for travellers who want fewer timed-entry hassles.
Devils Garden Campsite (Arches National Park)This is the only campsite inside Arches, and it is the most convenient base for early hikes and scenic drive access. Campervan pitches are limited, and it often books up well in advance during high season.
What to know as a campervan traveller:
Campsites and campervan parks outside the park (Moab area)
If Devils Garden is full, staying in Moab is the easiest alternative. It keeps you close to the entrance while giving you more services like hook-ups and easier refills.
Popular options include:
Waste disposal points (specific, practical options)
Waste disposal points are important around Arches because most campervan camping is dry camping and you’ll probably be using your tanks every day.
Common options campervan travellers use near Arches and Moab include:
Tip: plan one waste disposal stop before entering the park if you're going in for several days, and another on your way out to keep things running smoothly.
Propane and water planning (Moab)
Moab is the best place to refill propane (LPG), stock up on water and do your food shopping before entering the park. If you are camping inside Arches, treat Moab as your service hub.
Yes. Arches requires timed-entry reservations during the busy season, usually April to October, for most daytime visits. Plan ahead so you can arrive at your preferred time.
In peak season, popular spots like Delicate Arch and The Windows can be full by mid-morning. Getting there early is one of the best tips for Campervan travellers.
Smaller Campervans under about 7.5–9 m are easier to park at trailheads and scenic lay-bys. Larger motorhomes can work, but you'll need to get there earlier and be more patient.
Yes. Devils Garden Campground is inside the park and accommodates campervans, but it has limited pitches and books up quickly.
No — Devils Garden Campsite doesn't have hook-ups, so plan to camp without services.
Most travellers use the waste disposal points in Moab — at campervan parks and campsites such as Moab KOA — depending on availability and seasonal opening times.
Yes, the main scenic drive is accessible to Campervans, but parking at trailheads is the main challenge. Starting early makes a big difference.
Delicate Arch is the classic walk, Landscape Arch is one of the easiest big landmarks to get to, and the Windows area offers short walks with iconic views.
Hiking in summer is doable, but it needs a bit of planning. Set off at sunrise, take long breaks in the middle of the day, and head back later on.
A day covers the highlights, but 2–3 days give you time for sunrise hikes, scenic drives and slower exploration without rushing.
