Arches National Park is one of the easiest national parks to visit by Campervan, but it is not one you can “wing it” during 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 start 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 walks
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 peak 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 close to the car parks
Devil’s Garden area route
Key stops: Landscape Arch, optional extensions toward Double O Arch
Approx. driving time: 30 to 60 minutes plus walking 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: sunset drive
Campervan notes: a great alternative when Arches feels crowded at midday
Spring (March to May): This is one of the best seasons for Arches. Days are warm but manageable, walks are comfortable in the morning, and you can explore the scenic drive without extreme heat.
Summer (June to August): Summer gets hot and exposed. Plan sunrise walks, take long midday breaks, and head back in the late afternoon. This is the season where Campervan comfort matters most.
Fall (September to October): Fall brings comfortable walking conditions again and is ideal for photography and longer trails. Expect crowds, especially at weekends.
Winter (November to February): Winter is quieter and can be a great time to visit if you want solitude and easier parking. Nights can be cold, but daytime walks can be comfortable. It's also a good season for travellers who want fewer timed-entry hassles.
Devils Garden Campground (Arches National Park)This is the only campground inside Arches, and it is the most convenient base for early hikes and scenic drive access. campervan sites are limited, and it often books up well in advance during the high season.
What to know as a campervan traveller:
Campgrounds 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:
Dump stations (specific, practical options)
Waste disposal points matter around Arches because most campervan camping is dry camping and you'll probably be using your tanks daily.
Common options campervan travellers use near Arches and Moab include:
Tip: plan one dump stop before entering the park for multiple days and one on your way out to keep the trip smooth.
Propane and water planning (Moab)
Moab is the best place to refill propane, stock up on water, and do your groceries before you enter the park. If you are camping inside Arches, treat Moab as your service hub.
Yes. Arches requires timed-entry reservations during the busy season, typically April to October, for most daytime visits. Plan ahead so you can enter at your preferred time.
In high season, popular spots like Delicate Arch and The Windows can get crowded by mid-morning. Arriving 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 arrive earlier and be more patient.
Yes. Devils Garden campsite is in the park and accepts campervans, but it has limited pitches and gets booked up quickly.
No — Devils Garden Campground doesn’t have any hook-ups, so plan on camping without services.
Most travellers use dump stations in Moab, including Campervan parks and campsites such as Moab KOA, depending on availability and seasonal opening times.
Yes, the main scenic drive is Campervan-accessible, but parking at trailheads is the main challenge. Getting an early start makes a big difference.
Delicate Arch is the classic walk, Landscape Arch is one of the easiest major landmarks to get to, and The Windows area offers short walks with iconic views.
Walking in summer is possible, but it needs a bit of planning. Plan early-morning walks, take long breaks around midday, and head back later in the day.
A day covers the highlights, but 2–3 days give you time for sunrise hikes, scenic drives and a slower pace without having to rush.
