Arches National Park is one of the easiest national parks to visit by campervan, but it is 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: parking lots fill early, summer heat can be extreme, and timed entry reservations are required from April through October for most daytime visits.
Renting a campervan near Arches National Park gives you the flexibility to start before crowds build, take breaks during the hottest hours, and stay close enough to return for sunset viewpoints without driving back and forth. This page covers campervan routes, the best hikes with distances, campground options, dump stations, 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 drive time: 1 to 2 hours without stops, half day to full day with hikes
Best time to go: Early morning for parking and cooler temps, late afternoon for photos
Campervan notes: Parking lots 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 drive time: Short drive plus easy walks
Best time to go: Sunrise or late afternoon
Campervan notes: One of the best areas for quick hikes close to parking
Devil’s Garden area route
Key stops: Landscape Arch, optional extensions toward Double O Arch
Approx drive time: 30 to 60 minutes plus hiking time
Best time to go: early morning
Campervan notes: parking is limited and fills fast, arrive early
Colorado River Scenic Byway (Highway 128, outside the park)
Key stops: river viewpoints, canyon walls, pullouts, picnic spots
Approx drive time: 1 to 2 hours depending on stops
Best time to go: Sunset drive
Campervan notes: A great alternative when Arches feels crowded midday
Spring (March to May): This is one of the best seasons for Arches. Days are warm but manageable, hiking is comfortable in the morning, and you can explore the scenic drive without extreme heat.
Summer (June to August): Summer is hot and exposed. Plan sunrise hikes, take long midday breaks, and return in late afternoon. This is the season where campervan comfort matters most.
Fall (September to October): Fall brings comfortable hiking conditions again and is ideal for photography and longer trails. Expect crowds, especially weekends.
Winter (November to February): Winter is quieter and can be a great time to visit for solitude and easier parking. Nights are cold, but daytime hikes can be comfortable. It is also a good season for travellers who want fewer timed entry headaches.
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 out far in advance during peak 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 hookups and easier refills.
Popular options include:
Dump stations (specific, practical options)
Dump stations matter around Arches because most campervan camping is dry camping and you will likely be running 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 groceries 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, typically April through October, for most daytime visits. Plan ahead so you can enter at your preferred time.
In peak season, popular areas like Delicate Arch and The Windows can fill by mid morning. Arriving early is one of the best strategies for campervan travellers.
Smaller campervans under 25 to 30 ft are easier for parking at trailheads and scenic pullouts. Larger motorhomes can work, but you will need earlier arrival times and more patience.
Yes. Devils Garden Campground is inside the park and accommodates campervans, but it has limited sites and sells out quickly.
No. Devils Garden Campground does not offer hookups, so you should plan for dry camping.
Most travellers use dump stations in Moab, including campervan parks and campgrounds such as Moab KOA, depending on availability and seasonal operations.
Yes, the main scenic drive is campervan accessible, but parking at trailheads is the main challenge. Early starts make a big difference.
Delicate Arch is the classic hike, Landscape Arch is one of the easiest big landmarks to reach, and The Windows area offers short walks with iconic views.
Summer hiking is possible, but it requires strategy. Plan sunrise hikes, take long midday breaks, and return later in the day.
One day covers the highlights, but 2 to 3 days gives you time for sunrise hikes, scenic drives, and slower exploration without rushing.
