It’s officially desert season and we are visiting one of our favorite places for van travel: Moab. A popular destination for van lifers, car dwellers, and other nomads, Moab offers world-class mountain biking, rafting, hiking, and sightseeing.
Why Moab Belongs on Every Van-Lifer’s Spring Itinerary
Cool desert nights, budding cottonwoods along the Colorado River, and crowd-thinning mid-week mornings make spring the sweet spot for exploring Moab. Just a few hour drive from DM Vans HQ in Rifle, Colorado, this red-rock playground sits between the La Sal Mountains, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, plus miles of BLM land—offering world-class riding, paddling and hiking in every direction.
Heads-up: Arches now requires a timed-entry reservation between 7 a.m.–4 p.m. from April 1–July 6 and Aug 28–Oct 31. Reserve your slot on Recreation.gov before you roll.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Free and Dispersed Camping
Mineral Bottom Road
From Highway 313 going towards the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, turn right on BLM 129. There are numerous pull outs and side roads for dispersed camping once you pass Horsethief Campground (an established BLM site, $20 / night, first-come, first-serve). If you continue along BLM 129, you can drive into the canyon and camp along the Green River.
Willow Springs Road
Located north of Moab to the east of Highway 191, Willow Springs Road offers plentiful dispersed camping with views of the La Sal Mountains and Arches National Park. It can be crowded, so don’t expect solitude if you are headed to Willow Springs.
Dalton Wells Road
Also located north of Moab and east of 191, Dalton Wells is another area with myriad dispersed camping options and stunning views. Sunrises and sunsets in this area of Moab are hard to beat.
La Sal Loop Road
There are several side roads and pull offs from the La Sal Loop Road located in the Manti-La Sal National Forest that are ideal for dispersed camping. This is a great place to camp during the warmer months, with the higher elevation providing cooler temperatures. The La Sal Loop is also a great scenic drive with plenty of hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
Established Campgrounds
If you’re rolling through Moab in search of scenic drives and prime place to park for the night, we’ve got you covered. Our favorite established campgrounds are BLM sites located on some of the most beautiful roads in and around Moab.
Highway 128 (The River Road)
There are twelve BLM campgrounds with a combined 163 sites along Highway 128 east of Moab along the Colorado River. Also known as the River Road, Highway 128 not only offers some of the best camp spots, but also a scenic route to access Moab from the east. On i70, take the Cisco exit and drive down 128 until you find an available camp. Sites are $20 / night and are first-come, first-serve.
Highway 279 (Potash Road)
There are three BLM campgrounds with a combined 33 sites along Highway 279 west of Moab on the banks of the Colorado River. Potash Road is also home to Wall Street, a well-known climbing area. Sites are $20 / night and are first-come, first-serve.
Sand Flats Recreation Area
Sand Flats is located just west of town, offering 140 campsites. Home to the iconic Slickrock Trail, Sand Flats is a great base camp for mountain bikers and off road enthusiasts. Sites are $15 / night and are first-come, first-serve.
Ken’s Lake Campground
Located south of Moab, Ken’s Lake is a great location for anyone who wants to venture into the La Sal Mountains during their stay. Ken’s lake also offers a boat ramp and pebbly beach, perfect for rinsing off after a long day of activity. Sites are $20 / night and are reservable on Recreation.gov.
WHAT TO DO
Mountain Biking
Mountain bike enthusiasts travel from all over the world to ride Moab’s iconic trails. The area has everything from slick rock desert to alpine forest, making it a one stop shop for anyone who likes to ride bikes. Advanced riders won’t want to miss iconic trails such as Mag 7, Slickrock, and the Whole Enchilada. Intermediate mountain bikers should check out Getaway, 7 Up, the Navajo Rocks Loop and Sovereign. Beginners can head to the Bar M Loops, Behind the Rocks and Potash. If you’re looking for a shuttle to one of the trailheads from town, try Moab Cyclery, Poison Spider, Porcupine Shuttle, or Coyote Shuttle.
Rafting
The confluence of the Green River and Colorado River can be found deep in the heart of Canyonlands National Park, just west of Moab. There are several iconic stretches of water along both of these rivers that you won’t want to miss. If you’re looking for something relatively tame, check out the Moab Daily. If you’re looking for whitewater, try Westwater and Cataract Canyon. If you have river experience, you can do these trips self guided, but for Westwater and Cataract you will need a permit. If you don’t have experience you can take a guided trip with one of the rafting companies in town.
Hiking
If you prefer to explore on two feet, there are plenty of amazing hikes in the Moab area. In Arches National Park you will find several short scenic trails offering views of natural arches and unique rock formations. Take a scenic drive through the park then hike Double Arch and the Windows Loop. For something longer and more challenging, drive out to the Syncline Loop Trail in Canyonlands National Park. This loop will have you rock scrambling in and out of the canyon as you circumnavigate Upheaval Dome. Too hot to hike in the desert? Head up to the La Sal Mountains and hike the South Mountain Loop. This trail does not dip below 9,500’, offering cool temps as you hike from Medicine Lakes through aspen groves and high alpine desert.
Climbing
Moab is a must visit for anyone who likes to climb. There are several world-famous crags located just a few minutes from town. Wall Street is one of the more popular road-side destinations with over 130 routes to choose from. Just across the river is Ice Cream Parlor, located on Kane Creek Blvd with around 40 routes to choose from. Experienced climbers can find a challenge at Fisher Towers, located off of the River Road to the east of Moab. Bouldering aficionados can find great options along the River Road at the Big Bend Boulders. If you’re up for a drive, head about an hour south of Moab to Indian Creek. Climbers from all over the country flock to The Creek to camp and climb, so if you’re traveling alone, you are sure to find potential friends and climbing partners in this zone. With over 1,400 route options, there is something for everyone in Indian Creek.
Fuel Up and Gear Up
Like many towns geared toward recreation, Moab offers some great options for grub and gear. For breakfast and lunch, head to Love Muffin Cafe for amazing sandwiches, burritos, bowls and baked goods. If you’re headed out for the day, they’ll pack it up brown bag style so you can take it on a hike or ride. For tortas, tacos, burritos, and everything in between, go to Gilibertos. A local favorite, Gili’s has a drive through and is one of the only restaurants in town that is open late. For a post adventure beverage and BBQ in town, head to Spitfire Smokehouse.
To gear up for all your outdoor escapades, head to the Moab Gear Trader or Gear Heads.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Showers
Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center
Laundry
Water
Swanny City Park — There is a spigot on the water fountain in the southwest corner of the park
Leave No Trace & Respect Local Regulations
- Pack out all trash and human waste (portable toilet systems required in many BLM zones).
- Fires only in existing rings; partial seasonal fire bans are common—check the BLM site before lighting up.
- Stay on durable surfaces to protect biological soil crusts.
Plan Your Desert Escape
Ready to trade snowflakes for red rock? Check out the DM Vans Lifestyle Vehicle® lineup and start plotting your own Moab road trip today.