Camping near Zion/arches/Canyonlands advice

why not post this in the Moab section you ask? I did. 70 views and no replies. So I'll try with this bunch, my fellow third gens.

Planning a last minute trip to aforementioned parks and in park camps are filled up with reservations for camping. I've had a little luck with some BLM camping advice near and around Zion NP but still fishing for areas around Arches and Canyonlands. I have used google, I have found some places but most reviews or suggestions are very outdated.
Where did you camp? Did you like it? What trails were your favorite in what park? What kind of 4wheeling did you do around the area? I'm planning a trip leaving from the Bay Area and could use advice from anybody who is nearby/gone before/ local knowledge. I have a 4x4 nearly bone stock besides A/T tires and the ability to carry extra fuel/water. Very used to deep off road camping in NF out here in Northern California and comfortable with Topo maps, just need some insight and where is good and where is a bust. If you don't want to put a good spot on blast I'll gladly accept a PM.

All suggestions appreciated. Thanks Tacoma family

 

K i'm just gonna vomit a bunch of info I suppose.

CAMP AREA ONE
Canyonlands is 3 different sections but the most popular is Island in the Sky.
Over near that turn going up to that section is a lot of places people camp usually east of the main road that leads to Moab.
But if you go up the road there's tons of BLM land on your way to the park entrance.
You'll have great access to the road to Canyonlands and actually a decent offroad route into Arches which could be fun and you can avoid the super long lines into that canyon.
This area gives you easy access to Arches, Canyonlands (island in the sky) and Moab, that's why you'll see lots of RVs and stuff in that area. It's also pretty dusty FYI... not the most ideal place for tent camping because of that.

TRAILS NEAR THERE
White rim in Island in the Sky is amazing and worth a shot but you'll need a reservation however see what they think about just going in half way and at least checking it out.
One of my favorite little routes is Marlboro point which is right near Dead Horse state park
Gemeni bridges is worth a little drive as well. These should all be very easy ones and not the technical ones that are more well known.

CAMP AREA TWO
If you're talking about Needles section of Canyonlands then just stay outside the park on Lockhart road over near where Hamburger Rock Campground is... there are tons of free campspots outside the campground.
I'll just assume you're not interested in the third and less visited part of canyonlands "the maze" which actually i'll be at next weekend.

CAMP AREA THREE
Go up the colorado river from Moab on the 128 and along the river there are a few places here and there up toward Fisher Towers

CAMP AREA FOUR
There's just so many options outside of Moab actually... i think south has a lot more but I'm just not as familiar. I don't usually interest myself in Tent Camping spots ... most truck camping or airstream.

I'm gonna have to leave you with just that tiny bit of information because there are way to many trails to even attempt to tackle. I've already mentioned like 4 very doable ones.
You already mentioned you probably knew about the BLM land west of Zion for some good camping right?

 

I have an awesome one for Zion. 10-15 minutes of light offroading then 20 minutes to the west entrance and peaceful as can be. Your truck will make it up there no problem, my locked prerunner has made it up there after some pretty decent rainstorms without issue. Hell, my friend took his Kia Optima up there and aside from dragging his belly a few times made it relatively damage free.

Coordinates are:
37°08'21.6"N 113°04'14.2"W


I like taking Smithsonian Butte/Bench Rd. to the 59 when heading back to Tucson, nice little dirt road cruise to end the trip


Not to mention this view is about a 1 minute walk from the camp site



As far as trails in Zion, Angles Landing is great provided you go during the week before, school lets out for summer. If you do find yourself there on the weekend, GET UP EARLY, otherwise the trams and trails will be packed.

My personal favorite is Hidden Canyon, not as glamorous as The Narrows or Angles Landing, but it usually seems to be less crowded and offers some great views before heading up the canyon.

 

I've only hiked and biked around both canyonlands and Zion but @jarvie nailed it for the camping. Would suggest taking a GPS if you have one.

 

In Moab Cane Creek Road is my go to spot. Follow directions to amasa back trailhead but keep going up the dirt road until you find something you like. Also be careful driving from Moab to Zion or the other way if you are driving at night. Black cows like to stand on the highway near Escalante. Last time I did that drive this happened to me.

 

Damn dude

 

There are a few BLM campgrounds up around Dead Horse Point SP. Dead Horse Point is supposed to be opening a second campground as well, but that may not be until June. Was in the area for a week in March and everybody acted that since Arches was closed, it was a nightmare. Arches / Devils Garden is only something like 50 or so trailer/MH spots. The town could benefit from 50 fewer CruiseAmerica motorhomes. So - take 191 north out of Moab. Just before the river, take 128 to the right and follow the river. Half a dozen or so BLM campgrounds on this road in 10 miles. Or - 191 North out of Moab, just over the river but before Arches, turn left towards Potash & the petroglyphs. There is one BLM campground, although this area is crowded because of trails + rock climbing. I did see a spot or two open in March. Or- take 191 North, past Arches and go for about 2-3 minutes and turn left on 313 (Dinosaur museum). Follow 313 up onto the mesa for about 30 minutes to Horsethief Campground, a BLM campground with about 38 spots (plus a group camp that can be reserved if you have 20 people). Doesn't fill up as fast because it's a 45 minute drive from Moab, but it's right next to Dead Horse Point and the Island in the Sky entrance to Canyonlands. Watch the cows along 313.

For trails in a stock 4x4, take Schaefer Trail from Canyonlands / White Rim to Potash (turn left at the fork when you hit the canyon floor). No permit required as this is an unimproved county road, but the views are awesome. This takes you from Canyonlands Island in the Sky entrance to 191 north of Moab by way of the canyon floor (If you look out from the end of Dead Horse Point SP, you can see the road). Then have lunch / do whatever, head north on 191 and take Gemini Bridges road back to 313. Avoid any other named trails on Gemini Bridges - they are not for stock vehicles. There is a parking area and you can hike to see some arches. I suspect that Long Canyon from 313-191 is pretty timid, but we didn't have time to do it.

If you are taking I-70 avoid the gas station at the Crescent Junction exit - it is like $4 a gallon. Water is available in Moab at a Shell station at E 200N & 191 / Main St. Arches is a mess. Go early or go somewhere else.

recreation.gov is your friend for finding BLM campgrounds.

 

This ˆˆˆ is an amazing area... check out the towers while your there.

 

Teapot Rock is a sweet place to camp. That is as far as we made it before the XJ we were in discovered the limits of its tire size to fender clearance ratio.

 

If I knew how to post a meme of gratitude like the real Tacoma hot shots on TW I would. You mother fuckers are more than helpful. Thanks for the input. All of your advice will be noted and sorted, worked into our forming plan for our vacation. It's hard to travel two states away and have no idea of where to camp on short notice. My wife if one for planning and "knowing where we're going."(I'm a bit of a hippy and just pack a sleeping bag and 'shoot from the hip'). All of you have taken a big chunk of stress out of the first leg of our trip.
You pass through the Bay Area for a trip there is a cold beer and some free firewood waiting for you.

@CoolRadBroTaco JESUS CHRIST. glad you're ok. Them cows don't play

 

It worked out for the best. I got a nice new Tacoma out of it since I could finally justify buying a new vehicle!

 

I got you fam.

 

Yep that's the exact one I would have used. Strong work @Lt. Dangle.

 

I just did a Moab & Zion trip last week.

Use this site for Moab camping - http://www.discovermoab.com/campgrounds_blm.htm Had no problem at all getting a site in the Ledges late on a weeknight.
Salt Valley Road is a good option to get into Arches from the northwest. Just make sure you hit the pavement in Arches by about 6pm during the week because they will lock the gate... Tower Arch trail off of Salt Valley was right at the limit of what I would be comfortable doing in a stock truck (at least clearance-wise), so that made it super fun.

For Zion, I camped on BLM land just outside the park to the east.
Angel's Landing was amazing, but yeah, a total zoo on Saturday. The Narrows is also incredible, but it really depends on timing & water level.

 

I second Cane Creek, lots of cool little camping spots along the road and creek. And it's a pretty awesome road with good views. Moab Rim is at the beginning, but might be a little to much for a stockish Tacoma.