The Devils Garden Campground-Arches National Park
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With a name like the Devils Garden, you probably think it doesn’t sound like a very good place to camp, but boy are you wrong. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever pitched my tent. Unless you’re backpacking or 4 wheeling waaaaay off road, it’s the only camping area you can legally use within Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. It’s also the only developed camping area in one of our most visited National Parks.
Even as such, the campsites are very large and it’s easy to pitch your tent well away from the road and other campers. They offer sites to accommodate RV’s of all sizes and have several campsites available for large groups. There aren’t any showers, but there are flush toilets, running water and drinking water and sinks for washing dishes.
The campground is well staffed with friendly, caring hosts who keep the place nearly spotless. Firewood is available for sale and rangers run evening programs in an incredible natural amphitheatre tucked in the folds of rock.
There are several trails emanating from the campground. Most of them take you to an arch or two and tend to be some of the least crowded trails in the park. Devils Garden campground is 18 miles into the park along winding two lane roads, so stock up on what you need in town before you head up there. It’s very close to some of the best natural attractions in Arches, like the Fiery Furnace, Delicate Arch and the almost embarassingly arch rich Devils Garden that gives the camping area its name.
The campground is very quiet during the day, since most people are out hiking around through the geological wonders that drew them to Moab. For many of them, especially the numerous foreign visitors, it’s a once in a lifetime trip. Since people from all over the world want to stay here, be certain to make your camp site reservations well in advance.
Welcome back!
December 29th, 2008 at 3:05 am
Hi, I just wanted to tell you about a new site that I am working on: http://www.recreationparks.net/
Using USGS data, I’ve added records for over 60,000 parks. Here is the link for a park you have written about – Arches National Park: http://www.recreationparks.net/UT/grand/arches-national-park-the-windows-section
If you like the site, it would be really cool if you could mention it in your blog. I think your other readers would find it useful, and the more people who fill out the activity information about local parks, the more comprehensive the site will be. I would also love any suggestions that you have for new features for the site!